The Old Riding School Cafe

Wow, I was generous with those stars last time.
As we were in the Croxteth area, I decided to show a guest staying in Liverpool for a couple of days, the rather famous Croxteth Hall. We arrived late in the day and had decided not to go around the hall just see it and go for lunch in the café. MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT. The hall was as beautiful as ever but the café was a real let down. It was very quiet, with two shih tzus and a Rottweiler (and owners) sitting outside and nobody inside. We chose from the menu and ordered but were told there was no hot food (or fresh cold) available only a rather impoverished selection from the hot plate: two pies. One of which was resentfully bought. The staff were not exactly unfriendly but not overly welcoming either considering the guests were so few and they sat huddled together talking behind the till (while serving) which was unreceptive and unprofessional. I did not see the problem with making a hot dish and think that if the grounds and hall are open, the café should be too, and if the café is open it should serve! It was only around 3pm.
The drinks were okay and actually quite cheap but the atmosphere and the hunger pangs made it a little unenjoyable.
Upon departure from the café I noticed a sign for 5 a day, which was a little ironic considering the distinct lack of any fresh fruit, salad or veg and the copious stack of crisps.
Very disappointing and really not how I remember it.