Not so welcome

[asterix]

I wont name and shame as i have emailed them to see what they say.

Not that it makes any difference, but i could have been mistaken for a walker / rambler if they didnt see the bikes.

It will be interesting to hear if they reply. Do let us know.

 

[Peteaud]

will do.

Nothing so far

 

[the snail]

I'd name and shame - so other cyclists don't have to put up with such treatment.
By way of contrast:
http://www.chippenhamwheelers.org/news/2012-03-30/tollgate-inn-hospitality

 

[Peteaud]

I'd name and shame - so other cyclists don't have to put up with such treatment.
By way of contrast:
http://www.chippenhamwheelers.org/news/2012-03-30/tollgate-inn-hospitality

Now thats good business.

 

[mr Mag00]

yesterday was out researching a route for a breeze ride with my better half and we called into an ice cream place on a farm and asked could we start and finsh there as great off road parking, 'yup no problem' came the reply. we shall be buying ice cream at the end of the ride obviously win win !

 

[Andy_R]

The owners of this place really welcome cyclists

as do the owners of this one

Riders in the north east/borders should know them

 

[derrick]

Never had a prob down this way, we always stop at pubs for a bite to eat, some times i even have a beer.

 

[Mapster5]

May not of been because your a cyclist some staff are just general cretins my local is part of a chain so usually they feel more distant to me but all staff are friendly and polite and food and drink top marks

 

[Risex4]

Thats a frankly jaw-dropping attitude. I've never come across it, but if I did, I would be having words there and then.

Do you think it was purely because you were in cycling garb? I mean, if this was a fancy up-market resturant, and it was 7.30 in the evening, then I may - just may - be inclined to understand. But if its just your run-of-the-mill 'local' boozer, either chain or solo, and they are exhibitng that kind of behaviour, I would kindly enquire as to why they hoped I wasn't planning on eating, and unless the answer was "Well Im awfully sorry, it looks like you may want a meal because you've obviously been doing exercise and Im sure you're hungy, but the kitchen has actually just closed/is broken/the chef has ran off to Tiawana with the barmaid", I wouldn't feel at all bad about speaking my mind in the slightest. Especially if it's a place Im not likely to frequent. Nuts to the English way of politeness and not complaining.

Luckily, my usual stop offs are more than accomodating, and the worst I have to put up with is sarcastic wolf whistles and jibes about being fueled by alcohol or whatever.

 

[Monsieur]

Name and shame so that others don't have to put up with such crap service - I'd have no issues with a place like that losing business if they can't even get basic politeness right

 

[Headgardener]

In these financialy tough times no business can afford to turn down trade like that especialy without giving a explanation. Recon it will be under new managment soon.

 

[bikepete]

The owners of this place really welcome cyclists

as do the owners of this one

Riders in the north east/borders should know them

Top one: Chain Bridge Honey Farm?

In the same region, ISTR it was at Millfield one time - group of about 30 cyclists descended thinking the cafe would be open - it wasn't for some reason. Someone tried the pub opposite who were just having a sleepy afternoon with about two customers... and they pulled out all the stops, got in more staff and served a limited menu meal for the whole group in impressively quick time, all with a smile. That's the way to do it.

 

[Andy_R]

Top one: Chain Bridge Honey Farm?

That's the one, lovely warm welcome, turned up one day when it was pishing down, and even had a dry place pointed out where I could leave the bike. Flapjack to die for!

Second one is Parkhead Station on the moors above Stanhope in the Wear Valley. Lovely people run it and it's incredibly cycle friendly place (as you would hope it to be, seeings as its on the C2C route!)

 

[Arch]

Top one: Chain Bridge Honey Farm?

In the same region, ISTR it was at Millfield one time - group of about 30 cyclists descended thinking the cafe would be open - it wasn't for some reason. Someone tried the pub opposite who were just having a sleepy afternoon with about two customers... and they pulled out all the stops, got in more staff and served a limited menu meal for the whole group in impressively quick time, all with a smile. That's the way to do it.

There do seem to be a plethora of really nice cafes around Berwick and Wooler. The Etal tea rooms got so used to hoardes of us turning up, they installed cycleracks! Wheelbenders admittedly, but better than nothing.

I think if an establishment shows it's trying, then people are (or should be) forgiving of the less perfect moments - delays at busy times, or running out of something. But if they don't seem to try, they don't get the benefit of the doubt.

 

[DCLane]

Second one is Parkhead Station on the moors above Stanhope in the Wear Valley. Lovely people run it and it's incredibly cycle friendly place (as you would hope it to be, seeings as its on the C2C route!)

Good to know - I'll be through there about 11am-12pm next Sunday morning on my C2C