The Black Shed

I’ve visited this café several times because I work just around the corner, but unfortunately my experiences have been consistently disappointing.

The younger staff members, in particular, come across as unwelcoming. Most of the time I’m not greeted with a smile or even a simple “hello” or “how are you?” The older staff members, however, have always been polite and friendly, which makes the contrast quite noticeable.

A few months ago, I ordered food that was heated without anyone asking whether I wanted it warmed. When I politely pointed this out, rather than acknowledging the oversight, the staff member told me that customers are supposed to say if they don’t want it heated. Having worked in hospitality for many years and visited cafés around the world, I know it’s standard practice for staff to ask the customer whether they’d like an item heated. Instead of accepting the feedback, the staff member became defensive and placed the blame on me. I took the food anyway, but the interaction left a very poor impression.

Today’s visit was the first time visiting since that last interaction and it was another disappointing experience. A different young staff member, who polite at first, accidentally overcharged me. Mistakes happen, but what mattered was how it was handled. There was no apology for the error or the inconvenience. To make matters worse, they could not refund back to my card and didn’t have enough change to refund me properly, meaning the only option was a large number of 20-cent coins. This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this issue here. I ended up suggesting a solution myself by exchanging a dollar so they could give me a $5 note. Again, there was no apology or acknowledgement, if anything, the staff member appeared annoyed that I’d raised the issue.

I don’t usually leave negative reviews, but after several similar experiences, I feel this café really needs to invest in customer service training for some of its staff. A warm greeting, taking responsibility when mistakes are made, offering a sincere apology, and ensuring there’s adequate cash on hand for change are all basic aspects of good hospitality. It’s disappointing because the café is beautiful, in a convenient location, lovely food, but the consistently poor customer service means I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.

Trying to get hold of the Florist is impossible and getting a call back is even more impossible. It shouldn't be this hard to talk to the florist, in person or over the phone to ask about Ball Corsage and Button Hole Photos and what she does etc - Can't even ring me back when supposedly was left 2 messages to do so by the cafe staff. Very disappointing - the first visit there a lady was flapping off in the corner while eating her cake at how the florist was the best florist ion town she new bla bla bla - It's pretty hard to make that assumption when the women wont even call you back for a chat about her services! shocking, i am surprised she is still operating. Another Florist has now got my business along with 10 other orders for the School Ball.

This place is super cool. Love their keto treats. Lovely atmosphere. Im a regular so know the place well. Highly recommend.

What a magnificent venue. We recently held a private function here and thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere of the grounds. The location was ideal for our large group (as there was more than enough space for everyone) and the building itself is beautiful with a tastefully designed interior. There was an excellent selection of games that provided great entertainment for the entire family.

Went here for a private event. Beautiful, spacious grounds with outdoor seating and areas for kids to play on the lawn. Looking forward to coming back when the shop is open, flower arrangements were stunning to look at.