Retreat Cafe in Hammersmith and Fulham

I've been to this small cafe inside Westfield Shopping Centre a couple of times to have a cup of their ice cream: rich, nice texture and with intense flavour. So far the best ever tried in London

Llevé a mi hijo y sus amigos a cenar cuando estuve recientemente en Londres. Buena comida - precios bien - tenía la cerveza sarda y el cordero. Un pequeño gran lugar para comer o relajarse en su ‘salón’ con la tabla de queso y una botella de vino. . .

I have to say I really didn’t want to have to write this review as I’ve loved the cafe for a while now, so much so that it was my absolute first choice to have my birthday brunch! I booked months in advance and was very organised with pre orders/ sending spreadsheets ahead of time however when we arrived with my cake we were told there was a £20 fee for this (I was quite frustrated this hadn’t been mentioned in all of the planning) but I said that we’d pay, just suggested it should be listed somewhere before. My friend saw I was upset from this and raised the query to the team that legally this policy should be written somewhere and it put us in an awkward position, (but we were still going to pay). Us and the staff team were all fine, and Lisa the amazing manager double checked if we still wanted the cake and we agreed again with smiles- all was well until… The owners came to the table asking to speak with me. They took me outside (the other side of a glass wall my entire party were watching through) and were very hostile in stating that we were “refusing to pay and threatening lawyers!” I assured that was not the case and calmly re explained the situation and that we were happy to pay (which Lisa confirmed) but they were very argumentative and patronising. I suggested that it be mentioned or listed somewhere that this was a policy and they do cakes (which they said was on their website but myself and my friends still can’t find this) and I was scoffed at. I had been pulled away from my party on my birthday to be belittled and made to feel silly in front of all of my friends. It was such a shame as I was so excited to take all of my friends to my favourite spot, and in every fairness every other part of the experience was lovely but I felt I really couldn’t defend this treatment. My hesitation to go back is just the treatment I would get again. I’d also like to add that Lisa the manager offered to take on the fee which was over and above from her and felt a welcome ray of kindness in this situation- so thank you for that!! A very mixed review but I thought (as they don’t deem it necessary) I should make a public PSA of these rules.

Just had the best breakfast at The Big Bites Cafe! The food was amazing—super tasty and fresh—and the staff? So friendly and on point. Definitely my new go-to spot. Highly recommend!

The ‘boss’ was very rude!….kept watching me when I was in there & then said they’re closed whilst serving others!….had it in for me for some reason though we don’t know each other!