Dunelm Mill Pausa Cafe - St. Helens

I went to the restaurant at 3:40pm for tea and a pastry. However, 2/3 of the seating was closed off for cleaning before closing at 4pm, even though customers were still arriving. The staff member behind the counter, who had purple hair and seemed miserable, refused to switch on the microwave to heat up a stale pastry I couldn't eat cold. When I handed it back after taking one small bite and expressing my inability to eat it, the lady just said “humph” and stared at it. Despite sitting down and complaining for 15 more minutes while I drank my tea, none of the staff made any effort to apologize or offer a refund for the food I had to leave behind. I felt like I was robbed of £2 and left hungry. Needless to say, I won't be returning to this restaurant.

Served in cafe pausa by an Oriental gentleman who was really pleasant. Not just with us but everyone. He smiled, was extremely warm, welcoming with a touch of humour. What more could you ask for?!!!! A big improvement to normal visits here. Keep hold of him. He’s a diamond!

On the visit to Dunelm we made an impromptu visit for lunch to the cafe as it happened to be 8 minutes to midday. On queueing for a while (all the whilst in suspense to find out if the servers had been paid the correct wages) we ordered two jacket potatoes; to which we were told they don't start serving these until midday a mere 8 minutes away. There were customers having to ask for their tables to be cleaned whilst we waited to be served, as there were none available that had been cleared of previous customers. The only open table left which we sat at had the previous occupants left over toast over most of the 5 chairs and leftover drinks still on the table.

The staff at this cafe are always friendly and polite. I have never had any issues when visiting. I highly recommend this place to anyone. The happy hour is a great idea, especially with their frappes and iced coffees included. I highly recommend trying them on a hot summer day.

Was met by one of the staff who was really out with the track and trace system. Should concentrate more on quality of food. I ordered a fish finger sandwich, it arrived on a big ,dry bap, fish was cooked to a frazzle, no mayo or tartare sauce, I couldn’t eat it, just munched on the cinder-like filling. Complained to the staff, was just fobbed off, spoke to me as though I’d not a brain in my head , wouldn’t go again, actually it spoiled the day for me and my three friends