Highcliffe Castle Tea Rooms in Christchurch

Walked from Mudeford quay to here (which isn’t easy for my wife) after checking their website. Arrived at 3pm to have a cuppa & cake only to find they’d decided to close early, despite the website and bill-boards saying open till 4pm. Asked in the reception and they weren’t in the slightest bit interested. Won’t waste our time again.

Weeds growing out of drains greets you! You cannot always go inside as main doors closed and you have to join the long queue to be served from a little window. Cakes just taste of high levels of sugar and the customers have to bring a cloth to wipe wet seats every morning outside if you want to sit down! Finally, most seats outside are situated next to a dustbin. The council should give it up and let a professional private outfit run the place, while the council should get on with what the council tax payers expect!!

Limited lunch menu which was disappointing but sausage rolls were very tasty. 3 ciabatta & 3 pasty/roll options, can’t see why there can’t be more sandwich choices.

Have been here many times but today only serving take away from a small window, only sandwiches ,drinks and a small selection of cakes. Hopefully this arrangement is a one off?

I’ve been here a few times for lunch over the years and remembered the lovely home made cakes (specifically Dorset apple cake). On a recent mid-week visit I had the bacon and Brie panini and a slab of lemon drizzle cake (no Dorset apple unfortunately) with a coffee. The food is top notch, really fresh and tasty with good quality ingredients. The cake was a bit more of a Victoria sponge than a drizzle with a lemon curd and buttercream filling, but was absolutely gorgeous. There’s plenty of seating and the view/location is just such a nice spot to relax. The covid measures in place felt adequate and the tables inside were still fairly spaced out with good ventilation. The coffee was quite strong, but to my liking. Service was fairly quick and friendly. It’s not to overpriced either. A great location and good eatery.

40 members of Castle Wheelers arranged a meal here 15/12/21 - spectacular, an event to live in minds for years! Sally, David and their staff bent over backwards to give us fabulous food and even better service! A meal is just a meal..this was an event! This was our third Christmas lunch at the CK, it gets better every time, David (Chef) comes up with different twists on the standard Turkey Lunch every time, Sally manages to add new additions, mulled-wine/crackers/party poppers...you name it! Well done to all of you, we will be with you weekly on rides and back same time, same place in 2023!! We wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

No staff at the counter, once they arrived service was pleasant and efficient. Coffee was very nice, they had no savoury scones so ended up with what tasted like yesterday’s fruit scone all crusty and dry. The staff member was informed but simply said they would the chef know. We were left feeling disappointed an alternative wasn’t offered.

Arrived at 1.30pm after a long walk on a sunny midweek day to be told they had run out of food and couldn’t even muster a sandwich! Needless to say even as a local we won’t bother again! Ver poor planning IMO!

Very, very slow service and unfortunately when we eventually reached the front, coffee cup only half full. Have been supporting over lockdown as local but think I'll bring own flask in future.

We visited for lunch as my daughter was visiting from London and we were talking her Grandmother out for her 88th birthday. Their website showed they served her favourite Bacon & Brie panini but when we got there panini's were not an option. Their menu board also gave a list of alcoholic beverages but we were told they weren't serving alcohol so no white wine spritzer for Grandma. The sandwiches were doorstep size bread slices and whilst adequate they were nothing exciting. The setting is lovely and the sun shone but we were very disappointed with the food.

Lovely setting and looked forward to some Cream Tea and Scones on the beautiful lawns with my family- Had a mix of Teas and Coffees which I can only describe as just okay for the price charged - No sugars offered or supplied and one very small milk container that just about serviced one of us - The Scones were Rock Hard and were replaced with an Iced cake which in fairness was quite nice? What I find really disappointing is that we can all accept that things can go wrong but it's how you deal with them that I look for? I felt so sorry for the young trainee staff on the front line as when ourselves and other customers were complaining the older and more mature (Managers) kept their heads bowed and ignored all eye and verbal contact in the hope I suspect we would just go away? There was also a lovely young waitress dressed all in black servicing the outside eating area who was a credit and couldnt be more helpful and a few more like her would be a step in the right direction? Front of House needs to get itself organised - Currently have 5/6 Staff all rushing around going nowhere? - Service very slow as well

Looking forward to a simple jacket potato, how wrong was I , 1st one was obviously frozen as soggy and cold very very cold... returned 2nd attempt paper plate warm skin to potato warmish, how can you not heat up a potato ?? Wet and only just luke warm.. inedible so very very disappointed ....... thank goodness for the tuna and salad. Won’t hurry back for lunch 🙁

Coffee and cake only so far - but been loads of times and always good.Friendly staff. Fab location. Worth a visit.

It was lovely to sit outside in the sunshine but the coffee was undrinkable. Please get a decent coffee machine and decent coffee. You’re a cafe.

As locals we have visited the castle tea rooms a few times in the last year and each time has been more disappointing, to the point where today will probably be our last visit. An order with 3 different coffees was too much for them to cope with..... Neither of the cappuccinos had any foam - what little there was had disappeared within minutes. The decaf and caffeinated got mixed up and the person making the coffees really didn't seem to care. The speed of service has been poor since they re-opened and today was no exception. My advice would be don't bother. Walk along the beach to the beach hut cafe for a much better experience.

A quick bite following a visit to the castle. Sadly i was disappointed, my cake was dry and my Mum’s pre packed bun was very dry. However, my Sister & Niece had sandwiches which they said were nice. Service was not with a smile particularly. I did point out to the lady when leaving the dryness of the cakes and she did offer me a reimbursement. Don’t think I would return.

My husband and I cant thank castle kitchens enough for all they did to make our wedding day so perfect. From our first email they made us feel happy and excited for our day again and our guests have not stopped talking about the incredible food and beautiful styling. Intimate, romantic and incredibly tasty! We will be coming back every year for an anniversary afternoon tea I’m sure! We have been singing your praises to everyone. If you want a personal, delicious and beautiful afternoon tea then look no further.

This was an amazing little find! We decided to visit the castle grounds and use this as a base for exploring more of the beach in Christchurch (there’s a lovely little walk through some forest or down the zig zag slope) just next to the car park. Just so you know, in the winter the car parking Is only 70p! Bargain! Before starting, we ate at the tea rooms. There was not loads of choice but we had the homemade rarebit and beef nachos. Oh my word- they were delicious! We would highly recommend the cooked food! We were surprised by the quality and the quantity for the price we paid. Definitely worth a visit!

Have been here many times before and during COVID restrictions. Very disappointed this time with the quality of the food. Obviously packet frozen fish with thin batter. The chips were thin french fries which were lukewarm. Used to be beautiful triple cooked extra thick chips. Slice of bread with the Fish & chips arrived with no butter and it wasn’t offered. Salad that accompanied the fish & chips was non existent. Knives and forks slapped down on the table with no serviettes. No condiments offered.

As locals we visited The Castle Kitchen every now and then during the last few years. The food quality was usually ok although overpriced. The service has always been anything between disinterested and inefficient. On the 5th of February 2020 was the first time when we thought of not bothering anymore as we met friends for a coffee morning at 10am. We bought tea, coffee and snacks and just a few minutes later all the other customers got turned away and the cafe closed due to a broken boiler and therefore no heating. We were allowed to finish our coffee/tea (it was freezing cold!) but didn't get a word of apology let alone a refund. Today (27 September 2020) we queued for sandwiches and drinks at 2.40pm. There was a blackboard outside with the menu on it and the information that the kitchen closes at 3pm. Knowing that the service is always very slow and inefficient I started to worry if we would be able to order food in time. The queue wasn't long even though people were socially distancing, I reckon max. 5 people were in front of us. At 2.53pm we made it into the building and at 2.55pm we filled out the slip for Covid track and trace. At 2.59pm we were at the till ordering our sandwiches. The lady took our order just to then walk away, double check with the kitchen and come back to let us know that the kitchen is closed now and that we couldn't order food anymore. Having worked many years in hospitality myself I know that at some point you have to draw a line but this disinterested and unprofessional behaviour just isn't acceptable. It wouldn't have done any harm if a staff member would have checked the queue outside at around 2.50pm to take the rest of the orders (there weren't many people queueing as the cafe closes at 4pm anyway) and / or at least let everyone know that whoever is still outside by this time won't get any food and take the blackboard away. Also why not inform at the entrance to the car park so people won't pay £3.10 for a couple of hours at a cafe that doesn't serve you? We definitely won't come back anymore. There are so many fabulous cafes along the coast that we definitely won't bother with The Castle Kitchen anymore.

Very strict Covid precautions, felt very safe. Had to wear masks to order, staff behind screens. Good morning coffee in a lovely setting.

Whilst appreciating that this previously excellent eaterie had only recently opened for non-takeaways, our visit nevertheless very disappointing. From an extremely limited and uninspiring blackboard menu, we ordered at the counter bacon and sausage sandwiches. However, we were surprisingly told that only baps were available ( no bread ??!!). Shame nobody had the common sense to update the blackboard. When our food arrived, the baps were very poor, no more than cheap canteen quality. The bacon and sausage fillings were bland and ungenerous, certainly nowhere near the quality enjoyed on our previous visits. The hot drinks were fine (hence two stars rather than one) but no cutlery or crockery, notwithstanding that their competitors are now doing so. The title of this review sums it up, what a disappointment.

We have been visiting the castle for 55 years. We have seen many changes , mostly good, but the latest owner of the tea room has not done it any favours. The previous local owner sourced local and made it a pleasant destination for lunches. We stayed away for a while. Yesterday, hoping it might have improved we called in for a late lunch/coffee. We were amazed that if we purchased food/coffee we were not allowed to use their tables and chairs. they were all stacked, taped off with a do not touch notice. Ludicrous way to treat your customers. Three other cafes that we use along this beach have all spaced their furniture out for their customers use. Poor show. Never again.

A good reliable tearoom that serves good snacks and coffee. The best though is the outdoor seating and that is really good on a warm spring or summer day.

We have gone here over the years and have enjoyed the food, but visited today 22/feb/20 and found the food disappointing. very over priced for low quality food, the chips and scampi where over cooked, the mushy peas where a over heated watery green liquid, my wife had a halloumi and “seed” wrap and ended scraping out the contents and then leaving the rest. My suggestion would be to have a proper chef that knows how to cook, not one that doesn’t know how too but just defrost and heat up, it was a £31 for “mums gone to Iceland” quality food.Even the table next us both sent the soup back.Being truly Britsh we didn’t complain but sadly we will not return.

Visited today for coffee with friends as I have on a few occasions before and found the coffee to be of reasonable quality but not to a standard that other coffee bars in the area provide. I found that there was little or no froth on my cappuccino but it was highly milky. Coffee taste fair, ambience fair, service average. Did not have a cake or a pastry so unable to comment. The Kitchen needs work especially as it seems to be one of the main sources of income for this attraction. Better places close by.

we had coffee and cake wifes was ok carrot cake i had scone not good very dry left it next time coffee only staff very friendly

Ideal for an afternoon tea during the Summer months. It's attached to Highcliffe Castle! You do need to pay for car parking though. (50p for 4 hours wintertime.

We came to this restaurant after a tour of the castle. Every time we looked over their was a queue and all the seats were constantly being used by guests. We came back 3 times to see if the queue had died down! We chose to sit inside as there were alot of dogs outside. it was lovely and clean and the toilets were fine also. We had some tea and Dorset rarebit. Eveything came quickly and it was hot. The rarebit was extremely tasty with salad and crisps on the side. It was an excellent end to a lovely day

The weather outside wasn't the best but we were able to walk around the grounds and go down to the beach for a stroll. We had pre-booked the afternoon tea for two, we were a little early but that wast a problem, we got a friendly greeting and were shown to our table. The table was a basic setting (majority of afternoon tea locations have the table dressed with a table cover and linen napkins). However the price of £14.00 per person would probably reflect this. The restaurant was busy and somewhat noisy as it was Halloween half term and there were quite a few excited children around. There are lots of tables outside and it would be a really lovely setting to have afternoon tea on a "good weather day". We were served very quickly, we ordered tea and coffee. Both were of really good quality. The food consisted of three different sandwiches which were really fresh and delicious and excellent portions of filling on each, the scones were enormous and we did not expect them to be so light - served with a good portion of cream and a pot of jam. There was a lovely selection of dainty cakes which were once again really delicious. We ordered another tea and coffee which was no problem as the service we received was excellent. We could not finish the whole of the selection of sandwiches and cakes but that wasn't a problem the waiter kindly wrapped them and boxed them for us to take home. The whole experience was very enjoyable, for £14.00 per person the quantity and quality of the afternoon tea offered is excellent value especially taking into consideration the location. If you have special dietry requests this isn't a problem as long as the restaurant is given notice. I can highly recommend afternoon tea here and I will definitely return soon.

Lovely spot, nice gardens, cheap parking or walk along the beach. Food was good and arrived quickly even though it was busy on a sunny day.Specials included tasty soup and chilli with nachos, basic menu essentially sandwiches and light meals - all looked good.Nice cakes too. Lots of outdoor seating if you are with dogs or,unusually, one of the inside rooms is dog friendly too, but only 4 tables so might get full in poor weather. Not the cheapest place, but good value for fresh home made food in a grand seaside setting

Popped in for a spot of late lunch with a group of friends after a long beach walk.Never been here before, but what an absolute hidden gem! Definitely will go back soon. We sat outside in the large garden area, over looking the castle- beautiful location!We had a coeliac & a vegan in our group, which can sometimes be a challenge. But the staff here were super helpful & knowlegable about the menu & there were plenty of gluten free & vegan options on the menu (& even cakes- which we hadn't planned on having after lunch, but they we're too good to pass up!).Simple menu, but lots of choice & agreed by all in the group really good quality ingredients, well prepared & presented.Not the cheapest place, but you get what you pay for- great location, friendly helpful staff & lovely food.

Came here yesterday with my partner for a late lunch. We arrived just before 3pm and noted from the menu that food service ceased at 3.30pm so I went inside to order straight away only to be told that they weren't serving any food from the kitchen. I said to the lady that the menu stated 3.30pm for last order of food and she just said sometimes we stop early?! No apology, no explanation. She Just said I could choose a cold sandwich from the cabinet if I wanted. There were no sandwiches left, only beef pasties (not ideal for a vegetarian!). So I just ordered a couple of coffees which seemed to take ages. Been here on several occasions before and its always been fine in terms of product and service but today's visit was really dissapointing. If they had run out of product or were short staffed I could understand but I had the impression they had made enough profit for the day and couldn't be asked to serve any more hot food. Really poor service. Better off taking a picnic to enjoy on the beach next time.

Went for lunch with family, food was amazing great size portion for the chicken salad, and the Dorset rarebit is delicious. The cakes look scrummy but the cream tea is very good, fresh made fruit scone with cream and jam, Plenty of seating outside as well as inside, staff were helpful and friendly.

I'm a local and part of a group that have used the Castle Tearooms for many years. It used to be so good but within a year or so of new owners taking over it's just been going downhill. We have regularly had, for example, scones that were dry and crumbly,and teacakes that were rock hard.

Sat at present outside in the cafe I cannot even begin to tell you the appalling service that is being delivered.

We went to the castle first which we highly recomend then a nice cupper in the cafe,plenty of seats in the sun or shade.

My wife and I walked via Chewton Bunny and long the beach front up to the new zig zag path recently completed below Highcliffe Castle. They have really made a great job of this structure and it will be even better after the remainder of the planting has been completed. We popped into the Castle Kitchen for a snack lunch and my wife had a toasted panini and I had two fruit scones with a pot of tea for two and butterscotch gateau and chocolate fudge cake for desserts - really scrumptious. It was a little chilly outdoors so we sat inside where there are lots of tables and chairs. Very enjoyable break before walking back home.

At peak times (ie sunny weather and an interesting event here) the queues for food can be very long. The restaurant utilises a separate catering truck for drinks and baguettes etc. Even that can have a big queue! Bring some water for emergency use by children and dogs! The food is par for this sort of venue.

It is such a shame that the management of this facility does just not use some common sense and look at the layout of this cafe. You have to stand in the long queue if you just want a drink or an ice cream behind flocks of customers wanting hot food and drinks. 3 times I have walked out of there along with lots of others. Fantastic location but no consideration for customer care sadly.

Siamo stati qui per pranzo e pausa caffe', il posto e' carino e il cibo buono. Ho provato una jacket potato ripiena di tonno e una fetta di torta rasperry and pistachio. Entrambi buoni senza essere eccessivamenti costosi. Buono anche il caffe' americano.

Parked up for a stroll around the castle grounds and to eat. Only 50p to park for 4 hours so good start, sadly that was short lived.

Several visits down now, generally its a restorative cup of coffee and a slice of cake but the sandwiches are good, I have had their rarebit and that is really nice! The deluxe mug of hot chocolate shouldnt be taken lightly. A nice place before the walk home!

Good food at castle tea rooms, but slow service system and badly stained tables outside to eat on. Seems a bit sleepy on modern ideas as a tearooms or restaurant. Beechcroft Place I suppose spoilt us with it's perfection with accommodation and breakfasts earlier on!

Firstly, worth noting that of a weekday December morning it didn't open until 11am.

Poor choice for lunch - nothing plain and simple. Nothing on view for the children to choose from. Serve Welsh Rarebit but refused to make a toasted cheese sandwich for a youngster. Stop serving breakfast type foods at 12 noon.

Called in for a lunchtime meal and although being very busy with Christmas meals, we had a delicious cottage pie with seasonal vegetables sourced locally and served promptly. Quality, good value food.

Not open until 10 a.m. which is odd for a place that serves breakfast, also there were no opening hours shown so waiting outside was an act of faith. A food menu was not available at the servery, we had to go and get one off a table.

Live locally and thought we'd ģive it a go under new management...The queuing system is ridiculous, as you walk in the door. Instant log jam, disinterested staff only compound this lack lustre experience. Food is very average and overpriced, it's saving grace by the skin of its teeth are the Castle and it's grounds.

Went here with my nan whilst stopping from a walk, wanted to sit inside and was not shown a clear menu until asked however we choose a ciabatta panini to be heated (brie and onion marmalade) which came with a side salad and a pot of tea between the two of us, the roll itself could of been a little bit hotter but was very tasty and would have again

Stopped here for a lunchtime snack Good coffee and sausage sandwiches Efficient service and not too busy even though it’s half term!

We arrived at 12.20 hours having looked at the menu online. We were told that the Lasagne was a 'Special' and not available on that day although their website dos'nt state this. We then asked for the 'Brunch' and were told that it was not served after 12.00 oclock. As 'BRUNCH' is made up from BReakfast and lUNCH I would have thought it would have been available through lunch time. Unfortunately we did somethink we have NEVER done before and put our coats on and walked out. Very disappointed on such a limited menu and not serving Bruch during lunch time. Won't be going there again which is a shame as the Castle has so much to offer to us locals.

We visted this place we found it very over priced for a small family parking is very high and would give this a miss

We stopped here after seeing Highcliffe Castle. Many people were eating what looked like magnificent home made slices of cake. We did have a cursory look in the cake cabinet but they had no prices on them. That always tells me the prices are to high to advertise so we just didn't bother. We did have a Coffee and a Hot Chocolate and sat outside in the sunshine and relaxed. I would say if we had seen a price for the slices of cake and they had been reasonable we would have had one each but maybe next time.

Cycling in from Bournemouth via the ferry at Mudeford I use this cafe as a half way turning point. Always a nice selection of cake and the coffee is good. Enjoy sitting in the grounds and just chilling before heading back. Never been inside the castle but the garden area is a lovely.

The food and drinks are so much better than when the last leaseholder had it. Prices are now more reasonable, tough old sugar loaded factory cakes have gone and tea is now a real quality and not £2.50 a cup any longer! My partner said the coffee was now from a real professional coffee machine, not like the old days. We are so glad now the new people are getting to grips with the terrible reputation the place had. Finally, we went to the Sunday music event when around two thousand people were present, and I must commend the new people for coping at the BBQ and other two outlets they had set up which quickly kept us fed without delay even with the largest ever gathering of people the castle had ever seen. Well done, we will be back!

Excellent meal. Slow at the till but the food came very quickly. Lovely fresh salad and dressing, salmon and avocado. And really tasty Welsh rarebit! Prices were fair, £9 and £5.50 respectively. Staff were very friendly. We sat outside but dogs are welcomed in the middle part of the restaurant. Free dog biscuits! Definitely recommend.

Sadly Castle Kitchen is not as good as the previous cafe at Highcliffe Castle. The food selection is very limited and they frequently have little left to choose from by the afternoon. Bring back the old cafe!

Visited weekday with friends around 2.30 looking for a quick cuppa and sandwich, chose cafe as wanted to sit outside as they had their dog with them.. Seemed to have a good range of cakes but all sandwiches had gone and when asked told cheese, ham, tuna with little or no enthusiasm. No pickle available for sandwich ! Ordered cheese on toast from specials and when it came it appeared to be cheese sandwich spread heated until the grill- it was not nice. Coffees were good but little else to get us back there. This place should be so much better.

We have been here many times but this was the first time since the change of ownership. The range of food seemed rather limited and the arrangements at the till seem designed to cause a bottleneck. The macaroni cheese with bacon was, however, very tasty! Time will tell....

First visit to the Castle, stopped for lunch had the roasted vegetable club sandwich, very nice indeed, children loved the ice cream and the selection of toppings will definitely be back, a really hidden jem with a beautiful walk to the beach.

We always havea coffee here. The coffee is always enjoyable what with the outside sitting area. We were serverd by a girl I think her name was Kelly (not sure) anyway this person was very cheerful. Keep this girl, good for your business.

There are plenty of tables under the trees, which provides welcomed shade! Staff friendly and reasonable menu.

We had an alfresco lunch here recently, as it was such a lovely day it was simply too nice to sit inside.

First vist back since last year, soup of the day was delicious, finally an ice cream machine it went down well with the kids after a long walk, great choice of toppings too, Staff were as friendly as alway.

Lovely setting..shame this tea shop is not up to standard. Nothing we loved more than to end up there after a walk. Since new owners it has gone downhill. We have noticed the menu is offering less choice. We arrived for lunch 12.40 only to find minimal offerings as sold out. We ended up with two overpriced scones which were extremely dry and crumbled when adding butter. They have made improvements to the inside but need to look into what they offer and the way it is served.

Went here for my mums birthday today and what can i say the place is amazing the staff were amazing nothing was too much trouble the food was a amazing and they went the extra mile for my mums birthday great location and great atmosphere the staff especially andrea and joe were excellent could not fault them i will be returning again and the afternoon was enjoyed by all absolutely brilliant!!!

We were looking for a lunchtime sandwich but could only find baguettes wrapped in plastic at £5.75p.More than enough for the poor quality.

We had coffee, tea a chocolate orange slice & a scone.

We have visited here a few times before without problems. It is a haven after a good walk with lovely lawns beside the Castle with a view of The Needles in the distance.

Have not been here since the change of ownership, Always happy with the way it was before - see previous review. Walked our dog for nearly an hour arriving here just after 4.30pm on Bank Holiday weekend. Plenty of people still sitting at tables outside in the lovely sunshine but all doors locked. Popped head at window and asked lady inside if they were still serving - told be in a really short manner that they closed half-hour ago. Asked if we could have an ice-cream if we had the right money - no was the answer. So cannot comment on the quality of the food or the service. But the hours on TripAdvisor say open until 5pm.

Great food. Went with friends all had food and coffee. 10 out of 10 will be going back great food and friendly staff. Keep up the good work.

Had sausage and veg with my daughter here . I was pleasantly surprised as it was quite nice, almost home cooked food. Perfect to have a bite to eat then a stroll along the beaches

My wife and I asked if the Kitchen offered a breakfast when we called in for afternoon tea, the waitress couldn't have been more helpful, she brought us a menu showing that they did a brunch from 10.00 am when they opened. We promptly visited the next day and we were not disappointed. The brunch was cooked fresh using local produce and was excellent and set us up for the day. The staff were helpful and efficient and checked if everything ok. Can definitely recommend.

Amazing roast dinner! Gravy so tasty, nicest roast I have had for ages. Friendly, helpful staff. My kids love it as they have games there to play whilst having a snack or dinner.

Castle was closed but the Café open for business. Nice food, reasonably priced, and friendly staff, worth a visit

Visited with my wife today for the first time since refurbishment. Totally disappointed. Impossible to say anything good about it at all, poor selection of food, only warm drinks and poor quality of service. Totally ruined by the new owners.

What a great place this has turned out to be for tourists and locals alike. We had the new Sunday roast they have started doing during winters, and for £9.50 it was a dream meal. The puddings we had were also great for the money. We are so pleased the place has finally been gutted with all new contemporary and bright colours and furniture inside, unlike the drag colours of the past. We could not fault the place. We now understand why so many local groups and families now use the place for get togethers and special events or occasions. We cannot wait for the summer when we can make use of all the new outside furniture and views. Finally, I would suggest you try all the real coffee types now on offer at last. Keep it up, we will be back again and again.

Disappointing : service was slow & the log jam was with the barista with most customers ordering coffee

We had heard that the Cafe at Highcliffe Castle had changed hands, and had also changed its name, and we decided that we would go to the Cafe for lunch and see for ourselves. We noticed that the Cafe has had a 'make-over' both inside and out and the new refurbishment is very pleasing to the eye and comfortable. We had a delicious soup with a sandwich, followed by lovely cappuccinos. There is seating both inside and outdoors. The Cafe adjoins Highcliffe Castle, which is in a picturesque wooded setting with a flight of steps to the sandy beach. Sometimes you can see a bridal party posing in the lovely grounds, because weddings take place in the Castle. There is a car park at the rear of Highcliffe Castle.

My wife and I decided to take another look at The Castle Kitchen with our eldest son, daughter-in-law and 7 month old grandson. It was like stepping into a completely new cafe ! The menu options of both hot and cold food is now extensive and so is the range of homemade cakes and pastries etc. The staff were attentive and the quality of the food was very good. So well done to The Castle Kitchen for making these significant improvements to what is on offer to visitors to Highcliffe Castle since we last visited in July 2017. We used to love coming to the old tearooms but fell out of love after it changed hands and became The Castle Kitchen. However, you are now back on our visitor list when we are walking in the area. Well done for listening to the comments that have been made over the last 6 months or so since you re-opened and keep up it up.

Just went back to the castle tea rooms ( now called Castle Kitchen). It's just amazing compared to the old days when it never had proper coffee machines, scones were terrible, broken umbrella's and seating outside, tiny little cups and horrible metal pots for milk and hot water with rude untrained staff completed by really depressing inside decor done on the cheap.

The best, by far, cooked breakfast I have ever had. It's presentation, taste and served promptly and piping hot, perfection!

Following our visit to the House, which was unfortunately closed for annual upgrade / maintainance work, we strolled round the adjacent grounds..lovely sea view over the cliffs.

A lovely place set in beautiful surroundings of the Castle. The tearoom is well laid out with plenty of room for large (like ours) or small groups of people. The staff are very accommodating (especially as we moved tables/chairs around to get us all in!!) & helpful & polite. The food was very good too, especially the Lunch roast which a few of us had. I would definitely recommend this place & with the outside seating even a cuppa after your beach walk with the dog is possible!

Called in here after a beach walk having never been to this place before. Setting outside lovely, great backdrop of castle but importantly the food - we had the roast dinner and were pleasantly surprised at how good it was given it is more of cafe than restaurant and reasonably priced. We will definitely pop in again when in the area

This cafe, next to Highcliffe Castle, has recently been refurbished and is much improved. The cakes we had were delicious and all the food coming out of the kitchen was freshly cook and looked very appetising. It’s a lovely clean cafe to visit after a walk on the beach! Would highly recommend!

Just went back for a second try now the new lease holders are settled in. The inside now looks modern and fantastic with considerable thought gone into layout. The menu is getting bigger by the day with now also real homemade scones at long last. Finally, brand new tables and chairs outside, and no old broken umbrella's as in the old days. A tremendous improvement of quality food, styling and service. Keep it up and keep moving forward!

Just been down to the Castle Kitchen for either a light bite or lunch. We wanted to try out the cafe as it is now under new management.

Poor quality tea poor environment poor decor don't waste your money on the tearooms. Not a stitch of Elegance

So we're regulars add the tea rooms, often with 3 generations of the family so tastes vary quite a lot. The local uproar when the previous licensees were ousted was understandable, of it ain't broke...and all that. And the temporary van didn't really win any favours so we weren't quite sure what to expect when we arrived for our first visit having read the reviews below.

Love the refurb, the menu, food and staff.

This is my second visit and it just keeps getting better, stopped for lunch with the family, food was lovely kids pasta was delicious, panini and ciabattas we had were of an excellent quality. Staff were brilliant very helpful and friendly as usual, will definitely be making this a regular place to visit now

Went here with my mum for a cream tea, service was exceptional, staff were so friendly! In particular Andrea the manager made sure our time there was perfect. The new refurbished building is beautiful and the scones we had were gorgeous- and homemade! will definitely be popping down to sample the lunch menu next time.

Have visited these tea rooms many times over the years, and always enjoyed a coffee/tea & a slice of cake. So was very surprised when we visited last weekend to see the changes. Inside completely refitted, the character of the old building has been lost and worse still no large selection of lovely homemade cakes!!!

I have been to Highcliffe Castle Tea Rooms on several occasions. This visit was during a walk with a friend and we ended up there. At the time we went they were operating out of a temporary cafe and the choices were limited and if the weather was not good it did not look like there was any under cover. Hopefully by now they will have completed the alterations and it will be back to normal.

This is a lovely tea room in the grounds of the castle with good quality seating outside (and in). We had tea and cake which was scrumptious and looking at the other meals they are certainly a consideration for the future.

What a sorry place this once thriving cafe now is. Service is sooo slow... two staff managing orders, making coffees and taking money. Lady taking money at the till also serving cakes... pet hate of mine. No table service so people and hot drinks piling up at the end of the counter. Very limited menu, mostly pre packed sandwiches, some hot food but I dread to think how long it would take to get it. Kids very disapppointed mr whippy machine has gone - you're missing a trick there, and sign at the entrance stating the nearest toilets are in the car park... people are visiting the castle as a whole, really don't see why you need to get protective over your toilets, as far as visitors are concerned it's all one site. Ultimately local run cafe becomes money making mass manufacturer - I'm sure they will continue to take in the profits, it's a bit of Hobsons choice really but I think the locals deserve better and the tourists should be treated with a bit more respect. My top tip would be to walk right past the cafe, down though steamer point and let the locals show you how welcoming we really are by stopping in at the beach hut in friars cliff. Maybe if the profits start falling the locals will be listened to.

Mi esposa y yo visitamos lo que solía ser llamado el Castillo de Highcliffe Té Habitaciones que parece ser que ahora se llama la cocina del castillo después de que el Consejo ponga la franquicia a concurso. Los tenedores de franquicia existentes quedaron un café muy profesional, con mucha variedad de comida caliente y fría, además de una amplia gama de pasteles, etc. El Té habitaciones han sido tomada por una gran empresa americana que han reformado completamente el interior de la cafetería, así que parece muy impoluto pero sólo ahora ofrece una fracción de las opciones del menú que estaban disponibles bajo el anterior titular de la franquicia. Los dos estábamos muy decepcionados con la variedad de alimentos disponibles y en ese frente, el café se ha ido hacia atrás en nuestra estimación, a pesar de que los nuevos propietarios después de pasar sumas sustanciales en la obras de remodelación. Inevitablemente negocios sufrirá porque los asiduos familiarizados con la anterior oferta comida pueden decidir tomar su negocio a otra parte.

Decidimos visitar el recientemente renovado y ahora recientemente llamado 'La cocina del castillo 'después de nuestro largo paseo a lo largo de este regular costa encantadora y en un clima perfecto.