Battels Arts Cafe in Harrow

Cute and quaint charming atmosphere - arts cafe. But the food quality is highly overrated for the price which is very expensive. Would advise against going for food as it is very expensive for the quality and service. Style over content. Tea and coffee is fine.

This was just the sort of cafe I like. Friendly welcome. Good food. Mismatched furniture. An artist working in the corner. Bookshelves. The feeling that you could stay all day. Some people were indeed working away on laptops, others were family groups out for Brunch, some people sat alone or sharing tables with other people on their own. Everyone felt comfortable and at home. Must be even better in the summer when the outside tables are available.

The best brunch in town. I'm a big fan of the West Indian and French crepe options. As well as the delicious seasonal hot beverages.

Revisited this café as I had a pleasant experience previously. The atmosphere and location are great and the staff are still just as friendly. I tried their Half English Breakfast this time and didn't have any complaints about the quality of food. The prices may seem quite high but I think it's to be expected somewhat for the location and that it seems to be an independently run café. I would happily visit again for a calm, pleasant experience. Everything about it makes you forget that you are situated in London.

£6 for a squash….cordial and water….£6! I mean that says it all but I will continue. The food portions were tiny, the sausages were skinnier than my little finger. There is something to be said for a venue which is antique and full of character….this isn’t it. It’s run down, the chairs are on the verge of collapsing and they clearly don’t wipe the dust from the sides. Oh and there’s no view to talk about out back, unless you like looking at a few houses partially obscured by trees.

Terrible service. Little option for vegans. Rude staff. Condescending cook/ owner called Sandra. Expensive. Avoid.

I've been to Battels quite a few times on and off over the years - I'm not a regular but I can honestly say I have enjoyed the experience each and every time. I was in there again the other day and the food was wonderful. The chef was grating carrots for some home made carrot cake - though on this occasion I had the lemon drizzle which was delicious. Oh - and the coffee was amazing - definitely the best on the hill. Do yourself a favour and go to this fabulous gem of an independent café.

Read the recent reviews but still decided to take a punt and visit. Glad we did. Staff were welcoming lovely and helpful and the food (we had the camembert and was given some homemade hot pepper sauce with it!) was fresh and delicious! Overall a delightful visit and will visit again!

Earlier this year, I went there for brekky. I was warned not to go, but I did anyway. Firstly, there was a small roach in my bacon bagel. When I showed it to the waitress, she became immediately defensive and told me I had put it there. As it was still wiggling about, I told her that he was fresh, so it is really unlikely that I had put him in. A lady claiming to the manager who identified herself as a woman come to my table. She told me that I should leave, or she would call the police to throw me out. Wow! I left, never to return. My advice, stay away!

Always a pleasure to go to Battles. The staff are friendly and the food is really lovely (great coffee too). Served always with a smile. It's like a little bit of France in Harrow. Very relaxed atmosphere and it's doggy friendly! What I love most is they give opportunities for local teens and young people to work where other businesses may not, so not just a great café but a small business supporting the young people of the local community and give them a stepping stone to their working life. What's not to like ! Andrew, Pandora and the team get 5 stars.

Lovely people and very calm and quiet, very nice view outside. The food was incredible and the hot chocolates were amazing. The drinks came out quickly and the service was really nice.

We had the most extraordinary breakfast here on the terrace. They do all the usual stuff of course but the creole breakfast is possibly the best breakfast I've ever eaten. Try it if you fancy something a bit different. Salt fish and johnny cakes like the best of them, felt like I was back in the Caribbean. I tweaked the menu a bit and had cooked tomato and avo, everything perfectly seasoned. Amazing homemade pepper sauce. Can't recommend enough. Thanks chef Andrew 😍

I visited in August and was taken aback by the attitude of the two owners/managers towards their staff. Open and loud criticism, especially a new waitress,, was common and frequent. And LOUD. They clearly have no empathy for those they employ and completely disregarded their feelings. My experience of the average at best food was tarnished by the stream of criticism of the new waitress that I overheard throughout my dining experience. When I mentioned to them while paying that if i could hear their constant criticism then so could the waitress they got extremely aggressive and egged each other on in their desperation to offend, insult and upset me. When I asked them to pass on a tip to the waitress who was the target of their vitriol they refused to do so and insisted that I pass the tip on myself. Something I was happy to do. The end result was that I was asked to leave. They screamed "GET OUT".

The management here are just shocking, the way they treat their waiting staff is on the verge of abuse and bullying. One of the waitresses was half way through taking our order when the management staff barked at the waitress to stop taking our order and go to till to process payment for another customer, a huge scene made, the other customer was happy to wait yet this waitress was dressed down for no reason at all. I had previously visited this place often last year but this visit will now be my last as I don’t want to pay into a business that advocates bulling and just lacks human decency.

I went to this lovely cafe after a long walk in harrow park. I had become very exhausted on my walk and was in much need of a lovely refreshment. I had a nutella crepe which was lovely. Then, I had a glass of their famous freshly pressed orange juice mmmm scrummy. They even let dogs in so my lovely poochie could come and sit with me while i relaxed. The service was also excellent, I can’t remember her name but a lovely young woman served me and was so polite, chatting with me about any nice local spots and her love of art which they do at the cafe. I was so glad to have found this little haven on the top of the hill by the boys school. Will definitely be coming back with the kids and the hubby 😊

I think the place has good vibes and it has paintings and books everywhere! The staff is friendly and the food is exceptional!!! You can get French or English food (I would recommend for brunch). I love it, I've been there so many times and I was surprised to see only 3 stars. Because it was unfair, I thought to write this review. This is more a slow food place, which is good to me!!!!

Kicked out the shop for complaining about a previous soggy, savory crepe. Very rude manager or owner. Instead of being arrogant, improve! 👎

Shambolic and possibly the worst coffee in West London? All they had to do was produce two flat whites and a macchiato. One flat white arrived. Could not drink it. Was just a luke warm mug of milk. Asked for another shot. In meantime, no sign of other coffees. Had to go in twice to ask where they were. Sitting on the counter going cold. Server had no idea what a macchiato was. The server eventually brought the other two coffees which were, by then, cold. A disaster for such a simple order. Cheap labour may be one thing but at least please provide some basic training. And all for over £10 which felt like a complete rip off.

I ordered tea and chocolate cake with mocha icing. The food and drink in and of itself was perfectly good - exactly as it should be provided. The cake was well made and the tea was hot. The cushioned bench seat that I sat on was VERY narrow - I felt as if I had to make sure I kept my back against the wall, and didn't slide forward too much to talk with a friend who was with me. It would have been difficult to do nevertheless, because the table - which although DEFINITELY large enough to accommodate three of us, felt cramped to be sat behind. There were no elaborate price guides behind the counter for us to see, and the menus didn't seem to provide the prices for all the items (it did for the tea, but not for the cake as far as I could tell). The (large) slice of cake I had came to £4.95, which I only discovered much later - far too expensive in my opinion (maybe around £2 too much in my estimation). As it was when it came time to pay, the clerk informed me (after accepting my £20 note) that she was short of [change]. I wasn't able to clearly discern the amount she was saying that the bill came to - the long and the short of it, is that I'm 4p out of pocket, after an already expensive visit where prices weren't clearly displayed, hence my low score. And I had to ask for a receipt, it wasn't just offered. And I don't recall being given a "thank you" either. Very sorry to have visited there if I'm honest.

I needed to get some work done and couldn’t stay at home as my neighbour’s construction work was driving me crazy! I quickly searched for ‘dog friendly cafe near me’ and this gem popped up. I grabbed my pooch and my laptop and headed to Battels, not really knowing what to expect! From the second I walked in, everyone was so welcoming and friendly! It’s such a cozy place and has everything you’d need! It may be a little pricey, but for a ham/cheese toastie and a coffee the prices are reasonable and absolutely worth it! I got a lot of work done and got to chill with my dog! Dog friendly indoor places are such a rare find in this area, we must support them, just out of principle! Thank you guys!!

While I was exploring the streets Harrow on the Hill on a cold and windy day I came upon this little café. I sat down at one of the tables right outside and immediately a very pleasant young man presented menu to me. A pot of hot tea, loose leaf, with a strainer, arrived shortly and warmed me up. The inside of the cafe is decorated with all kinds of framed art work, creating a very cosy atmosphere. I did use the restroom, it was clean and working well. Cc payment was accepted by a lovely lady inside, definitely will return in the future.

Went for brunch with our friends. Cafe has a good location and ambiance. The coffee was good and tasty and same goes to the brunch dishes. However the service was absolutely terrible and I would have given -1 if possible to the service. Whilst I appreciate the inexperienced youth doing the service, it’s on to their supervisor to ensure they provide quality service to customers at the end of the day. They asked questions about our orders 100 times and miscalculated our bill with another table.

This is a pleasant cafe in many ways, but there is only one toilet (as far as I could see) and today that simply wouldn't flush. The cistern seemed to be taking an eternity to refill, and the toilet had obviously been used by at least one person since last being flushed. Eventually (having used it myself even though it was unflushed) I had to give up waiting to be able to flush the toilet. Just as well as there was a man waiting who told me he was desperate!The cafe needs to get a plumber, and preferably a second toilet.

Splendid pot of Breakfast tea (not a tea bag in site) . Very pleasant relaxing place, all the staff friendly and attentive.

I ordered the Pupil Vegan Salad. I did check the ingredients before I ordered it and said I wasn’t interested if it was just a green salad. Well, what came was totally unimaginative and had no protein on it at all. It was saved by a perfectly ripe avacado and a few slices of beetroot. Otherwise it was web lettuce, cucumber and tastless sliced tomatoes. I did talk to the manager about it and tried to offer some suggestions. I suggested a more adventurous lettuce eg raddicio or frise, vegan coleslaw, nuts, cooked vegetables. He did not appreciate my feedback, and said that I had spoiled his day. And service was poor, noone came to the table to see if we were happy with our food. Won’t be going back there.

This was a special visit - one of the first after lockdown easing - and in the company of a friend from Sheffield. Service was slow, food lacked flavour, the pupil salad was bland and used the most basic and uninspiring ingredients. My English breakfast teas was accompanied by milk that was off. Overpriced.

After 15+ months of shielding my wife and I ventured out to Harrow Hill where we stopped for an outside coffee at this interesting cafe/eaterie. Service was a little slow but very friendly and Covid precautions were assiduously followed making us feel safe. The coffee was very good, if a little pricey, and it was a very pleasant place to sit and enjoy the hubbub of the Hill on a sunny day. Enjoyable experience.

Food was pretty good however the service was poor and the price is slightly inflated. Art is nice to look at too.

The breakfast menu offers a good choice to suit all appetites and tastes. This was my first visit and I’m really glad I opted for the creole breakfast comprising delicious freshly cooked slightly spiced salt cod served with a poached egg, corny bread and salad including avocado. Pepper sauce is also offered for anyone looking for heat with their food, I skippef this condiment.A pleasantly original start to the day.

Unique decor surrounded by local artist's work. Excellent homemade food. We were a booking for 13 and the food came quickly to everyone. Very efficient staff run mainly by family members. Added advantage is that dogs are allowed.

Uninspiring and lacking in taste. On the surface it looked promising but we had a tasteless salad and a panini which had little but mush inside. Sadly disappointing and pricey for what it was.

On frequent visits to Harrow School have always seen this little cafe but never visited. Visited twice yesterday both times only for coffee. What a lovely place. Excellent coffee. Friendly staff. Great views. The food looked lovely. Plan to eat there next time

Some friends and myself visited on the recommendation of another friend who had stumbled across this cafe.We were not disappointed. I had the grand master breakfast and as you can see from the pictures it was grand! Lots of nicely buttered toast (my Mum would approve) one egg (would have liked two) lots of sausages, a burger (nice but a little odd) beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and the drinks included too which was nice. In total £15 for the lot which is not bad as it included my orange juice and a pot of coffee. I would probably fine tune it a little to remove the burger / sausage or two but that's personal preference and the lovely waitress would have done this had I asked. Or I could have opted for the smaller breakfast. The bacon was nicely cooked too which is important to me, visible fat is not appealing.Service was really pleasant but just needs fine tuning a little. Tables could be set up ready to save the service team having to go back and forth. Salt and pepper on the table would be great. We waited a while for some bits, those in a hurry may struggle.Some friends had the creole crepes and panini and said they were very nice also. Overall some lovely food in a really chilled atmosphere. Will be telling friends about this lovely place. We pre booked our table just in case and the guy I spoke with could not be more helpful.

One of the loveliest cafes in town. Staff is always kind and welcoming. I love how peaceful it is (no loud music, just calm low volume music) so you can actually talk to people you came with. Their coffees and food are delicious and they even changed a meal that is non - vegan into vegan one for me and didn't charge me any extra for the food they changed (in many other restaurants they did!). This is and will always stay the one cafe in Harrow I always bring people who come and visit me from my country and other places around the world. Keep the good work guys and don't listen to the haters who have nothing else to do in the world but complain about others instead of recognising faults within themselves and working on them. Peace and love from me.❤Vika

Really friendly service. Very efficient. Great coffee. Delicious croissant. Very very dog friendly. Great atmosphere. We were able to sit outside in sunshine this morning but can't wait to visit and sit inside too!

All the food is fresh, homemade and delicious, the crepes in particular, although it's worth visiting this cafe just for the atmosphere. It's calm and stylish with walls adorned with paintings and soft background music. However, it isn't cheap at all, for example a crepe will set you back about eight pounds (or more).

Nice atmosphere, specially i like coffee and fresh juice, nice view from balcony and staff is very friendly.

Visited for a simple tea and coffee. Was handed a dirty cup twice in a row for tea. Without exaggeration, cappuccino was the worst made I have seen for a very very long time - coffee grinds in the cup, milk practically boiled with giant bubbles on top. Not up to the standard of the area by far, Dolls House cafe is a stones throw away.

Fairly small establishment with art displays from local artists. Have a tiny outdoor area - maybe three tables. Pancakes available in both sweet and savoury. Coffee quite good. Nice to have a break from a walk and refuel.

Wonderfully unique café in a picturesque location. Brilliant food and especially like the creole breakfast, salt fish is a delight! You don't often find Caribbean in this area and it was a really nice surprise.

Beware - this place charges a £2 hidden extra fee for speciality milk per coffee. The price of two medium soy cappuccinos comes up to a scandalous £12! 50p is the standard fee, £2 is extortion. The waitresses don't mention this to you when you order and the manager might kick you out if you bring it up (it happened to us). The charge is written with a tiny print right at the bottom of the menu, nowhere near the coffee prices. This practice is dishonest and intentionally misguiding. The manager took our reasonable feedback extremely badly and unprofessionally. He claimed we had insulted his staff (?), that he didn't want our money and told us get out.

We popped in for brunch today. I ordered an Italian toastie, which was ok, if a bit bland. My partner ordered the English breakfast with poached eggs. The egg was solid all the way through. When I spoke to the woman on the till, she didn’t respond. The chef then came over and said that I should have specified how I expected it as they are cooked to customer request. If this is the case, the waitress should have asked as I have literally never had a poached egg without a runny yolk. No apology offered. I won’t be returning.

Battlels café is located on the high street in the middle of Harrow-on-the-Hill village, and makes the most of its pretty location. The exterior has canopy-covered seating in the front, and a veranda at the rear that offers striking views across the fields and houses beneath. The interior is a quirky combination of shabby-chic café and art gallery. Mismatched wooden tables and chairs fill the room space while paintings by local artists fill the wall space. The latter are available to buy. Newspapers and paperback novels are also in abundance should you require something else to look at.

Visited after school with my boys. I liked the Arts Theme. I was told regularly local artists do come and share arts skill. Wasn't really impressed with the food. All kids do enjoy crepes. But, it was below par...and my boys even didnt enjoy. Also, I reckon pricy for the quality of the food. Service cannot fault. The guy on service was friendly ans accommodating.

Come here regularly as it is very local and reasonable value for money. The food is good, but the breakfasts are definitely missing hash browns as an option. Also the sauces are cheap packets which I'm not a fan of. Like other reviews I would agree the service is questionable. The staff aren't friendly apart from the younger ones who don't appear to have much experience. Despite this would still return as the breakfast does the job!

Customer service is not difficult. Just smile and interact - I am going to give you money afterall!! Why make out your art cafe then serve such tiny portions of rubbish food?

Excellent lunch had by all, very unique interior, with friendly and efficient staff. The toasted sandwiches were some of the nicest we have tasted, will definitely return. Good value for money. Lemon sponge cake was delicious, Thank you.

We were a bit wet and soggy having been caught in a downpour. Very welcoming to our large party of 11. Great choice of drinks and lovely cakes. Jamaican hot chocolate and chocolate cake a chocoholic delight! Home made lime cordial very refreshing!

Mi amigo y yo pedimos un crepe cada ayer para el almuerzo en la cafetería. Una crepe era servido en nuestra mesa y a unos 20 minutos el segundo panqueque, momento en el que el primer crepe tenía ha consumido. Tanto para disfrutar de compartir una comida juntos! Toda la experiencia fue arruinado. Tuve que elevar el punto y luego recibimos una disculpa de un educado, pero más trabajo camarero. Gritos de mala gestión.

He estado varias veces este invierno para una crepe de nutella y una taza de té y me encantó!

Gran lugar en la colina con una bonita terraza y un gran desayuno criollo. Vale la pena una parada en si estás en Harrow.

Vine aquí para el té de la tarde el domingo para un baby shower! El personal era increíble y muy servicial y amable. Me fui a un montón de esfuerzo para todos nosotros. Teníamos la habitación de la planta baja alquilar para aproximadamente 18 chicas. La vista desde el jardín/terraza es simplemente impresionante. Sin duda recomendaría este lugar y volveré pronto.

Un café encantador con unos (muy pocos) los asientos fuera, perfecto para un día soleado. Algunos pasteles de maravilla, sobre todo la llovizna de limón. En la cara.

He estado aquí una vez antes, y la comida era buena y teníamos un lugar agradable, aunque nuestro grupo no comentan que era caro para la cantidad de comida.

We popped in for lunch while staying locally having asked if it was OK to bring dogs in and were directed to a table at the back, somewhat begrudgingly. The waitress came over and told us she'd take our drinks order first but of the 5 drinks ordered they'd run out of two of them. When the coffee came it was not great so we asked if it could be redone but less watery and were told that was how they made Americano but they eventually took it away to add another shot. In the toilet was a large bar of soap which never feels particularly hygienic. At this point we decided not to bother eating, especially as the prices were quite high and there didn't appear to be a children's menu (we certainly weren't offered one!). Note there was only one other person in at that time but many of the tables were reserved. Probably wouldn't go back if we were in the area again despite the location high on the hill overlooking the world below as we weren't made to feel very welcome.

We LOVE coming to this friendly cafe! Gizmo and I come every week and we are always welcome with a smile! They have some lovely things on the menu and if you can't see it they take requests too! Enjoy whatever time of the day you choose to go!

Great new cafe on the hill. Food and drink options great. Pancakes delicious but make for a rather smoky atmosphere here at times!

It is a lovely cafe, very cosy and comfortable but I do feel it's a bit overpriced for what it is. I've had a lovely toasted bagel for lunch twice now but it's about £8 and really it's just a bagel with cheese & ham. The cakes are fabulous though and the ladies who run it are very friendly.

I stumbled upon this little gem and loved it. Yes it's not cheap, but if you're looking for a warm welcome and pleasant atmosphere then it's worth the expenditure. People have got so use to 'big coffee chain' prices they forget that smaller one man bands have to charge more to sustain. Give it a try and support local!Nothing else like it around.

Dropped in for coffee with my daughter and niece, but would think again after the bill for three drinks and cakes came to over £27.

We had been wanting to try this place for a while. Big disappointment!It was completely overpriced and the food was very average. We ordered milkshakes and at £5.50 each you would expect them to be made with fruit rather than the sickly powder they were made with.Food was not good. My tuna pitta was caked in mayo and had been toasted with lettuce, I couldn't finish it. The crepes weren't great either. Service poor, had to wait ages and they forgot some of our drinks. I don't mind spending money on good food but I felt that we were ripped off. I won't be returning. Sarah's cafe much better.

The food was average, side salad miniscule and the bread was stale on the sandwiches. My son's tuna mayo salad pitta pocket had been toasted so it was soggy and difficult to eat - we were not asked if this was required toasted or not and it did not state this on the menu. Personally I would not toast salad on any type of bread!!!We came away feeling ripped off and £27 lighter!

Ordered a 5.50 continental breakfast and was shocked to find that it was a slice of Warburtons seeded and a small pan au chocolat (supermarket bought). Very chuffing upset and I won't be chuffing returning. Sort your act out and do one.

Visited for breakfast as part of an overnight stay in Harrow on the Hill. Really liked the feel of this place, the setting and environment could be perfect. Food was good. Coffee was fine. Biggest area for attention are the staff, there were lots of them and although they weren't rude, nor were they forthcoming with pleasantries or a welcome! If the staff help to create the right environment and ambience this place could be great.

Sad really as this place has potential. The location and ambience are lovely. However, staff is utterly clueless, food is mediocre at best and prices are unjustifiable. Coffee wasn't great and I was charged (and confirmed at checkout) £4 for a latte. Bonkers.

Divine savoury crepe super light just right crepe, one of best crepe I've had, if not the best. The milkshake I had was also lovely and had small super soft lovely marshmallows.

Stopped for brunch on a quiet Friday lunchtime and like another reviewer, we were pleasantly surprised. My pupil breakfast was a small but perfectly adequate portion, my partner's breakfast was much bigger. Both were good quality and the coffee was tasty. We even got a free banana! Will go again.

Food is excellent, enjoyed my panini, it was just the right temperature, crunchy yet melted nicely into my mouth a taste to die for!

The heading says it all. The quality of food is really poor and portion sizes so small. I paid £9 for a tiny omelette with a very sad looking salad next to it. The ice team was two teeny scoops with some squirty cream on top. Allergies are not accommodated for and the staff are nice but clueless. Baby changing is a hard marble table with no edge protection and nowhere to put a changing bag. The venue itself is ok but the amount of alternative venues in the area mean that I can comfortably avoid it.

My friend suggested we come here; however reading the bad reviews I protested and wanted to go elsewhere. She had always had a good experience and persuaded me to give it a try. We went for lunch. Menu was good - crepes, sandwiches, soups and full meals. I went for a tuna panini and she had a fish soup. Both were excellent - panini was lovely and fresh and the soup was authentically French, well presented with croutons and a dipping sauce and salad. The crepe was simple and fresh, very light and tasty. The cakes were beautiful too. The service was friendly, the chef came out and asked us how our food was and the servers were pleasant and welcoming. On another occasion, we arrived late just as they were closing; nevertheless we were seated outside for a good hour or more while the staff were clearing up, which was lovely of them. Prices are very slightly high but that's to be expected from the location. The decor was charming too. Overall I'm very happy and I would definitely go back.

Pretty place,overpriced ,pretentious menu and rude management obviously not taking heed of reviews and living off tourists and Horrovians and their gullible parents.Generally peevingthe local clientele.What a pity it could be tremendous and live up to early promise.

Coffee: bitterCake: selection of 2: neither were freshService: rude & aggressivePrice: more expensive than a decent central London cafe, yet if a cafe in London was this poor they would not survive...this cafe preys on the wealthy Harrow School boys & families and the tourists who flock to the hill. Be warned: take your business to Incanto - if you must. Battels has - sadly - become arrogant and complacent. I was mightily and sorely disappointed.When new, this cafe employed excellent staff who were keen to set up the the business but the owners are bullies and have got rid of these nice staff and I presume it wont be long until the current staff are offended and leave.

I've been coming here since the café was new - although I'm not quite a 'regular'...I have given this cafe lots of praise on this site and in personal reccomendations...but NO MORE ...it is getting worse...in every sense.Today I was shouted at by the owner because I dared to mention that the cakes had increased in price. Her favourite line that she kept shouting at me is "I'm a trained lawyer - I understand business!!"Oh...I see...Well... I consider £5 for a thin slice of shop-bought, mass produced cake and £3.50 for a small coffee (that is not particularly well made) to now be beyond my means for a reasonable local and will be taking my business elsewhere. And that is before I even consider the rude, aggressive (and incompetent) customer service. Since opening, their initial enthusiasm to win business has waned and been replaced by arrogance from initial good feedback.Positive feedback on this site relates to summer 2015 and before when they employed, lovely, hard-working staff who I know were becoming increasingly fed up with the working conditions...A real shame - this place had the potential to steal business from the (also)overpriced 'competition' (Doll's House, Incanto) but they've fallen into the same complacent trap and interest is fading amongst locals...they will be left to fight for business by preying on the unsuspecting tourists and the wealthy Harrow School parents...ie the seasonal clientele...we regulars will frequent Miriam's Munchies or another....

Setting is lovely and the interior very sweet. However, the service is terrible. I have visited a number of times and it doesn't seem to make any difference what time of day - the service is still terminally slow! Advice - take a book if you don't mind the wait. Over priced for what it offers, much much like the other cafes on the hill.

We placed our order for tea, coffee and cakes and 30+ minutes later, none of the 4 young waitresses had brought them! Chaos! Nor had they cleared the 2 tables next to us and so we left. Such a sweet little Art Gallery Café but the manager must be fired before they lose their business.

Visited on a busy Sunday and whilst the menu says be prepared to wait there is a limit. We were seated immediately and given our menus but then waited 20 minutes for a waitress to take our order. We both ordered breakfasts and a pot of tea. The tea came quickly and was of good quality. After that we waited and waited, people on other tables seemed to be receiving their food but all at different times. We were getting hungrier and hungrier and the tea had now by this time been consumed. After another 35 minutes of the tea arriving the waitress informed us that there were no sausages left for our breakfast. By this time (55 minutes) we decided enough was enough and decided to leave. The lady on the cash register was surrounded by bills but seemed unable to find ours. This is a quaint café in a lovely location, not appearing to be short staffed but not appearing to have any direction either. Shame.

I agree with most of the other reviewers that this is such a lovely place. I could imagine sitting here all day writing and reading...and eating nice cakes from Dorset.The owner is delightful (and very witty), as are all of her staff; so friendly and attentive.I just think she should consider reducing prices a tad to get a few more bottoms on seats. I'm not looking for cheap eats at all; but I'm trying to give constructive feedback to the owners here because I really loved the ambience, French music and general all round experience on a Friday morning.I had a largish slice of delicious carrot cake; much nicer than in other places.A hot chocolate (Cadbury's?) with NO additions of cream or marshmallows, and my friend had a medium-sized cappuccino.That came to...£10.50!! I reckon around £8.50 would be perfectly pitched...and the posh mums will still come Perfect!

Nice decor and some okay art on the walls, but overall the experience was very disappointing.The food was generally pretty basic (pitta breads, toasted sandwiches etc) and very overpriced. There were some vegetarians in the group and they were really struggling. They were offered a vegetarian breakfast but this was the middle of a Sunday afternoon!The milkshakes were pretty good, but small, and again, overpriced.It may be an okay option for breakfast but I don't think we'll be rushing back.

The best element to this charming hilltop cafe is most definitely its location on the hill. Second, the interior. Dotted around the cafe are paintings, and the furniture is charming.The food however is overpriced for what it is. I had a toasted bagel with cream cheese and tomato, priced at £5.50. For this, I expected generous portions of fresh cream cheese and tasty ripe tomatoes. Unfortunately the tomatoes were pale and lacked in taste, and the cream cheese was sparse. I don't really have a problem with a small sandwich, but for £5.50 I thought this was quite disappointing. The 'salad garnish' is literally a few pieces of lettuce and a slice of pepper. I must agree with the previous reviewer in that Battels is deliberately targeting the wealthier inhabitants of the hill. My companions had a salmon bagel, a sausage sandwich (equally small) and the Masters Breakfast - which was in fact better value and much more tasty. Having said this the cakes were delicious, and the tea and coffee was good.I recommend the cafe for the good quality of tea and coffee, and it is lovely to sit in an area surrounded by art in an independent cafe - but I do believe they need to be more careful if they are going to charge those prices.

I came here with my other half as the cafe looked cosy from the outside. There wasn't a menu to look at when walking past so we had to enquire within. The ambience is lovely. There is rustic wooden furniture and art work scattered around and it is very cosy. The staff are very attentive and friendly. I ordered scrambled eggs with toast and my other half ordered a bagel. We had tap water and a cup of coffee. The total bill came to approximately £15.00. It is extortionate for what you get. The portions are small! The toast was small and so was the portion of scrambled egg. There wasn't much filling in the bagel either. I want to give this cafe the benefit of the doubt but it looks like they are taking advantage of the wealthy clientèle from the school but serving less and charging more. The food was consequently decent but does no way command the prices they ask for. The Dolls House down the road offers more variety for much better prices.

A treasure to find at the top of Harrow on the Hill, this little cafe has a lovely fresh French and Creole inspired menu. Whilst you eat, you can feast your eyes on the local artwork on display too.

Went to this place a couple of time over the last month and it is great. very friendly staff, good choice of food, freshly made crepes ( sweet and savoury), at the week end some creole dish, cake coffee, sandwich and salad.lovely atmosphere and quite a lot of space we go with some friends we all have small baby and we are really enjoying the place.