The Pannier Pantry

Huge potential; equally huge communication issues. Look, pasties shouldn’t be stressful, okay? Charmed by this, in all fairness, charming pantry, I decided to go and check out the gluten-free options. I know what you’re thinking: He’s one of these people who have a long list of complex preferences, the navigation of which he imposes on others and confronts with a tantrum when they’re not met (a ‘Karen’ or his male equivalent, if you will). Not the case - I’m just following doctor’s orders, and I’m a polite guy too. Inside, it’s a nice little corner of the world (human factors aside). There are several local products on sale, as well as a range of typically Devonshire food. I ordered a piece of carrot cake and asked if there were any steak pasties available. This alone took a good five minutes. On confirming that there were indeed some pasties left, I said I would take one. So, the minutes rolled by with no further communication from the staff. During this time I witnessed a member of said staff complaining to her counterpart about a customer. This is quite clearly ‘a big no-no’ in any public-facing business - literally amateur-hour- type stuff. On that, Jungian projection anyone? I often find that rude people evoke rudeness from others. Unfortunately, such people often cannot ‘see themselves’. I didn’t count the minutes, but I believe I was waiting around 15-20 minutes. It was possibly longer. After asking how much longer the wait would be, I was informed it would be “a matter of minutes” (forgive my scepticism regarding how much I ought to read into this!). I politely suggested to the lady that, in future, all they really need to do is mention that there may be a wait; it’s otherwise reasonable to assume that the pasty will be handed over more or less immediately. I furthermore mentioned that people have jobs to attend, and that this could be problematic for someone with a full schedule. The lady did apologise (though it would be a stretch to say wholeheartedly or sincerely). Her counterpart did the same, but was quick to give the excuse that the staff who are front of house don’t know what “them upstairs” are doing or if there is a delay. I mean, come on; YOU HAVE THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM ON YOUR OWN LIPS. It’s clear: Sort out communication and etiquette. For now, three stars is what you get since, after all, this was a three-star bargain-basement experience. It’s okay, but pasties shouldn’t be stressful.

Visited a month ago and been regularly ever since. Great food...drawn in with the gluten free choices. Lovely service..attentive and chatty. Lacks back ground music.