Balula's Delicatessen in Swindon

Ordered two cappuccinos with oat milk, took 15mins to then have to be remade as made with normal milk. Coffee was then served luke warm but after then reading previous reviews, didn't want to mention it as I didn't want to get verbally abused by the manager. First and last visit!

Luke warm cappuccinos. Looks like they had to be remade with the correct milk. Took circa 15 minutes to make the two coffees which were, in context, mediocre.

Lovely place to stop for coffee and cake. The staff were friendly and the chocolate brownie was so nice I bought two! Fantastic 🙂

Nice cafe, friendly staff and a nice atmosphere. Enjoyed a nice pastry, let down by mediocre coffee.

Second cup of coffee wasn't hot. Owner stormed over telling us he'd tried it and it was fine "the temperature we sell it at" To say the following conversation was an onslaught from him is accurate. Shouting that he doesn't make money on coffee... don't come back.. If you want your coffee BURNT.... tell your mates not to come in ... an absolutely foul man. Practically pushed us through the door where he continued to shout in the street. Local traders beware of falling footfall if this is how he behaves ...

Went in for lunch yesterday. Ended up getting verbally abused by an aggressive women and the staff did nothing to deescalate the situation. She eventually left only to return 10mins later with her husband who was extremely aggressive and threw my friends coat and was shouting an intimidating. Again not once did the staff attempt to intervene or even came over after to check we were ok. Feel this was extremely poor on the staffs behalf who clearly don't care about their customers.

We had smoked chicken, with tomato instead of avo, salad and mayo sandwiches served with crisps and gherkins. It was a HUGE portion. My husband finished his but I wrapped mine in deli paper and the paper serviette to have later. The cappuccino was delicious. The service was friendly and efficient. At £9 the sandwich wasn’t cheap but it was excellent value. This place never disappoints.

The atmosphere of this delicatessen is a small slice of the european style that you get whilst in Italy. The staff are always superfriendly, and the food is amazing.. The whole place is is mega clean, its a credit to the team. We chatted to the owner before leaving, he is very approachable and rightly proud of his team and their hard work.. We will return..

Great cafe/deli in the heart of Swindon’s Old Town. Great selection of drinks and yummy treats to accompany your favourite coffee. Great service, great atmosphere. Five stars!

Amazing coffee served perfectly. Food is banging as well..

Asked for a hot coffee rather than luke warm. Apparently that is a special request as the manager is not a mind reader! Won’t be returning .

Balula's offer a great range of lunch items, the toasted sandwiches are generously filled and of high quality ingredients.

An astonishingly abusive Manager on duty the day I visited. Asked if my coffee was hot enough I replied in the affirmative but went on to opine that the service was a little slow whereupon I was hit with a tirade of abuse in language that would make Gordon Ramsey blush. Was asked not to darken the doors of the establishment again a request with which I am more than happy to comply.

Wow this male owner is very aggressive. We ordered coffee, waited ages for the coffee and then when it came it was cold. The owner came over and said sorry that is how they serve the coffee. He would not reheat the coffee no micro. He would not make it again. He argued with us and when we told him that we would like another coffee he told my husband that he would make it but he would make it so hot that he would then burn him! We left with no coffee. We met another couple who also had just walked out because he was talking about us and he asked them what was the service like and the couple said not great. With that the owner started arguing with them! They told him where to get off and walked out not drinking their coffee. Not a pleasant place to go to go to.

Not a very nice experience manager arguing with customers!! Bad language not very professional or customer friendly. Felt sorry for the elderly customer who only wanted his coffee warmer. This then escalated with other customers walking out. Will not be going back.

Will identify myself as one of the “other customers” walking out referred to in Tracy H’s review. What asked by the manager if my coffee was hot enough I replied in the affirmative but went on to express the opinion that the service was a little slow where upon the manager let rip at me in a manner, and with language that would make Gordon Ramsey appear polite. He requested that I did not darken his door again and I shall certainly be complying with that request!

Great food with friendly staff. An excellent place to just drop in or spend the afternoon on a sunny day.

The best lemon drizzle cake here that I’ve ever eaten :)

I have been wanting to write this review for a while. This isn't my first time visiting. I would call this place my regular. I come here for meetings and coffee. I do have to say whatever the coffee here, it is truly fresh and good. The pastry selection is on levels not replicated in Swindon. The quintessential Cinnamon Bun is sooooo naughty but so good. The food is also very tasty. The sandwiches are all served in a memorable way that it becomes a whole experience, which makes you come back for more. They just started breakfast recently and that scrambled eggs and salmon. Oh gosh! Let me know when you have tried it! There is also so much more going on, and I have yet to taste everything on the menu, but this place should be on your radar. Whenever I have been, and I have been many times, the service has been on top form.

I have been wanting to write this review for a while. This isn't my first time visiting. I would call this place my regular. I come here for meetings and coffee. I do have to say whatever the coffee here, it is truly fresh and good. The pastry selection is on levels not replicated in Swindon. The quintessential Cinnamon Bun is sooooo naughty but so good. The food is also very tasty. The sandwiches are all served in a memorable way that it becomes a whole experience, which makes you come back for more. They just started breakfast recently and that scrambled eggs and salmon. Oh gosh! Let me know when you have tried it! There is also so much more going on, and I have yet to taste everything on the menu, but this place should be on your radar. Whenever I have been, and I have been many times, the service has been on top form.

Popped in here for a cuppa while waiting for an exhaust repair at Bells Silencers. A really nice cuppa that became 2. Very nice & friendly staff, nice decor and ambiance plus a clean & spacious toilet that appears to cater for all needs. Good Wi-Fi too. Well done.

Me, my mum and my sister came for a light lunch and we were not disappointed! We ordered a club sandwich on a wonderfully toasted ciabatta , a chicken and avocado sandwich and a cheese and ham toastie and they were all absolutely delicious . Unfortunately we were too full to have a cake after with our coffee but they looked wonderful too.

Staying in the vicinity for family visit, and popped in for lunch. Sign clearly states lunch 12 to 3, and we arrived at 2 on the dot so we thought we had an hour. Asked if we could sit anywhere and was advised yes, then when we looked at the wall menu, a very rude lady behind counter said last orders for food is 2! When we pointed out it was just 2 and the sign actually says lunch 12 - 3, so why couldn't we order, she said we are finished serving. Why advertise until 3 if this is not true ? We were looking for a venue for a gathering next month, and wanted to try here. After this experience, we will go elsewhere and give our money to an establishment that wants customers and doesn't mislead. . Awful experience

pleasant but pretentious - nothing to write home about. Standard fare and prices you expect from this street.

Coffee good quality, only draw back when offered friends of old town card told don't accept it but once outside in the window a.sifn.saying friends of old town. So are you or are you not a friend of old town.

Good times, good food. Thank you.

Arrived to a smiling member of staff, said Morning, and then asked what we wanted. This time, we just had a pot of tea and an Americano with milk. We sat at our usual table, it was a lovely atmosphere, other customers were chatting and laughing..I noticed on their website that the opening hours were wrong, so they are not closed on Mondays. They're open Monday's - Saturday's 9am - 4pm. Sunday's 10am - 3pm.

My friend and I had the salmon and scrambled eggs. Was absolutely delicious! Presentation was stunning. This was my first visit, but certainly won’t be the last.

Lovely food and nice atmosphere

Popped in for a quick coffee (1 latte, 1 espresso at £6.45) - my husband had to check we hadn't been forgotten about after 10 minutes, then asked for the latte "to go" after 13 minutes. The coffees eventually arrived after a quarter of an hour. Atmosphere is no longer cosy - the spotlights are searingly bright while you're waiting a lifetime for your one sip of very expensive coffee! Sadly, that will be my last visit - there are many other local businesses that value customers much more than Balula's do now.

Lovely place for a spot of tea and cake, and great customer service. Really accommodating, lovely facilities and a great spot.

Arriving at a few minutes after (opening time) 10am on Tuesday this week, I was looking forward to a nice warming drink and a chat with a friend. Two ladies were already loitering aimlessly waiting to be acknowledged and they eventually sat. No greeting, no eye contact, in fact deliberately quite the opposite, nothing except two staff complaining to each other that they had been asked to work six days on-the-trot and making their feelings known! Had I not been meeting someone in there, I would have left thus I waited. Two male customers arrived and stood apparently unnoticed by the counter. WHEN they decided to serve no good morning, sorry to have kept you but those ladies were first.... no, they were served first the men first and after eventually ordering we got our coffee at 10:37 !!! That is appalling service. Furthermore, it was freezing cold in there, people moved to the side away from the door but there was absolutely no interest, interaction or understanding of what people - who pay their wages ultimately - were doing there or needed.... We went to Food Magpie for our second cup and what a difference! Not as comfortable I grant you but attentive, friendly and superb coffee. These days I believe I deserve better where I chose to spend my money, and it won't be there!

First visit today, and will be back. Excellent coffee and Marley on the decks.. What more could you want?

Great food and perfect coffee with polite and attentive staff.

First Visit to Balula’s today. What super place, great atmosphere super friendly staff and amazing food. Will definitely be back.

This Delicatessen and Restaurant Cafe is easily the classiest and most atmospheric place in the area.Fabulous produce, from handpicked cheeses, cured/smoked meats, great coffees, teas and really interesting items from all over Europe to tantalise your tastebuds.Nick and his staff are really friendly helpful people who clearly know their food with nothing being too much trouble.Outside of London it’s so nice to find a great chill out vibe, where you can wind right down with great music tastefully going on in the background.What a great place to have on my doorstep luckily for me, but no matter where you live you really should give this place a try as you will not be disappointed.

Very nice chilled atmosphere. Hot food made fresh to order and prepared food all handmade. Good coffee too and all reasonably priced. Personal preference but would have preferred daintier crockery. Chunky white crock reminds me a bit of a greasy spoon café and this place is much more classy! Staff very friendly and helpful. Would recommend and will visit again!

Favourite lunch spot in Old Town! Delicious coffee and the best toasties I’ve ever had. The staff are always incredibly friendly and the ladies that we have seen a few times behind the counter have been absolutely wonderful with our little boy every time we have been in. Will keep returning time and time again!

Delicious coffee and the best toastie I’ve ever had. The staff are always incredibly friendly and the ladies that we have seen a few times working behind the counter have been absolutely wonderful with our little boy every time we have been in. Will keep returning time and time again!

Clean, very friendly service, always good coffee

Love visiting. Friendly and professional staff. Lovely food and in my opinion they make the best mocha in Swindon. The home-made sausage rolls and their chocolate brownies are equally as delicious. Best Wishes Richard MILES BYRON

Always a perfectly crafted coffee to be had here. Music and atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing morning kick off.

I visited the cafe on a Saturday afternoon with my family. We all enjoyed hot drinks and delicious cakes as well as a cheese and ham toastie which was also very nice. It’s a lovely little cafe and the service was extremely pleasant and welcoming.

What happens when your chef doesn't turn up and you can only do toast or toasted sandwiches? Burn the toast and blame on the sourdough bread off course! Not only that, argue with your customer when they point out the toast is burnt and your kids can't eat it (as you do)!!

The coffee and carrot cake is amazing.

Fantastic coffee, absolutely spot on. The cheese and ham toastie is likely to do serious damage to your arteries but tastes amazing 😉. Service is top notch as well the perfect balance of friendly and familiar.

We came here in lockdown as their deli selection and takeaway coffee was amazing. We were so excited to come and sit in the cafe once the restrictions eased. However, we had a terrible experience. Don’t get me wrong, the products are lovely, but the service was very aggressive. The teenage girl working there was very sweet. The male owner, however, was very aggressive. We were working on laptops and had ordered drinks and food. After we had finished, he came to take the empties and asked if we wanted anything else. We said we wanted a second to decide. He then came over and said we needed to order more or get out. We’re also pretty sure he turned off the WiFi in an effort to get us to leave. I’d understand if the cafe was busy and we were preventing someone from sitting but it was empty. Too uncomfortable to come back! We’d already spent £20 for a couple of hours work for some coffee and a croissant for gods sake!!!

I really like the coffee from balulas and we have been before and the food/drinks are lovely. However, we had a very negative experience with the owner. We had gone in to do work and have a drink and some food, once we had finished the food and drinks he took them away and asked if we would like some more drinks, which we did, but we said we wanted a minute to decide. He then came over and very aggressively told us we needed to buy something if we were going to work there (of which we had already bought several items). This made us very uncomfortable and will not be going back. Pretty sure he turned off the wifi as well lol

Always serving great coffee and treats 😋

Approached the open door at about 9.45 this morning to buy a couple of croissant that I could see in the window. As I stopped at the door to work out if they were serving from the door as per last week a gentlemen (who having read other reviews I assume is the owner) greeted me with "We're not open mate and you need a mask".Now I agree, I needed a mask if I was going into the shop. Last Saturday one did not go in the shop. One was served at the door. Hence no mask. I was reaching for my mask having realised I needed one as I was going into the shop.So where to begin with how this could have gone better.....1) Mate? Really? How about sir?2) "We're not open" rather than "sorry we don't open until 10"3) "If you're coming in you need a mask" maybe?4) A shop selling breakfast food that doesn't open until 10?And a final thought. I wanted to spend money on takeaway. Imagine if he'd been polite and offered me that option he'd have made a sale.Lost sale and I probably won't ever bother going there again. I will also be telling anyone who will listen.An important reminder that just because a business is "local" or "independent" it doesn't make it good.On the plus side the croissant last weekend were lovely hence why we went back for more.

I have to agree with others that it's the best coffee in town. We haven't had anything merely mediocre here yet. Everything is top notch.

I met with my mum today and my baby boy and we decided to go and grab a takeaway lunch! I had a cheese and ham sour bread toastie and my mum had a cheese and tomato one (there was none made up but they did it for us). It was hands down the best toastie I have ever had, they definitely don’t hold back on the quality or quantity of ingredients. The customer service was excellent and the man we were served by was absolutely lovely and very welcoming! Myself and my mum are definitely going to return and the baby approved of his lovely sausage roll too! Great independent business in Swindon which is clearly very popular judging by the queue outside waiting for food! Well done for creating this great cafe! We even took some brownies for home on the way back.

Happy they opened again for takeaway lately as the food is fantastic and coffee great as well. Tried a range of the baked goods and am yet to be disappointed! ☺️

Amazing service & 100% the best coffee in Old Town.

Always a pleasure visiting here. Polite service, good coffee and great cakes/brownies. Tried the new ‘Origin’ coffee which was very good. A nice place to walk to on a break from WFH!

It’s probably the best place for a awesome sandwich or home made 🍰 cake. Coffee is lovely. Beats the rest hands down. Staff are Brilliant. Check out the plants 🌱 It’s a YES from me

Unless you want to support the exploitation of staff members who are treated in a terrible manner, don’t visit here. The owner has anger issues and is routinely rude to customers as well as his staff. Just ask anyone that’s ever worked for them how they were made to feel/ what they were subjected to by the lovely Nick.

The staff are nice here but the male owner makes it a horrible experience. I'd give it a miss if I were you.

I have witnessed the rude, miserable behaviour of the owner of this cafe/deli to both his staff and customers on several occasions. As a business owner myself he doesn’t deserve the custom.If it wasn’t for his staff, he certainly wouldn’t have a business. The coffee is always over roasted and tastes burnt so he doesn’t know what he’s doing either. Horrible experience.

Delicious sandwiches, really tasty and beautifully presented. Mum and I enjoy a lunch here regularly. Nice buzzy atmosphere inside, and we're looking forward to the warmer, drier weather when we can sit in the courtyard again.

Take what you'd expect to pay and add a third or more. Consider the quality and taste you're expecting for this then take a third off of your expectations. Inexplicably, they get good review. It's probably because people are just too embarresed to admit their overpriced sandwich in a faux artisan deli / cafe was no more that just O.K. Either that or the people who say they like this place have never tried anywhere else.Seriously, try somewhere else in a different area or even a different town then come back and see if your expectations are met.

Great food and ambiance and service was fantastic.

Popped in to my local deli to get a quick sandwich at 12.00 on my way to a meeting. There were no menus but someone was delicately and lovingly starting to write the sandwich menu on a chalkboard. I asked the girl behind the counter what sandwiches were available - she did t know. The guy doing his handwriting then told me in a rather curt manner to take a seat for a couple of minutes until he'd finished. He didn't just tell me what he was going to write so I could order sonething! Obviously I left... got a delicious blue cheese soup from The Pantry instead. I prefer good basiccustomer experience, not pretentious behaviour. Enough said.

Good price, really good coffee.

I often pop into Balulah's, but last week had some of the best Lemon Drizzle cake I've ever eaten. Perfectly lemony & light - it just melted in mouth. Accompanied by their mocha. Very helpful staff too.

Quick lunch of two sandwiches and two cokes was £20 which seems a lot but they were nice enough, and £7.50 each. Came with a bit of salad and crisps and we sat in the small courtyard garden outside, which was nice.

I wanted to love this place I REALLY DID. It looks fantastic from the outside and fantastic from the inside. The wife and I ventured in. We sat at a table and was greeted by a really friendly man who told us to order at the counter. We placed our order of two coffee's and two sandwiches, with the not so friendly lady behind the counter. Kind of blah I'll serve you but really can't be bothered that much attitude. The coffee's arrived in reasonable time. I take mine without milk and just a bit of sugar so there is nowhere to hide for the coffee and while it was certainly drinkable it wasn't great. Illy was on the cup, I don't know if it was but just feel could do better. Approx 20 to 25 mins later the sandwiches arrived (it wasn't that busy) I ordered the Club on white and the wife some sweet chilli sandwich. The white bread on mine looked like it was just a cheap loaf and the wife's brown not much better. Don't think they have ever seen a club sandwich, it wasn't that great. Tasteless really. The olive on the side was good though. £21 later for two coffee's and two sandwiches that were average at best, won't bother going back which is a real shame.

Sadly, we observed the owner, producing sandwiches out front, physically push a female member of staff after having had what had seemed angry words with the staff who were doing their best to cope. It was around 1:00pm on Saturday. The member who was pushed went through to the back of the establishment where she and the owner could be heard with raised voices. She put her coat on and walked out. He put his coat on, brought the pavement sign inside and locked the door with a coffee shop full of customers and no sign to say the establishment had closed.We left our watery coffee untouched and left, unlatching the door to let ourselves out,An unpleasant experience!

Ate here as my wife had spotted it on a previous visit to old town. We had lunch which consisted of a couple of sandwiches, a couple of coffees and a doughnut. We received really good service throughout. The food was good. There was plenty of choice. It was a touch pricey if I’m being honest so beware.

Nice coffee. Not the cheapest but the best.

Very friendly, greatmusic and atmosphere, will visit again

Nice place for a snack and drink but limited menue - half the things were not available but could have been a glitch. Quaint outdoor courtyard garden seating available.

Brilliant cafe. Food was outstanding and a fair price.

Perfect Bakery and Lovely Staff.

Whilst having ' time on my hands ' waiting for a repair to my watch in the Jewellers in the next door premises, I made my first ever visit to this establishment and I am glad that I did. I only needed a coffee' due to ' pressure of time ' and received an Americano, which was of excellent quality - most enjoyable Clean and tidy with friendly staff and an interesting menu, I will return here to sample the fare, when ' time is less demanding ' and I can enjoy the experience !

Love this place for a relaxing coffee and nice cake...

Really, really pleasant to come here for lunch. Great choice of sandwiches (made to order) and great coffee.

Surprised how rude and disinterested staff are. They never used to be like that. Very disappointing since food and coffee is lovely. I think perhaps staff should attend a refresher course on customer service. Sadly I won’t be going back there to find out whether this happens.

Beautifully presented food, not cheap, but worth it!

Not a lot to choose from. Very expensive for what it is. Coffee nothing to write home about. Apple juice for kids they said tasted odd....they have pure apple juice all the time.

Before Balalulas I have never eaten a salad that I would consider a full meal. The presentation was exceptional, dressing completely on point, and the mix of flavours divine. I probably didnt need to eat the whole thing but I couldnt help myself! The service is very efficient and the staff are friendly and knowledgable.

Stopped for lunch. Beautiful coffee and good club sandwich. Found staff to be pleasant and efficient. Will definitely return

Stopped here for lunch. First visit. Was allowed to wait at the table for my friend without being hurried or harassed. Service was prompt, staff polite, and food delicious. Prices are reasonable with a decent menu to choose from. A nice place to stop for a quick bite to eat.

Group of 6 planned farewell for a friend. Came at 3pm, having checked online they were open till 5.30pm. Told on arrival they were closing at 4.30, though shop staying open later. Thought we still had time, and ordered coffee and cakes.

I really have no idea where from all those negative opinions are ... Went there few days ago with my best friend, we loved it! Service was good, nice and polite. To place an order you have to go to the counter, but that is not a problem at all. Love the idea of different style tables . We had two coffees and we shared a brownie with white chocolate bits. It was scrumptious. Saw about 5 more different cakes by the counter. Will definatelly go back there for lunch as they serve cold and hot Delicatessen food.

We had a lovely creamy coffee, hot choc and great salmon & cream cheese sandwiches. Very delicious and a lovely atmosphere. Our first time at Balula’s and we will most definitely be back again very soon! 😊

I had lunch here with my niece. I had a delicious club sandwich and two cups of excellent coffee. I also had chocolate and amaretti cake which was excellent too.

Recommended to go and was very disappointed. Lady serving took a while to even acknowledge us, then appeared totally uninterested. No real choice of cakes apart from a very expensive small offering. Same lady then eventually brought my coffee out, sprinkled in chocolate which I had not asked for and hate. No smile, no real acknowledgement, bordering on rude. Once I had scraped the chocolate away the coffee was not bad, the cake was stale. I will say the sandwiches others had did look nice, possibly my small request was not enough.

The front of this deli/cafe looks inviting but it was not matched by the service. I found the waitress disinterested and certainly not bothered about attending to our order in a way that made us feel welcome. The cakes were expensive but also not really up to scratch: the portugese custard tart was not inspiring and the lardy cake was too dry. We would not go back here.

Still in shock at the aggressive nature of the owner and the way he made me and girlfriend feel during our recent trip here. He completely lost his head when my girlfriend was eating something that wasn’t purchased in his cafe. We had already purchased two coffees (bang average) and instead of politely asking her to not eat it in his cafe he proceeded with an aggressive tirade of verbal abuse. It got so aggressive and he made us feel so threatened that we had no choice but to leave before finishing our coffee. As we walked out he completely switched trying to be nice telling us to finish the coffee and offered us a refund. Too little too late we didn’t accept the refund. Keep your money in your pocket this small business owner is a poor reflection and doesn’t deserve local custom.

Still in shock at the aggressive nature of the owner and the way he made me and girlfriend feel during our recent trip here. He completely lost his head when my girlfriend was eating something that wasn’t purchased in his cafe. We had already purchased two coffees (bang average) and instead of politely asking her to not eat it in his cafe he proceeded with an aggressive tirade of verbal abuse. It got so aggressive and he made us feel so threatened that we had no choice but to leave before finishing our coffee. As we walked out he completely switched trying to be nice telling us to finish the coffee and offered us a refund. Too little too late we didn’t accept the refund. Keep your money in your pocket this small business owner is a poor reflection and doesn’t deserve local custom.

The best coffee ever, staff are amazing

My first time here on the 18th June 2018. It's been here for 8yrs I'm shocked how well the lay out in here. KRISTINA who served me today was very helpful and you can get internet here it's lower case for balulas1. Please come to old town in wood Street and check for yourself.

Great coffee and cake selection...yummy

This place looks inviting and is presented well from the outside. Sadly, it ends there. My wife and I popped in for a coffee, and thought we'd try here as we had never been and always try new places. Absolutely no acknowledgement from the staff as we walked in and waited at the counter. My wife said hello to one of the young girls and just received a blank look, bad attitude for this business. The staff consisted of about 4 teenage girls and a much older woman, that must have been the boss; all looked like they'd rather be anywhere but serving paying customers (not cheap by the way).

Orange cake and coffee worth keep going for .

Awesome food but very overpriced.

I have popped into Balula twice this week, once for a take away coffee and once for a coffee in their little courtyard at the back.

Stumbled on Balula's when looking around Old Town. First time visit and was pleasantly surprised by the great coffee, catering and furniture

Good food, nice people, and comfortable seats. Perfect 👌