Knowledge Grounds Cafe

The rudest experience I have ever had. This cafe owner has no idea what customer service is or any idea how to speak to women. he is unprofessional and downright rude. When waiting for my daughters dance class to finish we wanted to order coffees and food, we were told we couldn’t sit down at a table we chose and also told ‘ don’t move my furniture around’ when we grabbed an extra chair. So I offered to go to another table but his response was ‘it’s reserved’. I was with my MIL and daughter wanting to eat and relax but to be turned away was disgusting behaviour - especially to a 70 year old woman and in front of my 8 yr old. This man proceeded to yell at us when I told him he was rude. Beyond foul behaviour. I left disgusted. Don’t go to this cafe, unless you want awful unfriendly service. coffee is below average too. And advice to the owner - learn some manners & customer service! Despite wanting to support small businesses after this experience, I will never buy a coffee here. Ever.

Worst Service Ever! Ps. This cafe does not welcome coins. I had a few coins I would like to spend on the coffee. As I was counting my coins at the display glass fridge, the owner opened the teller and said he had plenty of coins and asked me not to put the coins on the fridge. I apologised as I did not find where the counter was (it was a small space next to the coffee machine that could be easily overlooked). On the other hand, I was surprised that most of cafes would welcome coins. Anyway, I switched the coins to the supposed to be "counter". As I continued counting the coins the owner started rumbling about he did not want five cents and it was rude that I tried to spend some five cents on the coffee (there were about 8 five cents and the rest of them were 50 cents and gold coins). I was not happy but I still kept my temperament and replaced those five cents with gold coins. The owner continued repeating that I was rude and emphasising that he would rather not sell me the coffee for those coins. Then he banged the coffee in front of me. I was too shocked to say anything and grabbed the coffee and left. Big regrets! I should have asked for my money back and not let him walk all over me. Worst Service Ever! I have visited the cafe over a dozen times but never again.

Poor and rude service from café staff. When your barista frowns, sighs and drops his head because you needed to change your order is not the kind of service anyone deserves. I understand times are hard but it doesn't mean you can show your frustration on a customer. It also doesn't hurt to smile, it can go a long way in making your customer and yourself feel better.

How few libraries have a cafe as part of the experience? Simon who owns the Knowledge Grounds cafe at Concord Library, not only makes you feel very welcome, but also makes it possible to sit back, have a great coffee and yummy pumpkin/pesto chicken/curried egg (my favourites) wrap (and other delicious alternatives) and read, relax with or without family or in my case, work. Totally recommend.

Poor quality customer service AND food. It was such a great cafe 1-2 years ago when it was owned by a lovely lady. The cakes and food are stale and old, and it could be forgivable if that rude man who is constantly smoking by the library door (where kids have to walk past) didn't work there. I asked for a takeaway a coffee a while ago and sat in the cafe area, he rudely yelled at me as said that if I want to sit in the cafe I can't order my coffee in a take away cup. Ridiculous, I'll be petitioning to the library have this cafe ownership changed once the lease is due to expire.