The Orrery, Ryde (archive review)
This is an old review. See the new one here.
The creation of The Orrery cafe in Ryde's Union Street has been viewed over the past year with great interest by your intrepid reviewers; intrigued as the windows to the existing globe workshop were whitewashed and the gates across its entrance closed in 2005. Then, in summer 2006, a giant gold grasshopper appeared on the roof along with the amazing hemetic globe, 'reflecting' life in the historic street.
And then, at last, on the summer solstice - amid much fanfare and publicity - the cafe was opened... for about 10 minutes. Matt and Cat missed this brief window of opportunity to enter the building and, for the subsequent four months have been peering through the bars of this cafe, waiting for it to re-open. There have been tantalising notices about the intriguing celestial interior, including metres of fibre optic cable and mirrored tables through which to view the wondrous ceiling. There have even been menus posted outside the ever-locked bars of the place.
Review continues:
Disappointingly, whenever Matt and Cat have visited the place in the quest for sustenance, its doors have always been firmly shut. Initially closed straight after its triumphant, but obviously premature, opening ceremony in June, the further failed attempts to gain access to the bar were probably due to M and C's timing. It does seem to have been open during the day, but never at the times when your reviewers have been able to go in.
Yet one autumn Saturday afternoon the planets were obviously in alignment as not only were Matt and Cat in Ryde but also the Orrery was open. Finally, they would be able to try the place out and give you, the eager reader, the long-awaited review of this bizarre cafe.
Having settled themselves at one of the little tables and briefly viewed the spectacular ceiling via the mirrored tabletops Matt and Cat then surveyed the, frankly limited, range of snacks available. The menu was a kind of essay on the merits of globe-making, in which information about food and drink was cunningly concealed. The range on offer seemed to suggest that the Orrery was more of a coffee bar than a cafe, and as there also appeared to be no alcohol on offer this did restrict things a little. Nevertheless, having chosen pitta stuffed with falafel, and a cheese, tomato and basil chiabatta, Cat went to the bar to order. Despite Cat being one of two customers awaiting attention, the waitress seemed much more interested in chatting to her mate. However, Cat was not going to be put off - after all she and Matt had been waiting for months to try this cafe and a little poor service was not going to put them off.
Eventually Cat got her chance to put in her order. No sooner had the word 'falafel' left her lips, than she was told in no uncertain terms that there was no food available.
Disappointed, yet somehow not surprised to be thwarted once again, Matt and Cat left the cafe and had a nice lunch at Bar 53.
The Orrery seems to be a bizarre globe-making and astrometric project of great interest and potential; which has somewhere along the road confused itself with a cafe. There is understandable frustration by those attempting to access either aspect of this service. So is it too much to ask this novel establishment whether Matt and Cat (and presumably many other frustrated potential customers) can at least try the food?
UPDATE: Matt and Cat finally got served in The Orrery. Not even bothering to ask for food, they sat down one Saturday afternoon for a refreshing cup of tea. Pleasingly, it was served without delay by a polite lady. Predictably enough, the next customers were overheard asking for food - only to be rebuffed. So it seems that The Orrery really is only a place for hot drinks. That said, it would be satisfying to report that the drinks were good. Sadly they were not. Two mugs of tea were served with teabags in them. Matt's mug even had the tag submerged which made extraction tricky. Real milk accompanied it, as did a small chocolate - a nice touch. But however much Matt and Cat willed it otherwise, the tea was not good. Cheap bags, casually served - it just did not match up to the location. It seems as though the Orrery somehow is less than the sum of its parts. Every last tiny detail of the construction of the venue has been given exquisite attention. No expense has been spared, as might be expected of the craftsmen who build those spectacular globes. It's worth visiting the Orrery for the delight of seeing the interior. You can even donate a coin to the museum fund, in the hope that one day the globe museum could actually be created. But don't bother with the tea or food.
UPDATE UPDATE: Matt and Cat really want to like The Orrery. It is a fascinating looking place and has done a great deal to enhance Ryde's street scene. Following extensive feedback from the proprietor (see comments below), M and C were keen to give The Orrery yet another chance to live up to its exciting décor and, less than 24 hours after receiving such detailed feedback, Cat forewent her breakfast and made a return trip to The Orrery. Arriving at a prompt 12:00 noon to ensure that, once again, she was not left wanting food (due to the apparent success of the place) she was thwarted; The Orrery was closed. Still, there were plenty of other places in Ryde to choose from for her Sunday brunch and, just a few doors down, she entered La Croute. After eating there she went back to The Orrery, but it was still shut. There is no indication of opening times outside the premises.
Certainly there seems to have been an explosion of interest in Matt and Cat's review, with no fewer than four highly detailed and complimentary comments from visitors, including the proprietor of The Orrery, in two days - after two months with only one other (not so complimentary) comment. It's good to know that others have managed to get access to The Orrery and its food and enjoyed it so much. But, unable to make their own assessment, Matt and Cat will now bring to a close their efforts to evaluate the food at The Orrery, and allow their readers to form their own views.
This is an old review. See the new one here.
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29 comments
Comment from: cheryl gregory 
My daughter and I visited the Orrery for a quite lunch,on arrival we were not welcomed or even acknowleged by th propietor. We both chose from the very limited menu, only to be told without so much as a hello, that hte food we had chosen were both off the menu!
Stuck for time, we decided to just have a drink, but were told there was a 20 minute wait for two hot drinks!
We felt most unwelcomed,the place was not full, however the lady was rushing around in a panic with the rest of her customers, which led to quite a tense atmosphere
We were most disappointed and wont be going back!
Stuck for time, we decided to just have a drink, but were told there was a 20 minute wait for two hot drinks!
We felt most unwelcomed,the place was not full, however the lady was rushing around in a panic with the rest of her customers, which led to quite a tense atmosphere
We were most disappointed and wont be going back!
10/11/06 @ 11:22
Comment from: another Matt (sans chat)
I would have to disagree. I've often enjoyed popping into 'The Orrery' for a light lunch (I work on Union street, so I'm not short of places to eat). Like most Cafe's there's usually stuff missing from the menu in the afternoon, but I have noticeed this improving as the place settles in.
What I really like about 'The Orrery' is the way the marvellous Decor of the place gets people talking to each other, spotting the Details from 'Alice in Wonderland', talking about the charming Victorian building and those that surround it. I've learnt a lot of things I never knew about Ryde through conversations in 'The Orrery'.
One phrase in particular seems to be missing from your review; "Alice in Wonderland". I can't believe you didn't mention that the cafe is Alice themed! it really is a must- see for fans of Lewis Carrol and children always seem to enjoy it. Missing out this detail is like wondering why Michaelanglos do so much pizza and pasta! :)
I'm not a tea drinker, so I couldn't comment on that, but the cakes are very nice and the coffee is wonderful (best espresso on union street).
I took my whole (very picky) family to the Orrery on a weekend last month, including my (really, really, really picky) sister. Everybody was able to have food and everybody thoroughly enjoyed it.
Matt
What I really like about 'The Orrery' is the way the marvellous Decor of the place gets people talking to each other, spotting the Details from 'Alice in Wonderland', talking about the charming Victorian building and those that surround it. I've learnt a lot of things I never knew about Ryde through conversations in 'The Orrery'.
One phrase in particular seems to be missing from your review; "Alice in Wonderland". I can't believe you didn't mention that the cafe is Alice themed! it really is a must- see for fans of Lewis Carrol and children always seem to enjoy it. Missing out this detail is like wondering why Michaelanglos do so much pizza and pasta! :)
I'm not a tea drinker, so I couldn't comment on that, but the cakes are very nice and the coffee is wonderful (best espresso on union street).
I took my whole (very picky) family to the Orrery on a weekend last month, including my (really, really, really picky) sister. Everybody was able to have food and everybody thoroughly enjoyed it.
Matt
23/11/06 @ 19:27
Comment from: Lydia
Matt and Cat, you should really visit 'The Orrery' again, the atmosphere of place you describe bears no resemblance to the cafe I frequent.
'The Orrery' cafe's purpose is to help fund the globe museum which, once built, it will be part of.
The beautiful decor is not all that differentiates the cafe from others on Union street; the proprietors like to offer high quality (not cheap!) teas and coffees and to use fairtrade and organic where possible.
There is not a huge menu to choose from, but it is a good one, everything I have tried so far has been delicious! this is a small cafe with a lot of character, not a restaurant and it is a lovely place to take guests who are visiting the island or to call in for a light lunch or afternoon coffee.
The proprietors and staff I have found to be very friendly, they put in every bit of effort and welcome feedback from their customers.
Be fair, don't say not to bother with the food if you have not even tried it and if you like your tea without the teabag, you can always ask!
'The Orrery' cafe's purpose is to help fund the globe museum which, once built, it will be part of.
The beautiful decor is not all that differentiates the cafe from others on Union street; the proprietors like to offer high quality (not cheap!) teas and coffees and to use fairtrade and organic where possible.
There is not a huge menu to choose from, but it is a good one, everything I have tried so far has been delicious! this is a small cafe with a lot of character, not a restaurant and it is a lovely place to take guests who are visiting the island or to call in for a light lunch or afternoon coffee.
The proprietors and staff I have found to be very friendly, they put in every bit of effort and welcome feedback from their customers.
Be fair, don't say not to bother with the food if you have not even tried it and if you like your tea without the teabag, you can always ask!
23/11/06 @ 20:54
I was most surprised to read such a poor report by you which was so full of inconsistencies that had you not publicly displayed your report on your website I would not have bothered to reply, for it is more than clear that you are not a genuine food critique as your whole manner of writing and methods passing judgment are amateurish at best.
Consequently I will now trawl through your text making my comments,
Firstly you start the piece by making inaccurate statements about the building: 1/. we never made globes in this building as we actually have our workshop premises in Union Rd . 2/. You refer to railings being insitu in 2005 when in fact they were installed just prior to our opening in June this year (2006). Clearly you are off to a good start.
Next you mention that we closed soon after we opened on the soltice but are not courteous enough to explain that we were thwarted to open to "the public" as the metal edging for the mirrored tables (to protect the public from cutting themselves), could not be made on the IOW as promised, so we had to, literally at the last minute, then commission a London firm to undertake the task, hence it was not until the end of July that we could open without risk of injury, this we clearly stated for all to see on our railings outside.
So we actually opened a month later due to safety issues, but with inaccuracies already in your text it comes as no surprise to see that you state that we do not open for a further 4 months! How can a 'professional' writer make such appalling mistakes within the first 2 passages of their report, clearly you should not give your day job.
Next we read a repetitive boring passage stating how you keep turning up to the cafe only to find it shut, well I think you will find that most cafes shut after 4-5pm each day, if you turn up after that what do you expect? I would also like to point out here that from the end of July till early September we were actually open 7 days a week. Clearly your inability to find us open matches your aspirations of being a food critique.
The day you report to find us open, to attribute to a planetary alignment, when in fact the only alignment was that of your body and the open gates in conjunction with day time hours...congratulations I presume you have been given a watch for your birthday and have been taught how to use it!
Next you remark that the menu was cunningly concealed! Since opening our menus have always consisted of a single laminated A4 sheet of paper which has a central crease, designed like millions of other menu's across the land to stay open. On one side we placed some information as to the construction of cafe and on the other side ..... we had a menu! You write as if you need Brains from the puppet series Thunderbirds to assist you open the menu.
Now despite there being 2 menu's outside the building, you appear to be surprised that we are a coffee bar more than a cafe, I once again find it incredible that you a food critique do not know what cafe actually means, lets go back to basics and see what Oxford children's dictionary says: Cafe: a cafe is a shop which serves meals or refreshments. Now I must admit to be so surprised with your hack journalism I wonder if this is some kind of sick joke.
Next you state you chose a Chiabatta, clearly you mean Ciabatta! Well once again your food critique credentials are showing their true colours due to your inability to spell specialist food names, but amazingly we do not actually sell Chiabatta's or Ciabatta's and never have. Now unfortunately for the first time in you whole sorry diatribe so far you actually hit upon poor waitress service and the fact that a said item (pannini) had sold out. And on this you condemn our efforts at trying to offer Ryde a fresh alternative to franchised cafes and eateries which will you find in most high streets, this is particularly harsh as this is our first venture into running a cafe and we are still even now finding our feet. Not only this but the cafe is designed to be part of an intended museum, consequently it has to be small as space is limited and consequently at times items will understandably sell out.
Then you list an update.... and here despite being supposed food critiques you do not ask for food! Instead you purchase two teas which will really give your avid readers a chance to hear your gastronomic prowess! But what happens here, you are preoccupied because the string of the teabag has fallen into the cup, and the next you verbally criticise the tea as being "cheap tea" , I would like you to show me where in this land can you purchase cheap teas which have string and label attachments! Not only this but the teas and coffees we supply are from a reputable island supplier. Lastly you might be also surprised to know that the tea you actually drank has a royal warrant! Clearly what is good enough for Royalty and our numerous repeat customers is not good enough for you! Then with your continued "professionalism" you make a catagoric statement of not bothering to try the food or the tea when visiting our small cafe, despite the fact that you have not actually eaten any thing apart from hopefully your acrid words having read this reply.
Finally I strongly suggest you look on line in order to learn the basic steps needed to become a food critique, here I have listed a example which might help you: http://www.fabjob.com/foodwriter.asp
Yours sincerely,
James Bissell-Thomas
Consequently I will now trawl through your text making my comments,
Firstly you start the piece by making inaccurate statements about the building: 1/. we never made globes in this building as we actually have our workshop premises in Union Rd . 2/. You refer to railings being insitu in 2005 when in fact they were installed just prior to our opening in June this year (2006). Clearly you are off to a good start.
Next you mention that we closed soon after we opened on the soltice but are not courteous enough to explain that we were thwarted to open to "the public" as the metal edging for the mirrored tables (to protect the public from cutting themselves), could not be made on the IOW as promised, so we had to, literally at the last minute, then commission a London firm to undertake the task, hence it was not until the end of July that we could open without risk of injury, this we clearly stated for all to see on our railings outside.
So we actually opened a month later due to safety issues, but with inaccuracies already in your text it comes as no surprise to see that you state that we do not open for a further 4 months! How can a 'professional' writer make such appalling mistakes within the first 2 passages of their report, clearly you should not give your day job.
Next we read a repetitive boring passage stating how you keep turning up to the cafe only to find it shut, well I think you will find that most cafes shut after 4-5pm each day, if you turn up after that what do you expect? I would also like to point out here that from the end of July till early September we were actually open 7 days a week. Clearly your inability to find us open matches your aspirations of being a food critique.
The day you report to find us open, to attribute to a planetary alignment, when in fact the only alignment was that of your body and the open gates in conjunction with day time hours...congratulations I presume you have been given a watch for your birthday and have been taught how to use it!
Next you remark that the menu was cunningly concealed! Since opening our menus have always consisted of a single laminated A4 sheet of paper which has a central crease, designed like millions of other menu's across the land to stay open. On one side we placed some information as to the construction of cafe and on the other side ..... we had a menu! You write as if you need Brains from the puppet series Thunderbirds to assist you open the menu.
Now despite there being 2 menu's outside the building, you appear to be surprised that we are a coffee bar more than a cafe, I once again find it incredible that you a food critique do not know what cafe actually means, lets go back to basics and see what Oxford children's dictionary says: Cafe: a cafe is a shop which serves meals or refreshments. Now I must admit to be so surprised with your hack journalism I wonder if this is some kind of sick joke.
"You really should contact Alcoholics Anonymous they will be able to offer you good advice in the strictest confidence".
Now you moan that there is no alcohol! Is this because you are having withdrawal symptoms? If so you really should contact Alcoholics Anonymous they will be able to offer you good advice in the strictest confidence. And can I also remind you that to sell alcohol a license is required and mention of this must be above the entrance door, surely every food critique knows this? Next you state you chose a Chiabatta, clearly you mean Ciabatta! Well once again your food critique credentials are showing their true colours due to your inability to spell specialist food names, but amazingly we do not actually sell Chiabatta's or Ciabatta's and never have. Now unfortunately for the first time in you whole sorry diatribe so far you actually hit upon poor waitress service and the fact that a said item (pannini) had sold out. And on this you condemn our efforts at trying to offer Ryde a fresh alternative to franchised cafes and eateries which will you find in most high streets, this is particularly harsh as this is our first venture into running a cafe and we are still even now finding our feet. Not only this but the cafe is designed to be part of an intended museum, consequently it has to be small as space is limited and consequently at times items will understandably sell out.
Then you list an update.... and here despite being supposed food critiques you do not ask for food! Instead you purchase two teas which will really give your avid readers a chance to hear your gastronomic prowess! But what happens here, you are preoccupied because the string of the teabag has fallen into the cup, and the next you verbally criticise the tea as being "cheap tea" , I would like you to show me where in this land can you purchase cheap teas which have string and label attachments! Not only this but the teas and coffees we supply are from a reputable island supplier. Lastly you might be also surprised to know that the tea you actually drank has a royal warrant! Clearly what is good enough for Royalty and our numerous repeat customers is not good enough for you! Then with your continued "professionalism" you make a catagoric statement of not bothering to try the food or the tea when visiting our small cafe, despite the fact that you have not actually eaten any thing apart from hopefully your acrid words having read this reply.
Finally I strongly suggest you look on line in order to learn the basic steps needed to become a food critique, here I have listed a example which might help you: http://www.fabjob.com/foodwriter.asp
Yours sincerely,
James Bissell-Thomas
25/11/06 @ 11:10
Comment from: Darren Jones
Hello,
My family and I chose to visit the Orrey today after hearing about the Alice and Wonderland pieces there. My daughter was fascinated by the ceiling and the globe outside, well worth visiting just for that. We were served by a charming young lady who was very helpful with our requests, food was excellent, panini's, falafel's and soup. Followed by cake and muffins plus a danish for later!
The cappaccino's were lovely with little chocs, also its great that they serve Fentimans soft drinks as a healthier alternative to the bigger brands.
All in all a great little cafe, will call again.
Cheers
My family and I chose to visit the Orrey today after hearing about the Alice and Wonderland pieces there. My daughter was fascinated by the ceiling and the globe outside, well worth visiting just for that. We were served by a charming young lady who was very helpful with our requests, food was excellent, panini's, falafel's and soup. Followed by cake and muffins plus a danish for later!
The cappaccino's were lovely with little chocs, also its great that they serve Fentimans soft drinks as a healthier alternative to the bigger brands.
All in all a great little cafe, will call again.
Cheers
25/11/06 @ 18:00
Comment from: Lian
Dear Matt and Cat
CLEARLY Mr BT is rattled by your comments (and your own personal opinions) But am I right in thinking you are two food-loving individuals who choose to share your experiences of Island eating establishments? Are you professional food journalists or two people willing to tell it how it is (in your opinion of course!) If it is the latter, I think Mr BT's comments are borderline offensive.
But do not stop your reviewing, the Island needs more people like you willing to share experiences of the best and worst of Isle of Wight cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Matt and Cat respond: "Thanks, but don't worry, we're grown up and we're happy to take what we dish out. To answer your query and to find out about us see our FAQ."
CLEARLY Mr BT is rattled by your comments (and your own personal opinions) But am I right in thinking you are two food-loving individuals who choose to share your experiences of Island eating establishments? Are you professional food journalists or two people willing to tell it how it is (in your opinion of course!) If it is the latter, I think Mr BT's comments are borderline offensive.
But do not stop your reviewing, the Island needs more people like you willing to share experiences of the best and worst of Isle of Wight cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Matt and Cat respond: "Thanks, but don't worry, we're grown up and we're happy to take what we dish out. To answer your query and to find out about us see our FAQ."
29/11/06 @ 20:16
Hello Liam,
I would not say I was rattled by Matts comments, but genuinely surprised that someone who dams tea which is supplied by a reputable Island company who also supplies teas to other cafes that Matt has reviewed and surprisingly not cruticised is frankly odd. Not only this but the tea company has a royal warrant as mentioned in our reply. I would also like to point out that we have water filters to purify the water and not only this but we also have a state of the art bacteria meter to monitor the filter. Dare I suggest that Matt has either a jaded pallet from his alcohol drinking* which he mentions as one of his pastimes on the Naturenet website. Or quite possibly Matt prefers strong teas at the lower end of the market such as PG Tips, what ever the reason Matt was being very unprofessional to be so critcal on this matter.
Another surprising point is that Matt tells his audience not to eat the food without having tasted it himself, now is that a comment a food critique should make or are we actually witnessing someone who for reasons unknown to us has a grudge.
But anyway Liam, why not come and sample the tea, after all the Queen probably has!
Best wishes,
James & all at the Orrery.
*Matthew enjoys holding regular parties with his lovely girlfriend Cat, eating cheese and getting drunk (quote from Matts homepage http://www.naturenet.net/chat/index.html)
I would not say I was rattled by Matts comments, but genuinely surprised that someone who dams tea which is supplied by a reputable Island company who also supplies teas to other cafes that Matt has reviewed and surprisingly not cruticised is frankly odd. Not only this but the tea company has a royal warrant as mentioned in our reply. I would also like to point out that we have water filters to purify the water and not only this but we also have a state of the art bacteria meter to monitor the filter. Dare I suggest that Matt has either a jaded pallet from his alcohol drinking* which he mentions as one of his pastimes on the Naturenet website. Or quite possibly Matt prefers strong teas at the lower end of the market such as PG Tips, what ever the reason Matt was being very unprofessional to be so critcal on this matter.
Another surprising point is that Matt tells his audience not to eat the food without having tasted it himself, now is that a comment a food critique should make or are we actually witnessing someone who for reasons unknown to us has a grudge.
But anyway Liam, why not come and sample the tea, after all the Queen probably has!
Best wishes,
James & all at the Orrery.
*Matthew enjoys holding regular parties with his lovely girlfriend Cat, eating cheese and getting drunk (quote from Matts homepage http://www.naturenet.net/chat/index.html)
29/11/06 @ 20:55
Comment from: Lian
Hi James,
It's Lian, not Liam.
Thanks for the invite, may just do that.
Kind regards
Lian
It's Lian, not Liam.
Thanks for the invite, may just do that.
Kind regards
Lian
01/12/06 @ 18:35
Comment from: Shelley
Wow - I don't think I've ever seen such openly expressed and sustained rudeness on the part of someone who is meant to be offering customer service - and I actually have customer service qualifications! The review isn't that damning - we are all grown ups and I will take any personal review, from an amateur or professional with a hefty pinch of salt. If, howver, the proprietor of an establisment is so happy to be rude and obnoxious in a public forum I think that it's far more indicative and far more damaging. Try being more polite Mr Bissell-Thomas, and you might find you don't put people like me (who would have been up for giving your cafe a go, despite the review) totally off the whole thing.
18/12/06 @ 14:07
Comment from: Rich
James Bissell-Thomas, take some constructive criticism. It is clear they are not "professional" food critics. Do you have to be a "professional" food critic to give an opinion on a restaurant/cafe? I think not.
02/01/07 @ 18:38
Comment from: Marty Hodges
I think that both parties involved here should stop bickering and start spreading some love. How about an invite from Mr BT to Matt and Cat to sort out their differences over a coffee?
Peace man!
Peace man!
13/01/07 @ 16:27
I'm WOWed too at the response from Mr B-T. It's a lesson here for anyone who's brand or business is blasted by bloggers. The question is how should you respond? Do you attack the blogger in full assault and try to negate their comments? Do you ignore them completely or do you watch the blog develop and see if it fizzles out?
Here's some advice for Mr B-T.
All credit to Mr B-T and his team for investing in and trying to establish an alternative venue in Ryde. But please Mr B-T and other business owners learn from your customer's, embrace their comments, don't be defensive but engage their comments and try to improve your customer experience further.
Here's some advice for Mr B-T.
All credit to Mr B-T and his team for investing in and trying to establish an alternative venue in Ryde. But please Mr B-T and other business owners learn from your customer's, embrace their comments, don't be defensive but engage their comments and try to improve your customer experience further.
19/01/07 @ 21:27
Comment from: Richard D.
The orrery may have had its teething troubles, but now the coffee and food are both excellent, it's clean, and the decor is wonderful. The menu is limited, but unless you eat there every day, so what?
14/02/07 @ 10:29
Comment from: Wendy
Reading all the banter about the Orrery on your excellent site, Matt and Cat, made me curious. So when I was in Ryde today I went a bit further down Union Street than planned, just so I could peek into this café and, lo and behold, it was open! - this was 1.45pm on a Friday - and serving food! I'm a veggie and I found the limited menu pretty appetising - because it's all veggie. Nice surprise! I had pitta stuffed with falafel, hummus and salad, which was very tasty. And there was green tea on the menu. I don't drink regular tea or coffee, so cafés offering green tea are a nice change. It was a pleasant lunch for under a fiver, so I'm glad my curiosity got the better of me. (And no, I'm not a mate of the owner or anything - you'll see I've contributed comments to your site in the past.)
MATT AND CAT RESPOND: Glad you enjoyed the Orrery. We never doubted you for a moment, Wendy! Your regular contributions do not go unappreciated - keep them coming.
MATT AND CAT RESPOND: Glad you enjoyed the Orrery. We never doubted you for a moment, Wendy! Your regular contributions do not go unappreciated - keep them coming.
16/02/07 @ 17:04
Comment from: Anthony
We've been into The Orrery twice now, at lunchtime, and enjoyed it both times. Sometimes its nice to have a limited choice - especially when the final product is quite tasty.
Sadly a combination of sour grapes, arrogance, and apparent distaste for customers views as displayed in this blog means we won't be going in again. We kept finding the place shut too, around the same time that you two did, and despite our positive experiences find a ring of truth in your review and updates.
Sadly a combination of sour grapes, arrogance, and apparent distaste for customers views as displayed in this blog means we won't be going in again. We kept finding the place shut too, around the same time that you two did, and despite our positive experiences find a ring of truth in your review and updates.
20/05/07 @ 20:55
Comment from: james Bissell-Thomas
Dear Wendy,
Firstly thank you for you comments, I love the word banter and it does seem very apt to be used here. For us the visit by Matt and Cat was a sad day for us, mainly because he categorically informs all his readers not to bother with our tea, which does seem wholly unfair because as you have found out recently, we sell more than one type of tea. Not only this but our supplier (island Tea and Coffee) have trawled through Matts guide and are equally surprised to see that he does not complain about the same tea when drunk elsewhere! Likewise he also informs his readers not to bother with the food because on his visit one of the items he requested, he was informed was not available, yet on his visits to other establishments, where his first choice is not available (for example a baked potato at the ‘Happy Heifer’) he acts in an benevolent and understanding manner. Now it interesting on his second visit, Matt does not bother to order the food stating that he heard someone being rebuffed prior to him, and instead he opts for 2 teas. Now fortunately for us the till roll for that day was still with our bookkeeper, consequently we asked if she could sign it at either end of the roll before returning it to us. For us when the roll was studied we were surprised for
two reasons, savoury items are being sold throughout the day and while Matt and Cat state they had two ‘cheap’ teas that day, the only sale we have for two teas is for two teas and a slice of cake! Clearly there can only be three possible reasons for this.
I would also like add further to this banter, that the real reason that Matt has had problems with the Orrery is probably because he appears to eat animals wholesale which does seem odd for someone who appears to be the champion of wildlife with his Naturenet web site, and while Cat does sometimes opt for a vegetarian option, I believe she could now probably claim to have eaten more chicken than the late American poet James Douglas Morrison. Consequently, the Orrery is close to the Medina Arts centre in fare and this
would appear is simply was not up to Matts palette.
Now I find myself being criticised for not taking constructive criticism from Matt and Cat, but we have, we now display our opening times ( while we do when closed, our neighbours Croute, Coffee Pot, Sinatras and even the flagship of eateries Liberties do not!) and have been faithfully open with the exception of a Saturday when the staff member was not only ill but regretfully too ill to inform us that they were unable to open the café) and should Matt ever decide us worthy of another visit, we now supply tea in a pot, which because it will brew for longer he might not find worthy of being labelled cheap. The tea is actually the same tea as sold in the Lanesbrough Hotel London, here you will find it a princely 4.90 a pop compare to our more humble down to earth price of 0.90.
As I mentioned above, behind the scenes, there has been a fair bit of correspondence with Matt and at one point we felt that we should take legal action against Matt for 'malicious falsehood', otherwise known as 'trade libel, recently a leading UK city newspaper was fined 25,000 pounds due to its food critique writing far less harsh comments about a chain restaurant visited by the said critique. However, a court settlement would not be as rewarding as seeing a fair listing by Matt of the Orrery, after all he states he ‘Really wants to like it" so perhaps now that we have almost found our feet, he might find reason to do so should he return.
I enclose the last 2 letters exchanged by Matt and myself:
Matts reply:
So there you go Wendy, more banter for the storm in a tea cup! I thank you for your curiosity and we are delighted you liked what you found, please bring your children should you visit again for a bit of eel hunting!
Firstly thank you for you comments, I love the word banter and it does seem very apt to be used here. For us the visit by Matt and Cat was a sad day for us, mainly because he categorically informs all his readers not to bother with our tea, which does seem wholly unfair because as you have found out recently, we sell more than one type of tea. Not only this but our supplier (island Tea and Coffee) have trawled through Matts guide and are equally surprised to see that he does not complain about the same tea when drunk elsewhere! Likewise he also informs his readers not to bother with the food because on his visit one of the items he requested, he was informed was not available, yet on his visits to other establishments, where his first choice is not available (for example a baked potato at the ‘Happy Heifer’) he acts in an benevolent and understanding manner. Now it interesting on his second visit, Matt does not bother to order the food stating that he heard someone being rebuffed prior to him, and instead he opts for 2 teas. Now fortunately for us the till roll for that day was still with our bookkeeper, consequently we asked if she could sign it at either end of the roll before returning it to us. For us when the roll was studied we were surprised for
two reasons, savoury items are being sold throughout the day and while Matt and Cat state they had two ‘cheap’ teas that day, the only sale we have for two teas is for two teas and a slice of cake! Clearly there can only be three possible reasons for this.
I would also like add further to this banter, that the real reason that Matt has had problems with the Orrery is probably because he appears to eat animals wholesale which does seem odd for someone who appears to be the champion of wildlife with his Naturenet web site, and while Cat does sometimes opt for a vegetarian option, I believe she could now probably claim to have eaten more chicken than the late American poet James Douglas Morrison. Consequently, the Orrery is close to the Medina Arts centre in fare and this
would appear is simply was not up to Matts palette.
Now I find myself being criticised for not taking constructive criticism from Matt and Cat, but we have, we now display our opening times ( while we do when closed, our neighbours Croute, Coffee Pot, Sinatras and even the flagship of eateries Liberties do not!) and have been faithfully open with the exception of a Saturday when the staff member was not only ill but regretfully too ill to inform us that they were unable to open the café) and should Matt ever decide us worthy of another visit, we now supply tea in a pot, which because it will brew for longer he might not find worthy of being labelled cheap. The tea is actually the same tea as sold in the Lanesbrough Hotel London, here you will find it a princely 4.90 a pop compare to our more humble down to earth price of 0.90.
As I mentioned above, behind the scenes, there has been a fair bit of correspondence with Matt and at one point we felt that we should take legal action against Matt for 'malicious falsehood', otherwise known as 'trade libel, recently a leading UK city newspaper was fined 25,000 pounds due to its food critique writing far less harsh comments about a chain restaurant visited by the said critique. However, a court settlement would not be as rewarding as seeing a fair listing by Matt of the Orrery, after all he states he ‘Really wants to like it" so perhaps now that we have almost found our feet, he might find reason to do so should he return.
I enclose the last 2 letters exchanged by Matt and myself:
Dear Mathew,
Firstly, New Year Wishes to yourself and Cat,
I would like to make an attempt to resolve the "Storm in a Tea Cup" that has taken place between us.
When I replied to your card informing me of your website and your review, because of the professional presentation of both card and your website, I did in fact presume that you were representing yourselves on a professional footing, hence my sharp critical relpy. Since then I have looked deeper into your web pages to realise that it is not a professional (ie money making) venture and that at the end of the day you are undertaking something which has cost you a considerable amount of time and effort.
Your comments, with its numerous mistakes does read poorly compared with your numerous reviews elsewhere. Both your comments and mine do nothing to help the effort you have made or our effort towards making an alternative venue on the Island. Consequently I note that you state clearly that you "really want to like the Orrery", if this is genuine can I respectfully ask you to let me know your suggestions toward making our two negative comments into a more worthy positive outcome.
I now have no intention to take legal action against your article, however I will state once again that I believe you have been very unfair with our effort. I would also like to point out also that it is your remarks that one should not bother with the drink or food which is so damning, and once again I would like to put forward this argument:
You state that one should not bother eating the food on the grounds that when you came you were informed that the Flafel was unavailable, now when you visited the Happy Heifer you could not have your first choice yet you continued to stay and praise the Heifer, so with one set of standards for the Hefier and another set of standards for the Orrery, you declined other items from our menu which I list now: 1/ Three cheese tomato and basil Panini,
2/ Mozzarella Panini, red onion, rocket pesto and spinach Panini,
3/ Brie with caramelised onion Panini.
4/ Chargrilled vegetarian burger with warm ciabatta bread leuttuce and houmous.
5/ Cakes
6/ Tray bakes
7/ Muffins
8/ Danish pastries
Is it fair of you to damn all of the above because one item was not available. I would also like to point out that when you visited us on the 7th of October, savoury food was being served all day and you are more than welcome to come and study the till roll which verifies this.
Next the tea, I would like to remind you that the Menu you choose it from, listed the tea as clearly being Assam, and because you had the bag you had the power to make the tea as strong as you wished by allowing it to brew. Consequently, you were not pleased with choice, declare it cheap and then tell your readers not to bother with drinking anything in the café! Now if we only served Assam tea then you may have a small bit of ground to stand on, but you are actually telling your readers not to consume the following:
1/ Earl Grey Tea
2/ Plain Coffee
3/ Espresso
4/ Cappuccino
5/ Latte
6/ Mocha
7/ Green tea
8/ Camomile
9/ Peppermint
10/Rooibos
11/Hot Chocolate
12/Hot Chocolate with cream and chocolate
13/Banana and honey Smoothie
14/Melon Cooler Smoothie
15/Very Berry Smoothie (all the drinks listed above are made in house and the smoothies are freshly made), on top of this you inform your readers not to bother with the following drinks that are brought in…
16/ Orange juice
17/ J2O’s (4 different flavours)
18/ Fentimans (All 6 flavours)
19/ Coca Cola
20/ Evian mineral water and lastly
21/ Perrier water.
Now I ask you again, was it so fair of you to advise people not to come and drink in our café because one of the 22 options (or 30 options if you list the bottled sodas etc separately) you personally did not like?
I also wish to point out that Rosie spent considerable time selecting quality teas, coffees and uses fair trade where taste is not compromised. Your labelling that the tea was cheap implies that we buy value boxes from supermarkets. Recently we were informed by our supplier that the very same tea is served in the famous tea rooms at the Lanesbrough Hotel in London ake a pleasant affordable
whilst you might study the KFC walls for the splattered debris which has been left by previous visitors in the past, at the Orrery your boys could have hunted for Father Williams eel which regulary moves around the café, and when spotted by a child earns them a complimentry Caramel bar.
I also get the impression from your article that with the effort put into the structure of the café, you expected more (ie flunkies dropping napkins in your lap), can you not see that we have simply put in a lot of effort to make a pleasent affordable café for all to enjoy, if anything it is a fanfare for the common man, our prices are reasonable and affordable, in other words there is no extra charge for the lavish location. If you see it this way, then you might possibly appreciate the effort we have made and take it for what it is and not what you expected it to be.
Best wishes,
Bickering James
Matts reply:
Dear James
Thank you very much for your positive letter of 17 January and the picture of the Lanesborough Hotel. I was pleased to note that you've now got no intention of taking any legal action against our website. That being the case I hope that at some time in the future we shall venture back in to the Orrery to investigate the attractions and enhancements you have described. Should we do so we may well consider adding to our review.
In the meantime we wish you all the very best of luck with your cafe.
With very best wishes
Matthew Chatfield
So there you go Wendy, more banter for the storm in a tea cup! I thank you for your curiosity and we are delighted you liked what you found, please bring your children should you visit again for a bit of eel hunting!
24/05/07 @ 08:13
Comment from: james Bissell-Thomas
Dear Anthony,
Firstly I thank you for you visit to the Orrery, delighted you liked your 2 visits. I would like to ask if you would wish to consider coming back for a complimenty cup of our now infamous 'cheap' tea, which despite being drunk by Matt elsewhere, also by royalty and selected as a quality tea by numerous establishments up and down the land (and I presume once also supplied to all enclaves of a once rapidly deminishing empire) and commenting if you think it was so fair of Matt to damn not only this tea with his comments but also the others that we stock? Consequently can I ask you who was being arrogant in the first place? I have merely mirrored Mathews words.
I would also like to point out that the effort of the Orrery and its proposed museum is going to be a loss making venture for us some considerable time, your attitude towards our effort to give Ryde its first museum is a little surprising. While Matt has undetaken something with a great deal of effort and time, which even I appreciate, was out of his depth when he damned us so strongly, I could understand if he came in and found that we were buying old sheets from jumble sales, then popping up to Somerfield or Tesco and purchasing some of their 'Value' tea, mixing it with saw dust, and sewing them inside sections of sheet and adding a string tab and faking some sort of label, if he labelled this as being cheap I would agree. But while he probably has been given a 'Value' cup of tea unwittingly but one of the many eateries he has frequented on this precious isle, he was not offered anything near that quality when he aligned himself with the open doors of the Orrery.
Likewise he dams our food, without ever haven eaten any, and if you wish to come and study the till roll of the day that Matt and Cat called by for our finest 'cheap tea' then you will see that savoury food being sold all day, but clearly ours is not deep fried and covered in batter or gravy.
My best wishes,
Bickering James
Firstly I thank you for you visit to the Orrery, delighted you liked your 2 visits. I would like to ask if you would wish to consider coming back for a complimenty cup of our now infamous 'cheap' tea, which despite being drunk by Matt elsewhere, also by royalty and selected as a quality tea by numerous establishments up and down the land (and I presume once also supplied to all enclaves of a once rapidly deminishing empire) and commenting if you think it was so fair of Matt to damn not only this tea with his comments but also the others that we stock? Consequently can I ask you who was being arrogant in the first place? I have merely mirrored Mathews words.
I would also like to point out that the effort of the Orrery and its proposed museum is going to be a loss making venture for us some considerable time, your attitude towards our effort to give Ryde its first museum is a little surprising. While Matt has undetaken something with a great deal of effort and time, which even I appreciate, was out of his depth when he damned us so strongly, I could understand if he came in and found that we were buying old sheets from jumble sales, then popping up to Somerfield or Tesco and purchasing some of their 'Value' tea, mixing it with saw dust, and sewing them inside sections of sheet and adding a string tab and faking some sort of label, if he labelled this as being cheap I would agree. But while he probably has been given a 'Value' cup of tea unwittingly but one of the many eateries he has frequented on this precious isle, he was not offered anything near that quality when he aligned himself with the open doors of the Orrery.
Likewise he dams our food, without ever haven eaten any, and if you wish to come and study the till roll of the day that Matt and Cat called by for our finest 'cheap tea' then you will see that savoury food being sold all day, but clearly ours is not deep fried and covered in batter or gravy.
My best wishes,
Bickering James
24/05/07 @ 08:24
Comment from: James Bissell-Thomas
Apologies, I have made a mistake in the last blogs, while we use Island Tea and Coffee, the infamous tea is supplied by Island Food Services or Ventnor. Also the tea itself is made by Darviilles of Windsor who have a reasonalble informative web site: http://www.darvillesofwindsor.co.uk/ if you huntt out their archive page, it is worth scrolling down to the bottom, as it shows one of their shops semi submergered in a 1947 flood.
Best wishes,
Bantering James
Best wishes,
Bantering James
24/05/07 @ 18:48
Comment from: Louis
He really doesn't get it, does he? James, you're a bore and a boor. You can't make people like your cafe by insulting them. I've never been to your cafe and I probably never will - not because of the tea but in case I meet you. Please, just move on: spend some time working on your cafe, not arguing publicly with your critics.
And don't bother responding to me unless you really have not understood a word I've said here.
Lou
And don't bother responding to me unless you really have not understood a word I've said here.
Lou
26/05/07 @ 12:52
I find Matt and Kats reviews interesting and informative, but would not use them to deter me from visiting any premises.
However the same cannot be said for the attitude of the owner, who has definately deterred me from ever paying a visit.
However the same cannot be said for the attitude of the owner, who has definately deterred me from ever paying a visit.
27/05/07 @ 17:10
Comment from: Rainbow
Wow, this is better drama than Eastenders! Certainly making my nightshift go quicker. I'm moving back to the Island in August and will have to pop in to see what all the hype is about. I'm particularly attracted by the sale of Fentimans drinks in the Orrery- I'm totally addicted to their ginger beer.
Mr B-T, I'm impressed by your passion and I hope you're feeling calmer now. I might even sample your cheap royal tea one day!
Matt and Cat, I love this website and have reccommended it to my family. Your reviews are witty and honest and the readers comments are a nice addition which gives a good overall idea of each establishment. In this case, they make fascinating reading too! I look forward to seeing more of your gastronomic critiques!
Mr B-T, I'm impressed by your passion and I hope you're feeling calmer now. I might even sample your cheap royal tea one day!
Matt and Cat, I love this website and have reccommended it to my family. Your reviews are witty and honest and the readers comments are a nice addition which gives a good overall idea of each establishment. In this case, they make fascinating reading too! I look forward to seeing more of your gastronomic critiques!
28/06/08 @ 00:46
Comment from: domp
James- Perhaps the point Matt and Cat were making about the 'cheap' tea is not so much to do with the taste but the fact that it was served in a mug with the bag left in it, which instantly makes it appear cheap.
Perhaps you should serve it in a teapot with teacups...after all that is how the Queen herself would drink it don't you think?
Nevertheless I like to idea of the Orrery itself, which would be nice if it ever got round to opening.
Perhaps you should serve it in a teapot with teacups...after all that is how the Queen herself would drink it don't you think?
Nevertheless I like to idea of the Orrery itself, which would be nice if it ever got round to opening.
24/02/09 @ 01:12
Comment from: Laurie
What's all the shouting? We'll have no trouble, here.
Actually, I rather regret all the hoo-hah, since The Orrery was one of my favourite places to eat. The falafel was excellent and the coffee invariably spot on.
More than anything, I'm sorry to be writing in the past tense. The Orrery has been shut for ages now - I hate to think that it's gone for good.
P.S.
Oranges are not the only fruit.
Actually, I rather regret all the hoo-hah, since The Orrery was one of my favourite places to eat. The falafel was excellent and the coffee invariably spot on.
More than anything, I'm sorry to be writing in the past tense. The Orrery has been shut for ages now - I hate to think that it's gone for good.
P.S.
Oranges are not the only fruit.
28/03/09 @ 20:15
Comment from: Norfolk Nick
Can anyone confirm if this place is now open?
Will be visiting the Island later this summer & feel obliged to see what all the fuss is about!!!
You see James, all publicity is good publicity!!
Great site – totally addicted!!!
Matt & Cat respond: Glad you like it, Nick. As far as we can see The Orrery is still closed and has been for a long time. The bars are up and what one can see of the inside does not suggest an operational café: but frankly, nothing would surprise us when it comes to this place. Come along by all means, perhaps you'll catch it open. Do let us know if you do.
Will be visiting the Island later this summer & feel obliged to see what all the fuss is about!!!
You see James, all publicity is good publicity!!
Great site – totally addicted!!!
Matt & Cat respond: Glad you like it, Nick. As far as we can see The Orrery is still closed and has been for a long time. The bars are up and what one can see of the inside does not suggest an operational café: but frankly, nothing would surprise us when it comes to this place. Come along by all means, perhaps you'll catch it open. Do let us know if you do.
05/06/09 @ 22:47
Comment from: ACW
Noticed they were advertising for staff in this week's County Press.
Matt & Cat respond: fancy that. That's very good news if they're making another go of it.
Matt & Cat respond: fancy that. That's very good news if they're making another go of it.
06/06/09 @ 10:52
Comment from: Norfolk Nick
Looks like this place could be opening again soon – see www.theorrery.co.uk
I loved the paragraph on their ‘cheap’ tea!!!
I loved the paragraph on their ‘cheap’ tea!!!
03/09/09 @ 19:48
Comment from: Martin · http://www.bodmodels.com
Hi Guys,
I would like to start by stating that i used to work for James in his Globe workshop around 7 or 8 years ago,the guys is a hard working,intelligent bloke,who is trying his best to support the island with his endeavours and certainly not either a boor or a boor(or even a boer!),i posit that the Orrery and the indded the new postcard museum are additions to Union St that can only be viewed as positive,it is so easy to knock people for investing in Ryde apparently,maybe what we so hould all do is sit on our posteriors while the spreading malaise of the charity shop overruns ryde or it dies on its harris as has sandown.Please guys,as a born and bred Islander,dont knock a guy who truly supports the island in general and Ryde specifically.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Martin, thanks for your comment. We're just adding the finishing touches to our all-new review of the Orrery. Watch this space!
I would like to start by stating that i used to work for James in his Globe workshop around 7 or 8 years ago,the guys is a hard working,intelligent bloke,who is trying his best to support the island with his endeavours and certainly not either a boor or a boor(or even a boer!),i posit that the Orrery and the indded the new postcard museum are additions to Union St that can only be viewed as positive,it is so easy to knock people for investing in Ryde apparently,maybe what we so hould all do is sit on our posteriors while the spreading malaise of the charity shop overruns ryde or it dies on its harris as has sandown.Please guys,as a born and bred Islander,dont knock a guy who truly supports the island in general and Ryde specifically.
Matt and Cat respond: Hi Martin, thanks for your comment. We're just adding the finishing touches to our all-new review of the Orrery. Watch this space!
13/09/10 @ 16:32
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