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Reviews: Front Room Cafe

1 to 62 of 62

  1.  
    • CommentAuthorandy
    • CommentTimeJun 19th 2006 edited
     
    We are Ninja

    In a rare post that in that category "Actually about Stroud Green" [now moved to Reviews - David], the Front Room Cafe has just opened on tollington park. It's really nice, they're going to put wireless in, it's non-smoking and they let the dog in. The owner was a really good chap and I think it could be really successful.

    Makes me think we should have a directory thing as well as a message board.

    • CommentAuthorDavid
    • CommentTimeJun 19th 2006
     
    We are Ninja

    When I have more time, I'd like to build some sort of streetsensation thingy but not for one street, more the area in general. Maybe even hook into the fabled google maps API?

    • CommentAuthorpetra
    • CommentTimeJun 26th 2006
     
    We went there for breakfast on Saturday morning. Very nice.
    • CommentAuthorandy
    • CommentTimeJul 24th 2006
     
    We are Ninja
    Latest news from Rob (owner of said cafe) is that he is trying to extend into the newly vacant charity shop next door. He's got big plans that boy.

    The only other thing that might take it over is a shoddy internet cafe/telephone booth place. I can't think of any other options.
    • CommentAuthorandy
    • CommentTimeAug 31st 2006
     
    We are Ninja

    Just had lunch here and they have now officially got next door! Brilliant. It's going to be a deli + more cafe. Ace.

    • CommentAuthorLiz
    • CommentTimeAug 31st 2006
     
    The nice lady from there also told me the other day that they are planning to open at night and have an alcohol licence. Hurrah. Ace goats cheese sarnie too.
    • CommentAuthorKelly-Marie
    • CommentTimeJan 25th 2010 edited
     
    Love this place,very greatful that its next door to us.
    • CommentAuthorActionVerb
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2010
     
    It looks really nice and busy from the outside, but I kind of feel that i'm not 'cool' enough to go in there and have a nice relaxed breakfast on the weekend.
    • CommentAuthormiss annie
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2010
     
    I feel like that too. It looks lovely but it's always full of of 'cool' couples in fashion trainers at the weekend. Might brave it for coffee on the way home from work one day.
    • CommentAuthorandy
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2010 edited
     
    We are Ninja

    The idea that the FRC is too cool is sweet. Rob and Polly are lovely and friendly. Go in and say hello.

    That said, some of my trainers are really expensive.

    • CommentAuthorsaasha
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2010
     
    the reason it's crowded is because it's not a complete dive - in fact its cozy, the food is wholesome and the service is very friendly...definitely a good place to pass time with friends /family when you don't want to go to the pub (or it's just too early!)
    • CommentAuthorkatiejane
    • CommentTimeJan 26th 2010
     
    I must say, it has been growing on me over the winter. Better coffee, and great not-so-hot hot chocolate for children (without having to be reminded not to serve it scorching hot).

    The other things I like about it are a) they played a whole Placebo album on Spotify last time I was in, b) I didn't have any money to pay, and they were totally cool about me dropping in later that day to settle my bill and c) the tables aren't as sticky as they used to be.
    • CommentAuthorSlabber
    • CommentTimeJan 31st 2010
     
    I have been banned
    They shouldn't let dogs in if they are serving food.
    • CommentAuthorSlabber
    • CommentTimeJan 31st 2010
     
    I have been banned
    I recommend the Angel Cafe opposite the World's End. The food is terrible and the staff can't really speak English but they mean well.
    • CommentAuthorIan
    • CommentTimeJan 31st 2010
     

    I don't know, if the dogs are going to be serving food I'd let them in - I'd want to see that.

    • CommentAuthorSlabber
    • CommentTimeJan 31st 2010
     
    I have been banned
    They eat dogs in Korea.

    Is it legal to eat dog here? If so, I might start a dog restaurant, just to add to the wide variety of wonderful cuisine available on SGR.
    • CommentAuthormpc
    • CommentTimeMar 13th 2010
     
    Had breakfast here today ... just loved it: the atmosphere, the food, the coffee ... nice looking people too!

    I will definitely go again ...
  18.  
    I'm sure that there was a thread a while back (or several references at least) about the coffee and food being terrible in FRC.

    The only time I've 'brunched' there, I found a black hair in my scrambled eggs (unfortunately, after I'd eaten most of it) and my cappuccino was very weak and too milky.

    Also, I wasn't sure if I was amused at the fella's (Rob?) efforts to find something to chat about (make things up) when he told me it was haunted by children, or if I found it a bit cheesy (assunming that story had been churned out before).
    • CommentAuthortomthemac
    • CommentTimeMay 3rd 2010
     
    havent been back since they served tropicana when it clearly said fresh orange juice on the menu - how very dare they! bring on some proper freshly squeezed stuff like the greasy spoon round the cnr in fonthill road opp the old tyre place - and we'll try again!
  20.  
    Ahhhh the FRONT ROOM. Well, after a long absence I thought to myself oh it can't be THAT bad. Bleeeuch. What a waste of time. Rip off rubbish eggs, terrible toast...

    You know what. It makes me angry really that they still get away with this shit. Where's the love?
  21.  
    You lot are soooo precious. Bleeeeeuuuugh! Give Front Room a break, they are an asset to this Godforsaken area.
  22.  
    Hair in my scrambled egg. Traaagic. Yuk!
    • CommentAuthorMisscara
    • CommentTimeMay 4th 2010
     

    The Front Room is a nice place, but it's just lacking the extra effort to make it good. It's like they think they are so trendy and friendly that it doesn't matter about the fact that the food's expensive and not very good.

    I went for breakfast with a friend a couple of weeks ago and at about £10 each including coffee it's a bit steep. I resent paying £7 for Eggs Benedict when they overcook the eggs, don't butter the muffin and can't be bothered to grill the ham. I always complain when something's not right, and they are very apologetic, but nothing ever improves.

  24.  
    Why don't you make your own breakfast then?:-)
    • CommentAuthorMisscara
    • CommentTimeMay 5th 2010
     

    Can't be bothered!

  26.  
    Never tried Front Room and with Ariana's and Mari e Monti in the vicinity I needn't ever bother :)
  27.  
    If only Ariana's did eggs florentine, my life would be complete.
  28.  
    I don't know about florentine but the eggs on their fried breakfast are superb.
  29.  
    Front room always looks like it is full of trendy wankers or trustafarian wankers. Not that I am judgemental or owt.

    And by the looks of it the **Eco-HYPOCRISY league from this site eat there as well.. so it's probably best I continue to avoid it..


    *Please note the above statement has lost any of it's impact due to the author's inability to proof read his own work....


    **This word has been edited in accordance with the teachings of the great ADGS... Damn your eagle eye... damn it to hell
    • CommentAuthorADGS
    • CommentTimeMay 5th 2010
     
    Hypocracy? As in rule by syringes?
    • CommentAuthorWillM
    • CommentTimeMay 5th 2010
     
    Loved the Front Room when I went there - delicious sardine salad.

    Misscara - have you ever asked them to prepare it a certain way in advance rather than after it arrives?
    • CommentAuthorMisscara
    • CommentTimeMay 5th 2010
     

    @WillM - I just expect them to serve it properly by default. Perhaps I expect too much for my seven and a half quid.

    • CommentAuthorWillM
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     
    @Misscara - I prefer my Eggs Benedict like that as well... but most London and New York hotels prepare them with ungrilled ham, and often with unbuttered muffins. Obviously over-cooking the eggs there's no excuse for, but I'm just saying the Front Room's not *that* bad.
  34.  
    Front Room has warmth and character, I reckon, even if their food can be a bit hit and miss (more hit than miss IMHO but I have been there a few times when they've run out of spinach - bah).
    • CommentAuthorMisscara
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     

    @willM Really? I'm a caterer by trade and a trained chef, and have worked in London hotels and restaurants (and in Paris and Amsterdam as well). I have never seen nor heard of Eggs Benedict served with ungrilled ham and unbuttered muffins. I can't think why anyone would want to, it's awful! the fact that the FR serve it on a cold plate and the muffins always seem a bit hard adds insult to injury. All I'm ssaying is that with a bit of extra care and effort they could vastly improve the food and the customer experience, but they don't really seem that bothered.

  36.  
    Oh dear, oh dear. Clearly this is the greatest tragedy ever to befall this once proud nation. Suicide pact, anyone?
    • CommentAuthorMisscara
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010 edited
     

    I'm not that bothered.

  38.  
    I am part owner of the front room and felt it important for me to respond to the comments made here, to clarify who we are and defend our intentions. Polly and myself opened up the front room three years ago with much anticipation and excitement as to how our cafe would integrate into the community of stroud green. We have always wanted to run our own cafe to create a social hub for the community to make friends and bring people together, I feel we have achieved this and am very proud of the front room. The food has always been important to us and although we were not experienced caterers before we feel absolutely passionate that our customer receive good quality food at reasonable prices, if I was to brake down how much each dish cost and what we have to pay out a week I can assure you we feel that what we charge is fair. We have to admit to making mistakes along the way but have gained more experience and better qualified chefs, because without good food we are without customers. On the whole we have a large regular custom base that continues to return to reflect customer satisfaction. It pains us to think that some of the people on this site feel so scathing about us and welcome an opportunity to rectify any mistakes that were made either by returning for a complimentary meal or to come in to speak to Polly or myself. We by no means want to mislead our customers and hope that the customer would have read through the menu before ordering and is satisfied with the choices they make, our staff are instructed to be clear on the dishes and drinks that we serve so as to minimise any disappointment that may arise.
    The kitchen staff do wear protective hats, have short hair or are asked to tie their hair back, in the rare occasion of a complaint of hair in the food all we can do is apologise, I can assure you we are very careful to avoid these kinds of errors and do care very much about the quality our customers receive.
    Our coffee is made with a double shot gun to ensure a strong shot, the staff are trained to use the same strength every time, if you have been served a weak coffee please come to us to reorder your coffee, it is our business to make it good, we know how important it is. In-fact the general complaint about our coffee is that it is too strong and customers often asked for extra milk. Unfortunately you cant please everyone but we work very hard to please the majority. We put our personalities out their everyday day in that cafe and it is a reflection of who we are so we want all our customers to have a satisfied experience every time. We do take on board negative criticism and want to continually improve our cafe and do not shy away from making changes and listening to you.
    Rob
  39.  
    Bravo Robert! It was high time you had a chance to defend yourself against the ungrilled ham and sticky table brigade on this site!
    • CommentAuthorArkady
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     

    Aye, Bravo Rob. Never been in before, but will swing by now on the basis of this robust defence! All the best A

    • CommentAuthorMisscara
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     

    Good response Rob, I know it can be difficult to please all the people all the time. It's great that you have responded. Sorry about the moan, I just think some things are really easy to get right and now you're aware I'm sure you'll sort them.

    • CommentAuthorPapa L
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     

    I rarely breakfast or lunch out, but on the times I have been to Front Room is has delivered.

    Never the best I've had, but nearer the better end of the scale. They also occasionally when I work a Sunday make me a coffee early of a morning before they have opened properly. I like that.

    Yes, a quick glance at the punters does always deliver the same feeling I get when I see a Clapham/East Dulwich/Crouch End smug cafe. But that's a good thing. We've got plenty of workers caffs dishing out bog standard breakfasts and an independent business trying to break the mould and working extremely long hours deserves praise.

    Front Room is a greater force for good than it is for evil and should be celebrated for that. Well done Robert.

    Perhaps Front Room is Joe Cole: might not be your bag and may not always play the best game, but has the potential for flair and interest that others don't and always appears to be trying. I'd rather have it than not by a low way.

    • CommentAuthorlizbet
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     
    Had a coffee at the front room this morning and it was the best coffee I have bought from there. It was actually the best coffee I have had in Stroud Green or Crouch End - hopefully it's a change that will be kept up. As I drink my coffee black it was good that it wasn't scorching hot either. So many coffees seem to end up burnt when the temperature of the water in the machine is too hot. I like the front room and don't feel it's overpriced - value for money does not necessarily mean the cheapest. Tesco "Value" would be case in point.
  44.  
    Nice one Robert, it's great that you're responding to comments on here and I hope the feedback you find on here helps you to get better and better.
    • CommentAuthorjandb
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     
    I like Papa L's footballer analogy. Does SG have an Emile Heskey?
    • CommentAuthorPapa L
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     

    Cheers Jandb

    I reckon SG's Emile Heskey is the Larrik, rarely scores but puts in a solid performance and makes those around it play better

    • CommentAuthorMisscara
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     

    @ lizbet My point over pricing was not that it's expensive per se, but that when you pay that much you want it to be right ie. value for money.

  48.  
    It still looks rubbish. Maybe it is just my affliction to white people with Dreads.

    If it was a footballer I would say it was more Graham Le Saux.

    Can play a bit, but thinks he is a gem amongst the shit because he can read, and read the Guardian at that.



    Not the Le Saux had dreads.
    • CommentAuthorandy
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2010
     
    We are Ninja

    Or maybe it's Graeme Le Saux because it's underrated and the victim of lazy stereotypes.

  50.  
    Maybe

    But Le Saux was pretty crap really and often, to his own admission, thought himself better than those around him.

    I am not that lazy... I just hate pretend desperate trendy's and trustafarians.

    And eggs Benedict if I am being really honest...

    And I very much love N4 and the hilarity that this site brings to my day.

    Keep up the good(?) work
  51.  
    Cheers Rob, for taking the time to respond (I was equally impressed when the Sugar Lounge did the same thing in response to criticism on this site a month or 2 ago).

    I don't really come in the the Front Room much, not for any particular reason (well, maybe the hair in the eggs, just don't tell Krappyrubsnif that I mentionned it again). However, you've told us that you care and we're feeling the love, so maybe I'll be back soon....
    • CommentAuthormpc
    • CommentTimeMay 8th 2010
     
    Eggs Benedict? I only had this once in Front Room ... never again; I can vouch for cold ham, and hard muffins.

    But, I keep going back to Front Room because it is seems like a cool place to meet non-'Stroud Green' friends, the m/f staff on Saturday are (have been, so far) kinda cute, and the coffee is OK ... and now that I have eaten through some of the breakfast menu, I am settled on poached egg on toast and a latte as a safe bet.

    If you hanker after Eggs Benedict done well, and not the cold ham & hard muffin experience you get in Front Room, the guy in Mare e monte really knows how to do these ... really! BTW - for solo breakfasting with a newspaper for company Mare e monte is definitely is the place to go.
    • CommentAuthorPapa L
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2010
     

    If only Graeme Le Saux had had dreadlocks, that would have been absolute genius.

    I had a mate who insisted for a while Le Sox was the best left back in the world.

    • CommentAuthorWillM
    • CommentTimeMay 14th 2010
     
    @ Misscara
    Really? I'm a caterer by trade and a trained chef, and have worked in London hotels and restaurants (and in Paris and Amsterdam as well). I have never seen nor heard of Eggs Benedict served with ungrilled ham and unbuttered muffins.

    That's the default way to serve it at the Lanesborough for a start, I *think* at the Wolsey, and certainly in various upper-end New York hotels. I agree it isn't the best, but that has been my experience.

    > All I'm ssaying is that with a bit of extra care and effort they could vastly improve the food and the customer experience, but they don't really seem that bothered.

    Not so sure on that... I've been in there most days this week and had an excellent experience from beginning to end. Each to their own, I guess.
    • CommentAuthorMisscara
    • CommentTimeMay 14th 2010
     

    Getting tired of this discussion to be honest. Can we move onto something else?

    • CommentAuthorlewisash
    • CommentTimeMay 14th 2010
     
    I have two preferences when it comes to SG breakfasts; if I want cheap I go to the Sunshine Cafe, if I want good produce and a warm atmosphere I go to the Front Room. Don't recall ever having a bad experience, never had Eggs Benedict there but I can vouch for the Eggs Florentine which was very good when I had it. Everyone makes mistakes and if anything was wrong i'd let them know. It isn't a cheap breakfast but you have to pay for good produce.

    I went to Mari e Monty before I moved to the area, haven't been back since but remember it being good, I shall have to make a visit. Keep meaning to pop into Ariana's, it looks good and sounds good now.

    Surely something we can all agree on is that SG has a good breakfasting opportunity for everyone.
    • CommentAuthorADGS
    • CommentTimeMay 17th 2010
     
    I just made my first visit to the FRC and was very much impressed both by the veggie breakfast and the general ambience.
    • CommentAuthortosscat
    • CommentTimeMay 17th 2010
     
    Hang in there Misscara, I have a new avenue to explore.

    Why do they allow people to table hog at busy times? I've been turned away on a Sunday before because there was someone nursing a tea and beggering about on the Internet on a table for 4.
    • CommentAuthordorothy
    • CommentTimeMay 17th 2010
     
    Can't you just plonk yourself down in a space? Don't think anyone's ever bothered to seat me in there, although they're always pleasant enough.

    The poached egg tasted of vinegar at the weekend.

    I don't really want to keep pulling at the thread, but I checked how Delia does Eggs Benedict. She refers to lovely hot buttered muffin and crisply grilled pancetta.
    • CommentAuthorADGS
    • CommentTimeMay 17th 2010
     
    I think the egg anxiety may be getting to them, I was asked if it was OK that my fried egg was ever-so-slightly broken.
    • CommentAuthorIan
    • CommentTimeMay 17th 2010
     

    We went in there recently for the first time in ages - I used to go there a lot but my Saturday lunch routine changed. I have had a bit of a downer on it in the past but the coffee was a lot better than before, they moved a person who was on a table for 4 on their own with a laptop and the food was fine.

    • CommentAuthorWillM
    • CommentTimeMay 21st 2010
     
    damn good scrambled egg as well :)

1 to 62 of 62

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