The Olive Grove Bistro

Had a terrible experience here when we visited with my sister in law and her partner and son who were here on holiday. We had been recommended to visit for years and were taken in by the good reviews and apparent options for vegan and gluten free. When we arrived we were told abruptly by one of the staff there was a private function so we would be seated at the front, which was fine with us. We were not offered any menus, presumably because staff did not wish us to stay. We ordered drinks and cakes, staff were NOT helpful in clarifying what was suitable for our dietary requirements. Everything felt like an inconvenience. Vegan teacake was brought to us with dairy spread on top. We were brought an extra drink we did not order and the member of staff acted as if this were our fault, rudely stating "I'll have to take this off now" to us. The food prep area is adjacent to dining area and we could hear staff snapping at each other for mistakes. It was a very uncomfortable atmosphere. I cannot fathom why we were so detested at first glance - I wonder if it was because we do not speak with cornish accents (although my husband and I have lived and worked here for well over a decade) or if staff are prejudiced against "alternative" people (we all had tattoos, piercings, dyed hair etc). These are the only things I can think of that would explain why we were treated so poorly despite being friendly, polite and gracious. This attitude has no place in the modern day. Very disappointed.

A hidden gem, very attentive to my friend who has a gluten allergy, staff very friendly, no hesitation on a return visit 👍