Gilou's in Wiltshire

This is a smart cafe with a good selection of cakes and on this occasion we enjoyed the Millionaires Brownie and a moist Blueberry and Lime cake . These were accompanied by good flat whites.

Greeted indifferently by an owner who seemed more intent with badgering regulars with his inane chat than serving anyone politely. Served a poor "flat white" in reasonable time, but had to sit on an uncleared table - which was then cleared, but not cleaned. To be honest, sat drinking our coffee outside looking at the coffee shop opposite thinking about what could have been. Whilst there, witnessed the owner treating others with similar disdain which actually resulted in a sharp exchange of words - awkward, to say the least. The cakes looked a little small and uninteresting. I wouldn't return when there are so many other places to try in BoA.

When we were looking to move to Bradford on Avon, I had a coffee at Gilou's and thought, "ok if this is here, it's all going to be ok" Great coffee and pastries and lovely owner. I hope they open up again soon. Please!!

First visit here and enjoyed the style and atmosphere. Very good flat white with good strong coffee unlike the chain coffee shops provide. We also had chocolate croissants that were excellent. New favourite when visiting BoA

My partner and I both have mask exemption. We visited Gilou's this morning and were very unpleasantly told to leave by the owner. This despite the fact we could have been seated at a table within about 10 seconds and then taken a mask off!. I post this as a warning to anyone else with legal mask exemption - do not visit Gilou! As a postscript we then went to the Shambles Cafe opposite and were treated with courtesy and friendliness. We have visited before and found the drinks good but expensive

My latte was really good but my wife’s chai latte was average. The cakes were ok but nothing special. It was a comfy place but what I didn’t like was the rude owner. Also, in the toilet bowl there was a picture of the Prime Minister. I realise he is a divisive figure and clearly the owner does not like him but I thought it rather distasteful to invite customers to relieve themselves on a picture of him. Won’t be going back. There are better places in BOA.

It was a toss up between here and the coffee shop opposite in this narrow walkway, regretfully this was the wrong choice! Owner showed complete disregard and arrogance to the rules and guidelines in place due to covid pandemic, regarding cleaning down tables,distancing ,track and trace etc ,set for to enable such establishments and small businesses to open ,for which he should be greatful for the opportunity to enable this business to survive? It was clear from the sticker of Boris Johnson , placed on the inside of the toilet pan ( very amusing) the owners views about the government,but irrespective of peoples opinions ,rules are rules and not for individuals to decide that they are somehow exempt. The owner was rude to my daughter when she asked to use the toilet.This place should not be open with this guy's attitude,certainly until the Pandemic is over (if at all) as he clearly couldnt care less about customer safety or satisfaction,as long as they're buying his coffee. Plenty of other coffee shops about in Bradford on Avon,a lot more ethical sure.

I discovered this little cafe a few years ago but only started going regularly last year. Saturday morning, 10 o clock, waiting for it to open. It became a ritual and the one thing on my mind, chocolate almond croissant. How gutted was I one day when it wasnt there! I have seen reviews below about the owner and his attitude. When i first went I thought maybe he was a little grumpy but i put it down to the French nature :) . But he has never been anything but pleasant to me. It's a distant memory now as I have left the area but dream.about going back. There are some amazing pastries in the area, Harts bakery in bristol but hands down , gilous has one of the best. Warm and woozy from the oven with a flat white.

Terrible service/Rude owner. Put ham in my vegan roll and cows milk in my vegan coffee! When I questioned, the owner was shouting and swearing at us. He then followed us out the shop shouting when we asked for a full refund. Disgusting behaviour. Would not recommend to anyone

This is the only coffee shop worth visiting in BoA. Excellent coffee,delicious cakes and service is spot on. It is so refreshing to have an independent, local businesses of such high quality in the town and this one is clearly well regarded by the locals.

By far the best cafe in Bradford on Avon and not frumpy or grannyish like most of the others there. Best coffee outside of Bath and amazing cakes-a must for foodies. Highly recommended and located in a beautiful part of B on A away from noisy roads yet in the middle of the medieval village centre. The highly sophisticated owner is from Paris and knows his stuff-always charming and friendly!

Poor service and an establishment that leaves political related flyers on the tables needs to think about its customers. I don’t appreciate having to see Remain supporting literature, it almost made be gag on the coffee. Had I been aware of the nature of the literature I would have walked out without ordering. Coffee was only ok, certainly not worth writing home about.

I had arranged a business meeting at the cafe and had to unfortunately bring my little girl as she was post surgery. My Daughter chose a Comfy armchair to sit in and brought her feet up next to her. As I was ordering my drink I didn’t see that she had done this and would obviously asked her to put her feet down. I was told “I would prefer if she didn’t have her feet in the chair” in a I’m telling you off tone. No “would you mind” or “please” or “Thank-you” On the plus side the coffee is great and the sofas give it a nice relaxed atmosphere. Maybe if I go back I will not take my children.

The only place worth buying a hot chocolate from, made from actual chocolate! It's a place with a soul; Gilou's, plus I love his cake baking, consistently delious 😋

I often stop by this lovely quirky cafe for a coffee or a piece of cake. Friendly and attentive service. Excellent coffee. Sublime carrot cake. The comfortable and quirky decor makes for a lovely atmosphere. Always feel I could just sit here for hours.

Great cake, great coffee, great atmosphere - what's not to love? Hot chocolate is pretty darn awesome here too, and the staff are super friendly. Will be back very soon!

This seemed very much a community cafe, lots of locals here and very much a family venue. There were activities for kids, a mix of sofas, barstools and normal chairs for seating and a decent menu. Prices were high end but the menu was too and I actually got to try a beetroot latte, which was very nice!

Cozy cafe with amazing hot chocolate made from proper high quality chocolate. Warm and friendly service, would definitely visit again.

Family home on a visit popped in for coffee and cake earlier in the week and asked to go back to try the breakfast.

I have never had a bad cup of coffee here, it is always fabulous. They also loan multi-use cups for you to borrow if you want a take away and have forgotten your own. The service is friendly and welcoming. The toasted sour dough sandwiches are luscious. Love it!

In a world of mass produced coffees and sub-standard, prepackaged food, what a genuine delight it is to have a local cafe that is based around high quality food and drink.

I visit regularly with my children and am always made to feel welcome. My son often enjoys and oat milk babyccino (Gilou sources great alternative milks) and I enjoy a latte or flat white, often with a carrot cake, gluten free chocolate cake or lemon cheesecake (my favourites among the wide selection). Gilou really knows what he's doing to the point that he (jokingly) won't serve me a filter coffee with milk because it doesn't present the coffee at its best. Gilou is a talented, fair, honest and good humoured proprietor and the café is always bustling with the loyal customer base he has built within the town. It's honestly the best café I've been to and we'll really miss it when we move away.

A French cafe serving the best coffee you can imagine is a real bonus to Bradford on Avon.

Had the best coffee I've had in the South West, and that includes Bath. Gilou made me a superb de-caff latte with oat milk. Perfect temperature, perfect taste. The best coffee I've had in years. I also sampled one of his sandwiches - ham, goats cheese, and fresh figs. The different flavours coming through were amazing. You can tell that Gilou is an Artisan baker. Everything shouted 'Quality, Quality, Quality'. His carrot cake is pretty amazing too. Also loved the atmosphere - French music playing, Gilou having in-depth conversations with his 'regulars', comfy sofas as well as chairs. A great place to visit if you're in Bradford on Avon; and a great place to hang out. Loved it.

Poor range of alternative milks on offer. Tried out something new which was awfully bitter. Member of staff not interested in any feedback on the drink and was not particularly polite. Won't return

It seems this town has no shortage of places to have coffee, but an absolute dearth in places that can do it right.

Popped into Gilou’s for a quick take away coffee.

I have been here two or three times and every time I’ve had an enjoyable experience. I can recommend his carrot cake as it’s delicious and the chocolate one is good too. He has a super selection of teas. I had green tea and it came in a cup which has the strainer all in one which I really like. The place has been created by himself and has clever uses of materials and spaces such as the lights etc. Highly recommend checking it out.

I love the coffee here though be warned, it’s strong!

Quality coffee and delicious food. Enjoyed the rustic, yet sophisticated ambience, and the staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Definately recommend.

I am a real fan of Gilou's. The best coffee in Bradford, without doubt. The food is really excellent. It is family run, and feels it.

My mum and I came here on Sunday for the first time and thought it was gorgeous. I’m a vegan and I felt they had enough for me to choose from (coffee/milk) anyways. I noticed they used some organic teas which I also think is fantastic. I even noticed the hand wash in the bathroom is ‘vegan’ etc! The gentleman I spoke to was very friendly and informative. Will definitely recommend and be coming back soon

Second visit after finding it on a Christmas weekend away last year. Wonderful coffee, delicious cakes and I must try and time my next visit at lunchtime as the savoury bakes look delicious. Would be a regular if I didn’t live 200 miles away👍

Love the tasteful low-key Xmas ambience - look out for the Christmas decorations - corks - and Congolese masks.

Lovely to see a cafe that sells quality products and is clean and not covered in dogs hairs. Nice to have a place without dogs inside, while there is still room outside for visitors to sit with their dogs. Often when we fetch our dogs down we are happy to sit outside because the quality of the food and coffee are excellent.

A friendly little cafe, good selection of continental breakfast pastries and coffee was good too. Owner and run by a friendly French guy who gave us some great advice about the local area.

A really friendly coffee shop run by people passionate about good quality and (wherever possible) local produce. Gilou's is chilled and we particularly loved the French background music. Only quick stops for tea and coffee so far but I think we should try out the food too sometime.

Gilou's has long been a mid-dog walk pitstop. The mocha is one of the best I've had (and I've had my fair share over the years) and if you want a tasty treat the almond croissant or gluten free brownie certainly hit the spot! When we heard that Gilou's was opening on weekend evenings we thought we'd pop in and give it ago. Although it didn't really look open, we were welcomed by the very lovely Sam (who while we were there offered great travel advice for visiting Northern Island). We were a little peckish so ordered a cheese board (with dairy delights supplied by the local cheese shops with stunning bread and beautiful chutney - no other frills were necessary). The wine had obviously been chosen carefully and at £4.50 a 175ml glass, we certainly enjoyed one of the cheapest tipples in BoA. If you're ambling down the shambles on a Thurs-Sat night, do pop in and have a drink in lovely surroundings.

Excellent Location in the old Shambles. Great coffee. If you need parking there is short street parking or longer in St Margarets and walk back over the river bridge and down church street

Really great sandwiches. I also have had a pain au chocolat and a very nice cup of tea. Easy going, friendly and welcoming.

Great cafe with a genuine passion for producing amazing coffee. With a ever changing rage of single Origins. Great food, always a treat to pop in. Would highly recommend to the coffee lovers of Bradford on Avon !!

Great coffee and brownie. Loved the decor too. Unfortunately the two guys serving disappeared to the kitchen area leaving the front area uncovered. A potential customer walked away as it appeared nobody was interested! Shame as this place has great potential. Concentrate on delivering excellent customer service.

Day in, day out, great coffee, delicious cake and a friendly spot to take a break with my toddler.

Well priced, small vegetarian menu. We had goat's cheese with walnut and honey and hummus with roasted vegetables on toast served with cauliflower and red pepper salad. Out meals looked nice but were surprisingly tasteless. My americano was very good but my wife did not enjoy her cappuccino.

Beau cadre (déco chaleureuse avec du bois de récupération ), bon accueil du patron français et bons thes

Gilles serves the best Ethiopian coffee, ethically sourced . There is no better coffee to be had outside Ethiopia.

Popped in for a bite to eat, there is just the menu du jour which had half a dozen options but can highly recommend the tartine, cake looked good though didn't have any, very friendly and helpful staff. Would definitely recommend.

Lovely little French cafe, great speciality coffee. Lovely open sandwiches. Comfy with variety of seating. Don't miss it.

I have been waiting years for a great coffee house to open in town and now thankfully Gilous is here.

Excellent atmosphere, staff were brilliant with lots of knowledge of the coffees delicious food, child friendly with some toys and free nappies if you happened to have run out!

Had to mention what a lovely place this is. Relaxing atmosphere, as a cafe should be, and do not go anywhere else if you want great coffee. All in all, what a fantastic cafe, thanks for taking great care in what you do Mr Gilou

New owners, coffee very expensive, and strong. Random food available, no consistency in availability. Great owner but needs to get his act together if locals are expected to patronise!

unbelievable coffee, very friendly and genuine, with lots of little surprises. will be my go to place. loved it

You won't find a better coffee or more friendly service than here. Delicious vegetarian food too. Will definitely be back.

Best coffee in Bradford hands down, good decor, fast service. All others in Bradford are hot bitter English style mugs from tea roomy style places.

Popped by Gilou's for a coffee in beautiful Bradford-on-Avon. Was very pleased to hear they had soy milk so had a Flat White. Gorgeous tasting coffee! Very friendly staff and a lovely place to hang out with friends.

Great to have a place in Bradford where they know how to make a great cup of coffee, have a selection of fresh, well made vegetarian things to eat, welcome children and always offer a smile. Our new favourite cafe hangout and hands down the best takeaway coffee in the town.

Gilou's is a welcome addition in Bradford and Gilou takes a lot of care selecting coffees and the ways they are roasted and brewed, with taster's notes on the blackboard.

On a cold day serving espresso coffee in a small cold cup is not a good idea. I don't know if my wife and I arrived in the middle of the owners having an argument but they were both in a bad mood. Plenty of other coffee shops in Bradford-on-Avon, try one of those!

There was nothing that excited us here. Two of our party had quiche, it was very ordinary and not exciting. I had mushroom and garlic soup, needed seasoning and was watery and was served with a piece of toasted rock hard soda bread. The menu was lacking and certainly the pastries were not evident. Owner pleasant when we left but when serving put the plates and cutlery down on the table with force almost throwing a knife down. There was no salt and pepper evident on the tables - must be a French thing. Overall poor overpriced experience I wouldn't care to repeat.

Gilou's is run by a french baker so the pastries were excellent. The coffee was good and the people were very friendly. It's in a good spot and the children were made to feel really welcome. Would definitely go again.