Branding & Citrus | 8.3

A Mixed Experience at Branding & Citrus 

Branding & Citrus, part of Texelse Branding, is a well-known spot for coffee and snacks on Texel. Located in a charming setting, it’s a place that attracts both locals and tourists. We decided to visit on a busy Sunday and walked away with mixed feelings about our experience.

A Busy Start

The café was bustling with activity when we arrived, which is always a good sign for a popular spot. However, the initial confusion about seating left us feeling a bit out of place. After waiting at the bar for several minutes, one staff member kindly offered to find us a table, which was appreciated. True to her word, a table was available within minutes.

On the flip side, the rest of the staff seemed either overwhelmed or indifferent. While some were helpful and attentive, others appeared to avoid eye contact, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

Coffee and Snacks: Hits and Misses

We started with drinks: an iced coffee and a flat white. The flat white was smooth and enjoyable, but the iced coffee was a disappointment. It looked and tasted as if hot coffee had been poured over ice, which made it watery and unpleasant. For a café that seemed to pride itself on its coffee, this was a letdown.

Thankfully, the snacks fared much better. We opted for a cheese croissant and a chocolate croissant, both of which were fresh and flavorful. The balance of flakiness and filling made these treats a highlight of our visit.

Service Challenges

The service was a mixed bag. While the staff member who found us a table deserves credit for her attentiveness, the overall communication left much to be desired. For example, after standing at the counter for nearly 10 minutes, we were finally informed that table service was the only option for dine-in orders. This could have been communicated earlier, saving us the confusion and wait.

The Atmosphere

Branding & Citrus has a welcoming interior with a cozy vibe that matches the charm of Texel. On a less busy day, it would likely feel like the perfect spot to relax over coffee. However, the crowded environment and disorganized service made it difficult to fully enjoy the ambiance during our visit.

Final Thoughts

Our experience at Branding & Citrus was a mix of highs and lows. The tasty croissants and comfortable seating were definite positives, but the lack of clear communication and inconsistent service dampened the overall experience.

If you’re visiting on a quieter day, Branding & Citrus might provide a much better experience. However, if you happen to stop by during peak hours, be prepared for potential hiccups in service.

Would we return? Perhaps. While the food quality showed promise, the service challenges need improvement for this café to truly shine.