As a local resident I was quite happy when Anderson's opened up as I felt we needed a deli/bakery place on the road and I was on maternity leave at the time. I was a frequent customer for a while but it took me around six months to realise that I was starting to feel quite uncomfortable in there, as if I wasn't really welcome or they were doing me a huge favour. I'd actually feel relieved on leaving the place. The long and short of it is that they need to be nicer to their customers or risk losing them. To give them their dues their coffee is very good, top price and they won't serve it hot which is irritating as you have to specify a hot coffee or go through the stress of finding an approachable member of staff who will indulge you or risk the owner's terse disapproval. Furthermore on entering, you will often be ignored for several minutes while the barista finishes his order. This leaves you standing like a lemon at the counter without any acknowledgement. I do find the younger girls here very nice, and one of the younger chaps is pretty useful and always say hello. I think a few fresh faces would turn the place around and loosen things up a little. I'd like to see someone who is funny and good humoured, it's all a bit tight lipped and taciturn in general and I do believe that the main goal of a cafe should be to make people feel relaxed and happy. Crossroads Cafe has won that race with the flawless service and charming staff but it's a shame Anderson's can't take itself a little less seriously.
