Honesty Overton in Basingstoke and Deane

Stale scones, poor, lukewarm cappuccino, surly staff. In a village where there’s no competition, complacency sets in

What we had was nice- tea, americano, Sausage roll and 2 paninis. The paninis were served on rather odd boards that looked like Japanese head rests... not sure why. It just makes it awkward to eat and awkward for staff to wash and carry out to serve. The place is nice inside though maybe some more comfortable seating options wouldn't go amiss- everyone heads for the 2 tables with sofa/armchairs. The one biggest complaint is that all the money has been spent on the look of downstairs, but the toilet up concrete stairs?? There is flat access into the cafe but where is the disabled toilet? The baby change facility in the same single toilet up concrete stairs? I could not bring anyone I know with mobility issues. And I wouldn't fancy my chances of not doing myself a mischief at a wine night if I needed the loo!

Popped in for refreshments during our walk around the village. I opted for a bacon bap which was a bit disappointing. It had obviously been made in the Panini machine and was therefore squashed. Also the bacon was streaky so quite fatty. My partner enjoyed her tea cake and flat white. My tea was a little on the weak side one unlabeled teabag in a pot that serves 3 cups. Toilets, up a concrete staircase could do with a makeover. Gel dispenser empty and blinds broken. Staff friendly enough and a small offering of deli. items such as cheese and savories on sale. Some local produce also displayed such as gin and honey although quite expensive.

I popped in for lunch so had a cheese and tomato toastie. It was mega hot, fresh, tasty and served with coleslaw and a few leaves. I didn’t have to wait long. My tea was in a pot and loose leaf, real tea :-) The tables are set apart and there’s a choice of sofa, armchair or table seating. This is also a deli so lots to look at! I dallied a bit as I was early for an appointment but it felt relaxed and friendly enough to just sit and muse.

I was disappointed that this café was unable to offer any vegetarian breakfast options. Despite having lots of tempting breakfast items for meat eaters, the disinterested staff offered me toast or porridge, they didn't even have eggs!!!. Due to the rapid increase in veganism, and many existing vegetarians, this is shocking that the owners are missing a trick by not catering for this fast growing customer base, thus losing many potential clients.

We went during the day to have a coffee and chill. We sat on the sofa in the window and read our books in a very inviting and relaxed atmosphere. The drinks were well proportioned and tasted lovely and the food offerings looked amazing, although we did not try any. They also had some other products to buy including artisanal food and drink products. The staff were brilliant. Our evening was enjoyable with the same relaxed atmosphere and Stafford made us feel comfortable and informed of the various drinks on offer. He knows his beverages and presented a very lovely French red. Overall, a great place night or day and we will certainly return.

We discovered this gem quite by accident and are grateful we did. The staff were very friendly, the Earl Grey tea was excellent as was the pumpkin muffin. I followed this with the pumpkin & sweet potato soup. Yummy! Although the toilets were up stairs I found them to be very clean. Lots of locals appear to eat here so that tells you something.

Lovely cakes but toilet area is up some steep uncarpeted concrete steps. With 2 twists. Inaccessible,dingy and dirty. Avoid.

Let me be the first to review Honesty (as I was for Amore a few doors down!). This cafe has now taken over the whole premises as Caviste have moved over the road to the High street. Lovely interior and dog friendly. I had a very good bacon bap and my partner loved her croissant, although she would have preferred it warm rather than cold. Service perked up but when a third member of staff arrived. Limited range of breakfast items but bread from their own bakery and everything ethically sourced. Lovely pot of tea too. Also a small deli counter offering cheeses and another counter had pastries, sausage rolls etc. for sale. Ideal stopping off place in the centre of Overton and looking forward to trying their lunch menu.