Pemberton Pantry

Listening is a skill. Arrived at this simple, 'order and pay' venue for breakfast. We were one of two tables of two dining-in. Sitting outside seemed the best option given the dining room was thick with cooking odour from an underperforming extraction unit. Perused the menu and walked to the counter to order a double espresso and a large long black and two brekkies. Had to repeat the double espresso order as the staff taking the order was either distracted or hard of hearing. To my astonishment, having stated the order for a double espresso twice earlier at the counter it was apparent that I did not receive a double espresso. I enquired to confirm it was not a double as requested twice earlier. To my astonishment once again, the same staff member who had taken my order said that she didn’t hear me ask for a double espresso. Okay... Ordered the pork belly Benedict as it sounded promising. Made the assumption that the pork belly would be crispy. It was not. Underwhelming for the price. Despite my better judgement, approximately 20 minutes later, and approximately 8 people waiting on take-away coffee orders, I decided to grab a take-away double espresso. I walked to the counter to order another double espresso, take-away this time. Approached the counter, same staff member; "Hi, I'd like another double, take-away please. The response was, another double what? Listening to customers and being in the moment cannot be underestimated. The business was far from overwhelmed, on the contrary, for an early Monday morning after a Xmas weekend it was barely moving however the staff member struggled to remember the simplest of coffee orders.. Twice. Ading insult to injury, the barista is painstakingly and unnecessarily slow. This is clearly an extant, seven month issue judging by earlier Google feedback. Waited longer than 10 minutes post meal for a 30 second double espresso. Would I recommend this business? Sadly, no. It promises so much and could be a great destination cafe if only they could deliver on service. Crispy pork belly, attentive and more efficient staff, and clean eating accoutrements would definitely enhance this business.