Other branches of Baker and Spice in London:
Belgravia, Chelsea Jan Moir's review of Baker and Spice (The Telegraph)Baker and Spice reviews
Rather bad experience. I pointed out some bread I wanted. When the lady couldn't find a tool to handle it into the bag, I offered my own - seeing as I was the one going to eat it. Little did I know until I got to paying that it was £16! I knew the place was pricey but I am utterly disgusted by the cost and think it is very bad not to price things when you are charging that amount. I'm not short of money but that is robbery!
by harbour, 09 Mar 2008I am a Baker and Spice regular. More often than not, the food is fresh, distinctive and enjoyable. Occasionally, however, their dishes seem like yesterday's leftovers, which is not at all justified given the high prices. My main complaint is that the place seems horribly understaffed, particularly on weekends, resulting in unfriendly sales staff who struggle to keep up with demand. I always look for a sales supervisor named Otto who can be counted on for service with a smile. Best to go off-peak hours for the optimal experience. And much as I have tried to find other places in Northwest that I might enjoy even half as much as Baker and Spice, I have yet to do so.
by Sean Jacobs, 21 Feb 2008I used to excuse the obscenely overpriced items here, as I thought it was a lovely addition to the area. However, this has now changed. I went in with a colleague from work to have a tea and some cakes at 6:25pm, only to be asked by the unbelievably rude member of staff if I would like it to take away. When I said I would like to have it inside, he told me that this may not be possible as they were closing at 7:00pm. I told him that we only wanted to drink a tea, he repeated that they were closing at 7:00. He then asked me to wait while he asked someone out the back, by which time I told him to leave it and went to Starbucks. Such a shame that certain individual businesses take themselves too seriously.
by Cessi, 20 Feb 2008Baker and Spice in Queens Park is a nice stop to pick up something to eat. But if you fancy a casual lunch at weekends, beware! It seems that all the families in the area with young children insist on eating there, although the seating area inside (a large singe table) is not well suited for such gatherings. Your food is in constant danger of being attacked from a neighbouring seat! This, combined with stingy parents who do not think to offer you a replacement for a dish/bread/spilled drink, can spoil your easy-lunching experience.
by Tick2, 27 Oct 2007Their pricing is beyond bizarre - £4.80 for a piece of cheesecake, that actually wasn't that good. They mix per slice and per 100g with abandon - READ THE LABELS WITH CARE! Unfriendly, unhelpful and rather overrated. I only go once every 6 months, as it takes me that long to forget the last bad experience!
by jonnyp42, 05 Oct 2007As many have commented, the prices are ridiculous. Lovely coffee and cakes, but as for the savoury food - which is largely simple yet creative - I would much rather recreate it at home than pay the huge prices they ask!
by kaaatie, 05 Sep 2007You must be kidding! £15 for a small tub of tasteless salad? You will not be seeing me again. Tesco would be a better bet.
by Anonymous, 05 May 2007Cakes and biscuits are nice, the salads and meats are average. On the whole, definitely too expensive for the quality of the product.
by Anonymous, 09 Apr 2007Great food but stupidly expensive. Just not worth returning on that basis. Shame.
by Anonymous, 25 Mar 2007Unbelievably expensive - they charge per 100g, not per plate or per slice. Bread must have gold leaf in it, as it costs about £5 per loaf. And unfriendly to boot! You'd be better off crossing the road and visiting the Salusbury or, even better, the cafe in the middle of Queen's Park.
by Medulla, 10 Feb 2007A new one has just opened in our neighbourhood of Maida Vale. The staff were unhelpful and slow (one seeming overwhelmed at the prospect of describing the contents of one of their salads) and the prices were ridiculously high. Why pay £12 for a small tub of tabouleh and a slice of roast beef to take away?? Better to stick with Raoul's down the road.
by saladeater, 01 Feb 2007Great food, bread, cakes - generally great everything. I visit the place every day and the people who work there are lovely (except for the new manager, who's extremely rude).
by Stell_ar, 20 Dec 2006Nice display of fresh food and bread. Shame the place is laughably expensive and the owner so rude!
by finbar (4 reviews), 22 Mar 2006Over priced for average produce. If you're looking for a 1st class patisserie check out the Euphorium Bakery in Upper Street, Islington. Heavenly!!!
by Anonymous, 15 Dec 2004Have we missed a great cafe in London? Let us know.
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