If I were Paul Hollywood, I would be embarrassed to have my name associated with this establishment.
I have never been a particular fan of the celebrity baker Paul Hollywood. (Pause for people to shout at the computer!) However, when my husband and I were meeting our daughter for morning coffee near Euston Station in London the other places were too full for us to find a table so we chose the Paul Hollywood Bakery and Coffee, Euston Street, Kings Cross, London.
I was bitterly disappointed by the service, the drinks, the cleanliness and the decor.
The positive things I should mention are that we did get a table when nowhere else nearby had one for us and my daughter and husband both got what they ordered. So far, so good.
Immediately we walked in, we noticed the decor was shabby. Not shabby chic, shabby. A few seats had grubby cushions, most had had them torn off. The chairs were not comfortable, the tables were not clean and the floor was dirty. We decided not to eat here because of the filth but braved hot drinks. My husband did get his flat white, coffee. My daughter got her tea. I asked for and Earl Grey Tea: I got a PG Tips black tea. I had taken a few sips before I realised, so I didn’t take it back.
The staff certainly showed no interest in their customers or their environment. There was a notice asking customers to leave their cups, plates and such on the tables and a member of staff will be happy to collect it. In the hour we were there, when the place was not particularly busy, not one member of staff ventured from behind the counter to collect or clean anything. The interest in their own conversations prevented them from having time to do that.
Would I recommend Paul Hollywood Bakery and Coffee, Euston Street, Kings Cross, London – no. Would I go there again – no.
Val Penny