Anderson's Bellenden Road

[adventurer]

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.

[Jeremy]

This isn't going to end well.

[the-e-dealer]

So you don't like it. Don't go there.

[*Bob*]

Twice in as many weeks.. the double-edged sword of progress strikes hard and fast.

[Huguenot]

I thought that seemed like a reasoned and well thought-out critique. I'd want to hear that if I was the boss.

I do hope that we don't get nutters on the gravy train who turn this into a flame.

[david_carnell]

For what it's worth, the review is spot on. I was also quite excited when they first opened but now only go there under duress or if I'm desperate despite it being on my doorstep.

The description of "tight lipped and taciturn" is bang on the money.

[DaveR]

I love this blog for unintentionally hilarious coffee-based self-importance:

http://colonnaandsmalls.wordpress.com/

[the-e-dealer]

I like tight lipped taciturn coffee houses.

[titch juicy]

smashing

then you'll have no need to contribute further to this thread

did i read that they charge over ?2.50 for an americano? if so, it's horrendously over-priced regardless of the quality of the coffee. Monmouth and Taylor Street are cheaper in the west end and city, and i'd be amazed if Anderson's coffee is any better.

Who do they use as a coffee supplier incidentally?

[the-e-dealer]

So only those who agree can contribute? Sounds a bit Leninist to me.

[Jeremy]

I won't be going in there unless this man is serving my coffee.

 

[katie1997]

It took six MONTHS to realise you felt uncomfortable in there after being a frequent customer? Really?

I don't think I'd go back after a couple of visits if I'd felt unwelcome anywhere.

Have only been to Anderson's a few times admittedly (always great service) but they were especially very kind and understanding after my friend was pickpocketed in there (at the same time as some other customers). Thieving bastards decided it would be rich pickings I suppose.

Edite to add: agree with ted, if you don't like it, plenty other places in that area to choose from.

[LondonMix]

I found that comment from the OP curious as well. And why Europeans?

Jeremy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I won't be going in there unless this man is

> serving my coffee.

>

>

[Huguenot]

I'm not sure such reactions are instant are they? People can get locked into a habit, and then something can trigger looking at a place afresh.

I can see spontaneously amiable people frequently visiting unresponsive establishments and uttering no more than an internal sigh when they are once more let down... Then... Suddenly.. That thought... 'Why the hell do I do this to myself everyday? What actually is it I don't like? Am I alone?

And that may all lead to a perfectly well reasoned observation on a popular local forum. A mild search for either affirmation or a different perspective from other punters.

[woodrot]

they once pressed a load of unsold yet perfect baguettes into my arms as I was walking past and they were closing for the day.

[the-e-dealer]

Then you dont need to say anything more.

woodrot Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> they once pressed a load of unsold yet perfect

> baguettes into my arms as I was walking past and

> they were closing for the day.

[katie1997]

Huguenot Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I'm not sure such reactions are instant are they?

> People can get locked into a habit, and then

> something can trigger looking at a place afresh.

>

> I can see spontaneously amiable people frequently

> visiting unresponsive establishments and uttering

> no more than an internal sigh when they are once

> more let down... Then... Suddenly.. That

> thought... 'Why the hell do I do this to myself

> everyday? What actually is it I don't like? Am I

> alone?

>

> And that may all lead to a perfectly well reasoned

> observation on a popular local forum. A mild

> search for either affirmation or a different

> perspective from other punters.

maybe so huguenot, maybe so.

but I have never thought "hmmmm...if only this place had Americans or Europeans etc" then it would be just fine.

[maxxi]

woodrot Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> they once pressed a load of unsold yet perfect

> baguettes into my arms as I was walking past and

> they were closing for the day.

They had been sat on by the shop cat.

[steveo]

Jeremy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I won't be going in there unless this man is

> serving my coffee.

>

There would be a queue round the block if dat chap was serving.

It is a chap isn't it?

[Chippy Minton]

[laney1]

The owner threw me out after I politely dared to suggest that there was something wrong with the coffee - after her tasting it and agreeing! Worst. Place. Ever. Oh and stupidly expensive too!

[El Pibe]

t-ed

I think he was pointing out that if you like tight-lipped taciturnity so much you might as well give it a go.

I think it was a joke that fell flat as they so often do when spoken banter becomes written word.

[the-e-dealer]

Oh yeah thanks EP :-)

[adventurer]

Glad you liked the tight lipped and taciturn, it took me six months to come up with that.

Not sure why I'm justifying myself but I think I enjoyed the place to begin with and the staff were initially friendlier.

Not looking for affirmation on here, got better things to do though you might find that hard to believe given my predilection for sitting around drinking coffee . I do think that I'd want to know if customers felt strongly about my business.

My comments on the black face might have been clumsy but ultimately I want to see a more mixed crowd after all I live in an area where 50% of the population are non white. I'm not trying to start a race war and my opinion on this comes from a good place.

and I just think Americans are good on service with a smile..

[the-e-dealer]

No we liked the reuse of "tight lipped and taciturn" to tell me to shut up! Very Funny.

Americans are good at service with a smile because they rely on tips in the US for much of their wage.