Aroma Cafe in Torbay

This place is more like a social experience than a café, in keeping the ethos of it's charitable background. We were way out of season and it's fairly well off the main beaches in a bit of a cul de sac of the riviera seafront so we suspect it's all very different in the high season. On New Year's Eve it was more like being invited to a family and friends get together than walking into a commercial establishment - apart from the paying bit obviously, but even that wasn't too painful!

First of all I start with the positive. The food was lovely that was it. However if you have autism or anxiety don't bother going in here. For me Iike going out to places and keep myself to myself. I will often wear my ear buds or headphones to shut myself off. Interacting with people can be difficult. Obviously I spoke to the lady on the counter who was nice to order food. That bit was fine. I then sat down to keep myself to myself. Fine brought the food put. That was fine. Like I said I then had my headphones on where I prefer not to be interrupted. That's my way of blocking things out. I should be allowed to do that. Not I need to explain this but due to my situation I hate people approaching me when I have something like headphones on. It should a sign or signal to say I don't want to talk at the moment. I hate being caught off guard. So one of the waitresses came over offered to take my plate. I said I'm still using it. I thought I would be left alone after that. Shortly after the "owner" came over and asked the same question. I explained I don't like to be interupted and I was trying to listen to my music. I just thought it would have been obvious I didn't want to talk. I prefer not being bombarded after I have already paid. The "owner" then sacarcastcally apologied "I'm sorry about that love" and said "go somewhere else if you don't like it" which is highly unprofessional. Well he bumped into the wrong person. All I was doing is minding my own business. I have had a lot of things to process and prefer to be quiet at times. As for the "owner" you need to be educated on people with behaviour challenges. Every day its a challenge for someone like me. I then went up to the counter to explain that I'm on the autism spectrum and that I wear headphones to block things out for then for the lady with glasses basically saying first of all its a cafe and a social thing so basically have to interact with people. I then reiterated that I don't have to interact with people and I have my headphones on to basically keep myself to myself. The lady then had the cheeke to turn round and say I didn't have proof like a landyard. Why should advertise who I am. You don't ask that sort of question. Its not my fault people like them aren't educated on hidden disorders. It doesn't surprise me that there is not enough emphasis on this still but it makes me angry! I will not be coming back until it changes hands. Shocking service.

Lovely pub. Very friendly member of staff. Comfortable seating. Very clean toilets. Reasonably priced drinks. Sky sports on TV.

This Bistro and staff are really lovely, The lunches are very reasonable, good offers, nice hot food , friendly helpful staff, The Tapas are yummy !! And good offers too !! Please try !!

A proper old pub a good atmosphere