The Old Smiddy Info
Amenities
Service options
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Dine-in
Offerings
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Coffee
Dining options
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Lunch
Payments
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NFC mobile payments
Best KPortal Reviews
I have noted the negative reviews but for us this was a great choice. We had completed the circular walk at St Abb's and we were ready for lunch. It was a fine day we were able to sit outside which was perfect. We ordered our lunch and once it was ready one of the staff brought it out to us. I was here with my sister and sister in law I had soup and they both had panini. After lunch we had coffee and cake and it was all very nice. Nothing was too much trouble. The other tables were quite busy and I never heard any complaints. We went away very satisfied.
Overall a pretty poor place to go for a quick break. Poor, stroppy service with the counter lady not seeming very happy to be there. Regarding the drinks, there was more froth than actual drink on top of the coffees and hot chocolates. The cakes were dry and over-priced for their size. In summary, this place does no favors whatsoever for National Trust Scotland (bearing in mind the site it is located at). No more than a two star rating, if not less.
I've never left a negative review, coming from the "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" way of thinking, but this was so poor I couldn't let it pass. £4.75 for a very small, prefilled roll, barely any filling, kept in the fridge and wrapped in clingfilm. Just take the short walk into St Abbs where there are 2 very good cafes and avoid this place.
Great stop off for light snacks and cakes , perfect if you've just walked around the head. Also has a small visitors centre for the nature reserve
After waiting in the queue for a coffee, another customer walked in front of me when it was my turn. The person behind the counter began to serve them. I asked her if I was in the correct queue and she just blanked me, didn't respond. I've never known such poor customer relations to just blank someone. Potato and leek soup didn't taste of anything. Really poor all round.
Quite disturbed by other reviews complaining about the supposed fear factor just because you are expected to wear a mask while inside and give your number for possible contact tracing. During a global pandemic, if you have issue with being asked to simply respect others and follow safety advice, stay at home and don't inflict yourselves on others who do have respect for the importance of safeguarding and limiting risks especially to those of us who are more vulnerable in such a difficult period of time!
Crab sandwiches and salad are always our choice as we can't get enough of them. Reasonable price compared to elsewhere and staff are always polite and courteous. Coffee could be better but still acceptable as it is cheap anyway.
If you respect others and the rigors we are all going through during Covid, especially those working with what they can in potentially risky environments, then the Old Smiddy is somewhere I would highly recommend.
Lots of tables outside for dining and just a short walk to St Abbs itself. Enjoy!
Food and drinks were ok but the experience was spoilt by the overwhelming atmosphere of fear. Over the top approach to the current alleged situation with fearful and stand offish manner - if you love wearing a mask and habitual rubbing your hands together this is the place for you... if you like smiles & normal human behaviour without the pantomime, i’d avoid.
Small sized, poor quality coffee for a high price. You cannot walk with your takeaway because the lid doesn't fit to the cup.
In a nutshell, you should avoid this place.
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