Kings Garden And Leisure - East Devon

Often vist kings for either coffee or lunch, might have a re- think after today when a member of staff came from the kitchen not wearing a mask, stood looked around and then picked his nose in fullsight and then started clearing tables. Bad enough anytime but during a pandemic. Talk to your staff kings and teach them basic hygiene!!

We visited the cafe for lunch and we were served by a member of staff who looked liked she was having a bad day. No smile and decidedly frosty! We regularly visit and the staff are usually lovely and friendly. We didn’t recognise this person, so maybe she was new. Once we reached our table, we realised we had been over charged for one of the meals. My sister returned to the counter to again be met with the same unfriendly attitude. No apology for the over charge and in fact still not given the correct amount of over charge but decided to let it go. One other point to mention is, that during our meal a member of staff came round to each table with a tray with cakes on, placed it on our table and asked if we would like to purchase them. I’ve never had a problem with this in the past, however this should not be carried out at present due to COVID.

We went to Kings for lunch today and were both absolutely horrified at the lack of safety measures for COVID 19. People were queuing NO masks Staff serving NO masks Only one small piece of Perspex along the queuing area where you pay The tables were all very close together. I was almost shoulder to shoulder to the people sitting behind me. The water machine is surrounded by three tables, two of which were so close they were actually touching it so diners sitting there had everyone who wanted to use the machine, which were quite a few, breathing all over them. The waiters and waitresses obviously have to lean right over the tables and customers when serving the meals. I know it would be very hot for them to wear a mask but surely that would be better than catching/spreading the virus! Totally irresponsible

Since our last visit part of the restaurant has had a refit, which is nice and has a modern feel. I would recommend larger and clearer writing on the menu boards. The food is nice for a garden centre. Whilst they have created a one way system around the building, in the actual cafe i felt that more tables should have been taken out to create the 1m+ at tables. Where we sat we could quite easily touched the people on the next table to us in the middle section of the cafe or maybe implement plastic dividers. Whilst it isn't compulsory for staff to wear face visors, I think this would protect the staff. The one poor waitress was trying desperately not to come close to whilst serving us by tilting her head back. The way that you are served at the tills. I think this could be re thought out post covid. The lady next to me in the queue ended up, right by the side of me as staff were pushing the trays down to take more orders. Impressed that the table are wiped down and chair after use. Just a few tweaks and it would fine.

Due to COVID, the restaurant has relocated its entrance. While I understand the necessity for this change, there is no accommodation made for disabled individuals. The new entrance requires navigating a steep slope, making it inaccessible for those with mobility issues. Unable to find a designated disability entrance, I entered through the front door and was reprimanded by a staff member. Despite explaining my disability and inability to use the alternative entrance, I was given no guidance on how to enter the shop. Once inside, the restaurant staff was friendly and the lunch was superb. Prior to COVID, my family frequented the garden center but due to this experience, we will not be returning as it is clear that disabled individuals are not welcomed.