Fontanella Coffee House - Chelmsford

Martin C.

Have to say this is not a good advert for the contract caterer Ellior, if this is the best you can do hand back the keys and allow another company to run the coffee shop in Broomfield. This is my second visit in two weeks and can only confirm it is worse and not something I would want to use again. Caked in counter not programmed in the till so three operators to work one till whilst the queue grows is unbearable when I finally sat down noticed two ladies on laptops with Ellior logos meeting, hopefully they were working out how to program the till either way this whole cafe concept needs a major update and send in a team from head office to sort it out. I can't believe this is the flagship cafe in this giant hospital on Broomfield. I would not use this if I did not have an alternative to sit down whilst visiting the hospital. P.s. don't order the millionaire shortcake or the salted caramel muffins unless you want the service to stand to a halt ....

David

A great friendly team. Always greet me with a smile. I enjoy a latte which is just the right strength for me. I sometimes have something to eat and find it ok. Price is a little dear but that is expected as it's a franchise in a hospital. So don't believe all the bad reviews.

Nick V.

Terrible espresso. Tasted like filter coffee - no strength, no aroma, bland taste. I’ve had better coffee at builders cafs up and down London. Prices of sandwiches were quite high, but then again it is a hospital. I guess they get away with sub-standard coffee and overpriced food/drink thanks to being placed in a hospital where there is no competition.

I can’t really comment on poor customer service but they seemed ok. A bit busy, yes, and I didn’t get a welcoming smile. How long does it take to smile?

Final thoughts? One should not raise one’s expectations too high in this place.

Shall I visit again? I hope not. Better bring my Thermos.

Allison D.

Friendly cafe. My latte was very nice which surprised me so I’ll be going back there instead of Costa. Panini was lovely too - when I saw it the cheese hadn’t melted properly so I was dubious but again it was very good.

Taty C.

Absolutely awfully and disgusting food. Ordered 2 bacon and cheese pastries that were absolutely appalling and repulsive. Very salty and gooey, oily.
The coffee awful, milk burnet and very very hot.
They also dont take cash. Isnt this England where the national currency is still £? Overpriced also,
2 Pastries and a coffee £11.
Dont bother!!!
Go around the corner where you can find costa and other shops.

Paul K.

I've visited here quite often and the place has changed considerably. The staff are very friendly and helpful, the drinks have improved beyond belief, the coffee tastes so much better than before and the atmosphere has improved since the last and rather rude staff were there. Highly recommend a visit

Peter T.

Fantastic, and unusual for a hospital. Great teamwork from the two baristas, exceptional like clockwork. Selection of hot rolls and even a gluten free sandwich for me. Good seating.
Excellent Latte, I see previous reviews but today it couldn't be better. October 10 th 2022 late morning 👍🙂

Sam W.

This place is shocking. 3 pound for a mediocre coffee, served in a cheap cardboard cup with no chocolate sprinkles on top.

had just sat down when a rather rude member of staff stated he was closing the seating area and we all had to leave. He then proceeded to stack the tables and chair on top of one another. The seating area is very small And the place was not due to close for hours.

Very poor customer service and massively overpriced machine coffee. Save your money and go to Costa located a short distance away.