Barkers Cafe - Ryedale

Young lads working here are lovely, polite, efficient etc but the OWNER, ex police, is the rudest man I’ve ever come across will NEVER come here again. He was so insulting! It’s rare that I feel so strongly about such a thing. Since have spoken to other locals of Helmsley and all said the same, he is rude and unpleasant.

Had a delicious lunch (vegan houmous and beetroot sandwich) , amazing hot chocolate and vegan chocolate cake. Lots of choice for veggies and vegans and the owner and staff were very friendly. Also the oat milk cappuccinos are really good

We waited a while for people behind the til to figure out how to use the til, but then waited 45 minutes for a simple vegan hot dog that wasn't even hot when we finally got the food. After we'd finished eating and had our own paraphernalia on the table, the workers were really rather rude. Will not be returning there and would not recommend.

I got the feeling that both staff members who I saw would rather be somewhere else? The server who took my order was polite but barely looked me in the eye and certainly gave the feeling that I was just another set of feet who needed to be served. No smile, no interaction apart from taking the order and no interest. The business wasn't busy at the time of my visit, just after lunch. I'm afraid, for me at least, whomever serves is as important as what you purchase. This was not good.

Found the food ok but disappointed about the payments. I and another customer were told they had no change if paying by cash. The other customer paid by card I luckily had the correct money. If not we would have had to eat elsewhere or overpay for our food no change. Which suggests card payment only which i’m Not happy about.