The Dairy Barn in County Durham

It was a pleasure to return to the Dairy Barn, after lockdown. What a treat to gaze upon the fridge full of cream cakes once again!We only had coffee this time, but are looking forward to a peach melba very soon. The new extension is nice, making the most of the view across the countryside. However, we hope the sofas are returning to their prime spot by the fire, come winter time.

The breakfast is really good and the cakes are excellent. The only reason it’s 4 and not 5 is because the coffee needs a bit of improvement. If you’re fussy about your flat whites it’s not a proper flat white.

Can I just say, the staff were so pleasant and patient with us 1st time visitors since Corona. Although they were so busy they were still professional and helpful. I commend them all as I know only too well what working with the general public can be like. Service was prompt and faultless. We were sat outside, yes there were some wasps but if you didn't bother them, they didn't bother you. I cannot fault my experience. Hats off to all the staff that worked that shift today. You were awesome. One lady sat on the bench behind me, twisted there were no menus outside. Any common sense and she would have known the menu's had to be cleaned after every use. All she had to do was ask a member of staff for one. There is no pleasing some people. Anyway, thanks to the Dairy Barn, my son certainly enjoyed his Oreo waffle and I enjoyed the half hour peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings

I’m so pleased the pepperoni pizza panini is back at the Dairy Barn I love it. Also I’m very pleased that you all know me by name.

After a trip to the local nature reserve we thoroughly enjoyed our ice cream! They play area is just perfect for little ones, we had a 5 and 2 year old with us and they had a wonderful time. The outside seating area and garden/play area is well away from cars and safe for children. Slides, swings and tunnels, what more could you ask for?Ice cream was delicious, play equipment and grassed area were ideal for little ones.We didn’t see the wider menu or try anything other than ice cream scoops but will definitely be back to try rest of the menu as they looked incredible!

Not very impressed by The Dairy Barn. Staff member little grumpy and only gave one word reply. Asked said staff member about allergy menu and allergens - reply I got was no. I was given no help no information nothing. Surely it’s a legal requirement for a Business to provide allergen information and follow labelling rules for business that sells and makes food.

First and last time, I ordered 4 hot drinks and they all came out stone cold we got offered no sugar or milk to go in the drinks, they all got brought out to us separately and we didn’t get told what drinks they were that was getting given to us. We also ordered some crumpets we got no knife to put the butter on with and the crumpets were the cheapest things about they were like rubber, also I ordered a custard slice for someone to come out and tell me that it had been taken and that I couldn’t have it because they had ran out. I also ordered a chocolate eclair, peach melba and two Victoria sponge (one to replace the custard slice) and the cream in all the cream cakes were vile it had no taste at all I don’t think the cream in the middle of them was even cream it was that artificial cream and the Victoria sponges were both stale and tasted like it had been left out for ages also the pastry on chocolate eclair was disgusting it was like rock it was like it had been left out of the fridges for a day and the chocolate on top wasnt even chocolate when you took a bite of it the chocolate would just break. Then the peach melba had no peach inside at all it was just cream, pastry and icing. They also did not have any of the prices on for any cream cakes. I wasted £30 on something that tasted vile. I WOULD NOT recommend to anyone, the service was appalling they didn’t know wether they were coming or going with food or drinks, they don’t even deserve one star.

Entry from main road, car park and walkway improvements with an added bump out on the main building for more spacing between tables. Service and food great as usual with any reasonable request accommodated.

Very well organised felt like it was before lockdown the only thing I would say I didn’t like was that only 1 person could be at the till. This is hard for me especially because I have some disabilities which means it’s even harder for me to pay for my lunch without my carer being there. I get the fact that they are trying to follow the COVID19 restrictions but I want them to take Note of this.

Nice place to stop for a light snack or coffee and cake. Great selection of cakes. Took some home with us !

Had lunch here with me mam, shared a delicious thick sliced white bread, ham and pease pudding sandwich. Followed by a peach melba and strawberry tart, which we also shared. The peach melba was our favourite but both delicious. Very busy but didn't have to wait too long. A lovely man saw we were looking for a table for two and offered us his as he and his wife were getting ready to leave. Friendly and helpful staff too.

Visited with friends for coffee and a chat. The coffee was a latte and a tasty blend. One of my friends had a toasted tea cake that was a substantial size. Looked delicious. I was delighted that they are dog friendly as my Labrador loves Dining out!!!!

I often wonder how come I didn’t know about this place before. Just a few miles from home and I didn’t know it was there, now I’ve found it what a joy. Great cakes, ice cream, coffee and lots more. Great area outside if the weather is good and the views are amazing. It’s a real treat

Called 28/1/2020 for lunch. Good menu choices. We had a Corned beef pie and Cheese and Ham toastie with salad which was very fresh and coleslaw. They where nicely presented and very tasted. Strawberry milk shake was delicious. We brought cake home for afters. Clean, unusual decor. Worth a visit.

Took my daughter for lunch this week as it was her birthday. We had steak pie and peas which was gorgeous. Pastry was lovely and pies full of meat. I had biscotti cheesecake with coffee ice-cream, my daughter had chocolate gateaux and mint choc chip ice-cream...... both were amazing. It was so good we took extra home for our hubby's. Staff very friendly and attentive. The place is stopless and unique. I would recommend 100%.

Been here on numerous occasions food is always on point the staff are brilliant so friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere is fab lovely little gem off a cafe out in the country

Visited lunchtime today, outside was damp and foggy but inside warm and cosy.Food choice was good (although disappointed that turkey was not available for anticipated Christmas sandwiches). Instead we had fresh tuna sandwich, hot delicious cheese scone, delightful Nutella cheesecake and old school cornflake tart and custard. All delicious served promptly by pleasant waiter. Granddaughter also enjoyed a variety of ice cream. Very reasonably priced.My only complaint is the slippy/muddy downhill walk from car park. They do have disabled parking nearer and although I do have mobility issues at present (but no blue badge) I did not feel I should use this space.

How this women stays in business is beyond me. Her attitude towards her customers is disgraceful. God knows how she treats her staff. We won’t be returning.

A lovely place to stop for tea and cake with fantastic views. Generous portions and reasonably priced.

My friend and I went for lunch. The open fire was lovely and the views are spectacular. Gorgeous spicy parsnip soup and sandwiches. I bought takeaway cakes on the way out. Very friendly staff too. First visit...loved it! Dog-friendly.

Visited with friends on Sunday morning for breakfast.

We drove through to The Dairy Barn from Middlesbrough and we were certainly not disappointed with the place or the food. Our visit was spoilt by the attitude of the member of staff taking the orders. I had stood with my granddaughter waiting to order our food. We were behind a family placing a large order also people getting served at the ice cream counter. We did have to keep moving to allow new customers enter the cafe. None of this confusion was a problem to us - we were not in a hurry just looking forward to a relaxing lunch. When I moved forward to place my order the guy on the till accused me of queue jumping. I was astounded as his manner was abrupt and rude. I was totally embarrassed and just wanted to leave the cafe and go elsewhere. As I had my daughter and granddaughter with me I didn't want to spoil their day so I simply went to the back of the queue. The whole experience was spoilt by his attitude possibly made worst by him accusing me of the very thing I hate and would never do. The place was very busy and all the staff were totally stressed apart from the young girl who served our food. unfortunately I didn't see a name badge. She was very pleasant and possibly saved the day for us - she was wearing glasses and had dark hair - thank you to her. I may visit this cafe again at a later date when my embarrassment subsides. Very very disappointed.

Great selection of cakes, ice creams etc.

As an independent telephone engineer, I get to see much of the "back of house" at pubs and restaurants in the course of my work. You could call me a "fly on the wall". At some places, there are lots of flies. Not here.

My friend and I indulged in afternoon coffee and sweet treats, and enjoyed our visit.

Visited the dairy barn and sat outside overlooking stunning views of the countryside. I am celiac and I had a gluten free cheese scone and hot chocolate. It was very tasty ..

A perfect place for lunch or afternoon tea. The views are sensational. The food homemade. Known for a delicious range of ice creams to start but now does all types of food. Fabulous.

Never been to the dairy barn before, but always wanted to try it.

Called in for a quick ice cream in my break. Had salted caramel and raspberry ripple and was very nice. Lots of children as it was the summer holidays and they had donkeys and goats. Inside looked very cosy. Sat outside and as it was a hot day but were plagued by wasps, but cant be helped!

We really enjoy our visits here, with our grandchildren, until today. The place was packed, on a lovely day, with no tables available, inside or out, except for a reserved one, which was empty for over a hour. After about half an hour a outside table came free, and we perused a menu for lunch, for 3 adults & 2 children, but the children were frightened by wasps, as were we. Not just one or two, but there was a minimum of five around us at any time, often it felt like a swarm. We felt it was not safe for the children, and left, going to Broom Mill Farm instead, where we spent about £30. Strongly suggest that the owners invest in outside wasp traps, loads available on Amazon & elsewhere. A few of these around would have kept us around, and another family, we saw leave for the same reason. Please do not be put off, the place is great, and it has been quite a heatwave, so maybe wasps are more of a problem than normal.

Had a break from work with colleagues this afternoon and we all enjoyed double scoop ice cream cones choosing a selection of flavours. It was a busy afternoon with lots of children enjoying the last week of summer hols. I chose forest fruits and blood orange which was divine. Staff were friendly and service was quick which we needed as were on a tight timescale.

Lovely staff and good food. When we went it was raining so sat inside but they have tables outside with stunning views. Excellent selection of ice cream (proper ice cream!!)Can recommend it.

As always, a lovely trip to the Dairy Barn. Fantastic panini, with a lovely side salad; perfect latte, and finished off with a truly spectacular waffle and ice cream! Coupled with the outstandingly beautiful views across the valley, I simply cannot think of a better way to while away a couple of hours! Thanks to the friendly staff!

We always like to come here because of the friendly helpful service and the stress free atmosphere when we take young children who can potter about in the little indoor playarea. Recently we had the opportunity to go child free for a proper afternoon tea, knowing it would be busy but taking the chance when we had it. We were not disappointed, the food and the service as good as ever, we had to take cakes home as we couldn't manage everthing. Thank you Dairy Barn always a pleasure.

Went yesterday with my daughter and grandkids for the first time. I had the Peach melba that I had been longing for since seeing it on your posts. I have to tell you...it did not disappoint. It was lush!!! My daughter enjoyed a cheese scone. Lovely place and kid friendly. Will defo be going again xx

A few people had recommended the Dairy Barn to me but I’d never got round to going. I’ve now been a couple of time now in the last month and both times the food and the staff were brilliant. The raspberry and blondie ice cream is to die for.

Lovely place to have that Sunday treat, with lovely views and plenty of space for the kids to play. The staff were lovely and helpful. They have lots of tempting cakes, waffles, sundaes and ice cream. They do sell sandwiches and other savoury delights . Will be back

Visited today to catch up with a friend, the place was busy but we still received our food and drinks very swiftly. Panini and coffee lovely as always and staff very polite and friendly. Highly Recommend!

I get quite stressed whenever I go out with my two kids there’s not many child friendly places so I was so happy when the staff were extremely friendly to my daughter, they allowed her to pick what she wanted and they were so patient. The lovely little play corner was such a welcome surprise, I was relaxed in a coffee shop it has never been known! Menu is amazing! Ice cream is wonderful. We will definitely back thanks for helping a stressed mummy relax when I am out!! Definitely be back!

Absolutely worth a visit to try the peach melba. The sandwiches, scones, ice cream are all fabulous. The view is amazing over the fells. There was even a little play centre inside and an adventure type playground outside.

Great place to spend a couple of hours chatting .Had both tea and coffee which were fine cream teas looked nice Even though it was extremely busy service was quick

Lovely place to visit if in the area,staff are friendly and polite,atmsosphere is lovely,food is great and reasonably priced,dog friendly to,overall a lovely place and i would reccomened a visit.

Have been here loads of times now and it’s been a pleasure every time. The food and desserts are mega. The venue is fantastic and and staff are very attentive. Give it a go, otherwise your missing out on a very enjoyable experience 👌🏻

This little gem has been my favourite local go to place since moving into the area. I have visited many times with and without my wheelchair using son.

Had a really fantastic afternoon. Service and food exceptional. Very child friendly too. Staff very polite and attentive. Children love the ice creams.

This is a great place if you've got kids (note to self don't go during school holidays) as there is a vast grassed area for them to play. Dogs are also welcome. As I don't like dogs, I was very wary of the one that was there, although it was on a lead. I visited for morning coffee and a cake with my cousin - we had a nice catch up too. The staff are very friendly, so are the cream cakes (eat me, I'm made of cream). It wasn't busy even though the sun was shining. The entrance to the car park is an unmade road with one passing point.

So, as a family we visited The Dairy Barn for breakfast and it was absolutely amazing. Quality of ingredients second to none.....loved it.

Visited here for the first time with our son, daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren on Easter Monday. As the weather was so good it was lovely to sit outside whilst the kids ran off a little steam in the play area. Prices were quite reasonable, staff pleasant - only problem was they had ran out of drinks for the kids food pack. They did make it up with glasses of juice though.

This is a fantastic family friendly place to sit back & enjoy freshly made ice cream whilst the kids are playing. They do more than ice cream and the cakes looked fantastic.

We called in for morning coffee, and enjoyed a drink and a cake sitting outside. The view was lovely and the whole ambience friendly. There is a children's play area for little ones to enjoy. The ice creams looked amazing - will have to return for one of those!

Was really looking forward to visiting this place as my partner had been with his daughter and he loved it. I took my mam and niece for a Mother’s Day treat and was told to sit at any table. Tables are very close together and some very low and as my mam is 81 I wanted to make sure she was comfortable. We chose a seat and then we where then moved along as it was booked for an afternoon tea we all decided on jacket potatoes and I paid for that , then was told only one jacket left so we reordered which was cheaper - no refund I didn’t say anything as didn’t want to upset my mam I wanted her to take a cake home and decided on Easter egg cake - £5 ?? Really

I popped in for coffee with my husband, teenage daughter and dog. What a thriving and friendly place! We always love it when dogs are allowed inside and welcomed with free dog biscuits! But the real strength of this cafe is it's family offering - a play corner for toddlers and outside play equipment for older kids. Definitely worth a visit! Lots of food options - not just ice cream and cakes.

Couldn’t get a seat couldn’t see the food available. Staff and customers just running around like headless chickens. Not a very relaxing place at all. Would have walked away but kids wanted to stay.

Staff very pleasant and helpful and food gorgeous. Views and surroundings absolutely stunning Will definitely be a regular visitor.

What a lovely experience, wonderful atmosphere and such a friendly staff. Food was lovely and presented beautifully. Highly recommend this place.

Came for lunch just before Christmas. Loved the views, coziness, Christmas Decs and interior design. Menu and cakes great too. Staff were young students I presume and perhaps could have been more friendly but overall was impressed and we’re looking forward to returning when we visit the area again.

I’ve been several times now and I have to say, it is always the place that pops into my head when a friend says shall we meet for coffee & cake! I love everything about it, the menu has a good selection of sandwiches and hot food which are lovely but the cakes and ice cream are stand out for me (and I’m a total cake and ice-cream snob...it’s got to be worth the SW syns!!!) Ooo and their coffee is gorgeous too and served really hot which is how I like it! In the summer it’s great for ice-cream and eating outside but in the winter it’s so cosy inside, especially if you can get the sofas by the log burner!! We’ll be back over the Christmas holidays to try your Waffles!!

Been several times to the dairy barn. Although the different flavours of ice cream are lovely and the cakes etc are really nice never once have we had a nice greeting. The staff who served us last week didn’t have a clue, not their fault, but should be trained.

Yesterday we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea with friends. Had a very friendly welcome on arrival - the afternoon teas were simply delicious and the service second to none. All in beautiful surroundings - what more can anyone wish for.

Visited with family who knew how to get to this restaurant - not local so very helpful- Warm welcome and excellent choice of food which was timely served and tasted great - will definitely be back here again 👍👍👍

Visited here for the first time this week. Very friendly welcome on arrival and felt their was plenty of choice’s in snacks / cakes etc. I had a cheese scone, which was warmed and delicious. We enjoyed our food sat by the fire, on a lovely comfortable sofa, my partner after her fruit scone with jam & cream, thought she might fall asleep!

When we arrived thought it was a children's crèche day.

Went for a quick meal came out with a waffle ice cream overflowing with deliciousness. The food was fantastic understand the reason for the prices no where is cheap these days. Staff where lovely and friendly and oh so helpful explained the menu clearly so that i knew what i was getting. The options for the waffle where endless. They even had a waffle of the month for less than a create your own one!!!!!

It saddens me to write a negative review, as I've enjoyed every previous visit here (see earlier reviews).

Visited today with my friends and our children. We had lunch and ice cream. Everything was absolutely beautiful. Staff were friendly and the service was excellent. We will definitely be back and the views are beautiful

Good choice of flavours with special diets catered for. This place is great for children as there's an indoor play section and a outdoor play area. Sometimes there's special days on i.e Unicorn day when two white horses dress up as unicorns and give rides to the children. Local crafts are also sold in the shop and the Knickerbocker Glory I had was the best I've ever tasted.

Took my aunt for lunch we all got soup with sandwich . The soup was leek and potato unfortunately we couldn't eat it .there was no flavour we put salt in and was still Awfull .sandwiches were ok but Ye carnt go wrong with a sandwich and lattes were to strong . It a lovely place to visit but unfortunately we won't be in a hurry to go bk

Had ice cream, scone and coffee.Lovely clean place,comfortable and lovely pleasant staff.

setting is ideal - perfect to stop off after school - but we have lived in the area for 7 years now and only found out about this from school yard talking - its not very well advertised and a small sign on a road that unless you pass wouldn't know was there - nothing from the main road from Hunwick for eg.

Well worth a visit they have a good selection of hot and cold meals . Their selection of deserts is also very good along with a great choice of ice cream

Went to the dairy barn as it was a hot day and I needed to keep the puppy entertained for a bit. The drive to the car park is a bit off road but that’s to be expected considering it’s location (you just have to be steady driving down). Picked ice cream which was delicious, genuinely one of the nicest I’ve tasted. The seating outside is nice and it overlooks the countryside. The dog also enjoyed his time there, one of the chickens decided to come over to the table, was quite funny. Staff were also really friendly. Will definitely return.

The drive down the narrow unfinished road is a nightmare in a new car.

The words of my 11 yr old after a visit today to celebrate a friend's recent birthday... She said she had a lovely time and the staff were very helpful.

A very lovely spot indeed - although the track leading down to it is not ideal - especially if you're walking and have a little one in a push-chair.....its only one-way! However the Dairy Barn is a very lovely place indeed....the food is very nice(although not an extensive menu) and the prices are good too....and the ice-creams....oh....the ice-creams....magnificent!! Good service, friendly service....would certainly go back.

Popped for a cake and a drink with my mum the other day, lovely friendly welcoming staff, delicious cakes and perfect surroundings (we sat outside in the shade to cool off!) will be back again soon

Beautiful place to visit with the family and I have to give top marks today to Callum , working towards the duke of Edinburgh’s ward , such a polite young boy , very nice to see the young being given the opportunity to see what working is all about xx

On a beautiful hot sunny day I almost drove past. I’m glad I didn’t I thoroughly enjoyed a raspberry ripple & coconut cone. Although the gelato was slightly icy it was delicious nonetheless.

my first visit here. and last. bought ice cream and a slice of aero cake. the cake had a grey looking hair sticking out from inside after starting to eat. took back in and told the staff the sharp reply being we don't make them. had to ask for a refund as no apology or refund offered. total time spent there 20 minutes and all the time there were two pergals of milk sat out the back in a cage getting warmer.which I also told the staff and was told that they know. I certainly won't be going back or recommending it to anyone else

Regularly come just for take out cakes but have on a number of occasions sat in and ordered food. Every time excellent food and service. This is a very busy place so a little wait is expected. Just enjoy the views and relax! No use getting impatient, you can see when the staff are rushed off there feet! Fresh, great food with lovely desserts/ice cream what more can you ask for?!

Second visit in a few weeks, this time bringing my parents.

Been here a couple of times and never been disappointed. The ice cream is by far the best I’ve had, great to see young people given the opportunity to learn and work for their pocket money! Beautiful location on a sunny day sitting outside while the little one runs off her unicorn sundae

Our first visit to the Dairy Barn, very busy, most likely due to the gorgeous weather we were having, staff were lovely especially the young girl who served us who was very patient with me as I was having trouble hearing her due to the noisy and impatient customer next to me. Ice cream is lovely especially the gin and tonic sorbet. We will be back.

Firstly I must say what a lovely place it is and some beautiful views

We were recommended to try this place by the people who sold them ice cream equipment.

Arrived at cafe after a bit of a squeeze down a rough track - rather narrow in places. Filled with young mothers and plenty of kids running around who seemed to enjoy the play area. Coffee and cake average. Large tables that needed clearing and cleaning. Staff not very pleasant. Views very nice.

I had heard a lot about this place and was not disappointed. Grannies aunties mothers toddlers and babes in arms,we met to enjoy a delightful lunch followed by ice cream for toddlers and grannies! We sat next to a indoor play area ideal for amusing the younger but active part of our party. The adults enjoyed a variety of delicious lunches served by competent friendly staff. The surroundings are pleasant, the views superb. Who wouldn't want to while away an hour or two here? Children not compulsory but definitely welcome.

Lovely staff and great service, food was perfect. Cakes and sandwiches, scones and fruit. Great location and views

Even when it was snowing outside this place has great views and is in a perfect location. Pie & mushy peas followed by creme egg cake were delicious. Only slight negative was other guests around us were complaining about the time it was taking to serve food/drinks - we had plenty of time and sometimes not to be rushed but can appreciate if you only had short amount of time, this place may not suit.

My wife and family along with my daughter friends had a baby shower party here today. It’s a really nice place with a great view over the valley where you can watch the sheep and lambs while you have a coffee and ice cream or even cake. I like coming here when I’m in the area.

Visited earlier today and I was very pleasantly surprised. The meals are delicious and also great value for money. The ice cream is also to die for! I had mini egg flavour and couldn’t believe just how much it tasted like mini egg! The service however could be improved. The staff all appeared very stressed as the store was busy. They also weren’t particularly friendly. The table layout could also be improved. Where we were sat made us feel like we were in everyone’s way and the tables are also very close together. Despite this we will definitely be back! A new local gem

visited here with the family, including two very young children. It was friendly, the food was good and the ice cream was delicious. There is a little indoor play mat with a few toys to entertain the young. The weather was not kind to us, so will have to go back in the summer as there seems to be plenty of green space to sit out.

We visited the Dairy Barn as a family to see the lambs that were paying a visit. What a lovely place for families. The barn was very busy but had a lovely family atmosphere about it. There is a great little area full of toys for younger children, which kept our two occupied for a while! The ice creams were absolutely delicious, and whilst we didn't order cake, they looked amazing and came in huge slices! A lovely place to spend time!

One panini, one sandwich and beans on toast for a 3 year old took 50 minutes to arrive.

Went for a visit with a friend for the first time. Really lovely place, nice latte, fresh delicious scones. A very clean and warm place with a lovely atmosphere. Well worth a visit. Will be going again.

Lovely place beautiful views. Ordered cream teas great big tea pot. Scones with jam and clotted cream. Scones tasted quite vanilla. Pity parents couldn't keep their kids from running around the place

Our friends bought us afternoon tea for Xmas and we finally got round to going .the surroundings are lovely with stunning views.we thoroughly enjoyed our tea ,the little tarts were delicious The staff were pleasant and helpful ,altogether a very pleasant experience .we will go again

Popped into the dairy barn.... staff were so welcoming, nothing was too much trouble.. service was great and the food/desserts were even better... will definitely be returning... very soon

We had come across The Dairy Barn just before Christmas when we had visited the area and have revisited .the ice cream selection is outstanding with very unusual flavours although not ice cream weather still nice to try.We had hot chocolates and lovely chocolate cake in front of the log fire .the views are stunning .The staff were pleasant and chatty .

Visited with friends, poor service, sun blaring in on the table, tables not cleared, food was average, cheescake sloppy, rude staff, never tried ice cream tbh i wont be going back, although gauging by the owners attitude yesterday i doubt she would be bothered, personally id avoid head further up the dale where people are happy to have your business

My granddaughters baby shower was held here today and from the minute we arrived we weren’t made welcome at all, yes maybe the girls were loud but the frosty reception was unbelievable, the second sentence was you’ll have to pay for the 2 people who didn’t turn up, I thought that was the whole idea of paying a deposit.... if the lady who was in charge didn’t like my daughter she should have said from the beginning she was full.. there was 15 adults and 2 13 year olds and the adults paid £10.95 each alone the bill was £164.25.... we all couldn’t wait to get out. We had to ask for more soft drinks and we didn’t dare ask for more coffee and tea...Then when we waited to be picked up the lady who was in charge walked straight past us and we were completely ignored....