Forum Cafe in South Northamptonshire

We use Groupon a lot for afternoon tea and this is one of the best ones. All staff were lovely, nothing was too much trouble. We have been before and this was the best visit. Sandwiches were lovely and the Victoria sponge was the best I’ve tasted in a long time. Thank you

Having met with an old friend I have known for 15 years we found each other again on FB both having gone through a hip replacement in March just a few days apart. We meet every week for a catch up on our progress and would just have coffee/tea. Whilst there one Wednesday we seen people having afternoon tea and they explained it was £10 on Groupon. Wow what a bargain I thought and bought a coupon when we have just had this yesterday Wednesday 20 June. So many mixed sandwiches white/brown lots of fillings and freshly done. So many cakes we could not manage and both our husbands done well as we packed a couple to take home. We have always found the ladies very professional and seem happy in their work. Always helpful and willing to go the extra mile. Well done and thank you for the afternoon tea so yummy x

Really nice sandwiches and cakes, plenty to eat, friendly staff even though they were almost closing.

We use Groupon a lot for afternoon tea and this is one of the best ones. All staff were lovely, nothing too much trouble. They timed my daughters panini with serving the afternoon tea. Fresh sandwiches, scones and cake - we couldn't eat it all. Will definitely visit again when I'm in Towcester.

I bought a voucher for the forum cafe from groupon for afternoon tea for four for £19.90. I booked online on groupon for 3pm, but received a text asking if I could make it earlier at 2:30pm, which was fine. I arrived with 3 family members, to find a reserved table however it was set for two. I explained to the lady that I had booked for four, and she said it wasn't a problem and she would ask the kitchen to make more sandwiches however they only had two scones...but we could have more cake! The lady serving was friendly and attentive, we asked for tap water and she bought us a large jug of ice cold water. We were offered tea, coffee and herbal teas. The sandwiches were fresh and lots of variety! The scones were nice, clotted cream would have been nicer than canned cream though. The cakes were nice, rocky road, banana & chocolate, a syrup cake & cream tarts. Overall it was a pleasant afternoon tea at a reasonable price. Staff were friendly & cafe was clean.

Had a lovely afternoon tea yesterday at this cafe . Food was excellent and staff were very pleasant and attentive ! Will definitely visit again .

I took a friend for afternoon tea.Our table was reserved for us, with a very nice view of the river. The staff were very friendly, and nothing was too much trouble.The food was fresh , tasty and plentiful with a good selection of sandwiches and cakes.We could no eat all of it and were offered a box each,so we could take the rest at home. It was a very pleasant afternoon, which we hope to repeat again soon.

Decided to give the cafe a try. It is in the library beside the river. Lovely views, watching the ducks and a cheeky squirrel. Had a very nice scone with butter and jam washed down with regular latte. Nicely priced. Down side was slow service even though it was not very busy. Obviously popular with Mums, Dads, and little people. Very light and airy space with the rest of the building offering lots of options for the public.

My husband and me shopping in Towcester decided to give forum cafe a try. We were very pleased with the menu and service provided

We decided to give the Forum Restaurant a try and found it not very good, when we went there were not many options, the service was so slow we gave up. My advise would be to change management and allow somebody to manage it better. Its in a good location and could be a place to meet for coffee and snacks whilst visiting the Library. Not good at all, may try again but not in a hurry.

We visit this cafe quite often when using the library services. Staff always polite and friendly, food is fresh and great, good value for money and cafe is always also very clean

Unlike the review above we found the cafe really nice happy and very helpful staff and both older ladies more than plesent and dint have a problem being served after 2

The lady serving wasn't sure wha she was doing, not sure on pricing etc, was quite clearly confusing the lady cooking, but when food came out best chilli jacket lovely presented, very good value for money, could be a busy place get service right x

Whilst visiting relatives in Towcester, we looked around the Roman Mound and decided we'd like to a light lunch and hot drink. At the advice of my nephew, we went into the Forum Community Centre to the café. The website displays the full menu and states that 'full breakfasts, light lunches and a range of hot drinks' are served throughout the day, and that hot meals are served from 11:30. A closing time of 15:00 is also given. We arrived at 14:00 precisely. Whilst looking at the menu and range of food, we were attended by a very pleasant young lady who told us what was on offer; she also said that the 'hot meals finish at 2'. Another, older, lady sat at one of the tables , drinking a cup of tea or coffee, in uniform. Presumably this was the manager since the younger lady had to ask her if we were 'allowed' to have certain items. She shook her head at hot food and, when I asked if we could have omelettes, the younger lady had to relay the message, even though we were all within a couple of metres of each other. The older lady simply shook her head whilst, it seemed, deliberately looking away to avoid any eye contact. It was clear that she had no intention of wanting to be helpful and the young lady looked decidedly embarrassed by this. I felt like I was back in 1970s 'work to rule' Britain! Why she couldn't have offered us a simple omelette at, what was then 14:02, is beyond me. Even if there was some very strict rule that the customer is 'not allowed' to eat hot food after exactly 14:00, couldn't she have had the common courtesy to address us in person instead of relaying messages with shakes of the head, whilst starting away from us, looking annoyed that we had dared to come in and ask for food?! We left to go elsewhere with nothing more than a bitter taste in our mouths. One of the worst experiences I have had for some time in a service environment. This café, I believe, is run by a company called 'The First Service Company'; in this case, an ironic title. I see that the Forum Community Building was opened with great fanfare earlier this year and the café was given great publicity around quality, sourcing and range. If I were a council tax payer in Towcester, I would question the wisdom of allowing this kind of poor quality service to represent their lovely town. Look at my other reviews and you'll see I am reasonable person in my expectations.