The Muffin Man Tea Shop

If I could give this cafe 0 stars I would: we were late for the train and needed to pick up a bite on the way. The cafe was virtually empty at about 9 am and I walked in and asked if they did take away and how long it would take to prepare as I needed it quick - the waitress said she didn’t know, to which I asked again whether it would 5 minutes or 15 and if she could give me an approximate time frame (naturally if it would take longer, I would simply move along and not place an order.) she told me it would take 3-5 minutes, which was great! I placed the order and asked if I could pay the bill and gave her a 50 pound note (the bill was about 7 pounds and something). I received 13 pounds in change. When I told her the change was incorrect, she proceeded to tell me it was because I was rushing her (which didn’t make sense because I specifically asked about a time frame before placing the order to see if they could accommodate me). She then handed me the correct change and told me I had an attitude problem. I collected my items and told her that politeness goes a long way, to which she responded bye and to not come here again.

Now, despite being late, I turned around and asked to speak with her manager. When the manager came to speak with me, as I was relaying to him what had just taken place the same waitress stood right there, kept interrupting me and called me a liar. The manager then proceeded to tell me this was not fast food place, that this was the best waitress he had, and that his staff is respectful DESPITE her interrupting me twice and calling me a liar IN HIS PRESENCE. He also told me he is the owner and not the manager - not sure what his point was, but i would think as the owner he would have a greater interest in protecting his livelihood and correcting his employees bad behavior? He further concluded with how this wasn’t worth his time. Needless to say I was quite shocked. If you want to get waited on by abominably rude staff and an equally rude/incompetent manager then this is the place for you - make sure you check your change, or you may also be several 10s of pounds out of pocket to top it all off!

If I could give this cafe 0 stars I would: we were late for the train and needed to pick up a bite on the way. The cafe was virtually empty at about 9 am and I walked in and asked if they did take away and how long it would take to prepare as I needed it quick - the waitress said she didn’t know, to which I asked again whether it would 5 minutes or 15 and if she could give me an approximate time frame (naturally if it would take longer, I would simply move along and not place an order.) she told me it would take 3-5 minutes, which was great! I placed the order and asked if I could pay the bill and gave her a 50 pound note (the bill was about 7 pounds and something). I received 13 pounds in change. When I told her the change was incorrect, she proceeded to tell me it was because I was rushing her (which didn’t make sense because I specifically asked about a time frame before placing the order to see if they could accommodate me). She then handed me the correct change and told me I had an attitude problem. I collected my items and told her that politeness goes a long way, to which she responded bye and to not come here again.

Now, despite being late, I turned around and asked to speak with her manager. When the manager came to speak with me, as I was relaying to him what had just taken place the same waitress stood right there, kept interrupting me and called me a liar. The manager then proceeded to tell me this was not fast food place, that this was the best waitress he had, and that his staff is respectful DESPITE her interrupting me twice and calling me a liar IN HIS PRESENCE. He also told me he is the owner and not the manager - not sure what his point was, but i would think as the owner he would have a greater interest in protecting his livelihood and correcting his employees bad behavior? He further concluded with how this wasn’t worth his time. Needless to say I was quite shocked. If you want to get waited on by abominably rude staff and an equally rude/incompetent manager then this is the place for you - make sure you check your change, or you may also be several 10s of pounds out of pocket to top it all off!

We found this cosy, charming and friendly cafe with the best breakfast in town. The staff was friendly, the interior was original English and the service was quick.
We chose to eat our breakfast here every day during our stay in London.

Discovered this uniquely simple traditional caffe, on my way to Kensington Palace. Was a fortunate accident, since i came back 3 times since the first scones bite.
An amazing traditional experience. It's like you were thrown back in the '40s. Delicious gingerbread smell on the shop and amazing scones, cream, jam etc
I dont miss a chance to suggest it to my london visiting friends. Will definitively go back

Chose this cafe based on the other two reviews and it was a very good choice. The place was very busy which was a good sign. The breakfast was lovely, reasonably priced and well served. I recommend this place.

I first ate at the Muffin Man in 1986. To my joy it was still there in 2006 with melt in your mouth scones, clotted cream, and jam. I will get another taste of heaven in 2010.

Mary Tallent
Chatham, VA usa

Nice tea-shop, friendly service, but no disabled toilets