M&S Cafe in Bolton

Went in to look around, we had coffee and a scone, it was nice but I think a little expensive, we waited in a long queue, I wish I liked M&S as much as I used to, probably going in twice a year now , but never see anything, I know the quality is very good here, some top's are very reasonable, but I feel very dated.

5 people in the queue - 20 mins to actually place your order! 4 staff behind the till, only 1 taking your order - who then promptly disappears to check to see if they still have what I want! Surely they can work more efficiently than this? What the other 3 where doing, who knows - then to be told there’s no Tuna - they have their own food hall as well as Asda next door ! The guy bringing food out said they hadn’t had a delivery for a few days - go to Asda then! Won’t be going here again - no thanks 👎

Coffee excellent. Service very slow many tables not cleaned .

Nice scone. Clean environment.Took a very long time to be served as lady on till was just cleaning and not serving for at least 5 minutes. Also not very full cup of latte.

Staff were so lovely and food was great.

Regularly visit this location not impressed with staff dealing with customers, few staff serving most just appear to be at a loose end.

Got here to a sign up saying they can only serve cold food and drinks as it is too busy and not enough staff. Thought fair enough but when I was stood in the queue there were 4 staff members wandering around seemingly aimlessly spraying and cleaning random surfaces while there were about 10 people in the queue. The cashier had no customers but it still took her at least 5 minutes to start serving the line of customers, the people behind us left and we were about to as well. Food (from the fridge as that’s all we could get) was nice hence the 2 stars but the staff are unbelievable like it’s mad. So slow, no sense of urgency at all and not hospitable. I get it’s a shop cafe but from m&s you would think they’d have a system in which you can buy a pre packed sandwich and bottle of water in less than 15 minutes.

It was coming up for Christmas and you can expect it to be busy and staff very pushed, but the standard of the staff was below par. One member was doing his best and delivering the best customer service but this could not make up for the slowness and lack of experience of those working there. Most looked like young weekend workers from college/6th form. I don't really blame them. They needed more experienced staff to support them. But perhaps M&S just can't get the staff?

Food delicious and staff work very hard but waiting time not acceptable. Need to be more agile by additional staff and till.

Food always first class. Lovely atmosphere. Coffee very good. Weve become converts from Starbucks ..never thought I'd say that!