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Ratings and reviews

Travellers' Choice2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value

Details

CUISINES
British, Contemporary, Healthy, Cafe
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
View all details
meals, features, about
Reviews (169)
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169 results
Traveller rating
128
22
7
7
5
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
Traveller rating
128
22
7
7
5
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All reviews brunch brownie pancakes beans halloumi fries pasta bread sandwich mutley plain vegan breakfast chicken salt gf options iced coffee strength to strength buzzing atmosphere amazing food
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Reviewed 4 days ago

We visited Early Bird Cafe on Mayflower Street, we arrived and had to wait a few minutes to get a table, but the staff downstairs assured us it would only be a few minutes (which it was). Upstairs was busy but we were shown to...our table quickly it was right next to the window :). Shortly after our server came and took our orders, she was very kind and caring. The coffee used here is Clifton Coffee which is roasted in Bristol, hands down one of the nicest coffees I’ve had out in a cafe. The orange juice is also so amazing and smooth. Our food came out nice and quick, the I always go for the avocado toast, with poached eggs on top. Lovely flavour and you could taste how fresh the toast was. The eggs were still runny which is perfect! Both other dishes were Christmas Specials. The garlic mushrooms on toast were exceptional, with the perfect amount of sauce and favour to them. Now, early bird is known for its pimped hash browns, but the Christmas Pimped hash browns are on a new level. topped with cranberry Mayo sauce, stuffing and mini pigs in blankets they were eaten very quickly! After being here quite a few times, I thought it was important for me to write a review of it. The service has always been amazing, and you’re always served with a smile. All the staff have always been so kind on every occasion we have been. I would absolutely recommend stopping by, even if it’s just for one of the treats from the bakery downstairs. CMore

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 1 week ago

Fantastic! Varied menu. Excellent veggie/vegan choices. Friendly staff. Great atmosphere. Top quality. Highly recommend! You won’t be sorry.

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed 30 September 2023 via mobile

My wife has been pestering me to come here for weeks saying she’s heard a lot of good things about it (despite me not even knowing it existed) so we came for breakfast yesterday. We were seated in a lovely spot and the place had...a really good vibe to it! Our waitress was really polite, warm and welcoming. I had an Americano, my Wife a Latte and we both had the EB Stack Pancakes. Wow! Not gonna lie, it was like sex in my mouth! I’m not really a breakfast person and I normally skip it but this has converted me, it was absolutely banging 👌🏼🥞 Would I return? Absolutely. Already planning it 😋More

Date of visit: September 2023
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Reviewed 17 September 2023 via mobile

We love the early bird and have been here multiple times. The food is super tasty and generally the service is great too. The reason I am giving three stars is because of the policy of not being able to swap out items. For example,...if one of our party has a mushroom allergy, they’ll let you remove mushrooms from the order but will charge you extra for swapping in another item. It’s a really rubbish policy to be honest and not one that I think I’ve ever seen at other restaurants. Most places are happy to swap out and exchange items. It just means the customer ends up paying more when they’re getting the same amount of food they would have paid for originally. Cmon Early Bird please re-visit this policy and if you decide to change your mind we will definitely be giving you another try.More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?3  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 18 August 2023

I have visited here many times and always enjoy the breakfast even though it is a little pricey compared to others. I visited last week and was disappointed to be asked to pay a 10% service charge before I had even had any food!? For...an establishment that is already quite pricey compared to others, and to be expected to pay this before you even eat or have really experienced the service made my visit feel a little awkward and changed the vibe for me. Also being asked 3 times by 3 different members of staff if my food was ok was a little annoying, a little communication would go a long way.More

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?7  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 12 August 2023 via mobile

Having discovered my original destination for lunch today was closed, I nipped across the road to the Early Bird. The café was almost completely full but I was swiftly welcomed in and given a freshly cleared table. The atmosphere was lovely & brimming with positivity....Everyone who served me was warm and kind, nothing too much trouble. I ordered the eggs benedict with smoked salmon & a pot of breakfast tea - absolutely delicious and great service. What an absolute gem of a find, I'll be back there for sure only next time I'll take a brownie to go (the glass cabinet showcased a treasure trove of sweet treats). I cannot recommend highly enough.More

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 11 August 2023 via mobile

Service charge should be added at the end, not before you’ve had your service. Food is good, but a 10% stealth increase that should of been highlighted by the server; unfortunately it wasn’t and was levied automatically. Whilst, on leaving we saw this in writing,...the server failed. Won’t be visiting again, watch out for the service charge; payment should be made at the end!More

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?6  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert Stander, Owner at The Early Bird, responded to this reviewResponded 13 August 2023

Thanks for your feedback “Jamie P”….. we always welcome constructive criticism from customers, however, In our defence, there is a sign up that clearly brings your attention to the optional service charge, and there is a further notice to that effect on the menu. I...More

Reviewed 30 July 2023

£10 for a slice of toast with some avocado and scrambled egg. Not even a large portion. I was stunned.

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 29 July 2023

I went here with friends fully anticipating I wouldn’t be able to eat anything being GF….. but I was so pleasantly surprised! There were lots of options for me, and it was good to see there were vegan and GF options too! I had the...vegan breakfast and it was flavourful, and worth the money! The staff members were happy, polite and friendly. A really lovely atmosphere :-)More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?
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Reviewed 2 July 2023

Lovely decor. My breakfast asked for no mushrooms and she said i go ask come back took my order and come out with mushrooms gave half my food to my mate the homemade beans are a copy of boston tea party beans was a poor...vegan breakfast then the lady come over asked if everything was ok before i could say she scratched her down stairs gross and then walked and said thanks bye :-(More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?3  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 23 June 2023 via mobile

Great food,reasonably priced,friendly staff. Busy as always. Superb home cooked food,cakes, and breads. I've been there several times and have never been disappointed .

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 20 June 2023

Firstly the food is lush. I had a really nice breakfast quesadilla with halloumi and iced coffee. Absolutely lovely. My friend had the pancakes and chicken which she said she enjoyed. But I mainly came to review for the facilities. I think it’s really refreshing...and considerate to provide some essentials in the toilet/changing area. Nappies, wipes, sanitary products, deodorant, perfume, dry shampoo. Lovely touch. Will definitely be back.More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 7 June 2023

Only just managed to get past the amazing bakery selection, the smell - heaven Great brunch, fab smoothies and tasty hot coffee.

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 30 May 2023

Absolutely amazing place. I have no words to describe how great place it is. Food is awesome. Staff is awesome. If i could i would give them 10 stars. Highly recomend😁

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 27 May 2023 via mobile

Visited early bird for brunch with my family. The food was delicious and service was amazing. The staff were also fantastic when unfortunately one of us fainted, making sure we had everything we needed. They were very kind and respectful whilst we made sure that...he was ok. Thank you early bird!More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Questions & Answers
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Plykel
8 August 2022|
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Response from Jannerbloke | Reviewed this property |
It’s to stop you from making off without payment.
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Jannerbloke
28 September 2019|
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Response from U8241JZfaiths |
Hi Jannerbloke Yes we are pleased to say we do have free WiFi. Unfortunately due to the limited space we have and how busy we get at times we don’t allow dogs, however we now have limited seating outside where dogs are... More
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THE EARLY BIRD, Plymouth - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Early Bird

Yes, The Early Bird is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

The Early Bird is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 5
  • Value: 4.5