The Olive Tree - Tendring

This is a back handed review as I’m extremely let down and would not return if it wasn’t for a particular member of staff. I have followed from the olive tree and was excited to hear the vine tree opening, I have since been in a few times to the new vine tree and the last time I arrived with friends for lunch. The food was fabulous and the cafe itself is lovely plenty of seating, the biggest problem was the staff. The lady serving front of house is rude, she never smiles, times before I’ve been in she will speak her language to her friends in front of customers making people feel awkward, this particular visit with my friends(group of 6) was the final straw when we witnessed her eating behind the counter chomping with her mouth wide open whilst we were trying to eat! She is incredibly rude when taking orders, she doesn’t seem to be very tolerable of children as we saw a couple go in with their child and the child was very happy saying hello to the lady and she quite literally ignored the child. She also pulls faces and rolls her eyes when you’re trying to tell her your food order. There is a lovely young man that comes in and out from the back he is very chatty happy and extremely attentive to the customers, he spoke to us and made time for us to check if the food was okay (something the waitress at front didn’t do) after us, he also went round checking other tables and seemed to make everyone laugh and bring a much happier pleasant energy to the cafe. I’m unsure how the roles in the cafe work and who does what but whoever the young man was I really hope to see him more regularly as he seems to be the saving grace of the cafe! Along with the good food. It is a shame to see how down hill the staffing is going, the lady was at the olive tree and always felt awkward there, however it has dramatically gotten worse! I will be returning as the prices of the cafe are very good and the quality of food I am always satisfied with, I just hope to see more friendly staff, as there is an older generation that mainly spend money in the cafe (myself being one of them) sometimes us oldies want a little chat and a nice smile to brighten our days! If we cannot get that then the least I would expect from any food venue is good manners. Thankyou to the young man.

Since moving to the area,I have started using the olive tree often. The food is homely,and hot.Staff are always friendly . Always a pleasure to visit.

This us the second time I have visited this cafe/restaurant. The service is friendly and very efficient. Breakfast is cooked fresh and delicious with a latte at £6.95 which is a fantastic price. They have a really good choice on the menu also. They do only take cash but you wouldn't be disappointed. Restaurant/cafe very clean and tidy

Excellent Choice and good value, we have had both lunches and breakfasts, all served by friendly helpful people, big portions and excellent value.

Good selection of food clean place staff friendly can get very busy only down side only take cash and the breakfast has catering sausages which really do my head in I would pay a £1 more for a good pork sausage