The Secret Garden Cafe, a new establishment inside Buile Hill Park in Salford, has faced criticism from some customers over its pricing, with items such as toast at £2.20 and cake slices at £4.70 drawing particular ire. One resident commented: 'Toast £2.20, I can buy two loaves for that! This is Salford not London.' Another said: '£4.70 for a slice of cake? In Salford? That won’t last long.'
Mixed Reactions to Menu Prices
The cafe, located at the back of the refurbished Buile Hill Mansion which reopened earlier this year, has been described by the council as 'a fabulous addition' to the park. However, a photo of the menu shared by Salford City Council on social media prompted a backlash. One customer claimed two cakes and two coffees came to £18, and he was relieved to be told it was 'card only' as he only had cash, so he left without purchasing. Others criticised the cost of hot drinks, with one saying '£4.30 for a hot drink, I hope you're serving with a balaclava on' and another commenting '£4 for just an Americano?? I think they think they [are] in Chorlton or the city centre'.
Defenders Highlight Quality and Value
Not all feedback has been negative. Some customers have defended the cafe, comparing its prices to high-street chains. One said: 'Some of the comments on here about the prices wow! Don't berate the place if you've not tried it. It's lovely and on par with the prices at Costa for example. If you don't like the prices don't go.. simple.' Another added: 'It's a great little cafe, after a walk round the park for a coffee and a chat. Always busy when we go. So I'm sure it will be fine. The people complaining, behave, you seen the prices in Costa and Starbucks lately.' A third supporter noted: 'They have worked to update and restore the whole park, encouraging people from elsewhere to visit. Bring life back to the place. It’s not Salford Precinct. People whining over prices, which are pretty much on par with any nice area is not going to help that at all.'
Extended Summer Hours Welcomed
The council announced this week that the cafe would extend its opening hours until 4pm throughout the summer, instead of the previous 2pm closing time. This move was welcomed by many, with one customer saying: 'That’s brilliant news, I can now bring my 98 year old mum as she likes to get out in the afternoon.' Another visitor said: 'Visited today with my friend will definitely be back very soon, coffee and teacake was delicious.' The council's announcement stated: 'With plenty of sunshine forecast this week, it's the perfect excuse to enjoy an afternoon outdoors in Buile Hill Park. Whether you're stopping by for a coffee, a slice of cake or a light bite, there's now even more time to make the most of your visit.'
Council Defends Pricing Strategy
A council spokesperson explained: 'The Secret Garden Café is a unique setting within the newly restored Buile Hill Mansion. Our priority is to ensure the cafe is financially sustainable, serves great products using high quality ingredients and ensures that staff are paid a good salary so it can continue to welcome visitors and support the long-term future of this important community asset. The response since it opened has been really positive and the extended summer opening hours will give even more people the opportunity to visit.' The cafe is dog-friendly, opens at 8.30am Monday to Friday and 9.30am on weekends, and offers a loyalty card where customers can purchase eight drinks and get one free.
