Lakeside Cafe in Tonbridge and Malling

Great service, friendly and helpful staff.

Myself and a group of friends decided to do a circular walk starting in this pretty village and ending with a pub lunch. Unusually we had not read the pub reviews in advance. What a wonderful surprise! Although we had not booked were were immediately made very welcome and accommodated in the atmospheric dining part of the pub. The very extensive menu including all the favourites alongside many specials made it difficult to choose but we were all very happy with the quality and portions of our varying options . Of particular note were the home made nachos . The pudding choice was also great ,. Huge portions , good prices and home made. The meringue and the banana waffle were the favourites. The fantastic food was surpassed by the wonderful service. Nothing was too much trouble. we were addressed by name and really put at our ease. Furthermore we mentioned we were celebrating a friends birthday and a beautiful home made mini Victoria spinge complete with candle was presented Thank you all sooo much for a really exceptional experience all round Jacqui carol ( birthday girl), David, Rob judy , Ann and Julia

Tooooo crowded! They need far away more and more qualified staff. They have grown to much !

I have visited the Friars many times over the years, very rarely do I use the tea room as years ago I had an awful experience with the staff being rude to us there. After what must be 7 years I thought we would try again. Sadly the staff were still rude and disinterested. The food is basic and good, the environment is of course wonderful so it’s such a shame that the staff can’t make that little bit of effort to make someone’s day. This is a place with many visitors after all. Of a team of 4 that I could see, 3 were looking in their phones and the lady that served us could just about be bothered to talk to us. I’ll give it a go in another 7 years maybe 👎🏼

I've been in and ate 3 or 4 times now and it's the only Costa I go to were the staff don't seem very happy or friendly. They don't go that extra mile which is disappointing. They never seem to have the full range and they gave me a dirty spoon last time I went in which was Monday 25th of November. Drinks and food very nice, service not so great.