Le Cafe Journal

If you want to feel irked and as if you are in some absurd tv sketch, this is the place for it. During the week the day I went it was open only 12 to 2:30. The hours on google have not been updated. Food was okay to be fair but the rest has put me off ever coming back. We were told we could only have lunch as they are a bistro and not a cafe! Fair enough but someone needs to tell them to rename it Le Bistro Journal for a start. The place had one other table in and then it was only ourselves. Despite not being rushed off their feet, neither the cook bringing the food to the table or the lady owner bringing more drinks took the finished with glasses/bottle away for well over an hour. I saw delicious looking gluten free chocolate brownies staring at me (two massive platters of them) but had had lunch there. The owner told me I could buy one to take with me. Another day I said. So today at 2:30 thinking Saturday they might be open to 3pm as per hours in Google I called to check they were open n did have gf brownie left. I was informed they were closing now. She also said I could not come in and just buy a brownie to take away - they did not do that. I pointed out she has invited me to do that the other day. She said only lunch customers can buy to takeaway. This really makes so little sense as you would think rather than a pile of brownies going stale someone buying one while not creating washing up or taking up space would be a fair idea. Only if they have had lunch there prior apparently is within their rigid rules. I expect to see in the next episode a sign on the door “zee rules are to be obeyed” or “go away - we hate you all with your expectations of the cafe to be a cafe”. They don’t seem to understand the hospitality part of hospitality. You could not make it up. I understand they may have decided to make changes for personal reasons but don’t call yourself a cafe then (call it Le Luncherie), be consistent, be logical and update your hours on google maps. Don’t spend your money here or entertain this kind of service unless you want Basil Fawlty and Manuel. They clearly don’t really want your money anyway. What an absolute shower!

Went to Café Journal today for lunch and it was fantastic. Trevor is a super chef and Susie is a great host. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options too. We had a lovely time and the food was brilliant. I had scrambled eggs and bacon on toast with a pint of Butcombe and my wife had the halloumi salad with hot chocolate. Both were excellent and great value. This isn't 'Spoons or Macky D's so don't expect everything chucked on the table in 5 mins, what you get is lovely food cooked to order just for you in a laid back, pretty and cosy environment. 10/10. We will be back!