Mabel's Cafe in New Forest

My friends and I visited on a Sunday afternoon from out of town at a local’s recommendation. I loved the atmosphere - lots of plants, lots of seating. There weren’t many customers, so it wasn’t loud. We were hoping for afternoon tea, but sadly it is not available on Sundays. Some of us got the Sunday Roasts instead. More in our party (of 10) would have liked to try the Sunday Roast, but they only sold it to some of us due to limited staff & presumably limited ingredients. The rest ordered sandwiches. I’m sorry to say I was not impressed with the starter or main course (the meat, potatoes and vegetables were a bit dry), but I did enjoy the crème brûlée for dessert. Afterward, we visited a gin distillery around the corner. They allowed us samples, and I was impressed with the flavor and smoothness.

Booked afternoon tea for 4 as it was my daughter's birthday. When we arrived we were greeted by surly girl, who looked uninterested and could not find my booking. In fact, the kitchen was closed. No afternoon tea had been prepared. 3pm is too late for lunch, too early for dinner anywhere. Raining. So we went home. Not even a cup of tea offered. Total lack of professionalism. I would not bother gracing them with any custom. They do not even care about noting down reservations i would put zero rating.

After reading a few negative reviews we were hesitant to visit, but thought we'd see for ourselves. The restaurant was very busy and the staff were stretched. We had to clear our table to another one in order to sit down. You order at the till which is a bit of a shame when it's a group who are each paying for their own meal as it means you have to all go up or transfer cash, rather than splitting the bill, but not a big deal. We all ordered gammon, egg and chips and I have to say it was one of the best I have had. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. The menu is small but there is something for everyone. Our glasses and water were cleared before we had finished but I think they wanted to get cleared. Not that we were the only ones there. Anyway, it was okay, not sure I'd rush back.

On opening Mabel’s and Shallowmead nursery were innovative and popular. Successfully run prior to Covid. Both are now sad and empty much of the time. The little cafe was an improvement after the food hygiene rating crisis. The manager, Nikki was enthusiastic, efficient and extremely friendly. She has now left. I spoke to the general manager,face to face, about her leaving and he completely ignored me,never saying a word. How rude. Today we went to Mabel’s to see how the original venue was doing. Only one table was occupied. As we wanted a sofa the only table was littered with the previous occupants debris. I had to go to the counter to ask for it to be cleared. Once done I had to go and ask for it to be cleaned. I was made to feel a nuisance. The staff showed little interest in us. Mabel’s and Shallowmead will be off our list of coffee shops and nurseries for a very long time. A masterpiece of how to turn a thriving business into a disaster.

The old coffee shop and seating area were quaint and cosy, but the recent significant expansion of the restaurant seems to have achieved very little. The sticky tables and plastic flowers (really, in a garden centre...) and the ambitious pricing mean we won't be in a hurry to return. (Oh and if you want to encourage customers, sort-out the disastrous signage).

There is a new entrance to the garden centre, walls painted black & chainsaw display in a glass case, line of sight as you enter falls on a far reaching, unfinished retail area. We were the only customers at Mabels & in the car park. Our cake slices had dried out during the day, menu looked uninspiring, lovely sunny table in those beautiful gardens, but no vibe, don't think our custom was of any interest. Re brand, forget Mabels, get a new zingy name & some zingy folk to run the resturant - with a creative menu. Reminded me of a hospital contract cafe.

Wanted to try again after not visiting for a while but were incredibly disappointed. The menus that were out weren’t correct, the labels on the cakes were all wrong. The service was awful, the staff were more interested in chatting and hanging off each other behind the counter than they were with serving. Two of the meals ordered were fine but the burger was awful and several components had clearly been sat around for days before being used. When trying to feed back via email all we were told was we should have spoken to a manager on the day. I really hope they improve things as I’m not surprised it was so quiet if this is the way it’s been run in recent months

Excellent full English breakfasts - one vegetarian and other local meat produce. Nicely cooked and served by the chef. Good waitress service form Izzy. Would Highly recommend

Popped in for breakfast having never eaten at Mables before. Despite it being very busy the staff were relaxed, helpful and happy a proper service with a style welcome that’s rare these days. Food came out very quickly which if I’m honest was a surprise given how busy they are. Another surprise was the quality of food. It was exceptional. The manager and team should be proud of the experience here it’s fab and I’ll be back.

We always go to Mables and the staff are aways happy to help and the food is always good never had any issues

Dissapointing menu poor staff attitude, couldn't be bothered to interact couldn't have been less helpful. No wonder this place was empty and got a no star food hygiene rating. Can't comment on food as we left without eating.

Oh dear oh dear oh dear . What on earth has happened to Mabels cafe. Had awful experience. I've been here many times in the past before they moved the cafe to where it is now. I'm sure the two woman who were serving are lovely people but Saturday neither knew what was going on. Basically left hand didn't know what right hand was doing. It was like something out of Faulty Towers. Very sad. I very much hope whatever is going on they sort it out soon as I for one won't be going back any time soon.

Our Newest Favourite Cafe , Popped in Yesterday Yet Again Incredible food and service the staff are just the best ! So taking back how lovely they are with our baby girl ! 😊 Just a wonderful place to be we will be New regulars here by sure! Highly recommend to all!

After some time away we went to Mabel’s cafe today. What a pleasant surprise, the cafe was very similar to the old Mabel’s. Staff were helpful and very friendly. Having read the report on the state of the restaurant I was worried that the main kitchen was still being used. I hope the improvements suggested have been carried out. Whatever caused such an appalling lack of food hygiene and safety? Please admit the problems and not say that the restaurant closure is due merely to refurbishment . The zero rating was in the Lymington Times and the report is available from the council .

Having not been there for several months - no particular reason why not - my wife and I decided to pay a visit. We were a bit hesitant having heard about the nil out of five rating by the NFDC and the recent reviews on this website. However we were pleasantly surprised. The new cafe area was warm and comfortable and the staff friendly and efficient. We had no complaints at all about the food and drink. So whatever previous complaints there were I got the distinct impression Mabel’s is striving to overcome them.

Not a review as such…just a plea to the owners to bring back the old Mabel’s, it was great just to sit and have a coffee and cake or one of your awesome sandwiches in great surroundings. Since the revamp it’s been very disappointing, and...

As a regular customer of Mabel’s cafe I was beyond horrified to hear about its reduced hygiene rating to the lowest possible level. The cafe is set in a beautiful location and the serving staff are warm and welcoming. To discover that this wonderful place...

I was most disappointed and shocked to read about the zero star hygiene rating recently given to Mabels at Shallowmead. How could the chef let things get so bad? Surely the chef must have known that the standards were slipping. I was a regular at...

I went with eight friends at 1.30 for a pre booked Christmas lunch. We sat for ages, eventually after 35 mins we had to call a member of staff over to order drinks and to ask for our meal to be delivered. Another ten mins...

Mabels used to be the 'go to' place for coffee, cakes and light lunchtime bites but not anymore. Breakfasts and lunches are still catered for in the beautifully designed and decorated main structure but if you want anything lighter or maybe just coffee and cake,...

What have you done Mabel's? Visited with my husband for lunch, having done so many times before with friends, only to find that the menu had changed and you can now only get a full meal in the main part of the cafe. Tea and...

Came here for lunch for the first time since lockdown and was blown away, highly recommend. Wonderful food and selection of plants with a great atmosphere in and out.

We arranged to meet our friends here for coffee and cake but found a totally different set up and now there our settees and blankets provided adjacent to where we used to sit in the greenhouse se Timon! This was at 10.30am - coffee time....

We had another very tasty and enjoyable lunch. The views from the very spacious restaurant over the garden are beautiful, and the service is friendly and attentive. We regularly call in for breakfasts as well which are not to be missed! We thoroughly recommend a...

Had breakfast at mabels yesterday. Food was delicious staff very efficient and friendly. The setting is sbsolutely beautiful. Altogether well worth a visit highly recommended.

Had a lovely lunch with friends had the tapas which was very tasty. Very attentive service. Will visit again, highly recommend.

Had a really lovely lunch at Shallow Mead. The pizza was so tasty and the Eton Mess crepe for dessert was mouthwatering! Great surroundings and the staff are so friendly and efficient. What’s not to like!

What have they done. It’s simply gone backwards. The new coffee shop idea is a disaster. It’s dark, cold with no view of gardens as enclosed by horrible wooden doors. The whole thing is confusing with Luke warm drinks and little fruit to buy in...

We visited today for coffee and cake. We were disappointed with our reception on arrival. When we said we weren’t having breakfast, we were told to sit in the small dark seated area. There was no menu fir drinks and cafes. We were expecting different...

We have been coming to Mabel’s every week for over a year and it use to be great. Unfortunately now if you just want a coffee you have to sit outside in the cold and wet, which is not good. My wife takes her 76...

We went in today for coffee and sausage rolls. We weren’t allowed into the restaurant, as we weren’t having breakfast, told we had to sit out in the self service cafe. We went to the self service for sausage rolls at 10.30 only to be...

Used to love visiting Mabel’s for a lovely light lunch, however we returned today to a very different set up. If you don’t want a formal sit down lunch in the restaurant, you now have to use the self service area. The previously lovely toasted...

Mabel’s …. Why why why ! What a terrible decision you have made. Your original business layout for your cafe was perfect . Amazing menu options , friendly staff and exceptional food! Today I was so disappointed to find that you have tried to create...

We returned today for our daughter to experience the wonderful find we had been to many times before .. We had sat in the garden and also in the restaurant on our previous visits and had great service and lovely food . This time I...

Why does this always happen to nice places? Once offering a lovely light and airy place for coffee you are now sidelined to an M and S style self serve with squashed seating. It was raining when we visited and the water crept up to...

Wow wow wow…… what a wonderful refurbishment of this well established business, it’s changed a fair bit, but what an improvement. New cafe style area is very refreshing, the restaurant area has upped its game ten fold ! Fabulous menu, service very polite and quick,...

We have visited Mabels on a few previous occasions and always received A star service, so we thought we would visit again now the 'set up' has slighty changed, and as always, we were impressed with the quality of service and food. They now offer...

The food, the staff and the ambiance have always been excellent so very keen to see how the new coffee shop layout was working. Delighted to say that if anything there has been an improvement as we now get our coffee slightly quicker than before....

We have been coming to Mabels for years. Lately the experience has changed as the nice cafe area sits empty while customers are directed to the new lounge seating and self service area. The cafe is now only used for breakfast and lunch. If you...

As a loyal & local customer of many years to the beautiful Mabel’s restaurant - now relegated to the self/service area! - Very disappointing. I now go elsewhere to support local businesses in Lymington.

Whilst there is a separation of cafe & restaurant, this in no way affected the order we wanted to place (hot food and cake). The staff were so friendly and courteous, the food came promptly and it was first rate. Perhaps some people have found...

Oh dear ... Mabels once a lovely little eatery with daily specials, homemade cakes served with a smile . Today 3.30 pm greeted by “The restaurant is closed, please go to the cafe in the corner”. Self service cabinets of dismal offerings at greedy prices....

Having come to terms that Mabel’s is now less welcoming since reopening we have been visiting at least once a week for coffee and cake. However, today we were not allowed into the restaurant as we were not having a main meal and directed towards...

What has happened to Mabels. When it first opened a few years ago, it was a charming, relaxing place to to enjoy a good coffee and a delicious bite to eat. Cakes were homemade, the lunch menu was always interesting and tasty and the welcoming...

We visited today after being away for a month and had heard of the changes that had happened to the restaurant, now having a separate self serve area! We were worried after seeing some bad reviews but pleased to see that it was only but...

What on earth has happened to Shallowmead. Oh dear. From a place to sometimes relax and enjoy the gardens and a decent cup of coffee , now, as informed by a rather condescending hostess, if one does not do “luncheon” you are directed to a...

Coffee and cakes are now only in a self service area so although the prices are the same as the restaurant area ( which is cordoned off) their is no service will not be frequenting Mabels no more

Popped in for lunch with friends and from the moment we entered staff were extremely helpful Our waitress Izzy needs a special mention and commendation for the help she offered going to check several times that she could meet my friends request for the adaptions...

We visited Mabels last Sunday, we normally go about twice a week for coffee and pastry.Nice staff nice table service. But last Sunday it has all changed,You now have self service,coffe from a machine, not very good coffee either but now part of the garden...

We have been enjoying coffee, cakes and lunches at Mabel’s for some time and can honestly say that we have always felt welcomed. The service is always provided with a welcoming smile and nothing ever seems too much trouble. The drinks and food are always...

I attended a business breakfast event here. 40 people were served, quickly and efficiently. The MOST delicious 'full english' vote - goes to Mabel's. Sausages were particularly tasty. This place is delightful, beautiful setting and lots of goodies to buy on the way out!

Food very average used to be better choice .Feels like a work cafeteria now .staff friendly but overall poor food and cakes .

A real hidden gem amidst Shallowmead Nursery. Been a number of times for coffee and a snack. Experienced Breakfast this morning with 10 of our Family. Just brilliant from the quality of the food and the unsurpassed service, so personable, friendly and efficient. Best breakfasts...

I visited yesterday for breakfast! I asked for gluten free toast! When my food arrived I again checked that my meal was gluten free, the waitress confirmed that it was! Within half an hour I had a bloated and sore stomach! 24 hours on and...

Went with friends for lunch. We all had the sausage and mash. The veg was awful and the parsnips in particular were hard and inedible. Chocolate brownie for dessert which was OK but simply chucked on a plate with no thought at all for presentation....

Was recommended this place and today was the day The welcome and the friendliness of all the staff was second to none We came as 3 adults and 2 grandchildren with the food and service getting 11 out of 10 . We enjoyed this first...

Loved our visit to Mabel’s - the staff were great as was the food. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 was because we sat in the “conservatory” and the wooden doors did not allow for a lovely view over the courtyard and its...

The waitress was very rude to me, she looked grumpy and wasn’t even wearing mabels uniform, I would like to make an official complaint about her she was so stuck up

I guess all things must evolve…but this once gem of the New Forest has evolved in an expensive, limited menu restaurant. Time to move on …

We have visited Mabel’s many times over the years, but now we have added their excellent Sunday Lunch. Pork, Salmon and Vegetarian Wellington were absolutely lovely, great portion size and superb service with a smile and a laugh from Louise. Highly recommended.

Lunch with mum … fabulous… broccoli and Stilton soup and a toastie … gorgeous food … and Hack our waiter was a lovely lad .. very helpful.. could not recommend enough … see u again soon

Although this is a beautiful place which we have visited often, the coffee has got very wishy washy and if you want an extra shot you have to pay about 90p extra! Disgraceful, won’t be going back unfortunately.

Our first visit to Mabel’s - excellent service, choices, quality of food. Relaxing ambience in spacious and comfortable environment .

Christmas dinner was tiny for the price and same with the pudding, definitely won’t ever be returning total waste Of money

My dads been very poorly so we wanted to go somewhere where for unch where the risks were reduced . Mabels was perfect! Staff, food, table and cosy blankets we couldn’t have wished for more.

This is definitely the best cafe around. The food is excellent, staff are friendly and they even bought put water and treats for my dog. This is a must visit

lovely setting on the outskirts of Lymington, tucked away... We had the mables full english, best breakfast around by far! butchers sausages, quality produce, great coffee and to top it off apart from good service was the freshly squeezed orange juice, its really hard find...

Visited Mabel’s this morning for a breakfast, what a great experience had the full English and it was perfect high quality bacon and sausage with fresh tomato and mushroom, the sausage is locally sourced in the New Forest! Staff were very friendly and attentive, I...

Mabel’s is a hidden gem, with amazing food and lovely staff. The setting is also delightful and the outside seating is perfect in the summer. Highly recommend.

Came across this place whilst looking for a local farm shop. The farm shop was part of a huge nursery with a cafe at the back, stuck around for some cake and hot chocolate. really nice setting, staff were great and very informed about the...

We pop in now and then for cake and coffee as it’s the best around (we live in Christchurch). We were recommended the Sunday roast and loved it (as previously reviewed) came back to try the new menu as the last one was quite small...

love the new menu! it's so nice to go to a garden center/nursery where the menu wasn't designed in the 80's! think of Mables as one of the best cafe/restaurants in the area. quality of the food and service was so very good so we...

Having been regular customers since Mabels at Shallowmead Nurseries openened, I am leaving this review in the hope the owner may reconsider reverting back to how it was - i.e. a nice place to go to meet friends & have a tasty snack. The prices...

Thanks Hugh for being a brilliant waiter - you brought a smile to our face. Lunch was top notch and space lovely.

I have used Mabels since it opened and have always enjoyed it. It is now very clear that it’s turning into a restaurant rather than a place to drop in and meet friends for coffee and a snack. The menu is now quite restrictive. If...

We always come here for lunch if we go for a nearby walk and it's always reliably good. This time it seemed extra good and all the sandwiches we ordered were amazing and really hit the spot for all of us. The service was also...

As a local we have frequently visited since Mabels opened with our dog. As usual, once a place becomes established the first thing they do is ban dogs from inside. So now you can enjoy sitting outside with your food & drink going cold quickly....

The food is great, service is very good, surroundings are both casual yet stylish. Set in Shallowmead Garden Centre, the décor is delightful. I have been coming here for a few years; with friends or just by myself, for breakfast or lunch or just for...

We would have passed by Mabel’s if we hadn’t googled Breakfast Lymington. Food was served promptly and hot, friendly helpful staff. Excellent breakfast with a surprisingly wide choice.

My family and I popped by today for the most delicious Sunday roast, I had the sirloin and it was cooked perfectly! Great food, great service - extremely friendly and attentive staff. Beautiful setting. Well worth the 30min drive from Christchurch and we will be...

Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff. Have been coming to Mabels for a long time and will continue. However, the cake portions are getting smaller and the prices are rising! I would like a decent size cake with my lovely coffee..

This is the second time I have been back to Mabel’s post Covid lockdowns and I’m very disappointed The menu has changed and isn’t a patch in what it used to be. It’s very limited and bread oriented. Sandwiches and toasties and 5 other mains,...

Frequently meet friends here for a coffee and catch up. Lovely staff, lovely setting... worth stopping off here!

We had to kill time after dropping a car off for servicing and had not eaten breakfast. I have not visited Mabel's for at least two years and the garden planting has all matured beautifully. More tables and fewer sofas. Delicious scrambled eggs with delicious...

Disappointed with menu and service - wrong bread on toastie made it inedible. Little choice except sandwiches and cake

The reopening problems are really sorted out. Plenty of parking. Greeted at entrance and offered table indoors, outdoors or sheltered. We chose outdoor sheltered, great view of the matured gardens and their beautiful water tree ( I want one but about £12k). Staff are smart...

I visited Mables with my family after being recommended by a friend- great food, lovely surroundings and very reasonable prices. All staff friendly and helpful. Couldn’t fault it, enjoying looking around the nursery and farm shop on our way out too.

Lovely Cafe. Good Menu. Sat in the Pergola on Friday, waitress was super helpful, knowledgeable and polite - very welcoming. Good social distancing measures in place and the waitress wore a mask. Looking forward to coming back.

Fantastic location, situated in Boldre, Lymington - this is a hidden gem of a cafe…. gardens are fantastic, friendly and efficient staff all contained within the Shallowmead garden centre. Did I mention they have a farm shop too selling quality local produce…. They also have...

Excellent,lunch, tasty and we'll presented,beautiful surroundings, friendly staff, and they love dogs, ,the farm shop was full of fresh produce,and local wines,

I often meet friends here for a coffee and snack and have always had excellent service. Today the young girl who took our order went above and beyond to find out an answer to my query. She was only a young girl,( I think her...

Most disappointing. We were regulars before and when possible during lockdown. Loved the staff especially Helen and Pedro who worked tirelessly to keep the cafe going. They and the rest of the staff have now “moved on” so we are told. No atmosphere any more.

Inexperienced and inefficient staff. The carrot cake portion was extremely small and was poor quality. A bit pricey too. Lovely setting, but disappointing

Do not open if not ready. All the staff were inexperienced and did not know what they were doing and nothing was in place. The food was mediocre and the whole place looked like a building site. Mabels was a lot better before, will not...

I always have a great experience at Mabel's! The staff are very friendly, it's clean and Covid-secure, as well as having a huge selection of the most delicious cakes. I can highly recommend the scones and victoria sponge! Over the summer they also had a...

Wow. I’ve been before and it’s been fine but I was not overly enthused by my most recent visit. Firstly, I wouldn’t necessarily say that they are COVID-19 secure. You do have to sanitise your own table firstly, which means an awful lot of people...

Nice plants, farm shop, and surroundings. But when we had coffee and cakes at mabels, all our drinks were not very hot and the apple and blackberry crumble slice was ridiculously sweet, couldn’t eat it. Shame the food doesn’t match the surroundings.

Awful place if you’re vegan and really not very accommodating. Wouldn’t take egg off of an option to make it vegan. This used to be a nice place to visit, but definitely won’t be returning after this experience. Due to the lack of leniency on...

I have been to Mabel's many times and used to be a favourite, it was what I would have call a hidden gem. however my visit here on Thursday morning with a friend changed that and has now put me right off. My friend and...

Several visits, all very good. Tables all socially distanced and covid measures taken. However, disappointed recently with portion of blackberry crumble slice. Really about half what I expected.