M&S Cafe in County Durham

The most disgusting breakfast, the poached eggs were stone cold, the mushroom not sure how it was cooked but it was horrible, heavily smoked streaky bacon, awful sausage, beans ok. It's not cheap either. Definitely won't be back.

We travelled to Durham, some 15 miles, in search of a heated Twin Curling Brush Unit. Replacing the Tongs that have lasted well but 'Given up the Ghost', Last Minute 😔 We Chose M&S for Coffee 'n Salmon/Boiled Egg Sandwich & were Highly Satisfied. The Iconic Brand puts Effort into Quality with a Certain Pride. Sadly, some Staff do not Share the Enthusiasm : We ALL Have pressures to Bear. Clearing & Cleaning Tables may be a Chore, but it's an Income 'Others' would Gladly Share! Some Smile ; Most are under pressure, now that Empty Boxes are less attractive to Steal. We can, however Imagine, that Running for 'Example Stock' to the Stockroom has probably lost its Appeal. We spent £20 on Delicious Food & another £20 on Bits 'n Bobs. It would have been More, but we ran out of time, though Sales Staff were willing to Helpfully, do their Jobs! The Toll on Retail is Heavy ; thus Staff Numbers are Cut to the Bone. I would Suggest that Shareholders 'Get to the Back of the Queue', or their Investments may Not have a Home!! I Write this to Highlight the Desperate Dispair, of All those in Retail who Combat Internet Shopping! We are Old School ; preferring to Handle the Goods ; supporting the Highstreet : And We're Not Stopping!!

I am disabled and had a trolley. One staff member politely asked me to move aside so she could pass with her dirty crockery trolley which I did. Then, another staff member who wasn’t involved mumbled in a loud voice so I could hear “they should stop those trolleys from being allowed in here. I was appalled SHE HAD A BLONDE BOB.

Had an awful experience today when I took my daughter for a late breakfast. She picked up a couple of snacks from the fridge and I went to the till. I ordered the smashed avocado with poached egg and bacon. The unwelcoming lady at the till said there is no avocado this week. So I said well I can just have the poached egg and bacon please she said no they are on the breakfast menu! I said well they are also on the brunch menu it says it there on the board. Again she said really rudely they are on the breakfast menu. I said well they are on the brunch menu as well but you don't have the avocado so I will have it without. She then said again for the third time no they are on the breakfast menu. By this time I had had enough of her awful attitude and walked out in tears. It was such an awful experience and I don't think I will go back to the cafe even though I do my weekly shop there every week.

Occasionally Pauline & I are able to fit in a light lunch and coffee, With Pauline being wheelchair bound trying to find a table suitable can’t be difficult but the staff are more than willing to accommodate us with a friendly smile and words, it brightens Pauline’s week to visit. Man you thanks Pauline & David

Not sure what’s going on but over the past few weeks I’ve been in and asked for a specific item and they never have any in stock. Staff look unhappy and grumpy when serving customers which personally is a put off. Needs to be more life and enthusiasm in staff and actual stock of all items.

Went to lunch today with a friend we both decided on a jacket potato , it came very quickly but was so overdone you couldnt actually cut it , it was horrendous and this is not the first time we've been disappointed but i thought maybe they were having an off day , will just stick to a drink next time im in the arnison.

Very good turkey dinner for the price. A friend is changing roles, so we came here for a leaving lunch on the recommendation of a friend. All four of us (small team) chose the same and all enjoyed it. Very good for the money.

We had break while shopping and enjoyed great coffee and a fabulous cheese scone and luscious carrot cake. Staff were quick and friendly. Always a delight to call in here!

Visited with my partner and grandson for some lunch after shopping in M & S. The place is partly self service (drinks/snacks) and cooked food is table served after order and payment. After being disappointed that they didn't have any Fish & Chips (and hadn't, apparently, for two days!) it made choosing from an already small choice difficult. However, I enjoyed a substantial jacked potato with grated cheese and baked beans, as did my grandson. My partner had the Chicken Stir Fry which was substantial but lacked some flavour.Not an unpleasant experience and good for my grandson!

Enjoyable experience with good quality cafe food, excellent service and plenty of room. Easy to park and a lot better than the local Sainsbury's

The Arnison M and S Cafe has been very popular in the past so much so as they increased the number of tables. Of late the service and competence of the staff has gone down hill Some of the staff obviously hate their jobs and show little interest in the customers. The company used to provide loyalty cards and a small biscuit with tea or coffee, these have gone and you have to ask for a small biscuit. The clothing department in particular the men’s has also gone downhill. If your waist is 30 or less you are out of look. Young people are not catered for in this respect. Next has taken a lot of trade away with its new Costa cafe and a more modern selection of clothe, household goods and furnishings. If I were a director at Marks and Spencer’s, I would be distinctly worried right now, which is a great pity looking at the high standards the M and S used to have. Come on get your fingers out!!!!

Hi. I know what you are thinking Only M and S right?? Well we had an afternoon tea - it was great and great value too. Seriously we have paid fortunes for less. Try it and see what you think. AND you're full too.

Lovely lunch with a friend today, two drinks and two meals - patatas bravas with chicken and rocket. Service was prompt, food was tasty and chairs were comfy.

Great if the shops busy although the cafe is getting increasingly busy too - note the extra “bit” added on. My only complaint of the extra bit would be that the wheelchair friendly seats with stickers are anything but as there just isn’t enough room for a chair. That said I usually find a space in the larger seating area.

This is nice for an M&S cafe. It is large, light, modern and clean and the coffee is pretty good and in fact as good as most branches of Costa.

Went in at 1 o,clock and was told there was no lunch food the same happened the week before it won't happen a third time when people get made redundant for not making enough profit they might now know why

Frequent visitor to this cafe whether for a snack or a light meal. Always nicely prepared and served, and a chance to sample some M&S; food. Although a busy, popular cafe it is usually possible to find a table. Sometimes, however, some food has been sold out, which can be disappointing. Overall generally a good place to eat and drink, drinks made fresh and usually a little biscuit accompanies.

We have visited many times before and enjoyed coffee, scones and hot food. There is limited choice for vegetarians especially for breakfast. On this occasion we fancied the jacket potato with cheese. We checked they had jackets available and ordered. Only to be told that they had run out of cheese. Of course there was plenty in the shop on site but they preferred to let us go with a refund. We went and bought cheese.

We only visit infrequently usually in the afternoon. The big problem is that M and S will not supply two cups with their pot of tea. This apart the staff are great and friendly and the choice of snacks is excellent

Chose to have lunch here rather than grabbing sandwiches and going. The Cafe sells a good range of cakes and hot drinks. The cold savoury lunch items are essentially what's for sale in the food shop, there are hot options as well such as fish and chips, etc.

Called here for a light lunch. Lovely tea & coffee, and a pack of 4 different sandwiches - ham, cheese, egg, chicken - all very tasty. We will be back!