Pumpkin Cafe Southampton SO18 2HG

"Audio sensory hell. Not the coffee machines but a member of staff incessantly talking at all of us. I was a potential customer sitting at SWR seats waiting for a train. It was cold out and I have a medical condition that means both temperature and sound regulation is tough so when a barista is overly chatty and implying people with sound issues should leave it is highly ableist and problematic. Barista Carl with a C was the member of staff question, and was borderline harrassing everyone sitting in the vicinity in an attempt at being sociable and or keeping himself amused. It is possible he is amidst a quarter life crisis. In this economy who could blame him? Only for how his handling this crisis is impacting others, which in some cases is negatively. Whilst some customers like a chat, many just want some peace and to be able to keep to themselves. What prompts this review however is 1) his requesting everyone leave a review (here you go) & 2) his boasting about how he/the employer refused to provide reasonable accommodations (eg headphones) to a colleague of his with sound sensitivities & also his mocking their choice of job. This made some potential customers uncomfortable and one person piped up that maybe the colleague doesn’t have a better option, in defense if them. Given the Equality Act making it plain that reasonable accommodations are the legal requirement, and many potential customers having (or knowing someone with) sound sensitivities, it is concerning that Carl would both disturb and insult a branch of the disabled community. His extroversion may be admirable in some contexts but his lack of consideration and his communication delivery needs work. Pumpkin Cafe should consider updating their inclusivity training and practices to ensure all staff or customers with disabilities can be welcomed (as per their legal right)."

"If I can I always try to catch train from here rather than more local Central station as the coffee here is SO much better! A great coffee and quick friendly and efficient service - well done!"

"I was given a wonderfully friendly welcome, with lots of smiles and a speedy service. The ladies here clearly enjoy making people smile and it was a superb start to a very long journey for me. Thank you all!"

"Good station café with okay food and decent coffee, but every time I ask for a flat white they ask "Small or regular?". A flat white is a set size, there is no small or regular. It's like asking for a 750 ml bottle of water and being asked if you want it small or regular."

"The girl serving me was utterly miserable and sighed at me when I asked if the sign was up to date about no large cups (I asked as the sign wasn’t facing the customers). There were no large cups, and the price was extortionate for a medium cappuccino - nearly £4!"