The Lakeland Pedlar of Keswick is a veggie cafe that's been on my hit-list for about 3 years, largely because I'd heard such good things about the veggie food etc. My partner and I went a good 25 miles out of our way to dine there and we were both greatly looking forward to the experience.
However, 50 mins after arriving and placing our order for their homemade soup, sandwich and hot choc, we were still not tucking into our lunch. Diners arriving after us were served rapidly and the waiting staff walked by us constantly, without an update on our food.
Our feelings of relaxation and excitement dwindled and we finally enquired about the timing of our lunch - after all, how long can it possibly take to serve hot soup, 2 sandwiches and hot choc??? We were told the food would be with us in minutes. However, another member of staff then informed us that there was no soup left so we'd have to choose an alternative.
We found this rather odd given that the soup was still being served to those folk who had only just walked through the door. Once again, I grabbed the attention of the waiting staff, only to be told that they had actually lost our order and we'd have to wait a further 30 mins to be served lunch.
The apology we received was ill-delivered and very rude - the waitress mumbled 'sorry' over her shoulder as she was walking away from us. In total, we made approx 50 mile round trip (including petrol expenses) and wasted approx 3 hours on lunch which we didn't even receive.
Jen
I recently came here whilst doing some field research in the local area. Thought that everything about this place was fantastic.