Hart Country Stores in Mid Sussex

Having been coming here since it opened, I've noticed a slight change in how I'm greeted at the front desk. In the old days, the staff would fuss about my dog and converse sprightly. The atmosphere has always been warm and inviting. On Friday, November 15th, I popped in, and the lady at the front counter told me I only had 30 minutes to drink my coffee as it was 3.29 pm, and my card payment was going through. This was unnecessary and showed a desperation not to work past her shift. I was then told at 4.01 pm that the place was shut and I should leave now. As a local business owner, I bring many work clients here, and when I looked at my clients' faces as I was instructed to leave, it made for an awkward situation. I've spoken to many other businesses about this since, and my straw poll opinion in Haywards Heath is this: There is always an understanding of closing times, and customers should, of course, be timely. But If you close at 4 pm, any other business around will tell you, including me, that you shouldn't be ushered out the door at 4:02 pm. Your service was rude, and your attitude to paying clientele was ignored. Your food and drink charges are parallel for an establishment that should care more deeply about the finer points of customer retention. In all my years of visiting coffee houses, I have never been told to leave as promptly as you instructed me. You won't be getting my business at any time soon, either. Disappointing Hart Country Stores, very disappointing.

Lovely friendly staff here, really quick service and epic coffee.

Took my son in for some breakfast. Was some of the best food I have had in Haywards heath.

Really nice and great coffee!☕️🥰

Nice coffee place. Friendly service

I have been coming here for months now and every time the service has been impeccable, food has been wonderful and coffee is great, but today I was sorely disappointed. I found a seat at the back and set myself up with my son in the high chair. When ordering coffee at the front I spotted another seat, and started to relocate, there was about 5 members of staff walking past me whilst I held my son in my arms in one hand and tried to manoeuvre the high chair with the other hand. Then a lady came up to me and said she worked there but it was her day off but she would help me, I said thank you and said I wanted to relocate to the front to another seating area. I carried on walking to turn around and found her gone and high chair placed back. After finally getting to the front (sweating as there is no AC), I finally sat down but was actually really annoyed that no one could see the struggle or it felt like everyone turned a blind eye. sadly, I don’t feel I got any particularly good service today with my baby and a little help for a mama just wanting some caffeine and cake after a rough night would’ve been great! I also appreciate it’s not anyone’s job to help me move myself but as the staff could see I was struggling it really was quite disheartening. Also, the lady that said it was her day off, that’s wonderful but don’t half help someone. Please go back to being the kind business I once knew it was. Thank you for your response (to the manager) I did think it was a miscommunication, however I did ask a member of staff to help me and they shrugged me off, so yes a “chat” would probably help for future interactions. I look forward to come back for a caffeine fix and appreciate you taking the time to look into this matter ☀️

I think we were unlucky on the day we went and appreciate that it was busy, but a 50 minute wait just for 2 breakfasts is crazy, no communication either. When it finally arrived I was so disappointed as most of it was cold. Quite expensive for what it was and I dread to see what the half portion was like as it wasn't exactly massive

Friendly service, nice ambience, and well-presented food, BUT... the yolks in my baked eggs were cooked all the way through to the point of being dry and powdery. The prices on the menu differ from the prices charged. It was only a matter of 50p, but this is tantamount to dishonesty (and I suspect is illegal)

Had the most amazing breakfast brioche roll, cortardo and orange juice. The presentation was top notch and the service very pleasant. Though I didn't have any, the cakes looked delightful though I would've preferred them to be behind a glass screen for hygienic reasons.

Very dog friendly, often take dogs in and have a lovely cuppa and either cake or veggie breakfast. Huge portions, very luxurious. Dogs are allowed, in their shop area there's a huge amount of treats and doggy accessories.

Brioche bacon & egg roll and mushrooms on toast. All well cooked and presented. Didn’t enjoy the mushrooms on toast, I think the balsamic spoilt it. This is a personal taste issue not a mistake in the kitchen which is why I still gave 5 stars. £23 with 2 coffees. Disabled access. Street parking for free or paid carparks nearby.

Everything is delicious from this place: coffee, donuts, brekkie, you name it. Staff is very friendly & knowledgeable. Part of me is happy that I don't live close by otherwise I'll spend (invest) all my money in yummy goodies and I'd roll down hills.

Best hot chocolate and coffee spot in Sussex!

Great breakfast although not easy to get seating because it is so popular.

Lovely local café serving some delicious food. Pity you can't book a table in advance.

Amazing brownies and great atmosphere

Hayward’s Heath owes a great deal to this lovely cafe. They do the best coffee in the town and the staff are always welcoming and friendly. The food is excellent and it is clear that there is a lot of love put into this place. It is quite busy sometimes but that is testament to the success of the establishment.

Been here twice now. Both times the food was really nice and the service was good. Its a comfortable and laid back cafe which is great for a saturday afternoon snack. Last time we had the French toast (not on the menu anymore RIP), and today we shared the pancakes. We also had a brownie which was very tasty. The coffee was from a local roaster which is a nice touch. Will definitely be back again.

I’ve read the worst reviews to date. Oh my goodness; if you have given one or two stars for this place, where do you normally go? Nero with the permanent smokers outside or Costa with the school children truants and post school.

Lovely little coffee shop in town. It makes a nice change from the boring chains around here. I’ve been a couple of times now and staff are always really friendly, as well as drinks being pretty reasonably priced in my opinion. The toilet is just one gender neutral accessible toilet, with a baby changing table and lots of room to manoeuvre a wheelchair inside. Everything is pretty flat and spacious so would be a good place to bring a wheelchair or a buggy. Plus, last time I was here they were playing Phoebe Bridgers so it felt very queer friendly :)

Love Hart.... struggle sometimes to get a seat ...because it's so popular...food is delicious love it

Lovely café, exquisite food, staff very friendly and helpful. Prices a little bit higher, but you definitely get what you pay for. The pancakes are the best I've ever eaten (and I've tried many) the ham and cheese toastie is a cut above the rest and we've tried the bagels and the sourdough breakfast sarnies (husband) are to die for. Can't recommend it enough. We are definitely hooked. Well done to all who works here.

Absolutely the best place to have Coffee, good food and an excellent atmosphere. The staff are second to none.

The best scone with jam and clotted cream. Service with a smile. I’ll be back!

Generous portions. Good coffee. Staff really helpful finding comfortable seating to accommodate my current disability.

We've just had an awesome brunch here. Atmosphere & decor is perfect, the service was very very friendly, a really nice team & very efficient. The food has the wow factor, perfectly cooked eggs. I highly recommend this place. I'll definitely be back!

Lovely little find and great menu selection. Opted for eggs benedict with salmon, which was bold on my part as I'm quite particular about avoiding snotty eggs, but these were cooked to perfection.

The dog was over the moon at the provision of biscuits and sausages whilst we had our croissants/toast and coffees! Lovely staff, always welcoming and friendly.

My new favourite place. Super friendly staff.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Harts, a charming café nestled in the heart of Haywards Heath. From the moment I stepped through the door, I knew I was in for a treat. The inviting atmosphere of Harts immediately caught my attention. The cozy interior, coupled with soft background music, created the perfect setting for a relaxing meal. The décor exuded warmth, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a delightful culinary experience. I opted for a classic combination of a coffee and a sandwich, and I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional quality of both. The coffee was rich and robust, a true testament to the cafe's commitment to serving top-notch beverages. The sandwich, crafted with fresh ingredients, was a delicious complement to my coffee, showcasing the attention to detail that sets Harts apart. What truly elevated my visit, however, was the exceptional service provided by Megan. Her genuine smile and welcoming demeanor immediately put me at ease. Megan's attentiveness and friendly approach added a personal touch to the entire dining experience. It was evident that she took pride in her work and genuinely cared about ensuring the satisfaction of the customers. Megan's efficiency and professionalism were noteworthy, and her warm hospitality made the visit memorable. She went above and beyond to make sure every detail was attended to, creating an atmosphere that felt like more than just a café visit—it felt like being welcomed into a friend's home. In conclusion, Harts Café in Haywards Heath not only delivers delicious food and beverages but also offers an exceptional atmosphere that makes patrons feel truly valued. Megan's outstanding service undoubtedly contributed to making my visit a highlight, and I look forward to returning to Harts for another delightful experience. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a perfect blend of great food, warm ambiance, and exceptional service.

Good food and always busy. Very helpful staff.

What a wonderful place. The food, service and Atmosphere was amazing. Wallpaper in toilet was fab 👌.

Walking here with my new dog, she was met by the friendlies staff to make a fuss of my pooch. The menu offers some great classic options for lunch and I tucked into a sausage roll and salad. Coffee was very nice too and the ambiance of the place is very nice indeed. A great place to hang out with your dog and enjoy a snack with friends.

We had a fabulous time at Hart Country Stores on a busy Saturday morning. We were a large group and they were extremely accommodating with a last minute booking for breakfast - thank you. The food, drink and atmosphere were excellent - best breakfast locally!!

Incredible food, spotlessly clean and great service. Highly recommend and will definitely be back soon

Disappointing today that the kitchen was so busy we were told it was a 50 minute wait for a bacon brioche. The cafe was definitely over staffed in the front of house with plenty of staff with no one to serve as who wants to wait 50 mins for food! Great iced coffee despite no hot food

Lovely independent dog friendly coffee shop. Has a small farm shop inside too.

Amazing!! I've been visiting the zone and I've found this lovely coffee shop, I simply loved it. ❤️ Higly recommend if you are in the zone.

Pricey but pleasant, staff bit wnooty but food and coffee very nice. In town such as JH its a welcome as not much else there.

Great coffee shop, good breakfast, and lunch menu. Always busy, which is always a good sign.

Lovely place for tea. Their sourdough bread is delicious.

A nice trendy cafe / local goods shop. Lots of neat things to find after/before a very delicious slice of cake and coffee or tea! Will definitely be coming back again

Lovely place. Love the deco, coffee and service. There's a 30min free parking nearby or Pay and Dispay car parks around within 2-3min walk. Thanks

Best breakfast in town. Coffee great dog friendly. Great staff. Fransico lounge has more room

Well prepared and presented food and drink. Good service and pleasant surroundings.

Relaxing environment to enjoy coffee, spacious and staffs are very friendly.

Very friendly atmosphere and good vf.

Hart is the place me, my family and friends go to every time we are in HH. It’s family run, dog friendly and has delicious high quality food, cakes and coffee. You can even get your dog a pawchino 🐕‍🦺 It’s a lovely friendly place and it’s always nice to see Cassy and Daryl who give you a very warm welcome. Hayley is a fantastic Barista. Their cafe is also a shop that sells good quality local produce. They open until 10 on Fridays for cheese and wine with a DJ or singer. A nice relaxing place to spend a Friday evening. 😊

Adequate nothing to really wrote about abit pricey tho

Lovely coffee with syrup and great choice of cakes. Bakewell was gorgeous. You go up and pay and then it's brought to your table. Nice staff

Was okay until they edited the menu. Well I only got a half portion, so I don't really count so much (and bought biscuits & coffee). Still, they get crowded anyway, so locals like the place. Several cafés in the street, so... spoiled for choice.

Great food and coffee with pleasant service

Great food and great coffee with a nice friendly vibe.

Love the hot chocolate there and nice place to chill out .

It's pricy. Nice staff bit average food and drinks for a premium cost

Just the best! Regular visitor of Hart and as a big foodie & coffee lover, it doesn’t compare to anywhere else. Delicious fresh hot food and sweet treats, perfect coffee and lovely atmosphere. Casey and her team are incredible. Also highly recommend wine & cheese board on Friday evenings! One of the best cafes in Sussex for sure!

Cake, tea and coffee were all amazing. Reasonably priced, good cake portion sizes, good atmosphere, service was quick, tables were cleared and cleaned.

Great breakfast but coffee lacked coffee

Beautiful place. Lovely food and equally lovely staff!!!

Lovely staff, great selection of cake and coffee.

Love this place - excellent locallly produced breakfasts great value for money, fab coffee. Friday DJ Nights with lovely fizz, cocktails, gin and cheeseboards fun and delicious.

Not for me. It's overpriced, no table service. £9 for basic eggs on toast. They were questioning whether the lady next to me (who had a toddler) if she was leaving while she was trying to get her child in the pram, to create more space for people waiting. They could have just politely waited for her to go when she was ready.

We love Hart. Always brilliant service, friendly staff who will go out of their way to make you feel valued and at home. Wonderful produce and food. The almond croissant and breakfasts are by far the best in town.

The most amazing night, these folks are consistently wonderful and this was no exception. For my fabulous partner, Sietske, they laid on a 50th birthday party that put behind us the physical disconnection Covid had created as a habit. We are, drank and danced with friends and family who were so special to Sietske, and the time flew. Thank you Harts, you have made memories for us all

The best thing about Haywards Heath! I love cake and hot chocolate and this place does both better than anything else I’ve tasted. The staff are bloody lovely, it’s cosy and it makes your day better. If you try it and don’t love it then I’m happy to personally compensate you as long as you let me tell you you’re wrong and that you’re a nob to your face! This place is perfect!

Good quality food but £14 for a breakfast then extra for beans!!! I’ve had breakfast just as good down the road but half the cost. Plus if you want to order an extra coffee are you don’t have to get up midway through your breakfast and go back to the till service. No tableservice here whatsoever.

Great coffee shop with a good atmosphere. Will visit again soon

Hart Country Stores has become a favourite of ours. From an early coffee to a leisurely brunch & more recently chilled Friday evenings, we can’t fault it. Lovely staff who make time for our Grandson & our family dog.

Perfect blend of country home chic and town coffee house. Absolutely love it here. Cheese toasties are renowned locally. You won't be disappointed.

First visit to Hart Country Stores. Lovely coffee and the ham and cheese toastie was the best I've ever had - impressive!

Absolute love it! The food and coffee is amazing, and they have a fantastic selection of gifts and other products you might need for occasions. Best addition to Haywards Heath in years!

Fantastic staff and amazing food and lovely drinks! Definitely visiting again.

Loved the coffee, cake and the place. It was busy when we went there and had to wait for a table but was worth the wait.

Nice friendly place, always welcoming with good food and the best coffee in town imho.

This is becoming a regular haunt of mine, since moving to the area - This is one of barely a few places where I can grab a freshly brewed diffused leaf tea! The staff are always polite, the service is quick and Surroundings are interesting and comfortable. With local produce, plants and local English wines available. The food hall section is slightly overpriced as are the small homeware items but interesting unique items nonetheless. If you want a proper brew and a little bit of luxury then try this place instead of a branded coffee shop.

Very nice atmosphere and welcoming staff.

Great teaa and cake, great service.

One of the best ham and cheese toasted sandwiches I’ve ever eaten! And we’ll be coming back for breakfast soon too. This shop/cafe is just what the Haywards Heath high street needs! Keep up the great work Harts!

Great coffee stop and store. Just had coffee and pastry but breakfast looked good will be back for breakfast. Went back for breakfast and it was really good. Popped in for a coffee.

Really good menue fir quick lunch all freshly made. Also good selection of local and international goods. Friendly service and well run. Would recommend a visit

Lovely place, food and coffee great too, a nice relaxing atmosphere. Dog friendly too!

Really is the best coffee in town... With super friendly staff. Can't ask for more...

Luckily I tried this place one day. Now I find it hard to stay away. You will not find a better Latte in Haywards Heath, I think I’ve tried them all. I just pray there’s a spare seat when I’m walking up there in the mornings!

Great addition to Haywards Heath and probably the best coffee in town with very friendly staff and reasonable prices.

Best place for week end breakfast

The best coffee and amazing breakfast/ brunch menu- my favourite is the wild mushrooms and hummus on sourdough. I often visit with my dog and we always get a warm and friendly welcome, and lots of treats for Lara. I also love the great variety of plants, gifts and cards you can buy- it's the kind of place our town needed for a while.

Superb! Myself and a colleague popped in for a quick bite. Our bagels were beyond expectations, and the coffee and cake - delicious. We will definitely be back for more!

What a fantastic addition to Haywards Heath. Best coffee in the area.

Such a lovely place. Highly recommended, coffee is great and the customer service is amazing.

What a cozy little find on a bustling highstreet. Great atmosphere and decor. The food was fresh, hot and delicious, served by a courteous staff. Highly recommend it and the Toasted Caprese and cheese sandwich along with the Gingerbread Chai tea ☺️

Wonderful friendly coffee shop and farm shop with the nicest people.. so glad you’ve arrived in HH! Their dirty chai = best coffee ever !! 💖💖

We received a lovely welcome on arrival.

Haywards Heath needs more places like this! My favourite place for casual eating and coffeebin the area. Staff are friendly, food and drinks are great. Plus you can pick up some lovely local produce.

Probably the best latte I've had in Hayward Heath yet. Thank you. Not bitter not sweet... just right.

Oh lovely cake (coffee & walnut) and coffee, and an ambience like no other.

Good food. Friendly service. Nice atmosphere.

Lovely ambience, delicious food served with a smile.

Don't often review but must be said best coffee I've had in 2021.

Best coffee shop in h/h staff are brilliant coffee is sublime lovely atmosphere and there sandwiches are delicious

Have to say we completely underestimated how great this place is and in Haywards Heath to boot. Really helpful and charming family run business and great produce all round!