Bistro at Etchingham Station in Rother

The perfect venue for a private party. Easy access by train or car, gorgeous garden, well stocked bar, first class service with a smile, the best wood fired pizza outside of Italy! Nothing too much trouble for Paul and his team (= family) who are just brilliant hosts.

Lovely time in sunny garden this morning. Delicious coffee and cakes, cheerful service, very relaxing setting. Beautiful flowers on all the interior tables

On our way back to our B&B after a busy day, we found this lovely place to stop for dinner. Pizza night it was but what a treat Bruschetta’s and garlic bread were homemade, very well portioned and delicious. Pizzas were as good as the other reviews stated. Lovely place, the old station’s garden is just a little gem to eat in. And when it got too chilly for the kids we could go back inside to finish our meals. No fuss I couldn’t resist the Homemade lemon cheesecake. Perfect evening Charming staff Delicious food The only minus would be the paid parking (because of course it’s a real train station 😉)

A hidden gem! Whether it be to grab a quick coffee whilst waiting for a train to London or having a lovely lunch in the delightful garden area, this lovely Cafe/Bistro caters for all needs. Pizza on a Thursday or Friday night is also a treat! Paul and his family have always made us feel very welcome. Well done 👏

Independent oasis in Etchingham waiting for the train, I've always had a soft spot for places like this in railway stations, having a break before going somewhere else. They are rare, the only other one that comes to mind is the pub at Kew Gardens stations. Ignore negative reviews, fantastic welcoming staff. Every station in the UK needs a place like this. Please visit.

Just had the perfect glass of sauvignon blanc whilst waiting for the train. Freezing outside, cosy inside.

Great staff, always friendly. Its a bit like 'Cheers' where everyone know your name! Super food and service and Friday night Pizzas are superb!

Booked an evening meal here to celebrate my birthday. Loved the quirky venue and decor. Food was delicious - great choice, all home cooked and very generous portions. Staff friendly and professional. Lovely touches such as candlelit table. Will definitely re-visit.

I have just eaten the best gluten free pizza tonight. I popped in earlier today for a very good coffee and gluten free bacon sandwich that also was delicious. The service is extremely helpful and friendly. I’m definitely going to be back there soon.

Great variety of pizza from wood fired oven. Outdoor area lovely with topiary and plenty of room. Price and quality excellent, ambiance also top class.

This is one of my favourite cafés. We often walk the 2 miles there as the welcome and the food are worth it. You can sit outside in the courtyard surrounded by topiary hedges and shaded by large canopy type shelters. Alternately there is room inside this stone built traditional victorian railway station masters house. The broccoli and stilton soup is just the best. They also run pizza nights with a range of foods. There is a pizza oven which is lit early afternoon so it is ready for the evening. For a simple coffee for the train traveller to a full meal, I can't recommend this enough. The individual that gave 1 star because they couldn't contact the cafe is unkind and this isn't justified. This is a family run business and unfortunately for customers, the owners need a holiday. Opening times are on the web site.

An unexpected gem - what a superb place. Stopped off there for a late Friday evening drink with a friend who goes there for a coffee stop during the week. Very friendly welcome & I wish that I did not live so far away as I would use it a lot.

Another great visit to BATS. Great welcome, staff were excellent and the food was great. Again, big shout out to Dough Boy, TJ.

Had a wonderful visit here the food is beautiful and fresh the staff are very accommodating and it is all very reasonably priced. WILL RETURN HIGHLY RECOMMEND

We cannot praise Paul, Julie and their team enough for making Gary's party such a really great day/evening. The weather was kind to us so we were in the beautiful garden and everyone had a ball. All our guests messaged us to congratulate us on finding such a fab venue with such amazing hosts. Vast majority of our guests were from SE London so it was so convenient for them to just hop on the train when the evening was over. If you are looking for a unique venue with great hosts look no further than the Bistro @ Etchingham. You will not be dissapointed.👏👏.

Exceptional coffee and a great independent local business with a loyal following. Worth a visit even if you are not getting the train.

My wife booked an afternoon tea for 16 people for her 60th. Paul and the team went to great lengths to make sure everything went smoothly with Pimms on arrival, Prosecco in abundance and unlimited tea/coffee. The sandwiches and cakes were exquisite. Lots of nice messages from her guests all very positive and loving the novelty of having a tea party at the Station. Couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

First time visit as new to area, my friend and I had lovely bacon rolls, quality ingredients and lovely coffee, which is rare on visits to other establishment's. Great customer service and lovely outdoor seating will definatley revisit😁

One of the best pizzas we have had in UK. Better by a mile than any of the chains. And what a setting! Julie and Paul are a delight. The place is right on the station platform. And if it’s sunny, eat in the lovely...

Tucked into a CCC - excellent. Ambience was superb & The Dough Boy (TJJ) was extremely helpful 👍 Would recommend and staff very friendly.

We visited for an evening meal for two. There was a great choice of pizzas all cooked to order in the wood fired pizza oven. We both enjoyed the authentic taste of Italy but in Etchingham.

We had dinner in the garden: lovely setting, great service and excellent pizza. They had specials which were really good (goat’s cheese & caramelised onions) We received a warm welcome. A real gem.

I had lunch today at the Bistro with a friend who introduced me to this delightful restaurant. The food was fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. We were made to feel very welcome and the service was excellent. I will definitely be back for more! Thank...

Just wanted to say what a lovely pizza we had at the Bistro. It was delicious. The service was good and the atmosphere was friendly. It is small, but cozy and has a real buzz about it. We will definitely be going back soon.

Paul and his team are always very welcoming and it’s good to start the day off with a coffee and a chat. Great to support local businesses particularly as it’s always so welcoming and friendly.

We discovered the bistro was more than it appeared when we stopped in for coffee while waiting for a train. We were so amazed at the selection of food available we went back the next night for dinner. It’s a small venue that gives a...

My sister, best friend and I did not book this place ourselves but were booked in by the lady who ran the B&B we were staying at locally (Rosebank). She suggested they do a Fab pizzas on a Friday and that we would be able to walk there in five mins!We had walked down earlier in the day the get a feel for where it was situated as we weren’t sure as a little off the main road and aren’t familiar with the area.Looked so cosy and cute when we came down in the dark later and we loved the relaxed casual feel - almost like a tiny local pub!Friendly staff and amazing pizza - I had goats cheese which was fab and a glass of Sauvignon BlancAll amazing and delicious - would recommend x

I checked website 3 times, it states opening times ok for Monday at noon. Emailed. Phoned. No reply. No answer. No message to state the Bistro was CLOSED for 2 WEEKS. So I drove35 miles from north Kent. Sister drove 25 miles from Sussex to...

Each time we go, such a warm welcome. Wholesome food with a pleasant smile. We go after we have walked from Robertsbridge so are usually in need of at least a good drink and often we are hungry too. Fantastic as a half way refreshment...

A complete surprise of the highest order. The sort of venue which would appear in the happiest dream you’ve ever had. A proprietor who gave a proper welcome. A garden in the sun, footy on the telly, real-time train uodates and a takeaway cup with...

Such a unquie quant place ... The building has so much history you feel that it's rather unquie being at the station enjoying a relaxing evening or lunch The owners are fab Paul always makes people feel welcome and accomdates for any type of occasion...

Food was really nice especially the bacon. service was also good. Also great coffee. Very homely inside

We live in the village and treat ourselves to breakfast at the Bistro on a frequent basis. It's always freshly cooked- the special Brunch on a Saturday is great and the coffee excellent. Then, there's Friday night pizza and special chef's nights on some Saturdays....

Just had a great breakfast - such a friendly place, with locals joining in the banter at the counter, while commuters dash in for their coffees ‘to go’.

What a lovely little restaurant. We visited back in August and were lucky enough to be there for pizza night. The outdoor pizza oven is brilliant! The staff are all really friendly and there was a real buzz amongst all of the diners

A very unusual experience in the friendly bar. You can drop in for coffee, drinks, or a meal. They even take orders for morning coffee and deliver it to you train

Well worth a visit if your staying or passing through. The freshly cooked pizzas are to die for and the staff were very friendly and made to feel very at home. Just make sure you book a table as it fills up very quickly.

Whether you want to grab a cup of tea for your journey or linger and chat over a coffee in the garden, the friendly welcoming staff, the value for money make it a good experience.

When a neighbour told me I should go to dinner at the bistro at the local train station, I have to say I had my London head on, and thought that perhaps they were mad. As it turns out, I was the one with issues, and this charming little place offers EXCELLENT pizza and a few other dishes at very reasonable prices. In the summer months, there is also a charming garden to enjoy the cuisine alfresco. Paul and Lucy who are the Owners could not be friendlier, and their dedication has paid off, so you nearly always have to book in advance to get a table, particularly at the weekend...

A very innovative use of the Old Station Masters House also with a delightful garden that you can eat in - weather permitting. The Bistro is open in the morning for Breakfast & Brunch 6 days a week (during the week its open from 5.30 in the morning for the needs of the early commuters!) and in the evening Wed thru Sat for Supper & Tapas, Friday night they fire up the pizza oven for Friday Pizza night ( booking is essential for Pizza night). I have eaten here several times and never been disappointed. The service is spot on and very attentive, making you feel really welcome. The Bistro has a lovely friendly feel and is very snug in the winter months. full of friendly regulars its a nice place to eat if you're on your own. Saturday Brunch varies from week to week , the scrambled egg with Salmon and Fish cakes are a favourite. Open to rail travellers and non travellers alike- I believe that you can even phone ahead from the train to place your order for your pizza. Lovely food, great service and friendly customers makes this one my favourite places to visit for brunch, supper or just a coffee and pastry. The staff are primed for those needing to grab a drink and something to eat to take into the train, I've turned up with minutes to spare before the train arrived and they've managed to send me on my way with a perfect coffee and bacon roll to enjoy on my journey.

La acogida es siempre amable. Personal maravilloso hacer gente o nuevos clientes inmediatamente en su casa. Transforma un viaje en tren a Londres y vale la pena levantarse temprano para asegurarse de que puede agregar un tocino o salchichas a su orden roll! El café...

Mis éxitos en el bistro de bacon, después de haber caminado por allí y a la vuelta. Por desgracia, esta será mi última visita como soy encontrar el largo vuelo desde NUEVA ZELANDA demasiado.

Hemos visitado este pequeño bistro un par de veces para el desayuno, un café y danés antes de nuestro viaje y una cena afuera, en el jardín. Hermoso edificio restaurado que mejora su campo de sus alrededores. El marido y mujer equipo encantador y los...

Estuvimos aquí en un día gélido para un café y pronto pareció amable consversation con los lugareños. Incluso en el medio de enero fue bien bien administrado y el personal era amable y ofrece un buen servicio. Agradable y cómodo mobiliario, mucho mejor para la comida y la bebida que las cadenas de High Street.

Really lovely place to enjoy a coffee. Never eat here but was made welcome by the chap who turned out to be the owner.

Such a great find we loved this place.Great atmosphere and the Pizza was delicious! we will be back Thank you

We live near and make it our goal for a walk with the dog. Nice coffee and cakes and very friendly service. A must!

After passing the Bistro several times and saying we must go, in we finally did. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived, nothing was to much trouble. Our meal was absolutely delious, we can't praise it enough. We will return many times.

A while since I last visited this wonderful, friendly, simple but stylish little bistro on the station platform at Etchingham Village. The coffee (flat white for me), enjoyed in the delightful little garden to the rear, packs a real punch. Superb.

Visiting the area over easter and lunch at the bistro. ...I cannot fault the service and the food was simple but faultless..

This bistro provided the venue, pizza and service for a lovely small private party. It is a very small place , just right for a family gathering, The pizzas were very tasty, cooked in the outdoor pizza oven. The staff were very pleasant and everyone had a good time. We plan to return on an ordinary evening to try the usual bistro menu and maybe eat outside I the garden area.

I live in Etchingham and on one of those wild Friday nights that Etchingham sometimes kicks up we being The Fontridge Lane Party Posse decided that there is only so much Worm Charming one can stand in one day , finnishing off what was left of a gallon of Ripple Wine we of on foot down to the village. when we arrived there appeared to be a choice of two places The Etchingham Club or The Station Bistro. We decided to try the Etchingham club. We were walking towards the club when Big Del one of our Posse spoted a rather unsavorier looking gent was standing outside smoking a roll up and looking that he had been left over from a 1970s Status Quo concert we decided that we would go to the Bistro, And it was a delight nice food lots of children showing us how fast they could run in and out. But overall a nice friendly place and good food, You realy shoud visit

This is a small community inspired enterprise but none the worse for that and indeed it has been rightly commended nationally. We visited one lunch-time to be warmly welcomed into this listed former station-master's house, dating back to 1852, which had been rescued from dereliction. A small but adequate menu ranging from all-day breakfast to soups, tapas, baked potatoes and excellent coffee (this isn't a comprehensive list!). It was well patronised on this very out-of-season day, many of those present obviously locals, known by their first names to the efficient staff. But as visitors we did not feel to be intruders. Help yourself to newspapers and magazines. The staff broke off occasionally to help customers with luggage out onto the platform as trains were expected. We weren't there when it opened at 5.30am (!) for the first commuter train to London. Check the website because it isn't open every evening, closing at 2.30pm some days..

Probably the best small station coffee anywhere! Unique experience that shows what flair attention to detail and just a little imagination can achieve.

We came for a business breakfast and were really disappointed. Service was poor (waitress preoccupied with her child running around the bistro and kitchen), food expensive and frankly we were all three appalled at the lack of quality of the food; it was unimaginitative, poor value and did not taste good. Won't be repeating the experience...

Only been in here for coffee but would recommend as it's fantastic coffee. Friendly helpful staff offer good fast service.

The Pyramids of Egypt......the Hanging Gardens of Babylon......The Bistro at Etchingham Station..........How did they come to be? What was their original purpose? How did they come to be? How many men died during their construction? Sadly, we shall never know. Of these 3 Great Wonders of the Ancient World, the most mysterious is the Bistro at Etchingham Station. Is it a Bistro? Is is a social club? Is it a cafe/pizzeria/pub? Yes, it is. And a damn good one.

This has to be the nicest cafe at a train station that I have ever been to. However to call it a cafe at a station would seem to do it a dis-service since it is rare to be enthusiastic about the dining options at many railway stations. Forget soggy pastries, uninspiring coffees and overpriced soft drinks, this is a wonderful bistro which serves a varied menu for breakfast, lunch and evening meal. We called in for lunch and were immediately delighted by the decor, cleanliness and general warm feeling about the place. The staff greeted us and were warm, friendly and willing to help. Nothing was too much trouble. The menu options were varied and there was plenty to chose from, which as a vegetarian I was delighted to see. I could not fault this bistro. If you are in the general area of Etchingham make a concerted effort to visit this bistro for breakfast, lunch or evening meal. This is unlike any station eatery I've ever seen and it deserves to be savoured and enjoyed.

My wife and I visited this small bistro in the beautiful railway station when we arrived by train to attend a wedding nearby.We are both vegetarian and we were pleased with the amount of choice available, my wife had a panini filled with cheese, sun-blushed tomatoes and red onion and I had a cheese and onion baguette, both came served with a side salad and crisps.The food, was so fresh and tasty it was really enjoyable! The baguette was the freshest and tastiest I have ever eaten outside of France!However, it was the super helpful, courteous and kind staff that make this place so special! On arrival we were made to feel welcome, we were advised where we could store our luggage, staff were helpful with the food options, the place was spotless and a member of staff was outside cleaning the (already clean) windows. The owner and his wife were very helpful, they truly care about their customers and are prepared to go that extra mile to assist!!!We cannot recommend this bistro highly enough, if you ever in Etchingham for any reason then you simply must visit, you will not be disappointed!!!!

Came by accident -missed my stationAnd found this very relaxed place. Nicely kept. Outside space. Right on the platform. Packed out with people at 9.56 am. Five stars for ambience alone.

We had no idea this great place existed. We went for a meal and a Quiz Night with friends who live in the village and have to say it was excellent - pity we didn't know about it before. Food was plain but good and the atmosphere friendly. If you live in Tunbridge Wells or somewhere on the Charing Cross line you can jump on the 2230 to get home - no worries about drinking and driving. Coincidentally we were talking to other friends who had been and were equally impressed.

As we were in Etchingham for a few days on the last evening we thought we would try this place. They had tapas on offer and a special of Chicken Curry. We chose the Curry and it was delicious as was the home made poppodums. The staff her are very friendly and we enjoyed our evening. Would definitely recommend this place.

We ordered the platter for two then topped up with extra dishes. We ended up eating loads and drinking too much wine! Sitting outside we enjoyed the dying sun. Paul is a great host.

I popped into the bistro in hope of getting a quick coffee and something to nibble whilst waiting for a train, the staff were so pleasant - they made me a great coffee and something from the lunch menu (in the evening) as I'm vegetarian and wanted something speedy. They offered for me to sit in the garden which was absolutely lovely. Great price too. Thanks, made my day!

Who would have guessed we were sitting at a railway station? Right from the start I liked the feel of this little Bistro. The Rioja wine was first class and the welcome was warm and genuine. We had some tapas and the mixed platter x 2 and it was lovely. Great banter throughout. Dessert was a slimmer's nightmare so we shared fudge brownie and ice cream. Managed a coffee before clambering back on the train. A great night out! Thanks guys.

A credit to the team at the Bistro in Etchingham, always a warm welcome, and a good selection of wines and nibbles a great beer garden and an outdoor pizza oven in the summer

I recently spent time in Etchingham and coffee and a bacon and sausage roll were my breakfast of choice when I was travelling on the train. I made sure I had plenty of time before my train to sit and enjoy the ambience.The staff were always friendly and helpful and I was sorry that I didn't get to try a full meal there.

Looking at the reviews on Trip Advisor we decided to call in for coffee at The Bistro. We were not disappointed, the coffee was excellent as were the cakes. I asked Paul what the most popular item was for the train commuters and he told me the bacon roll. I decided I must try one and I can see why it is so popular. If you visit the Bistro there is a free car park for the sole use of their customers. We nearly missed it and had decided we would not pay the car parking charges of the station car park. A good experience, we will go back.

I especially enjoyed the first course - scallop size morsels of cooked Halooumi cheese with a fresh zingy topping of capers, lime and coriander served on roquette salad.The dessert of chocolate cheese cake with vanilla ice-cream - was yummy!

Paul runs a fantastic service for travellers from etchingham, and travellers from further down the line can phone for coffee delivered to the train. Cakes are good and excellent food on the evenings they open

I'm writing to extend my thanks to the Licencee Paul, for his superb welcome and attentiveness when i visited the Bistro at Etchingham station recently. I found the service very warm and personal and the food superb as well.I would recommend the Bistro to locals or visitors alike, the cosey interior and friendly staff make this a defiant destination stop when visiting Etchingham.Kindest Regards Andrew Barrow

In a world of mediocrity The Bistro isn't. A very fine start to a day with coffee that is addicted, a breakfast that is a crime when it ends. Appalling staff, sorry, that should read appealing. Dinner pretty yummy too. Fine wines, well I could go on. Be There, you're missing out.

Always a great place for a quick coffee and a snack or a longer and more leisurely meal. When the weather is fine, the courtyard garden is a superb place to relax and enjoy the food and service. If you are catching a train up to London this is a great place to stop for a quick coffee and a snack or turn up in plenty of time and enjoy the atmosphere of a local bistro and some good food. They have a good wine list too.

Attended a function and found the Bistro staff pleasant and customer focused! Query why had to use toilets on station and they had no mirrors! But only a gripe a woman would have! The food was tasty and bar service fast! Beautiful building and gardens! Recommend a visit!

I have enjoyed coffee at The Bistro since it opened, usually before catching the odd train and occasionally simply for their delicious coffee. Always a warm welcome and efficient service from such a friendly team. I have never eaten here in the evening until last night with a girlfriend. Friday night is currently Pizza Night. A newly built pizza oven in the pretty Bistro garden served a very busy and buzzing crowd. The Bistro was full, as was the garden with couples, families and groups of friends. We sat inside. It was warm, candles on tables, great atmosphere, relaxed, good wine, delicious pizzas ~ you can add extras or change to suit. I had lots of extra olives, my friend had extra chilli. Our young waitress was delightful, happy and giggled her way through grinding fresh pepper over our pizzas from an enormous grinder! Nothing was too much trouble and we werent rushed, in fact we arrived at 7pm and were happy to sit and enjoy ourselves until 11pm.The Bistro isnt just about food ~ its like a good book; a beginning, middle and end and you leave feeling thoroughly satisfied! So if you fancy a proper evening out pop along. Its a real gem.

Having read all the great reviews I was looking forward to eating at the Bistro. Sadly, after booking a table for 1:30, we were not even acknowledged on arrival in the garden. After going in to the restaurant to ask for menus our booking couldn't be found. It was later found and we were told that there wasn't much time to eat as they were closing at 2pm and we were only offered a very limited choice from the menu. There were no apologies despite the fact that I checked that 1:30 wasn't too late when I booked. We were not made to feel welcome so left.

Doing a lengthy walk on a hot day we stopped at Etchingham Station for lunch. What a find it was. Friendly welcome, great service and good value. Drinks were reasonably priced and well-chilled, which was much appreciated. As we had to finish the walk in the afternoon we opted for the egg and bacon roll; this was perfect. The bread was wonderfully fresh, two rashers of good bacon and an egg cooked to perfection. It went down well and was amazing value at just £2.50! Worth the walk to get there.

I arrived at the station with twenty minutes to spare, so having passed the station on many occasions, Mum and I decided to have a quick coffee and a bacon roll. Delicious, polite, friendly cheerful owners. I learnt that they do evening lite bites and specials some evenings of the week and also a fully licensed bar with fantastic wines to chose from too. You can also have special occasions here, weddings birthdays especially in their beautiful garden. totally spotless and just what this country needs at the train station. Give it a go. they are however shut today for two weeks to have a kitchen re fit. They have been open three years which they recently celebrated with a big party. I strongly recommend if your travelling through Etchingham on your way to Hastings or the other way to London or just driving through the village, to pop in and have a bite to eat etc. Perfect. Then I boarded my train and went to London. A perfect way to start our trip.

A small bistro adjoining the local railway station. Wood fired pizzas, chocolate brownies, happy eaters, jolly and obliging staff, well chosen wines and a super garden to enjoy it all in. What more could one ask for on a summer evening?

Whether you visit this establishment during the morning for coffee and croissants, pastries, or as i do, for an English Breakfast so that you can face the train, or at lunchtime for a variety of snacks or salads or light lunches through to a delightful selection of dishes to excite the tastebuds in the evening, your hosts Paul and his wife, Julie, along with their fantastic staff who prepare some wonderful dishes, Lucy and Tom deserve special mention, this is a venue not to be missed.You always feel welcome. You always feel comfortable and, when you leave, you always feel satisfied.This is what service is all about......Paul, who understands what it is to provide a first class service and Lucy, who through her training is clearly demonstrating a real passion for what she is doing in making dishes she might not have dreamt of making before - but in the last week, her 2 starters of chicken liver pate and mushroom and spinach pate.....as good as you will get anywhere.If you live in or around the Etchingham area, don't let this one escape you, give them a call and you will definitely not be disappointed. We are lucky enough to live just around the corner and someone's going to have to chain me up as I visit them too often......if that can be possible!

Always friendly reception. Paul is accommodating and flexible in his approach. Food is interesting and reasonably priced. Large outside area for dining or drinking, or a bit of both. It has the added option of getting a train home, if you need to.

Well presented and decorated. Always spotlessly clean. Excellent coffee and pastries - especially the cupcakes - and good light snacks for lunch and throughout the day. Paul is a great "landlord" (many people sit at the bar and chat as they would in a pub). Well worth visiting even if you aren't catching a train! Open evenings Wednesday through Friday for Tapas , drinks and light snacks.