Forty Hall & Estate in Enfield

We paid £12 each for tickets to see the firelight event . Completely ruined by the rude staff at The Green Cafe. We were there at the start cold ,hungry and needing some drinks and food we headed straight to the indoor cafe at the event. There were only a few people in front of us but the pace was astonishingly slow. Finally when it was our turn to get served by someone called Jo we asked about Vegan food. Apparently there was some being made. I wanted a menu or list to order seeing as I'd waited so long to get served but no list looking around stressed Jo eventually said "list over there" no indication where over there was so had to leave my place in queue and hunt around. Finally went outside and there was a specials notice not a list of food you could order as only mentioned one vegan option and not the things that were in the oven. Stressed out I asked someone called John who then basically said "We are here to have a good time!" and that I was "Wasting his!" . I couldn't belive the attitude after they had already ruined the evenings event. I then asked for a manager and she came over and literally grabbed my arm and told me to start again as if she couldn't understand what I was saying? I told her to not touch me and she literally flounced off! I was left there with still no food, no drinks no menu and and another queue had formed. In tears I left the event after only visiting the cafe but as I walked out the gate in tears and shocked at the treatment the events organiser who I said I'd never come back again too was lovely and really great and convinced us to stay as they had fire eaters to watch and it had only started. We ended up going to a food stall instead and it costs £15 for 2 truly awful veggie burgers and fries (only they were not fries they were Potato Wedges) My elderly mother went back in cafe as we needed wines it was that much of an ordeal. I waited and waited . To my complete shock when I finally went looking for her she was still at the back of the queue a small queue ! I've never seen anything like this!!! as a result we missed the fire eaters which was only event we were there for! There was only music so this was only event worth seeing and we missed the whole thing waiting on 2 drinks in cafe so £12 each completely wasted !!!! It was absolutely horrendous and I'd never ever go back. The prices for everything were a rip off. I basically spent £45 for wines and footstall food and to be treated so appallingly simply because the cafe can't give a list actually serve anything in a reasonable time and thinks gaslighting you for it is a service. I'd never step foot in forty hall again as that's the only cafe I could see and it ruined what could have been a good night. I'm mean completely ruined.!!! I'm still extremely livid on writing this review the following morning. I have mental health issues and my mother is a pensioner so we don't go out much and after this experience and the way I was spoken to and left treated I doubt we will again.

Coffee very bitter and staff more interested in chit chatting than serving. Quite pricey. Also you pay inside, but get your purchse outide....why?

Lovely Cafe, coffee, food and staff, the only let down were the on site Enfield Council run toilets. They were unclean and lacked toilet paper!

We were at Forty Hall Estate for a wedding. Although the venue itself was picturesque and the wedding went well, we were disappointed with the rudeness of the staff and the disorganisation. After the wedding ceremony, we were made to wait outside the venue for 2 hours while they sorted the reception room. They would not allow us to buy drinks from the bar during this time, and it was fairly hot outside. When they did eventually allow us inside, the bar was small, understaffed, expensive, and under-stocked. They actually ran out of some bar stock half-way through the function. The venue was booked until midnight, but they closed the bar at 10:30pm and started kicking us out at 10:45pm, despite the fact that there was still a party in full-flow next door. The staff just wanted to go home, as apparently they’d had a ‘long day!’ If you’re looking for a wedding venue, then I’d choose somewhere else.

Forty Hall is a lovely place but the cafe isn’t. The shop assistant was working very hard and was pleasant but she was on her own. The the tables were dirty and the cafe was vey untidy-hoover in the corner, a pile of paintings leaning against the wall etc. also no plates for cakes just a paper bag, we asked for a knife and the assistant asked why and we said that we wished to share our cakes so she cut them in half for us.

Had a lovely walk through Whitewebbs to Forty Hall, stopped for coffee break at the cafe in Forty Hall. £3.20 for a small coffee, £4.80 for a large. Really?? Never ever seen such ridiculous prices. £4.50 for a hot spiced apple. This is just pure greed, for take away prices too ..hate to think what the sit in prices are!!

A beautiful Estate, well kept and as title a lovely place for a long walk with the dogs. Lots of interesting views and paths ..a really great place to while away a few hours.

Such a shame that this attractive visitor attraction has such a poor cafe. I couldn't believe that anybody would have the temerity - or foolishness - to add sugar to your cup of tea for you rather than letting you add sugar yourself to your personal taste. "Cake and more cake " was advertised on the board but the selection was limited, it was all pre-packaged and looked so unappetising that we decided to give it a miss. Will give a wide berth in future.

There are far too many selfish cyclists who cycle at speed ignoring pedestrians. There are too many dog walkers who do not control their dogs and don’t care about visitors who don’t want their dogs to approach them. The disabled toilets were disgusting. There are also too many people feeding bread to the ducks and geese. Please don’t feed them bread as it is extremely harmful to them. Please don’t ruin what should be a lovely place to visit.

It’s such a pity this cafe is so bad, as the farm shop and grounds are wonderful. Today we queued for ages, only to find there was another long wait for the sandwiches to be made (why on earth not make them up ahead of time). When we received them the foil was covered in sausage grease (our order was vegetarian). They had been half heated up, which we hadn’t asked them to do, the cheese was the bulk catering grated kind, tasteless and greasy, with bits of blackened and burnt chutney. The filling was mostly on the outside of the bread. The ice cream was mostly ice crystals and very bland. We’ve tried this place once before when we had a cake, which was more of an oily sickly paste. I’m extremely reluctant to leave a bad review at the moment, but frankly I’m quite cross that they can do such simple things so badly, it’s honestly like they haven’t seen food before, and it isn’t particularly cheap.

Lovely place to visit but shame about many of the visitors who do not social distance. Despite the best efforts of the staff in the farm shop, several customers refused to social distance while queuing outside. There were lots of visitors in large groups who completely ignored social distancing. Too many cyclists who had no regard for walkers and posed a real danger to disabled visitors. Like so many other places there were visitors feeding bread to the ducks and geese which is extremely harmful. Please don’t give bread to ducks and geese as it can kill them.

My chocolate ice-cream was a frozen boulder that did not defrost in 30 mins. Unhelpful assistant microwaved it to chocolate sauce. She would not refund the £2.50 saying everyone else liked them. I suggested she try one herself

If you have a chance to visit here or attend a wedding or party, it is absolutely stunning. the grounds and structure are so amazing!!!!

This is truly the worst cafe I have visited for many a year. The service is excruciatingly slow and inept, and the food is, on the whole, inedible. I asked for a salad sandwich with hummus, and was treated to doorstep wedges of stale homemade bread which I couldn’t even force down. My friend had soup which tasted like flavoured water, though I couldn’t even hazard a guess as to the flavour. Finally, the prices are ridiculous. Just under £5 for that sandwich and £2 for a cup of bog standard tea. Avoid at all costs.

Visited the NICE GREEN CAFE AT FORTY HALL & ESTATE, and although the venue itself is lovely, the cafe was very disappointing!!!! At 2 o’clock there were no sandwiches or rolls, no scones, tea in a paper cup and the cake we had was so awful we had to send it back for a refund! By 2.40 there was nobody in the cafe which as it is school holidays would have expected it to be packed, which sadly says a lot!

After a walk around the grounds we went to the restaurant for afternoon tea. We had tea, coffee, and an apple cake between us. It was a cold day, and the restaurant was quite busy. It's in what looks like an old brick built barn, with a very high ceiling, but was warm inside. We paid £6.70 total. Car-parking is free and located only about 100 yards from the restaurant.

We regularly visit the Forty Hall estate, with its fabulous grounds, that are great for dog walking. Sometimes we stop at the cafe for refreshments, hoping that it will have improved since the last time, and never having that wish granted. There is so much potential there, a great courtyard setting with seats inside and out. However the staff, although pleasant enough, are not able to cope well with even small groups of people. The menu is is very limited, and even then there seems to be many dishes that are unavailable. The place could do with a complete overhaul, with staff visiting some of the great park cafes there are around, and see how the staff deal with more than one customer at a time, and offer a varied and tasty menu.

Grounds and Hall are great. The Halloween search for cursed rubies is very scary and extremely well done. We wanted an afternoon treat but the cafe is abysmal; it's dirty and the staff were rude. Such a shame as it could be great with better staff.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon with not a cloud in the sky. We'd walked around the walled and medieval garden and we were in need of a refreshment.The café came into view. The inside area was busy but there is outside seating which was ideal.The coffee came piping hot and the cake selection - we had two kinds - was yummy.I also had a glass of fruity red after my cake tasting which went down well. What also went down well was the fact that some of the proceeds go to charity.

Was there for afternoon coffee.Not able to rate the place for their meals.dirty coffee cup.cracked,chipped plastic tray.a "scone" that resembled a squashed rock cake.Awfula very quiet day.barely a client in site.A good time to freshen up,wash up and get some decent scones on the counter I reckon.

Dirty surroundings, incredibly slow service, staff seem untrained, cakes almost inedible as dry and hard. A couple we chatted to told us that so many people had complained about it - save your money and eat elsewhere.

Whether you are visiting the house for a historic.tour or walking around the walled rose garden you always finish in the Cafe for lovely tea & cake.

Took a friend there for first visit and she loved it. Great house, gardens and grounds. Hosts lots of events. Today it was a David Walliams production for children. There was also a talk on the paintings in the house and their history. Highly recommend. Take a picnic, walk the dog, relax in the garden then have a drink and bite to eat in the cafe.

Lovely cafe wth good range of hot and cold drinks including iced teas. Nice cakes too. Beautiful walks through the gardens and parkland. Small farm shop, bit on the pricey side. Take a picnic, lots of open grassland and great views. Free parking!

This review concerns ONLY the cafe in Forty Hall (the estate itself is quite lovely, we are lucky to live nearby and walk/cycle the grounds regularly).

Nice Parkland walks, around old hall. Visitor centre and cafe. Give the sausage rolls a try - best ever.

The cakes were beautiful, nice selection of teas and a wonderful backdrop to enjoy it in. Will be back to try more of the wonderful selection of food on the menu.

I have complained about this cafe numerous times but nothing ever changes. I visited Forty Hall today with my 2 year old grandson and my friend and her granddaughter. We went into the house which was decorated for Halloween and we all enjoyed it. We then went to the cafe and bought coffee and cake. My grandson had his own food as did several other toddlers ( this is usual for small children and always has been in my opinion) especially as this cafe barely caters for adults let alone small children. Whilst eating, the woman serving came round to each table pointing out that bringing your own food in was not allowed! I have never heard anything so ridiculous in my life. As far as I could see all the adults with children had purchased food and drink for themselves so had not just come in to feed their toddlers food from home. We also had to eat with dogs roaming around the cafe. I like dogs but don't think it so very hygienic for a cafe. Please somebody do something about this cafe!

Called in whilst in the area expecting a really good cafe. Menu very limited and overpriced sandwiches which were not very impressive.

I had a lovely day with friends at this venue on Sunday. Staff were really helpful it was only £5 to attend. Live music was fantastic great atmosphere. Highly recommend a visit.

No hacer un viaje especial a este "café", y yo uso la palabra sin apretar.

Habiendo tomado cuatro kilómetros a pie con amigos, terminamos en 40 Hall y encontramos una cafetería que ofrece una bebida de bienvenida. Me sentía como un granero convertido a una época anterior. Era un lugar agradable para tomar un aperitivo, que era razonable. Una buena opción estaba disponible y había un patio amueblado para usar si uno quiere sentarse al aire libre.

Lovely place to dog walk. Many different pathways to follow. If you walk through to golf course you will find snack bar that does fab breakfasts and tea in proper mugs 😀

Ended up here by chance as we passed looking for somewhere else, had a nice walk, well kept paths and a play area a little way round good fun for kids and lots of ground to let your kids and dogs tire themselves out, shame...

Visitamos 40 suite salón de banquetes para nuestro trabajo Navidad Fiesta y lo pasamos de maravilla. La comida era genial, el DJ era buena y la cabina de foto fue increíble. Nos hicimos fotos y estaba a sólo 5 libras por 2, que es muy...

El café se ha deteriorado aún más! Las delicias gourmet incluyen grueso, demasiado salada presuntamente sopa de verduras, más preparado y el sándwich de tocino suenan chaqueta patata con exótica judías. No postres pero tartas mejor aspecto. Se admiten perros para recorrer! Una pena como tales 40 Hall y jardines bien merece una visita.

I came here a few years ago when they had a family fun day and we all had an such amazing day with music and entertainment, that this school holiday I decided that even though there were no events on we would come here anyway for a lovely family picnic, the grounds are beautiful and we spent the afternoon lazing around in the sunshine on the main lawn having a picnic and play games, we then visited the farm which is great value as you only pay a small fee of £2 per adult and kids go free and then an hour or so in the playground, my kids had a great day and it didn't cost me a fortune! so overall a fab time had by all.

Forty hall and it's grounds are so beautiful. You can't fault the English countryside, gardens and forrest's. We rented a couple of bikes, and cycled around the grounds - completely free!! I'd give that a 5*****However you can fault the cafe. Have no idea if it's run by the same company. Probably not - the service is absolutely terrible - the food is incredibly overpriced - the coffee is artisan prices but watery and tasteless. Food is OK but £6.50 for a small portion of cold quiche and a salad. No thanks! Hardly any choice they had run out of soup by 12:30 = pathetic!It's such a shame because the setting in which the cafe sits is so beautiful, in a lovely courtyard adjacent to the lake which is why I find it hard not to keep coming back. I just wish that someone with a bit of passion would take it over and turn it into something great!! To bake gorgeous cakes and pastries - To make more than one sandwich filling, and most importantly employ staff who actually want to be there, who smile. I wouldn't mind working there.

We have visited this cafe (now it's a cafeteria) over 15 times and No more! We've given so many chances because of the setting but after our most recent visit on Tuesday 7th June we decided enough is enough.The staff have no training in hospitality/retail and do not value customer service. The service is indifferent at best and usually there is no one serving as the staff are too busy sweeping or are in the kitchen.Staffing issues - clearly the current staff do not want to be there and the atmosphere is reflected by this attitude.The radio is sometimes so loud thar it is not possible to hold a conversation if you sit near the counter. Clearly this is for the staff in the kitchen so why not put the radio in there ? Once it was a talk show and it was as if a loud group of people were in the cafe. Complete disengagement : There is no one to complain to as no one cares anyway .The cappuccino is usually watery coffee as no one knows how to use the machine or the machine needs fixing .The menu has been drastically reduced so it's now no longer a cafe rather a cafeteria offering drinks only in paper cups and pre made sandwiches of 1 variety only . There is usually cake which is the only saving grace but not enough for us to go back.This is clearly the worst experience I have personally encountered and have resolved to drive elsewhere in the future for refreshments. We would rather leave the grounds and drive to crews hill than insult ourselves further.Forty hall cafe - You're fired !

Forty Hall is a lovely place the visit, the house, the park, the farm. Why then is the cafe so awful? It is just awful. It looks nice ish and promising and faces onto the courtyard, its such a great opportunity that is lostThe staff clearly do not want to run the place, be there or care and it just ruins the experience, it really does. Forty Hall has had extensive work and is a North London treasure why ruin the experience with Rude servicePoor ServiceLack of menu ChoicePoor quality food- cold, stale and service with a gruntI just do not understand why this is happeningThis place should be buzzing with a warm atmosphere and joyHot, warm drinks, good quality cake and sandwiches but no , nothing of the sort. Forty Hall Management sort this out. Please not another summer of this nonsense.

Forty Hall is a little gem with lovely country views, even though it is within M25. It combines interesting history and beautiful grounds. Built in 1632 the house has been expertly restored and it's story is well presented. The adjoining courtyard houses a good cafe with homemade produce and the grounds are attractive at any time of year with lakes and paths to walk. Disabled friendly and with plenty of room for children to play it has much to offer to everyone. Best of al it is free entry and free parking, courtesy of Enfield Council.

I'd never ever visit the cage here again!Rude, unhelpful staff! No offer of help to a disabled person who had to go back and forth with one hot drink at a time from the counter to her table! Another person asked for a tea soon to remove the tea bag from the cup and was made to queue up in line to get one!I'm too angry to go through the experience Ive had!AVOID THIS PLACE!!! Take a picnic!

I have already given my veiws on forty hall house &park,this is 4 the farm which is open a various dates during year its situated in the centre of forty hall park,and used by students from capel Manor gardens,The black barn(Google it) is a music venue,evening shoes for jazz,country etc for local artists & situated off main farm yard,the rest of farm yard is surrounded by various buildings/sheds which are used to house stalls & displays on open days,at Easter,etc,there are ducks and various small livestock to see too,My main delight is walking down the farm track leading from farm yard along a ridge,giving good veiws of surrounding countryside, although it's only half mile long, this lane is just like country byeways I remember wondering along in Cornwall, etc,and amazing when you realise it's just 12 miles from Trafalgar Square, truly amazing.The farm is run by Lea Valley parks same as myddlton house, and has missed a lot of alterations suffered by forty hall

We live locally and have been coming to forty hall for years . The grounds are amazing and really well kept. Unfortunately they have a cafe that is relatively new . The only plus is they allow dogs in there but I'm guessing that's so the owner can have their dog wondering around the place including the kitchen ?? The service is so slow we had all lost interest and decided to go home to refuel . I'm all for freshly made food but when there is a que 6 people deep and getting bigger maybe something needs to change . Next time I think I'll make a coffee before I go . Total disappointment and that's when they manage to open on time ??

Whether you want somewhere to walk or cycle, the grounds are extensive with fishing lakes, ornamental lake in front of the Hall, a walled garden, courtyard with a café, craft shops, farm shop and of course the historical Hall. A treat for all the family.

As described below, service is slow and random, but if you accept that and find a nice seat in the sun it's a great place for a brunch and/ or coffee and cake. The food tasted homemade and fresh....lovely flans and pies. Cakes were tasty and scones being created and served as we waited in line.

I unfortunately agree with the bad reviews. It's such a shame as the potential there is massive. With all the money that's obviously been invested in the estate I feel the cafe is letting it down. Not happy that dogs also are lounging around the cafe as they're second home. It is a place where people eat and of business. Not your own front room.

I could not agree more with the last reviewer, we went in for snack and some drinks on Saturday early afternoon, it was hopeless, I get the feeling that the .cafe is being run by the local authority given the number of staff on duty, I counted 5 plus the kitchen staff. We asked for 2 cappuccino without chocolate, we made this point twice and the woman still got it wrong and when challenged she said 'what am I like I never listen'.we asked for atoasted cheese and ham sandwich for our grand daughter, stressing not a panini, what did we get, yep a panini.I have had better cappuccino from a vending machine, it was revolting..I had a scone which I have to say was very nice,Truth is they really not have aclue.Such a shame nice looking place and wonderful location stressing not a panini, what did we get , you got it a panini.The cappuccino was probably the worst I have ever had, it's would have been better

Been to this cafe several times and it was way better before the current owner took over. Service is lethargically slow and the owner herself is extremely rude. You would have thought that she herself would be attentive, warm and welcoming but is as apathetic as her staff. Staff are generally gormless and clueless. There's always something that goes wrong. Either it's an extremely long queue, it's abject service, the card machine doesn't work, the food is cold or not as ordered. The cafe expensive and though it claims to source the finest foods, hot food is often lukewarm or not as advertised. Food is not representative of the price which makes it pretentious instead of high quality. Shame as its in a great setting. In the right hands this place would be awesome. Unfortunately, as it stands, it is a poorly run cafe, with poor service, stifled ambience and is overpriced for what you get.

After reading a couple of the other comments about this cafe I was inspired to write a review. My wife and I always go to this cafe when we visit Forty Hall. The scones and cakes are all home made and are scrumptious! The coffee isn't the best I've had but it's lovingly made and tastes better than the industrial instant coffee most of us drink on a daily basis. Also I understand that it's not the quickest service but I don't go to forty hall to continue the rat race that much of existence in London is becoming so I recommend the slower pace of life whenever and wherever I find it. And where else locally can you play a game of scrabble (provided with other games) whilst you enjoy a cream tea within the majestic grounds of forty hall. In short please go to the cafe and enjoy yourself!

Thursday 18th June mid morning. Visited the Estate and very pleased and a great place for the history buffs. Grounds well kept and also a great place to bring children for a run about and a pic-nic. But don't try the café. Very slow service - took 10 minutes wait (second in queue) and another 5 minutes to do 4 coffees. Small and expensive. Got back to the table to find that under the froth on top of the coffee was plain watery 'substance' and no milk! No apology. The customer in front of us had been had been waiting for something to 'take away'. Had been served with her cup of coffee but eventually waited 15 minutes to get her takeaway. Totally disorganised and need a rocket up their ...! Place represents a 'chic' café - I would say sticky grubby plastic tablecloths. Food very expensive. Would go again for the venue and its associated events but will take own food to eat outside in the grounds or if raining in the car!

needed that relaxing walk, really feel in touch with nature around that place. a really nice place to go with friends or family, even a solo trip with a book and a pair of sunglasses - all sorted!

This is a listed building open to the public.recently refurbished ground floor. Extensive grounds with duck pond, lots of walks Has regular Exhibitions and a souvineer shop.The cafe itself to is rustic chic. Nice atmosphere. There I am afraid it ends: Very expensive food and some drinks. One scone, jam,cream and pot of tea £7 ! The saving grace for the breakfast (£8.50) is the cup of tea or coffee.We asked for a brie sandwich with side salad and crisps. (.£5.50). No Brie. Asked for Chester. No chedder! This was Wednesday lunchtime. So no ploughman's. The coffee was £2.50 for a small cup. They have no idea how to make a cappuccino !lAvoid. Coffee is strong.I suggest you bring a picnic. Shame really as it is a nice attraction and cafe. Forgot.. Tea is £4 a pot.