Birch Tree Cafe in East Northamptonshire

Enjoy a great coffee with exquisite pastries in a friendly, independent coffee house. Love it.

Was really looking forward to going to this cafe. Got there just before 3pm, in good time we thought as open until 4pm. There was an empty table outside, and one or two inside. We were met entering by a gentlemen who quickly said to us 'sorry, bookings only'. We don't believe this to be true at all. A 'couple' on the other table outside said that they hadn't booked and had just walked in. I went and asked the gentlemen if we could just get a couple of drinks .... his reply was then that they were too busy and no we couldn't! How difficult it is, and time consuming is it, to make a couple of coffees when you are a cafe(!), I have never come across this before! He had a whole hour to make us a drink. We'd been to another cafe earlier, which was much busier, called 'The Command Post', PE8 6SR, which I would highly recommend and seemed much nicer and helpful staff. He obviously lied to us. Well we won't be trying there again. I would therefore suggest booking if you are thinking of going to this place!! Especially if you're venturing from afar as you could be mistaken in thinking you can just turn up for light refreshments! BTW, I'm sure it is nice once/if they let you in and want to serve you. Where does it say 'bookings/reservations only' for just tea or coffee!? There were tables available and pretty sure it says 'walk ins' welcome!

Okay pub but the toilets needs a refurb big time.

Friendly staff who are very helpful. Great food.

We were led to believe this was above average - ho hum... Service, whilst friendly, was slow. Finding a wine list took some 20 minutes. After another reuest when it arrived it was crumpled and stained. As it was warm night we decided to eat outside - tables could have done with a good wipe, and the floor had obviously not seen a sweep for some time - cigarette ends all over the place. Menu was nothing more than average selection of pub food, and from arrival to food arriving took one hour. On the plus sign - food was hot, and acceptable, portion size - substantial. (No need for a starter.)