King John's in Rother

Beautiful setting. Alas unloved and uncared for. Nightmare for anyone unsteady on their feet. Coffee luke warm, cake dry. Shabby chic carried to the nth degree.

A wonderful stop for a cream tea (or coffee) Lovely food, competitive prices and stunning gardens to explore. A big thank you to Harry and his staff for always making our visits special.

Haven’t visited here since before covid, and it was just as beautiful, the gardens were a delight, it was peaceful and very quiet, we didn’t use the cafe but it’s in a lovely setting, only £5 today for charity. Just a bit different from the norm, my mother in law enjoyed it a lot.

This is the most artistic garden centre you could ever imagine. Not so much your idea of the usual deadly place read SOUL. We all know Harry the owner, and admire the hard work he has put in to make it a joyful day out. Food and drink in or out in the garden, welcoming fire on cold days, fascinating craft and food markets on some Saturdays, orchard and flower strewn meadow, artists painting , my personal HEAVEN.

Had visited a few years ago and was lovely - this time a high entrance fee for one small area of garden and overgrown grass elsewhere. Such a shame

We visited during Easter and joined in the fairy hunt, beautiful setting and a hidden gem. We had tea served with vintage cups and saucers and rocky road. Would've liked to have seen more of a selection of cakes - we arrived mid afternoon and I can only assume that they had sold out. Perfect place to go and have a wander.

We travelled up from Eastbourne to pick up one of our grandchildren from Robertsbridge for a weekend sleep over. This was originally a raffle prize given to us by another grandchild. What an absolute gem of a find. The gardens are delightful and cake and coffee delicious really hit the spot. Came away with strawberry plants and pony’s tail swishing grass. This will definitely not be our last visit.

After walking round the King John's Garden we called in to the cafe for a cup of coffee. The cafe is a 'little beauty'. It's eclectic, warm, comfy with extremely friendly, helpful staff. The coffee was very good and the cakes looked delicious. This was our first visit but it certainly won't be our last!!

Throughly enjoyed our visit to the garden. Loved the various pathways and fabulous flowers beds. The nursery has a good selection of plants and the shop is quirky. Great food and friendly staff

We loved this charming English country garden! We started off with a cup of coffee in the tea room which was full of interesting artefacts and architectural finds. There were also comfy armchairs where you could sit and read the interesting selection of books on the shelves. You then went through a gate into the gardens. There were little courtyards with water features followed by colourful borders. You could then wander through a meadow and an orchard, looking out for sculptures, to the beautiful old house. This had more traditional borders and a formal pond. Beyond the house was a woodland walk and a hidden pond with a sculpture of Oberon and Titania. We wandered back to the nursery where I couldn't resist buying a few plants. A very enjoyable visit enhanced by the friendliness of the owner.

We arrived on a day they were closed. They allowed us to visit the gardens anyway. Stunning gardens we had all to ourselves. Family run very knowledgeable and friendly. Alas tea shop was closed but didn't spoil our time. Dogs also allowed. A hidden gem

Visited with a friend and we were NOT disappointed. Absolutely enchanted by this place. So informal, lots of wild spots, a true rare find. The 'Long Border' was a riot of colour... not seen such a wonderful display anywhere else TBH. This is what you visualise when you think of an English country garden. Peaceful, relaxing, a genuine hidden treasure I bought an annual ticket for bargain price of £20, enabling me to take a guest with me every visit. Bargain indeed! We shall certainly be back a few times over the course of this forthcoming year. Small cafe with some lovely homemade cakes. Already looking forward to another visit later in the year :) Elizabeth your love and care for the garden is amazing. Fantastic job you are doing. Harry - thank you for sharing such a truly, truly enchanting garden. 10/10 Keep up the good work :)

Went there on a Groupon voucher and was very pleasantly surprised. Home made cakes and scones and delicious sandwiches. The tea room was like a lovely old country cottage. There are tables to sit at outside. Then a stroll a round the gardens.

Visited the nursery today and was amazed by the variety of plants available. Not only this but the decor and ambience was inspiring, classical music in the background made it feel like a retreat. I urge you to pay a visit, a friendly welcome awaits and superb coffee is served. Enjoyed it so much I didn't want to leave....

Met up with family for birthday treat expecting to enjoy gardens to be told it was £5 each on website free gardens

Lovely little cafe with friendly, helpful staff. Plenty of opportunities to use the cameras, a delightful garden to wander round

We ate here last month. Interestingly (in a good way) furnished eating areas. Food was home cooked and we enjoyed our dishes. We also visited the garden which again was interestingly quirky with some unusual sculptures and planting.

This is a beautiful place to go for a quiet and tranquil lunch. The menu is not huge, but all the food is home cooked and the staff are very obliging at changing the dishes to suit dietary requirements. We had a Bacon, Tomato and avocado sandwich turned into a salad as we were eating as carb free as possible. The coffee is delicious.The staff are lovely and the gardens and nursery shop are well worth a visit.

Visited today and both garden and restaurant superb. Very friendly staff and owners. Totally do friendly. Well recommend a visit

My daughter bought me an afternoon 'experience' at King John's as a birthday gift. We had a lovely relaxed time wandering the garden and browsing in the eclectic shop, and then afternoon tea. We had the most delicious sandwiches, followed by scones and cake of our choice. The staff couldn't have been any more attentive and pleasant. It's such a quirky place, which really appealed to us, so much so, that I took my husband for a visit today! Equally delighted!

We had a groupon voucher for afternoon tea with free garden entry and I believe it cost just under £15 for two. The tea room was lovely with many different seating areas and a small play area for young children. We were told what we get for a groupon afternoon tea and I was surprised by the choice of sandwich fillings on offer. I asked for brown bread (my partner chose white) but I was given white. We were unsure if more sandwiches were being brought out (with brown bread) but soon realised one plate was it when we were asked what cake we would like.The place did get very busy so we wondered if that's why and the bread was lovely so we didn't complain. The scones were a little flat but tasted delicious as did our cakes. My partner was offered more tea but I wasn't offered another coffee. I found this a little uncomfortable and a little rude but assumed you could only have more tea? Now for the garden. Some parts are really lovely (the parts often pictured) but some parts are very overgrown and a bit messy. There was also a lot of children's toys around near the house (b+b) which made it look untidy. The groupon offer was well worth the money but I wouldn't pay more than £2.50 tops for a garden ticket. The lady who works in the shop/nursery was lovely and welcoming and I would return if the offer is on again.

Bought groupon for afternoon tea and garden entry. Tea was quite disappointing, sandwiches were not mixed or varied. Scones & jam very nice but cake was also a bit of a let down. Don’t bother with the garden....it was awful, hardly any plants and it all looked overgrown and unloved

We had a light lunch before looking at the gardens. Delicious quiche and sandwiches. Service very slow as the girl on till was on her own and kept stopping making coffee to take another order. It was good when it came.! Gardens in genteel decay so good for a wander in the sun.

We visited here as we bought a voucher on Groupon for afternoon tea which included a walk around the grounds. The staff were really friendly and informative. The afternoon tea was lovely, the bread was fresh and the scones were warm! The grounds are very quirky and unusual, well worth a wander!

A bit off the beaten track in more ways than one, this corner of Sussex nonetheless warrants a stop if you are in the area.

We went on a groupon deal for afternoon tea and access to the gardens. Very rural location, beautiful house and grounds, which are small, but plenty to explore and enjoy. Well stocked and mature borders, will interest anyone with a passion for plants. As indeed will the nursery, which again is small, but stocked with a variety of the usual suspects, but also plenty of varieties that are not seen in many mainstream outlets. Plenty of plants for sale grown on site, ended up with 3 quality plants am delighted with.

Stopped in here for a mooch and having read reviews on here thought we’d have lunch. Wish we hadn’t.

A very beautiful position, in the English countryside, 5 mins from where i live, i was a beautiful day, so i picked up a friend and we went to have a look around, nice plants, and shop, and the cafe serve lovely homemade and local foods, its very unique.

Wow! What a fabulous place, set in lovely Etchingham, staff very friendly and afternoon tea was very tasty and filled us up. The gardens are just beautiful,just so peaceful. Lots of plants and different things to buy in the nursery. Would highly recommend a visit here. I’m definitely going back.

The cafe is quirky with nice food and the garden is truly charming - we went using the GW 2 for 1 card when the wisteria was out which was amazing. The shop sells unusual things and there are reclaimed bits for the garden. We are going again shortly and cant wait. The cafe garden and view from the garden is delightful

A great fine not your typical garden centre, it's very quirky owner Harry very friendly and helpful and Caroline in the cafe lovely, delicious afternoon tea sitting in the garden

4 of us made a visit for a Fathers Day treat. Parking was good after a drive through lanes wondering if we were on the right one to find King John’s Nursery, even with the sat nav on, if you don’t know the area it is tucked away. A quirky, rustic nursery which I found charming with very much its own character. Absolutely stunning grounds to walk around ...the roses, Fox gloves, meadow area, to name just a few, were beautiful - as were the statues. The main house in the grounds looked amazing, almost takes one back in time to another age! We had afternoon tea which was very fresh and tasty. Each of us had Choices of sandwich, 2 different cake slices, scones and tea or coffee. The team that served us were absolutely lovely, very friendly indeed. There was only two things I could find negative to mention... the first being that we asked for water twice but only the glasses arrived. The second was the table next to us had an incredibly loud crying child, so loud in fact that we gave up even trying to talk to each other. They did move away for a while but then came back. There were other places that they could have been seated at, which would not have made less impact on other people’s enjoyment. One of the team did apologise to us about the noise even though we didn’t complain at all. Well worth a visit and well done to all.

We went with a Groupon voucher and wasn't dissapointed. A nice cosy tea room with a country feel. Good was exceptional, especially the scones. A small pretty garden to meander aroind.

We visited today with friends and had a very enjoyable afternoon. We sat in the garden to have sandwiches,cakes,scones and tea. The staff were all dry friendly.The shop is very interesting with a real rustic feel. The walk round the gardens is a joy. You can walk all round the grade 2 listed building which is beautiful. All in all we loved it all

Today we visited this nursery to have coffee, lunch and walk around the gardens. The staff were friendly, helpful and very courteous, made us feel very welcome. The sun was shining and we had coffee outside and our lunch, thoroughly recommend the soups and the caramelised onion and goats cheese quiche was amazing and full of flavour, the toasted sandwich went down a treat as well! Now the gardens, I thought they were stunning! The meadow area was just lovely and with the smell of the roses, perfection. The house is just lovely to look at, we were all impressed with the whole set up. Please visit you will not be disappointed especially if the sun is shining! Look out for the lovely sculptures! Will definitely be back.

We visited the garden and cafe recently on a 2for1 offer with Gardener's World. The site is a bit ramshackle, particularly where the plants are sold. The gardens are pleasant enough, although one felt they could do with more work to bring up to standard for paying visitors.

The first thing you notice about The King John Nursery is that it looks like a junk yard. Don’t get me wrong I see this as a bonus rather than a negative. The playwright Aiden Matthews once said: ‘I associate naturally with brokenness; for some reason our loveliness as human beings is most apparent in decayed, disintegrating and broken forms.’ I couldn’t agree more and that is why I love this place.

Myself, my partner, my two daughters, one of whom is differently abled but who had NO problem whatsoever getting around,plus my two year old grandson visited King John's a couple of days ago. We started with a walk around the gardens which are magical (really) and which surprised us over and over again with all their little hideaways (this is literally the type of place where you could spend hours just 'being' whilst recharging your physical and spiritual batteries). Next we were treated to a perfect afternoon tea with sandwiches, cream scones, home made cake and a choice of tea or coffee (served in bone china cups, yay!), which was as visually appealing as it was tasty. Finally, we took a walk around the nursery where we found not one but two unique and reasonably priced bird baths, neither of which we'd seen elsewhere, and both of which went home with us. This is truly, as mentioned above, a very special place and one to which we'll be returning time and time again.

A proper nursery with the plants grown on site.

I recently had lunch with a few friends at the Cafe. Firstly there should be a warning about the difficult access. If you are planning to take elderly relatives think again. It is very uneven a quite a long walk to actually reach the cafe.

Just had afternoon tea at King John's Nurseries Etchingham. After looking at the shop selling lots of gifts and then walking through the nursery you arrive at the café.

We were heading to the South Downs for a days walking and needed to set ourselves up with a coffee and cake. This is such a gem of a place, and deserves much more time than we had do it justice.

I really enjoyed my trip here. Popped in for a bit of lunch and drink and was really happy. The waitress Amelia is so lovely she makes me feel so comfortable and relaxed in the cafe. Can't wait to come back!!

Had a lovely walk around this garden beautiful house ,didn't go in, lovely walk. Nice coffee out in garden with chickens. Super cosy inside, nice loos.

Tea rooms with a difference accomadating very qant, and attentive and helpful Wondeful backdrop ... Beautiful Cake made for a birthday surprise Perfect 😘🎂

Sadly, we arrived when the place was filled with mothers, babies and young children and the lunch supplies had almost run out. We had one plate of their light, tasty salad and two cappuccinos with indifferent slices of cake. Service was friendly but understandably harassed.

A gorgeous garden and perfectly peaceful for hanging out with friends and family. Great cafe and yum cake.

A wonderful and individual nursery (not 'garden centre') adjoining one of my favourite Sussex gardens. The cafe is very special in a quirky way. Good wholesome food. But please don't go there - like it to be a secret!

Wonderful place all round, magical garden. This time there was a lovely Vintage fair on on the Saturday in the barn. :-)

This garden,nursery and cafe are all interesting and quirky, each in there own way. The quality of the plants that are on sale are very good. The home made food is excellent. The shop has a very large number of unusual items. Very pleasant staff.

Lovely small cafe hidden with the romantic gardens and nursery. food in the cafe was simple but lovingly presented and served and was equally delicious! Cakes were gorgeosu too! Gardens even in April were lovely and enchanting

Qué descubrimiento precioso. . . Los jardines son una delicia, con un estilo naturalista, las plantaciones de bosques con caminos sinuosos, encantador para pasear. El café es un agradable y acogedor, con una gran variedad de muebles y objetos antiguos. El personal no podría haber sido más servicial y la comida es imaginativo y delicioso: guisantes y sopa de ortiga verde por ejemplo y ajo silvestre y pesto de nogal y tomate sandwichera. Incluso regresar para té y pastel casero más tarde! Una excelente selección inusual de las plantas y para los jardineros aficionados. Sin duda volveremos.

It is increasingly difficult to find a coffee stop which combines such desirable ingredients as, 'homemade cake , customer-loving staff, quirky environment, dog friendly spaces, squashy sofas, clean loos, easy parking.' The cafe at King John's Nursery hit the spot today and we enjoyed coffee and yummy gluten and dairy free cake wuth dogs at our feet, happy staff to hand and comforting woodburner chugging out some welcoming heat.

Popped in to check out white hellebores and coffee with a friend. In the current climate where such nurseries are putting the coffee shop/restaurant ahead of their origins this has a great balance, locally grown and great knowledge of plants, unlike some other local nurseries who are turning into foodie restaurants catering for the local yummy mummies!! Coffee and cake wonderful as well and setting just right. Absolutely true to its origins please keep up the good work.

Este es uno de esos lugares que sin duda vale la pena visitar en diferentes épocas del año. La comida es buena y el jardín una verdadera ventaja. El jardín es muy tranquilo

Tucked away cafe with excellent food, stunning views and delightful staff. Dot be put of by the initial dishevelled appearance - its lovely

My friend took me here for lunch today and I can't believe as I'm local I have never discovered it before. It is an absolute gem. Have to be honest I nearly didn't write this review as I didn't want to give away the secret of how fab and relaxed this place is! We both had the most delicious root vegetable soup with coconut milk. I'm dairy and wheat intolerant so I did ring ahead but there was lots I could eat and they were so accommodating. Tanya who served us had made the soup herself and she also produced a gluten free baguette. She was friendly and chatty and clearly a good cook! It was divine. I was also sent home with some dairy and gluten free cake - I never get to eat cake! I would imagine the cafe and gardens are even lovelier in the summer. Inside the cafe there are plenty of tables and it's quirky and homely and oh so comfortable. The garden centre and shop are next door, again with loads of different things to browse and buy. The whole place has such a lovely relaxed atmosphere - a fantastic find.

Down winding lanes, this is a family run traditional nursery with an unusual garden to see and the cakes alone in the tea room are worth the visit! At first glance the buildings had a slightly ramshackle appearance but engaging and homely, and inside was a shop and an eclectic collection of artefacts and tender plants for sale,as well as objects of interest. Outside was a nice selection of hardy plants, often set off with specimen ones to show their eventual appearance, and this was late summer, so no doubt, earlier in the year would be a much wider range. The tearoom was delightful and the cakes were to die for!The charming well established gardens were extensive, and apart from the large lawn in front of the historic pulchritudinous grade II listed house(not open to the public) is redolent of the countryside and not manicured to within an inch of its life. Well worth an afternoon visit.

If I ever want to buy a present for someone, I head straight to King John's Nursery. The shop has a selection of absolutely beautiful and different things and I always find a treasure.

I take the Lambeth Horticultural Society members to visit many gardens and places of great interest,but this one was different.When we arrived we were greeted by Harry Cunningham who made us very welcome and explained the history of the House and garden,He told us to feel free to wander throughout the garden,including close to his mothers house and not to forget to have tea and cake in the restaurant.It was 9th July,so gardens and meadows were brimming with colour throughout.The wild garden was a real treat with meadows,wooded areas and an orchard with roses rambling throughout.The formal garden was filled with a huge selection of plants.Delicious teas and homemade cakes was served in the restaurant.The nursery had a large selection of perennials,most of them cultivated there.A great place to take a group.

Surprisingly large area of seating, both inside and out, with a lovely view over the gardens. We arrived mid-way through the afternoon, and had a lovely toasted sandwich, and coronation chicken, of which they had to make some more - and were apologetic for the delay, which was no more than a couple of minutes. Both came with a very tasty salad. We also had a choice of the several cakes they had on display. Highly recommended for a lunch.

I was taken here by a friend last week. The shop and nursery have some unusual items and plants. The place has rather a quaint and slightly neglected air to it, at first it appeared closed!! We wandered through the nursery part to the restaurant at the back to find a charming garden and beautiful view with tables to sit outside. The quiche and salad was marvellous, Friends had soup and a sandwich-all very good. This place is a case of 'appearances can be deceptive' so give it a try for lunch but all the rest a bit 'in need of care'. Staff lovely.

This nursery has some lovely unusual perennials, a shop full of interesting items for sale and a really good cafe. We had quiche and salad it was so tastey and our tea was served in old fashioned teacups, we sat outside all very pleasant. The nursery had so many unusual plants and then we went to nursery shop, full of interesting items to buy. We didnt have time to look round the garden, but intend to go back soon.

La nursery a des articles de deco pour le jardin et la maison tres charmants. Le tea room mignon à craquer intérieur comme exterieur !Le jardin à visiter est splendide mais il faut demander pour le visiter

This is one of our favourite places. We visit often. The garden is always a delight- especially the orchard which in Spring is full of bulbs and in summer - Meadow and roses. Magical! Around Easter they have a Fairy hunt which for small children is an exciting and mystical adventure The tea room does good lunches (soup, quiches etc) and thereare always yummy cakes available should you just need a quick restore! Plant sales available - grown on site and usually unusual plants for the plant hunter! The shop ischarming and who can resist some of its offerings. Go there! You won't be disappointed.

Visit this place last Saturday with my mum and a coach full of other people too from the Horticultural Society and was quite a long drive but eventually arrived there. Not a lot of room for a coach to park. We were taken into the shop and given a talk by the owner which was useful. We were told that the we could only have cakes and tea for lunch but than said they would do sandwiches for us. They weren't prepared for a large group and the service was a little slow. The garden was a delight though and so colourful, it's quite small so you can see all there is to see. You should spend up to 2 hours and over to get a really good look. The cakes are homemade and delicious.

Surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. Not only is this a wonderful Nursery with some great plants for sale but it has a lovely cafe . Popped in for a pot of tea and slice of cake. Cakes are freshly baked . What couldn't be better than afternoon tea in such tranquil surroundings?

This is the place I most think and dream about when I am back in Germany, the facebook pictures posted by Harry have often moved me to tears because I so wish I was near enough to be able to simply " pop in ". It is a place of such magic....we planned a whole day out to really enjoy it all and be able to photograph in a relaxed manner..the garden was looking truly gorgeous as always, the wildflower meadow a froth of cow parsley and the first marguerites; the borders relaxed and so pretty with forget me nots and pink Campion mingling in...We had the most incredible tea....sandwiches, cake and scones....the tearoom is very very special indeed. AND, you still have the delightful nursery and shop with its vintage bits and bobs ,plus other delights, to savour...<3 <3 <3 We simply LOVE it all!

This is not really a restaurant, but more a tea room and jolly good it is too. There's seating inside and out and everything is served on a hotch potch of bone china. Cakes are excellent value at around £2.50 a go and there are a couple of gluten-free ones as well. A wide range of tea and styles of coffee are on offer (from cappuccino to cafetiere) and the service is friendly and nothing seems too much trouble. Without asking they offered our dog a bowl of water, which was a thoughtful and unexpected touch. The gift shop and nursery is full of interesting plants and artefacts and the garden is small, but an utter delight. It would be over egging the pudding to compare it to the much larger Great Dixter or Sissinghurst, but it provides as much satisfaction and enjoyment and at £4.50 is terrific value. If you find yourself in the area and have a couple of hours to kill then I can't recommend this place more highly.

Good coffee, home made cakes, quiches etc in quaint small rooms with seating outside also. Nice friendly service and reasonably priced.. Make sure you visit the lovely garden behind the manor house - nominal charge. The nursery itself has some unusual plants and a good variety of things in the shop.

I am not sure why this is listed as a restaurant, though there is small one there! It is much more than that, though, and since it is a little off the beaten track, you need to make sure you go at the right time. The nursery itself is quite small but Harry, who runs it, is knowledgeable and helpful. There is an interesting shop selling garden related items and mercifully free of the less tasteful merchandise often found in garden centres. The small tea room and restaurant is attached and beside which is a room where small children can let of steam while you imbibe.All this you get anyway, but on some bank holidays and other occasions there are other activities Sometimes events and garden tours are laid on for children (eg finding fairy doors in the trees, story telling etc), sometimes there are craft or vintage fairs. So it is wise to consult their website.The nursery also adjoins the King John's Lodge gardens and guest house. A beautiful small garden to look at when it is open.This is a good place for a quiet stop-over, a lunch or tea and perhaps somewhere to chill out for a while.

We took a chance coming here as the forecast was rain and more rain. On our arrival the threat loomed so no garden tour, but we did look around the shop which had some lovely treasures for my present box. The collection of plants to buy was a bonus but for me the highlight was the cafe....imaginative salad, timeless decor, attention to detail like soya milk, sugar cubes and sugar tongs, a bookcase to peruse, comfy seats, friendly service.....lots lovelier than the big nurseries.

What a gem! Part of me does not want to write about it, so I can keep it all to myself, but this place is simply magic! Visited a number of times in the last year and have always been thrilled with the food and service. It is great to see the glutenfree options too. I loved the vintage fair and the Christmas fair. Can't wait till it opens again in Spring!

A great place for either food/drink or for plants. So much better than the large garden centres, lovely staff, great cafe and a good selection of plants and gardening extras.

The nursery is small but has lots of interesting things for the garden. The garden itself is delightful and belongs to a large Manor House. A lady was sitting outside with her hot drink and her Sunday paper but insisted that we come up and look around the gardens where she was sitting. (We felt very welcome). Tea room offered choice of real teas in a teapot with delicious home-made cakes and real porcelain china - absolutely delightful! There are the usual table and chairs to sit at or lovely squashy sofas amid hundreds of books in a little side room. My friend and I could have sat there all afternoon.

If you want a nice drive in the country to a picturesque location I'd recommend this place.Lovely location with great views. Good selection of home made cakes. We went on day when gardens were open as part of national garden scheme - worth a visit if they are open to public.

I always always want to visit this wonderful magical place whenever I am in Kent...the garden is romantic and beautiful and full of atmosphere..It looked gorgeous still in early October, the air filled with the song of the Robin..I especially love the wild planting in the meadow in summer, marguerites amongst the roses...it is a taste of paradise for me and my camera. Add to that a delightful nursery and shop filled with vintage trasures and garden delights. All this and you still have the Tearoom which is my favourite place ever to sit and drink tea out of pretty china floral cups and indulge in a slice of one of the many delicious cakes made by Fleur and better than any I have eaten. They offer lunches too which sadly after a B&B cooked breakfast I have yet to try ..there is a fire on chilly days and fresh flowers on the tables and quirky bits nad bobs and antiques abound. I miss this place when I am not there and follow it from afar on Facebook just to keep in touch. Added to that they host Vintage fairts and weddings too... <3 <3

Nursery with a difference. fabulous shop decked out in persian rugs.Lots of lovely things to buy. Tea room also

We stumbled on this place when we stopped to ask directions while looking for our place to stay. We decided from that brief stop that this looked an interesting place to return to. A couple of days later we did so and were so pleased that we did, it was a real highlight of our break. We found out we could look round the garden of next door King John's Lodge and what a garden it was! So artistic, blending wild, naturalistic planting with formality, it was absolutely beautiful. In the cafe we had delicious home baked cake and tea all served in an eclectic, book lined cafe. The nursery didn't have a huge selection but what there was had been carefully curated and there were some unusual plants. The shop also had many interesting items for the home and garden. It was difficult to decide which to buy as we were so short of space in the car. All in all, we highly recommend it!

First of all, this is not a restaurant. It is a cafe as part of a small garden centre, with shop (not just plants but all sorts of delightful surrises), next to the beautiful house and gardens of King John's Lodge. I believe that a light lunch (quiche, salad, etc) is only served from Thursday to Sunday (but check first, so as not to be disappointed). We visited the gardens on a Friday and they are absolutely beautiful. We have not stayed at the Lodge. We had delicious home made quiche and salad and did not succumb to the temptation to have a slice of the delicious looking (also home made) cakes! We sat outside, which is a lovely setting with an idyllic pastoral view. However, if you needed to sit indoors (because of inclement weather or whatever), the rooms are very cosily furnished in a most civilised manner, one room having a veritable library of books. (Very nice loos too!!) All in all, a treat to be repeated - and the gardens are well worth a visit.