The Grumpy Cook

Lovely food. Hard to find because it is now in Loughton at the old sports club. Worth tracking down for delicious cake.
Apr 30th, 2023

Grumpy by name and by nature!!! I popped in after the children played at the park yesterday. I thought I'd treat them to lunch. I was initially told there was a wait, which was not a problem. I went to order from a limited lunch menu. I had wanted a jacket potato from the menu. Only thing they had left was panini's and sandwiches, which wasn't great for anyone who can't eat bread. I asked if they could make me a salad and the man on the till asked the people in the kitchen. Next thing I knew, I had a rude, loud lady come out, shouting at me, telling me I'd have to order what was on the menu and I told her I was trying to. To be fair, the rest of the staff were nice and apologetic, but the negative behaviour from that particular member of staff put me off so I took my money elsewhere.
Apr 4th, 2023

Despite a very nice location and kind staff. I was very surprised how the food taste / quality /price/ availability have decreased... 1 meal for kids is very attractive 10 for a slice of cake not so !!! Uncooked scrubbed eggs go without saying... I used to like going there! Kid-friendliness: 1 meal
Apr 2nd, 2023

I was very disappointed today, as indeed I was the first time I went,. Arrived with my Mum at 2.30 pm. It was meant to be selling all day breakfasts...like to 4pm. I did not want one but did want a panini. The queue was short but took forever....the problem as I saw it being the girl on the til who was so SLOW....found myself wondering if she was on dope, The workers behind were much more acceptably paced. Got to the til (eventually), to be told no cooked things were being made. This seems a place that needs a good manager. No sugar on the tables, beverages arrive minus a spoon. ...and the queue needed to move more quickly. I compare places like this to the cafe in Alexandra Park Hastings...much better run. The Bale House's redeeming feature of the view just might make me return, but probably not. The oat milk latte was lacking in taste...Mum did like her cake tho. Who runs this cafe I wonder...it seems like it is Hastings Borough Council. Perhaps they should contract it out to Eat@? This was Mothering Sunday...we need much better than this!!
Mar 22nd, 2023

Food : 1/5 | Service : 3/5 | Atmosphere : 2/5 More
Mar 12th, 2023