Hall Place Riverside Cafe in Bexley

Wonderful, my friend had a gorgeous mushroom Soup and I had a vegan chilli which was delicious. It was very busy but the staff were helpful and polite. We enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back for more.

I have lived in Bexley for 33 years and visit Hall Place cafe whenever I can. Today I took my daughter and grandaughters for coffee and cakes. All was going lovely, when along comes a cleaner/waitress. A lady with blonde hair tied in pony tail and glasses on her head, with attitude. She was so rude to us. We had to move the sauces to another table as there was not enough room for our food, fully intending to put it all back when we finished. We usually put everything on a tray when we have finished. This lady said she was putting the sauces back on our table, just as we were finishing or coffee, instead of waiting. She said she needed to clean up, and pushed our plates out of the way so she could get them back on the table. She removed the plate and lifted it up just past my face, with a hint that she wanted us gone. I said do you want us to leave and she replied we are closing very soon and implied we were in her way.We came in at 4.00 for cakes and coffee. It was tgen only just 4.10pm, I know the cafe closes at 5.00pm so we knew we had a bit of time to enjoy being together.She then proceeded to clear the table around us, obviously annoyed we were still chatting.There were a lot of tables around us that she ignored with people chatting. She didn't do this to anyone else. It was so very rude what she did and she strutted past us glaring. (I'm guessing she was eager to go home, and we were in her way!!!)She had such bad manners and obviously had no idea of how to be polite with customers, especially when they are finishing their food!!! I felt I should inform you as it should have been a nice treat for my grandaughters, instead, it was a humiliating and sad experience for them. Not sure if I will come again and I will certainly not recommend the cafe to anyone. I have been singing the praises of the cafe for years, with all the different proprietors. Not this time though.

Even though the place was really busy we had a tasty meal in less than 15 minutes. Excellent food, better than expected service and a price to suit most pockets. Well done!

I absolutely love this place would highly recommend it just not on a Saturday For some reason, they don’t seem to know what they’re doing at the weekend They told me I had to have a table number, which is fine, but I was on my own so didn’t wanna leave my stuff on the table And by the time I got outside that table was taken I then went and asked for a milkshake which is a new thing they do. The lady took me over to the other side as she thought I meant an ice cream. Then when I said no, I want one of the new milkshakes they informed me that the milkshake machine was not working but there was no sign over the machine. No sign over the menu above the counter to show that it was out of order. All my other experiences here have been really good and would highly recommend it just for some reason today It was a very poor standard

Upgraded menu since our last visit. Lovely breakfast and very polite attentive staff. Great place to sit and watch by the waters edge.

A fairly typical café, but outside it was in a lovely setting. We had a problem with insects and moved tables three times, but that's life in a garden. I thought the food was a little sub-standard for the price and wouldn't have enough scampi to match the chips had my hubby not given me one of his eggs. Decidedly he made the better choice with ham, eggs and chips!

I believe that since my last visit the cafe is under a new franchise. The staff were very friendly even though they were very busy. The prices are far more reasonable now and the food we had was excellent and value for money. Add this to beautiful views on a sunny day 😎 perfect.

Went for lunch with a friend forgetting it is half term so place was full to capacity. The staff were flat out but kept smiling. Due to great weather for February we sat at a table outside which was very pleasant indeed. We were impressed with speed and delivery of service, food portions were good and our meals were delicious. Will definitely be visiting again. Well done to the staff on an incredibly busy day. Thank you.

when we visited there were not fried foods available therefore this drastically limited the options available for a group of 8 of us (4 adults, 4 children). The food eventually ordered was ok. The drinks were expensive so we stuck with glasses of water which were served warm. The environment was ok. bit chilly especially near the doors, but then it is winter. It did have a cheap cafe feel, but not with the cheap prices.

I have been going to this cafe for quite a while today I ordered a fish finger sandwich on a panini. The menu states you can have Brown, white or panini. I was charged £1 extra for the panini when it arrived it contained 2 fish fingers, they were placed at the front of the panini and all you had was bread in the other half! £7.95 total rip off.....

Was a regular visitor for years, loved the ploughmans and Sausage & Mash but no longer available. The new menu is like a greasy spoon cafe, which is no longer in keeping with the lovely venue. The fish goujons where overcooked, more batter than fish and the chips tasted like they had been cooked more than once. The staff aren’t much better, used to be so friendly and welcoming and now they are rude and look miserable. I will not eat there again and will have to find somewhere else to have lunch.

We visited the cafe for lunch, as we arrived most of the empty tables hadn't been cleaned from the people before, so after cleaning the table ourselves we sat down for 45 mins waiting for our food, we went to see how much longer it would be, and they hadn't even started cooking as no one had given the chef the order........ it wasn't even busy - not the best experience

It’s been a while since visiting. Glad to see they have made great improvements especially with the menu. Our only gripe was with the coffee. It was harsh and bitter and will prevent us from returning except for a cold drink maybe.

The Cafe has plenty of seating which is well spread out. It is a great place for families and with ouir baby grandson it proved ideal for feeding him and nappy changing. We had a mixture of brunch and lunch (because of the different times people got up!) and really enjoyed everything we ordered. I can especially recommend the scones with the cream tea.

Since the pandemic the management at Hall place have really made this cafe a lot nicer with flower boxes, new chairs & a lovely tasty new menu. Had the pleasure of coming here on a lovely sunny day for lunch & between me & my fiancée we got the chicken & bacon salad, the ham, egg & chips & the parsnip soup with bread. All were delicious & delivers with in a good amount of time to our table. It’s a lovely outdoor spot in summer or on a sunny day & they have recently provided more outdoor seating for others to enjoy views of the lake too when it is extra busy.

Had lunch other day. Lovely view. Good service. Food was excellent price was average. The fish finger sandwich was especially good as were the chips. Would definitely go again.

Pre pandemic my wife and I use to have a coffee and sandwich in the Riverside cafe. It was ok. Nothing to write or review about. I am now very happy to say that the Riverside cafe has totally changed. Gone are the queues to be served, the long waits for your order only for it to be wrong when it arrives at you table. The new set up is excellent. Good service, great food and the scenery of Hall place to look over. The menu is small but very very good. We had a Sunday morning breakfast which was perfect. There is plenty of seating. The cafe does get busy but it is well worth a visit. Highly recommended

We had a lovely visit at The Riverside Cafe. It is in a beautiful setting overlooking the River. What a gem. We had a delicious breakfast. The menu is very good, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. We were spoilt for choice. The staff are efficient and very friendly. We will definitely go back maybe for lunch next time.

Visited here week before last, ordered 2 mugs of tea which were served with a little jug of cold milk. Had a second also served with a little jug of milk. Went there yesterday , ordered 2 mugs of tea and before I could stop her the assistant slopped a load of milk in mugs. I said I didn’t really want the milk in the mug and was told rudely that I should have told them. I would have thought the onus was on her to ask if I wanted the milk in not for me to say I didn’t especially having been given the milk separately previously which I did point out. No apology, no offer of rectifying. If I hadn’t already paid I would have left and taken my custom elsewhere. Total lack of customer service yesterday unlike my previous visit. Some people might think I’m being picky- they’re entitled to their opinion.

Oh what a shame! This lovely cafe under new ownership and menu now chips with everything. Panninis no longer available or the lovely tea pigs tea that they used to do. Less cakes and most of them in packages. Service slow, half an hour to...

On a sunny morning with the grounds of Hall Place looking splendid and a new menu, smart decor, friendly efficient staff and lots of cakes to choose from to accompany my morning tea or afternoon coffee - this was the place to be. OK I...

Great place to quickly grab a coffee and cake or afternoon tea overlooking the water dam with all the wildlife, never disappointed.

Always efficient and polite staff, sandwiches are very tasty and there is outside space to admire the view

Went for a walk and stopped in the cafe for coffee. Sat at an outside table on the terrace. Unfortunately the area is poorly maintained. Dangerous decking observed in two places. Quite a lot of rubbish in the joins. The wooden fence/railings at the riverside...

I have had lovely food in this cafe before - amazing cakes and home made quiche/salad etc, but the menu is basically just sandwiches and (this lunchtime) only a few dry cakes with no icing on top. Very disappointing.

So I normally love this place but sadly I believe the prices have been hiked up and the portions reduced. There is a sign saying gluten free but on request was told that they forgot to take any out and did not offer to remedy...

We often call in here for coffee and a cake after we have walked the dogs and granchildren though the meadows. The children enjoy the wide selection of cakes, as does my gluten-free wife, who is well catered for.

I took an elderly lady here for a cup of tea and maybe a sandwich, but it was only early afternoon but found the selection very sparse. It was very busy and assume if that is the case, the shelves should be restocked regularly. In...

Popped in as was a lovely day, had coffee and cake, reasonable prices. Seems quite popular but was a fair walk from the car park, not for the lesser walkers. Mad a nice change though, stein lovely grounds and gardens. Worth a visit

This cafe is family friendly, however it's not very good value for money, especially if you have a few children with you, it could work out very expensive.

We have been coming to Hall Place for many years. At times the cafe has been, shall we say not the best. Today it was good. Food hygiene rating is a 5. Nice outdoor seating by the River Cray

Great choice of snack/ food with relaxing views over the gardens. Indoor and covered outside seating alongside the river Cray

Eating your lunch overlooking the grounds and river on a hot day puts you in a great mood straight away. Had their jacket potatoe served quickly with a good choice of fillings (I had chicken and bacon), good quality and large pot of generous amount...

Sitting on the outside decking over looking the river with ducks and geese swimming close by sheltered from the wind in beautiful sunshine, food and drinks reasonably priced and good kids selection

Tables full of used plates and cups. Under staffed for the Easter holidays, run out of food before 12pm, would not reheat a cup of tea that got cold while waiting for the food. Such a shame.

Some choice of menu. Tasty food with good service. Has a great outlook across the water and grounds. I believe Personnel should do their paperwork back at the office though.

We went last week. Walking through the garden and the glasshouse first was a nice prelude to a good simple lunch. It was too cold to eat outside so will have to try in the summer. Lots of tables inside and outside although could be marred by the noise of the A2 nearby. Lunch is simple and the staff is polite and professional. Will definitely go back. Lots of free parking and easy to find.

We always use this cafe when we visit Hall Place but don't always enjoy the rather weak/very milky cappuccino. The coffee is sometimes so weak that you feel like you're just drinking hot milk so I find it off putting which is a shame. The cakes are about £3.25 per slice but nothing special so we stick to the scones or the shortbread which are both better value for money.

seating is complicated but once sorted you can relax with good home made cakes and food. Nice view of the ducks on the river.

Over the last year the Cafe has improved but to me it is average. Perhaps I should have given 4 stars. It's difficult to explain why, it's just the feel of the Cafe. The counter needs to be larger and the cakes moved

A lovely riverside spot for coffee, lunch or tea. We stop here regularly on our weekly trips between Surrey and East London and always receive the warmest of welcomes. The homemade soups are delicious, the food is always fresh and well presented and the choice of cakes is extensive. There are lovely views over the parkland and it is hard to imagine the busy road with its heavy traffic is so close. An oasis!

Lovely place to get a coffee or a cold drink good selection of cakes but the only thing is the sandwichs are in packets bought in rather then freshly made up still nice place to sit and enjoy.

The cafe was quite full so we went t9 the ice cream stall which was amazingly cheap for two scoops of delicious ice cream

Came here for a pit stop and though there is an amazing selection of food and drinks I do find it considerably pricey. A black tea, elderflower water and a chocolate muffin came to £7:80!!! Great views though.

Great little cafe, not the cheapest but a really great place to go. Full of nice people and lovely staff but a typically priced museum cafe! Great coffee and great cakes but you pay a little extra for the lovely location so worth the additional costs. Great Sunday visit!

Our first visit. The food was freshly prepared with a good choice and options to cater for my gluten allergy. The usual paninis and sandwiches etc but also home made sup and nhot options. A good selection of home made cakes and scones. They were also happy to cook food at 3 in the afternoon which is not universal in cafes of this type. It's in a very nice location with outside seating next to the river. Service was slow but it was Father's Day so possibly busier than normal

This is good for a break when visiting the Hall Place and Gardens. There are quite a few cakes,snacks,teas and coffees available, but for me are a bit expensive. If you want to pay because this is an easy and convenient option then stop here.

It's alright for a light bite and they have some great views of the gardens but maybe not for someone looking for a bigger meal.

First time we have visited and after a nice walk around the gardens we took the kids to see the dinosaurs, one of the things put on for kids. Kids loved it so we finished our visit by having lunch, friendly staff reasonable priced. Will go back soon.

There were a lot of choices to choose from. It was a really nice place to eat.. Nice if you want a snack or something more filling.

Always pop in when in the area as its good coffee and enjoy the ambiance. It is very good for families and with the grounds of Hall Place just close its a good venue for children.

A great place good food and friendly service. Steaks cooked to perfection. Large choice of good meals.

Had lunch here nice sunny day looking over the river watching the Mallards and Moorhens quite peaceful, would go there again very reasonable prices and good food.

can't recommend this enough though pricey and the do small meals aswel. well worth a visit after a walk around the grounds and river. very popular so queues for food and then finding a free table are a issue

We came here for a mid- morning cup of coffee after a walk in the park. Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. Very pleasant.

Great tea room with lovely views. Spotlessly clean. Friendly staff, efficient service. We went for breakfast but will go back soon for lunch. The cake display looked amazing. Breakfast was delicious. Good choice of teas and coffees. Delicious hot chocolate.

Did the coffee/coke and chat after a walk around. We used the steakhouse for food later, and noticed that cakes on sale were very tempting - except for the price. Three adults and two young kids would have cost a fortune. Nice surroundings and scenery.

Nice views and surroundings, food is simple but nice. Coffee is pretty watery and not very good though. Little bit expensive for what it is.

I was at Hall Place to meet up with some friends. We were there for taking some Photos of the Wild Life. I went into the Riverside Café, and had a Egg & Cress Sandwich with a Coffee. The staff are Polite & Friendly, and the Toilets were Spotless.

We went back to this cafe three times. We loved having tea beside the waterfall in the river, looking at dozens of geese and beautiful parkland. Could be windy by the river, but lots of tables inside. Variety and price Ok and quality good.

A fairly typical coffee shop with vatiery of good quality sweet and savoury food for all. lovely riverside aspect and child friendly.

Stopped here and had a coffee and cake. This cafe is in a nice big area with push button in and out which I thought was quite good so it stops little ones running out on their own.I would say the beverages are about the same price you would find in most places like this and the same with the cakes. Some of the cakes were labelled so people could see that they are gluten free etc which I thought was good. Sandwiches on the other hand I thought were a bit pricey. We sat outside on the terrace area and it was nice, shame about the windy day. I would come here again.

Sat on the sofa with our drinks and ice-cream on a wonderfully hot day; ideal for visiting the gardens, house (admission fee applies) and show gardens/veg gardens and more

My Wife & I had lunch & afternoon tea here recently.Good selection of food, reasonably priced. Eating area very clean. Nicely located next to the River Cray. INside & outside seating available with views across the park.

This café is hidden in the Hall Place gardens. It has an outside eating area next to the River Cray where you can do a spot of bird watching and spotting. The menu is not extensive but has the usual selection baked potatoes, quiche and the odd pie. Alternatively you can go for the cream tea option. We were there on a weekday afternoon so not so busy. Service was smilely and efficient. The food was well presented and importantly tasted fine. As for value for money, given that everything is expensive, this establishment is not overly expensive - reasonable value for money.I would go again.

I bring my walking group here about twice a year. The last visit was in January when it was very cold and now in May it is the exact opposite. We walked 7 miles to get here and again we weren't disappointed. There were plenty of extra tables outside in the sun and although it was quite busy our meals arrived quite promptly.I had a cheese ploughman's which had two huge portions of cheese, together with the usual chutney, salad and bread roll.

We had coffee on arrival, lunch and then tea and cake before we left so we definately tried the place out. It was great to sit in the river side to eat and drink. I had a jacket for lunch and my friend had a ploughmans both of which were nice and reasonably priced. Not an extensive menu but what they had was nice and well cooked and presented. The service as great the staff were very polite and helpful they even found me an elastic band to put my hair up!!!

Good setting, nice food, great selection of teas.Could do a few more things for children as it's a park cafe.

Had a lovely afternoon tea and cake but was taken aback at the cost £24 although there was 5 of us. It is a nice setting if the weather is good but a bit expensive especially if you have hungry kids

Lovely end to a family afternoon out. Ages ranged from 2 -70. Child's lunchbox allowed for 6 items to be chosen from a good selection including healthy options. The adults chose from a wide selection of sandwiches and panning, all of which were delicious. There were also soup, cream teas and tasty cakes

Hidden just before you get to bexleyheath town centre is the former stately home of John champney a large Tudor mansion surrounded by amazing gardens and wildlife for a fee you can tour the house it is worth the money my 7 year old did brass rubbing played with Tudor toys plenty to do you can eat at the riverside cafe or there is a steahouse restaurant or plenty of picnic. Areas plenty of activitie i.e fairy school they have bbqs and open air theatre productions honestly this place is beautiful!

It's very expensive for what it is ie, a cafe in Bexleyheath, and the service is appalling. Takes a very long time to get your food/drinks, when it's busy, you will wait at least 45 mins.

Coffee was great. Lovely cakes and sandwiches - all very fresh ! Service excellent. AS soon a table was vacated it was clean. The place was very busy the day we visited, but staff remained chearful and smiling.

A simple unfussy lunch. Selection of sandwiches, pannini, salads etc. Everything for an impromptu picnic by the river Cray in Hall Place. Lovely setting, pleasant staff and loads of space, despite it being a school holiday.

Love visiting the Riverside Cafe ...... friendly service and excellent food. Beautiful location even in the Winter but at its best in the Summer when you can sit out on the deck and watch the ducks. Children's menu available too and fully accessible for wheelchairs.

I met with friends and had a lovely sunny view of the grounds. Plenty of parking (not too far away but is a short pleasant walk) and disabled facilities available. Good for lunch or tea and cake.

Having been to visit family and wondering where to go for lunch at 3pm was taken to Hall Place - the weather wasn't great and the main cafe not huge but there's seperate comfy chairs and tables in the main entrance area and also tables outside by the river which would be lovely in the summer. Decided to go for a jacket potato with tuna but there's a choice of filings as well as soup and also ploughmans and sandwiches. The food came quickly despite being busy and it was hot and delicious. Staff are friendly and the prices are reasonable. Would recommend to anyone and afterwards the there's the river to sit by and gardens to walk in and for extra charge the owls butterfly's and Hall Place to visit on site

nice location by the river, service good, tables with used china left on so had to search for one already emptied and cleaned thought it qas more a coffee and tea and cake sort of cafe

What a lovely tea room tucked away at Hall Place. Enjoyed a nice coffee and some homemade cake, which was totally delicious

Beautiful surroundings and a lovely place for a family stroll, however the cafe which has the monopoly at this location is far too expensive. My advice would be to take your own if you are on a budget.

Hall place has always been somewhere close to my heart. The grounds are beautiful. But this little cafe has become slowly down in my estimations of it. It seems to be packed around he lunchtime period and staff do not accommodate this very well. Queues block the entrance to the door and they are slow at clearing tables. It is very very expensive for a local park cafe. There are no oap or members discounts etc which may help. For a tea , coffee and cake I paid 9 pound. Would be just as nice to take a picnic but in the park there are no picnic tables. Such a shame. But I would go back for the atmosphere. Very pleasant

I am afraid the café does not do justice to the fabulous surroundings.The food and drinks are expensive and there is a lack of an efficient service.You can wait for ages to be served.I would advise people to take a flask and some nibbles and sit on the benches or on the grass weather permitting

It's a lovely cafe with the most gorgeous looking cakes but feel it's too pricey.£7:10 for a coffee, kids hot chocolate and 2 bags of crisps. Next time il bring my own.

Nice place to go for a walk around then pop in for a nice bit of lunch, coffee or a snack. Cake is very good all home made food. Staff are very friendly too. Cafe is very clean

Following a 7 mile walk from Avery Hill along the River Shuttle we had lunch here today.Excellent food - generous portions - value for money and well presented.A good selection of cakes as well

Couldn't believe my ears at paying almost £20 for just 2 sandwiches and 2 drinks at the cafe. Staff also needed to keep asking each other what was what so definitely need more training. Take your own snacks or picnic if u like saving your money.

Food is ok but the service is very slow. It gets very busy and not enough staff I think.Very good for children if you can find a table free on busy days.

Excellent fresh cakesGood team, very attentiveBoth alfresco dining or inside in cold weather.Parking goodToilets clean

Busy but nice place for morning teas on a sunny morning. Can look over the old canal and watch people feeding the geese and ducks. Food ok.

I asked for a flat white coffee but I ended up paying for a very expensive cup of warm milk, no coffee taste at all.I think the staff should be taught how to make the correct coffee, flat white is a single or double espresso with some milk heated to the correct temperature and poured from the bottom of the jug, hence no foam,i.e. a flat white.

Asked to buy an scooped ice cream from the foyer counter and was told no - 'not selling them today' - the counter staff did not volunteer a reason for the refusal or even apologise for not serving ice creams that day and when I asked why she turned to another member of staff who just said ' short staffed ' although both girls were standing there! I can't believe that staff are allowed to speak to the customers like that. No customer service skills are required to work there and the staff aren't bothered. Luckily the ice cream van in the park car was there - service was excellent.

We visited here for lunch last week, it is quite pricey, but the food was very nice. I had a quiche and salad which was lovely. Pleased to see that the seating area has been expanded to another area. They do need to speed up on the serving area as there always seems to be a queue.

Had delicious homemade cake - lemon curd and chocolate and walnut. Earl grey tea in a large mug. Staff very friendly and helpful - eager to please! Comfy sofas and clearly a popular spot with locals and visitors.

Visited today with my son.I was asked what I would like by the staff at the counter. Before I could finish my sentence, the staff member started speaking to another customer....I asked if I could have 2 glasses with ice. 2 "dirty" glasses dumped on my tray. I asked where the ice was, and the staff member just rudely pointed to an area beside the counter without even looking at me.I asked for plastic cups as the glasses were dirty, again to be rudely pointed towards plastic cups.Such a sham, nice little cafe in a lovely location, but overpriced for a cake and drink....plus the rudeness and lack of customer service was totally unnecessary.....Won't be back....

It's a lovely setting, just beside the river. Nice quality food, although can be pricey for something simple like a coffee and cake, the meals are better value. They do a children's lunch bag option, with a nice option of jelly/fruit which is a change from the usual selection. Lovely to sit outside right beside the river and watch the ducks.

The youth manning the ice cream bar was closing at 4.30pm and you had to go and pay at the counter, then come back to him with the receipt and fish out the ice cream from the chest freezer - whats that all about?

Not as good as it used to be buy still a good place for lunch. Much more seating which is good but it has lost the personal touch.

What more could you want on a summer mornings? A bacon sandwich a cup of ear grey say by the river watching the birds! Set me up for a great day! Sandwich was spot on not greasy or too crispy! Earl grey was perfect didn't even need a slice of lemon! Great food, great drink and great surroundings! Staff were all polite and smiled! Look forward to my next breakfast!

After a stroll in the grounds we popped into here for a coffee and cake. The cake was lovely and the food looked good. We were able to sit at a table outside and enjoy watching the stream and various birds pass by. A lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Nice views in the sunshine. Food was dry and possibly a day old on the cakes but otherwise ok. Not too expensive and good place for a wander round the gardens. Ideal for meeting friends or taking your nan for a walk