A café in Rickmansworth has been slammed online for its customer service.

Brown Sugar Deli, an independent café in High Street, has been lambasted by Facebook users who described the owner as “rude” and unfriendly to children.

James Barnard, a regular at the deli, said he felt “awkward” while eating in the café after the waitress allegedly commented that he always eats alone.

He said: “As soon as I arrived, the lady behind the counter said ‘what do you want?’

“I then heard her whispering to her friend that I’m always alone. Things like that don’t normally bother me, however she just made me feel immensely awkward.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m alone or have ten mates with me; I’m a customer and everyone should be treated with respect.

“Luckily she caught me on a good day because otherwise I would have told her where she can stick the coffee and breakfast, but my hunger was more important than that.”

Mark Walker added that the “owner is a very rude woman” and he would “rather go hungry” than give her his money.

Mothers in the Chorleywood, Rickmansworth and Croxley Green Facebook group also commented that they felt unwelcome in the deli because they had children.

Lucy Herriot said she would "never go back” when the staff made it clear they didn’t like customers with children and Debbie Rose said the deli was “very select” with who it wants in there.

Lauren Duncan agreed saying: “The owner is rude. I wouldn’t go back there. They have one booster seat and I don’t think she really wanted to get it out for my son. Her customer service skills are terrible.”

Charlotte Batson said: “The woman who owns it is incredibly rude. She has absolutely no manners whatsoever and serving her customers always seems like such a chore.”

However, there were some satisfied customers.

Melanie Batt said: “I have to disagree with everyone. I have always had great service and the food is lovely.

And Alexis Noble also defended Brown Sugar saying: “I have never experienced rudeness in there and she’s really nice to my kids too.”

Brown Sugar Deli declined to comment.