The Pavilion Cafe

I came in with my family Sunday afternoon, staff was lovely and food was great! Especially the kiosk with ice cream

What happened here today with my family was beyond the pale and needs to be called out.
Whilst I and our kids were seated in an outdoor table, my wife went inside to ask one of the waitresses where the restroom was and was openly insulted and called a “mistress”. Absolutely disgraceful behaviour.
I went inside with her to speak to the manager, expecting a sincere apology and some basic accountability. Instead, we were met with an immediate display of arrogance and defensiveness. The so-called “manager” carried himself as though we were the problem, acting like we were trying to cause a scene in front of other customers. Not once did he show genuine remorse for what had happened, nor did he seem remotely interested in handling the situation professionally.
As for the waitress responsible, she initially tried to brush it off and claimed she “didn’t mean it that way” – as though that somehow excuses openly insulting a customer. It was after I demanded an unreserved apology that she finally muttered one. We spent a good five minutes having a heated discussion, during which the staff seemed far more concerned with saving face than actually making things right, especially the guy who calls himself the manager. Frankly, they were lucky we didn’t escalate matters further by involving the police and filing a formal complaint on the spot, which is what they perhaps deserve. We didn’t do so as we had two young children with us.
This place has absolutely no sense of customer service, basic manners, or respect. The management is clueless, the staff lack professionalism, and the overall attitude towards customers is nothing but disgusting.
Do yourself a favour and steer well clear. The Café happens to sit in a nice spot, in the heart of Highgate Wood, but is so much rundown inside and feels initially as though you enter a greasy spoon place. Food itself wasn’t particularly good either, but that is irrelevant after the unbelievable insult.

The woman that works at the till, apparently Ukrainian, greeted us with “We heard you speaking Russian. Where are you from - Ukraine or Russia?” After I answered that we are from Russia, she looked annoyed and fell silent. Which is a. unprofessional and b. xenophobic.

I got a scone to go and they packaged it beautifully, and the staff was so nice! Scone was 10/10

Nice handy little place for refreshments when enjoying Highgate Wood. I like that the outside tables have shade

Really lovely food! I had the avocado and eggs on toast and was very filling and the waitress was lovely

I was very disappointed with the child's meal today. The chicken goujons were dry and hard, as if it was reheated. I could not give it to my grandchild.

Have been to the Cafe a few times and the food has always been good. Perhaps today was an off day.

Beautiful. Delicious freshly made falafel

Rude staff.

We asked whether the Meze was gluten free and were told it was. Once it arrived we were dubious and asked again...this time we were told that it wasn't. This is something you really need to be serious about. One of the two people couldn't eat the food we had ordered :( The food was tasty and table service was good but yeah...pretty big fail.

Good vibes and good coffee ?

The wisteria flowers are absolutely beautiful. Their delicate, cascading petals create a stunning sight, adding a touch of magic to the surroundings.

Would be a nice place but staff seemed quite unpleasant, even upon saying hi, ignored and walked away, was walking with coffee in one hand, cake in the other, staff walked through the door and closed the door right to my face… would not come back. Coffee was below average, but carrot cake very enjoyable

Beautiful surroundings, magical feelings with all flowers around. In the middle of the park there is such a relaxing feeling to sit and have some bites. I recommend falafel. Very good. Great service.

Moody and rude service. Horrible, greasy cafe style food, but fine for just grabbing a drink and snack off the shelves.