The Firebox Cafe - Richmondshire

We arrived soaking wet during a heavy rainfall and after I enquired regarding the availability of a table was answered by a petite dark haired woman (a member of staff who needs customer focused training), who informed me in an extremely curt and abrupt manner that, “if you notice I am about to clear and clean that table.” I hadn’t noticed and as she didn’t have any cleaning materials in her hand at the time was rather confused, up but we waited patiently whilst she eventually cleared and cleaned. Later the same member of staff came to take our order, again in a curt manner. When she returned with an incorrect order her reaction was that it was our fault that she had confused the order and she flounced off without a word of apology. Another member of staff delivered our tea cakes and then our coffees arrived and were again delivered by the original member of staff with what I can only describe as a reluctant and irritated manner. Maybe we were treated like this as the norm for that particular member of staff, maybe she had an ‘off day’ or was it because we were ignorant southerners who did not understand the ordering/paying system? Why the original member of staff bothers to work in the cafe is bizarre if she dislikes visitors and/or waiting at table? Maybe a job working behind the scenes would be more suitable for her? Whatever the reason for her manner it left a nasty taste in our mouths!

Been twice last time interaction with female owner I wished I had of walked out rude isnt the word cafe is not cleaned at all or the soup mugs only ever visit the wensleydale pantry 20 years and never an issue Most places in the area still wear masks not this place ! Clearly cleanliness is an issue as place is filthy windows skirting boards etc

Great coffee and the orange and poppy seed cake was very tasty. Husband had the giant tea cake and he said it was delicious. Had a good laugh with the owner when the young lad helping, was screwing up a plastic milk bottle only for the top to fly off and hit me. A great place and we will be going back for another coffee before we leave Hawes.

Lovely place for a quiet brunch in Hawes. Off the main drag so seemed overlooked which is a shame as it was very good indeed. Clearly cycling focused but even on the other kind of bikes we were made most welcome. Highly recommend the Tiffin!

The food and drinks were lovely as was the Fantastic and friendly service. Would definitely go there again and recommend.