Grays Cafe & bar in Tunbridge Wells

A table was booked for lunch. We were told on arrival that they were busy and food would be 60 - 90 minutes (perhaps even after their 2pm cut-off). They seemed surprised that a table booking at lunchtime was likely to include food being ordered, and suggested - very rudely - that we ought to have pre-ordered (presumably when making our booking weeks prior). The issue being that they had taken a large takeaway order and were therefore largely suspending cafe service. Despite the advanced years of many of the staff, my assumption would be that food/service is a relatively new endeavour to them. The only alternative being that they are deliberately rude and unaccepting of their clear errors and, frankly, incapable of running a very simple rural cafe. It is, I am to understand from the elderly lady working there, their "standard process" to assume that booked tables would not like food. She was very adamant of this fact - so much so that it appeared from the volume of her voice that she'd like the entire cafe to know. It leads me to wonder what they think most of their tables in a cafe, at a mealtime, would like. But perhaps I'll try booking a table next time I fancy a swim in the local swimming pool to see if that's what they have in mind. Despite the lack of a meal, we did get a show. There is a small child's play area to one side - a good idea for parents who can then grab an informal bite to eat (possibly, if they've pre-ordered) while the children are amused. However, a provided toy strayed from the designated area and the same elderly lady - with gritted teeth - kicked (booted!) the toy back into the child's play area. I didn't hear crying and so assume it didn't hit a child, but that was luck rather than judgment. She then barked in the general direction of the table with the parents that she "wished parents kept their kids under control". The volume was again such that the entire cafe heard her. The children were all playing nicely and were perfectly under control. What a gem this place is... ! I would implore you to try the Little Bull as a far better alternative in the village.

Really lovely breakfast, all cooked fresh and great quality. Good value for money too compared to other local places. Would recommend

Always come here! They are super friendly, the cakes are amazing and I often collect a lunch when working at home. Nothing is too much trouble. New member of staff too and she’s just as lovely! Real gem in the village. Thanks ladies, we really appreciate you!

Proper grub, Breakfast hash is just out of this world and they do the best milkshakes. Lovely welcoming staff and free parking right outside. Bosh! See you again this Friday.

I am a regular at Grays - it's a favourite for me. They are a fabulous team, always friendly & welcoming, even under pressure. It's hard to beat their cappuccino! Some of my other favourites are their scones, New York bagel, cheese burger - all delish! My family's favourites include pembury pancake, bacon brie & cranberry bagel, smashed toastie, cheese & bacon burger. I've taken several friends & family, always an enjoyable and satisfying experience as we've been able to chat & eat tasty freshly prepared food in a relaxed & very friendly atmosphere. It's hard to predict when Grays will be busy, (& they do get busy) so if it's more than just me I make a reservation (& have successfully done so at short notice too). It's easy for me to give Grays a top score & review - they deserve it. Oh, by the way the prices at Grays are really reasonable

Had a fabulous breakfast as usual at grays. Great food, piping hot and lovely staff. Thoroughly recommend it ❤️

Best little cafe around here! The breakfast is amazing, definitely worth a visit! I’ve been a few times now and have not ever been disappointed. The staff are so so lovely .. indoor and outdoor seating, dog friendly. I would give this 6 stars if I could. Thank you greys cafe :) keep up the good work!

A very busy cafe! But we totally understand why! Coffee was fab and food was even better! We had the mamacado and my friend the eggs Benny, all cooked to perfection! Very cheap in comparison to other cafes, we even had some bread pudding to take home! Marvellous! Highly recommend! Also like to add, how lovely and attentive the staff were, considering (what we witnessed) rude customers expecting VIP treatment, all the food is cooked fresh so you expect a longer wait! If you want fast food Burger King is up the road! Keep up the good work Grays, I most definitely will be back! 🌟

Poor Overpriced - waited tooo long even for coffee and they messed up order so only got half of it . Breakfast poor in comparison to others

In the lovey Kent village of Brenchley There is a place for tea and cakes Where all the staff are very friendly Breakfast, lunch, all kinds of bakes Rest a while and then take it gently Pot of tea will ease all your aches From 9 to 2 they will serve intently Now you know where to take you breaks MB

We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary with family & friends and a lovely 'Afternoon Tea ' at Grays Would highly recommend this village cafe It has great food - staff - location and very reasonable prices We have also had lunch here many times and have never been disappointed

Me and my family come to Grays regularly and it has never disappointed us! The range of freshly cooked food is all delicious- the cakes are always 10/10 not to mention! All staff members are so welcoming and kind, they will always come out of their way to help you with inquires, for example if you desire to make up your own custom breakfast that is not on the menu, they will happily do that for you!!! Not to mention the iced coffees are my favourite, with a range of syrups to add. We have also sourced alot of our parties food from here, and it is always beautifully presented and always so delicious, their care to allergies also impressed me too being provided with an allergy list for the food we ordered! They are dog friendly in the whole of the cafe, with a lovely outdoor area too, children friendly with a clean, colourful play area and tables right next to the play area which is always convient for parents. I could never fault it and will continue to come to Grays!! xxx

They used to cook a good breakfast. Toast today was a couple of bits of warmed up cheap bread, bacon was cheap and fatty, sausages clearly pre-cooked and warmed up because they were solid down one side where they'd been kept warm after cooking and the beans were so salty they were inedible. Coffee had been sitting in the pot too long and tasted bitter and oxidised. (The young waitress could perhaps find a job that she likes too because she was somewhat surly and unhelpful). Overall, disappointing for a cafe that used to serve a really good breakfast.

Lovely food and service in a delightful village location. If you're in the area would deffinitely recommend a visit. We had an english breakfast which was very well cooked , and tasted very nice. Following day returned for a bacon and egg omelette, which was delicous as well . Dog friendly so if you're out with your 4 legged family member call in you won't be dissappointed .

We always come here as we live locally. You cannot beat their food, coffee and friendliness. Would thoroughly recommend for a meet up with friends, family or even to drop in and grab a coffee and snack to go. The cakes are delicious and the ladies who work there are super friendly. I can’t believe anyone else has ever left a bad review as my (large) family and I visit regularly and couldn’t ask them to improve on anything! Thanks Grays!

Grays is also a breakfast venue so doesn’t have the cosy ambience of a coffee shop or tearoom but it does have its pluses. The location is easy to find, plentiful parking, a nice kids’ play area, nice outdoor area overlooking the bowls green. The coffee was nice, the accompanying biscuit not so much. Prices seem average. Staff efficient if not overly welcoming.

What a fabulous little find! Delicious quality food - such wonderful choice. Lovely atmosphere and view , staff warm and friendly, very efficient and great value! What’s not to love! 5 stars for everything. Only trouble is that I want to go back to try everything on the menu! Will def be back 😊

My husband and I were driving through the village of Brenchley and came across Grays cafe , what a lovely place, very friendly and freshly prepared food. We opted for the brenchley breakfast and was not disappointed, my husband had poached eggs and he said...

What a lovely cafe we have stumbled across! Throughly recommend. I am very fussy with how my eggs are cooked, I was asked upon ordering and they came out perfect! Sausages were delicious as well as the bacon. I went for the Brenchley breakfast and my partner went for the matfield massive (he can eat) followed by a delicious home make brownie. Our daughter had a yummy cheese toastie and a juice. Set us up for the day shopping in tunbridge wells. Loved the spin on menu item names. The decor, service, atmosphere welcoming and the view from patio was spot on. A real local community feel. VERY reasonably priced for a quaint village in tunbridge. Thank you :)

Fantastic!! What more can I say, great service freshly cooked to order food and a lovely selection of homemade cakes to finish things off with!! Lovely staff who can’t do enough for you, comfortable tasteful interior and decor & if your lucky enough to visit with good weather on your side a lovely little garden overlooking the green!! Will be back again (and again!) very soon!!

On visiting the grays cafe this morning I had my sights set high after hearing good things, well how more wrong could I be!!! After paying £11.50 for the Brenchley massive that doesn’t even include a drink I was already a bit disheartened! Let’s start...

This eatery is an absolute gem. Family friendly and serving beautifully prepared food. I've just been in, two days running, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Probably majoring on the breakfast/brunch sector, but absolutely delicious. Small play area inside for little ones, so it can get noisy,...

We've been here several times when holidaying nearby. The food is great (our kids loved the pancakes), the service is great and the cafe is light and airy which we really liked. If you go for lunch, make sure you save space for the homemade...

Very pleasant staff and quality food bacon and sausages cooked to perfection , eggs any way you like them. Nice environment , dog friendly too and we will definitely be going back .

Wonderful place to eat. Very family / dog friendly. The food is outstanding! The normal fry up options along with other options, the crumpet is really tasty as are the jacket potato’s. We have never had a bad meal here The bubble and fried Slice...

Went for Saturday Brunch with a couple of friends, booked ahead - glad we did as it was busy. Delicious fresh ground coffee. Extensive menu with a couple of good vegan options, as well as all the usual crowd pleasers! The scones/ rock cakes looked...

I love this place. It’s really nice with really friendly staff and the food is really good! If that’s not enough reallys for ya, it’s also really reasonably priced😃

We are so lucky to be five minutes drive away from this lovely, welcoming cafe, certainly not a greasy spoon. For coffee, hot chocolate, tea, a variety of home made cakes etc, breakfast or lunch and a bonus that it is licensed, Staff are cheerful...

Lovely Cafe which has an interesting yet simple menu. Beautifully decorated and the staff are very helpful. Took my aunt for lunch and they kindly made some toast for her. Excellent value and would highly recommend a visit.

Food is basic but good, nice choice and good value, place to pop in if you are passing, for coffee or meal.

Lovely range of breakfasts, perfect for late breakfast/brunch. Better than what you may expect from a 'greasy spoon' type establishment. Staff friendly and service was good.

Been to grays cafe a few times now always great food & great service, always happy & polite staff & the owner Lauren! always makes you welcome & takes time to chat will definitely be calling in again soon for breakfast/dinner or tea & homemade...

I visited Grays today with my husband what a lovely place, the best home cooked breakfast I’ve had in a long while! Staff are lovely and decor is unreal thanks Grays we will be back again and again and again!!

I visited here with two of my friends and our 3 kids. All i can say is it was amazing the food was delicious, the cakes were out of this world and they even have a play room for the kids fully stocked with plenty...

Visited several times, lovely breakfasts, cakes and more! Very friendly staff. Love that they use and sell locally sourced ingredients like eggs and honey! 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Very welcoming, something for all age groups, comfy sofas, a lovely toy/ play area and practical spaces for eating.

We asked Sue and Kevin to to cater "an afternoon tea dance" for around 50 peopme. It was to celebrate a 70th birthday. We had organised a "Strictly Come Dancing" theme and we wanted a dance hall atmosphere and lots of dainty sandwiches and plenty of her renowned cakes and pastries.

Excellent service. No special tablecloth treatment... but simple food. Very welcoming staff . We also came here for our Xmas cycle ride.

What a fabulous little café we have here! How lovely to find a place that does not turn its nose up at dogs and muddy walking boots. We all enjoyed our mini cooked breakfasts for just £3.75 each (local sausage, bacon, egg, beans, toast). A cup of tea comes in at just £1.20 and cans of drink for just £1 - far better than you would get in many other establishments. Well done Grays - we'll be back!

We have had our kids parties at Grays twice. The venue is great and they offer a disco package with prizes, which I would definitely recommend. They also have a bar which is open for adults to purchase snacks/drinks, which is handy!

Ideal for snack, tea and coffee, scones, bacon baps. Children’s play area inside with toys . Friendly village venue.

Good honest home made cafe food with personal genuine service.I had bake pot and beans for £3.50 and home made fruit scone £1.50 and nice decaffeinated tea. All great. Good value and lovely to sit outside at the back which is a sun trap. Cyclists etc should put it on their radar as an excellent stop.

Sue and Kevin + their loyal staff work like Trojans to make Gray's Café the success it is. Really brilliant cakes - way above average -and a great place for brunch. You will not find better value anywhere. If you are local to Brenchley get in there and support - you will not be disappointed!

Excellent coffee and light meals and the cheese scones are wonderful. Good play area for children. Dogs welcome. Terrace with great view and outside seating.

Gray's Cafe has a lovely staff with wonderful English sandwiches!! Staff is asadorable the locals. The near by church is a must see

Basic cafe food , clean friendly worth a pit stop if your in the area and fancy a snack Dogs welcome

I love this place. It's part of brenchley community, they do a wicked breakfast and the coffees pretty good too. Lots for young kids to do. Cake looks great too and they also sell local honey and apple juice.

i like this place a lot, a good place to stop off for a coffee or a breakfast, I like the new diner decor, I hope to meet there with a few of my HotRod club friends, well done. Phil

I love grays a great place for the community to use a fantastic children's area and the most amazing food famous for freshly cooked cheese and fruit scones they are very yummy I work in the kitchen and really enjoying my experience as a trainee

Always a friendly welcome at Grays. Homemade cakes & snacks. Hot & cold drinks - lots of variety too. And their recent refurbishment to give a 1950s American Diner feel is great!

Provided a great refreshment stop for our 11 cyclists, made us very welcome with good service and food.

This is our local tea rooms in the village, it is friendly and does great food. It acts as a lovely central community hub and is worth a visit.

One of our favourite cycling stop-off cafes. Homemade cake, good coffee and freshly made meals served with a smile at reasonable prices. What's not to like?!

Popped in for a quick coffee and cake and stayed longer. Great venue with great customer service. Selection of cakes, coffees and sandwiches was fantastic and homemade. Worth the visit and plan time to hang around! Well done Sue and best wishes for the future

This is a fantastic little place, friendly staff, superb coffee, amazing cakes (their salted caramel brownies are to DIE for, but be warned, they don't hang around long.) Food is simple but delicious and freshly cooked to order.

We recently had our wedding party here. It was fantastic. Lovely food, great ambience, impeccable service throughout the evening. We would highly recommend this venue for any function

I was facepainting there for a charity event the other day. It was Clean, tidy and the staff were very friendly! I also had a bacon sarnie that sorted me RIGHT out for the day! 😉

We popped in today on way back from town for a coffee 🍵 tea 🍵 and milkshake very good price and friendly staff we are sure we will pop in again soon..

I belong to a cycling group and we stop here frequently for our coffee break. Excellent service, friendly staff and very reasonably priced.

The cafe is in a village hall and has a small terrace at the back overlooking the bowling green. Service was friendly and there is a choice of sandwiches, toasties, all day breakfasts etc. All freshly cooked and hot. The toasties are just toasties - no salad garnish or other such frippery!

My Husband and I pop in to Gray's to enjoy a game of Pool. Always have a coffee and a snack and last week I had a lovely Strawberry Milkshake. Staff are friendly and chatty and there is always a lovely welcome. Good luck for continued success

..great café with friendly service and consistently good coffee over 3 separate visits!....we're a cycling group so get round a lot of places and this is one of the best locally. Here they are welcoming, spacious and with a lovely terrace out the back.

Great place for meeting with children. The toy room is full of good stuff, owner and staff friendly and helpful, food is homemade and tasty as well as reasonably priced and it's licensed too.