The Courtyard Bakery and Café – Clarens

Sunday, April 20th, 2025

Reviewed by Jason Modlinne

We’ve visited The Courtyard Bakery in Clarens multiple times over the years and always appreciated it as a pet-friendly spot with decent service. Unfortunately, that goodwill was completely undone this Easter morning. While enjoying breakfast, one of our pugs briefly got off-leash and ran toward the kitchen. Accidents happen — especially in a venue that markets itself as pet friendly. Instead of handling the situation professionally or calmly, the owner erupted. He screamed and swore at me, a paying customer, in full view of other guests. It was shocking and completely out of line. No matter how good the food or the setting may be, nothing justifies being treated with that level of aggression and rudeness. There’s a way to manage situations like this, and that was not it. We won’t be returning. The owner’s behaviour speaks volumes.