Mad Hatters Tea Room in South Derbyshire

Please note that this cafe is no longer called Mad Hatters and is now the Waterside Cafe. The staff are friendlier and the food is lovely, they open at consistent times (handy as the toilets are only open when the cafe is). There was a lot of fuss when Mad Hatters lease was not renewed and the catering taken on by Derby City Council but it has in my opinion improved.

It's a basic cafe with good food at good prices. We had a coffee stop as the derwent Valley way passes close by. Amazing scones!

Disfrutamos de nuestro almuerzo mucho. Teníamos huevos, jamón, patatas fritas y ensalada. Excelente relación calidad-precio y servicio. Hay mucha variedad, pero queríamos comida confort. Las raciones eran demasiado grandes para nosotros, pero no puedo complacer a todo el mundo supongo. Comimos afuera ya que era un buen día soleado. Bien señoras hecho tendrá un bocado ligero la próxima vez y un hermoso pedazo de pastel y una taza de té

Las cosas buenas acerca de este café hacer un 5 estrellas. El mal hace 1/2 estrellas.Las cosas buenas son tener una agradable zona para sentarse en el interior, un amplio menú y un lugar para tomar una bebida caliente. Uno de los empleados siempre ha sido encantador y amable.Las cosas malas son que a veces al azar, cierre incluyendo festivos cuando esperas el parque para estar ocupado. Además, a veces, no todos, el servicio al cliente es pésimo. Si te preguntan si hacer algo o tener algo que no tienen la petición es tratado como un insulto personal. Me ha pasado muchas veces, pero la más ridículo fue cuando mi marido hizo cola en la ventanilla para helados. Fue un día ajetreado y él cola unos 20 minutos, él era así también pedimos super sedientas por una coca-cola, pero no que lo he tenido que hacer cola de nuevo dentro de otro 20 minutos. Así no hay helados vendidos dentro y no coca cola vendida en la ventana.

Lovely staff. Clean tidy. Very welcoming . Huge portions. Fabulous gravy. The best I've tasted. Great food too.

We quite often pop in for a coffee when we're having a long walk. The staff are very helpful and nice. The cafe does breakfasts and jacket potatoes etc. It's nearly always busy in there. The cakes on the counter always look appealing.

He visitado este café en varias ocasiones recientemente, ya que mi hija vive cerca. Ofrece un menú simple café a un precio razonable de comida recién preparada y una tentadora selección de tartas caseras. El personal es amable y el lugar siempre está limpio. La cafetería tiene vistas al lago del parque (venden bolsas de comida para los patos!) y hay un área de juegos para los niños de enfrente. Varias rutas ciclistas pase por el parque, así que el café es una buena parada en boxes y hay comodidades público al lado.

Qué linda mañana X el sol brillaba y toda mi familia visitó el Mad Hatters salón de té para el desayuno Xera el día de la madre, y que quería tratar a mi madre.Había reservado una mesa como mis padres son discapacitados y también mis dos nietos pequeños entrábamos Xnos dieron una preciosa mesa con jarrones de rosas, muy bonito.El personal era muy atento y cariñoso Xtodos pedimos el gran desayuno, no nos decepcionó Xrealmente caliente para hacer té y café, además de un bacón crujiente y frijoles y tomates habría gustado tener, además todo lo demás.Todos tuvimos platos.83 años de antigüedad dijo mi madre " esta fue la mejor tostadas he comido " xxxLa vista desde la cafetería es genial, con vistas al estanque de los patos.Fuimos al parque con los nietos y una en el gimnasio exterior.Así que muchas gracias señoras por cuidarnos tan bien X volveremos para café y tarta la próxima vez X

Habíamos tenido la mala fortuna de visitar este café y está decidido a no volver, me hacia finales del año pasado por un amigo tras tranquilizador que había cambiado.Bien, me sorprendió gratamente por los estándares mejorados y mucho más amable personal. Cuando me he dado una revisión que no era buena, no intente dar razones de por qué no llegar al nivel que esperaba, bien en esta visita las tartas que tuvimos fueron encantadores, las mesas y pisos limpio y el personal es muy atento y agradable. Espero que este nivel se continúe como he recomendado a los demás!Bien hecho de vuelta a este lugar, mucho mejor y un sitio mucho mejor para visitar.

La cafetería en el corazón del parque Alvaston por el juego de niños y área del lago. Ideal para los padres. Hemos estado aquí un par de veces y siempre hemos tenido un fantástico servicio. Me encanta el desayuno caliente. Además, siempre acabamos tomando los cafés propio tartas caseras y bollos casa con nosotros. El personal es amable, servicial y siempre dispuesto a ayudar.

Excellent cafe, clean environment, friendly efficient service, lots of choice for all tastes and good value

Great Cafe and nice view of the lake, brillant value for your money and alway fresh food. recomment it to anyone.

Always lovely home made cakes and tray bakes here.

More of a cafe than a tea room, but after brisk walk around Alvaston Park just the place to have a bite to eat and a warming drink. Menu choice is good, cake portions are large and service from staff was welcoming and friendly.

Basic cafe food but excellent quality and huge portions. Friendly staff and very good value for money. Well worth a visit for either breakfast or lunch.

We use this tea room with our cycling club always friendly staff good food fast service you can sit in or out will be using more often as a stop off when out on a long ride in the area

I really don't like giving a bad review and always try to be fair and see both sides as to why something could be wrong, but I am afraid to say that here the only truth is, it's awful. We visited these so called tea rooms last summer and the experience was not good. However, I decided before writing a review to go when it was quieter and try again. I shouldn't have bothered. My experience was the same as others have already stated. Ignored by staff who were stood outside smoking and talking and who then came in without washing their hands to serve....eventually. These tea rooms should be a little gold mine, offering lovely home made cakes, delicious sandwiches and lovely tempting snacks served in clean surroundings by friendly staff......but hey, anyone can dream.

I visited this establishment with my sister and our two little boys in June 2013. We were merely acknowledged by the waitress playing with some machine who told us to pick any table and that she will be with us shortly. Must add that the place is ridiculously tiny and there was just one other table with 2 customers. As we were waiting to be served we were not given any menus so we waited approx 10 minutes as the waitress was chatting away with the other lady working there. Our boys, 6 and 8yo, started getting seriously bored and behaving like monkeys. We asked for menus again as we wanted to make our choices and to get some idea what this establishment was actually serving since there was nothing on the counter and on blackboard indicating if they are serving any food at all. The waitress again told us she will be with us shortly. It never happened. After further 5 minutes we finally lost our patience and walked out. Straight to the Kitchen.

With the recent hot weather we decided to take our children somewhere different to play and a friend recommended Alvaston Park. After endless go's on the swings and in the sandpit we decided to grab some food at Mad Hatters, and i'm so glad we did! The tea rooms cater for everyone especially families, have a varied menu from snacks to ice creams and the best home made cakes we've ever tasted. So much so i purchased some to take home. The setting couldn't be better, a play area for the kids, ducks to feed on the lake and lots of space to run around aswell as an excellent tea rooms. Will definately visit again...a real find!

When I visited the girls was to busy chatting to notice me waiting then when the food arrived it was cold and full of grease, it was the worst dinner I've ever had and the cake was ok nothing special and I thought it was quite dirty too, the floor was upswept, bits on tables and chairs and the windows are filthy, I won't be returning or even recommending this place to anyone!!

I visited this place for a second time, as I had been disappointed the first time. Alas there was no improvement. On the day I visited there were two female staff, both looking very miserable and not a smile between them. It was a warm day, yet there were only three tables outside. ? The shutters have been down for quite some time making the place look dreary and uninviting inside and looking closed from across the lake. There were boxes of supplies in full view on the floor and sheets of old plasterboard at the back of the cafe. the aforementioned staff spent most of their time on mobile phones and paying as little attention to customers as possible. This is a missed opportunity, as with a spring clean and some enthusiastic staff it could be a star attraction in the area. I will not be going back.!

I gave the Mad Hatters Tea Room a 3* based on the cakes that are available as every time I have been in and had one, it has been delicious. However, I find the service in there very poor indeed. The staff are ill mannered, no please or thank you. The last time I went in I was told to "hang on a minute" while having three small impatient children with me, while the lady behind the counter finished to send her text. If I had not been with children I would've given her some advice about customer service.

I am a regular at this cafe as I live locally and my daughter is at the nearby school and i cannot fault the food, the venue (although the shutters have been broken for some time and could do with repairing to allow beauriful views of the lake while dining) or the value for money and the cakes are amazing, the customer service however lets this venue down. The staff are never welcoming despite being a regular, they are not chatty or even friendly and when they are busy they appear stressed and moody. In the current climate they ought to be grateful to be busy and not bang plates about and huff and puff about it! If this cafe was not so convenient I would not be a regular despite the amazing cakes because customer service is so important.

My wife and I were out running errands and struggling to think of somewhere different to have some lunch in Derby. So thinking I would try and use other people's experiences I checked Tripadvisor and saw this tea-room was in the top 10 and easy to get to, so off we went. So very disappointed with this venue. When we arrived we discovered it was more of a cafe than restaurant that some reviews implied, that however was not a problem at all. When we walked in there were 2 young ladies behind the counter and we were not even acknowledged despite there being only us and a young family of four in. One lady then headed out for a smoke so we took a seat and looked through the menu. Not sure if we should order at counter or they took orders we waited for aw hile and decided on which sandwiches and drinkswe would have. After several minutes of waiting I decided to go up to the counter but there was no-one to be seen, both ladies now outside chatting with a couple of other people. We gave up at that point and left so can't comment on the food but the welcome and customer service was very poor. maybe just a bad day or not the regular staff but either way we wont be going back.

Great Experience..!!! was there with my family and we had a great time here. food was good..atmosphere was excellent. great surroundings.... would love to come back here again.... thanks for providing us a great service..

My wife and I recently went to the Mad Hatters Tea room. We were encouraged by the excellent reviews on Tripadvisor. The cakes looked delicious and my wife enjoyed the fruit scone, The view of the lake is great. This is an excellent venue.

Both myself and my husband were really looking forward to visiting this cafe due to the description on the groupon voucher and on the cafe website. We had a groupon voucher for a cream tea for 2 deal, and had tried to book by calling several mobile numbers, and leaving messages. In the end we decided to just turn up on the day and visited the cafe on Sat 3rd November around lunchtime. Upon arrival we were very disappointed to find that the cafe was not as described, it was very small and had a 'greasy spoon cafe' feel to it. Nonetheless we decided it was still worth giving the food a go. The first member of staff we spoke to was a very young girl and knew nothing about the groupon offer. She went to fetch another member of staff, also female, who as you will see in due course was exremely unhelpful. She firstly asked if I had booked and my response was that I had tried on several occasions to call and no-one had called me back. Her response to this was that they had been so busy and that it was

Had a bacon batch and toffee cake. Really enjoyed both. In contrast to other reviewers I think the size of the lake was fine and in any case probably out of the control of the management! If they do have divine powers I thank them for the fine weather as we walked around the park.

I visited the cafe in august on the way back from the shops as I live at the back of the park and use it for exercise. I was with my father and we had coffee and victoria sponge. I have read that cakes are made fresh, but.. although tasty, it was somewhat dry and definitely not fresh. The coffee was lukewarm. ( which seems to be the norm' nowadays, unless you visit greggs or the britannia in town. ) The prices were reasonable, and although not unpleasant, I would say the girl serving was not ''happy to help''. I have read that the lake takes about 5 minutes to walk around. This is utter rubbish, as a nice relaxing stroll, appreciating the wildlife, would take a minimum of half an hour. !! Overall, it is a lovely tranquil setting, the cafe is spotless, and I may visit again to sample the recommended bacon cobs.

It is definately worth a trip to Alvaston Park just to experience the lovely cake and great bacon cobs on offer here. I agree with the previous review which implies that the building would benifit from some warmer decor, but the view of the lake makes up for this if you can get a window seat/ if it is warm enough to sit outside. Will be returning soon.

Booked a groupon voucher for afternoon tea and the food was amazing. Went on 11/09/12 there was 4 in our party OMG the cakes are to die for, Nice park good for the kids take some bread to feed the ducks!! My only regret is i didnt ask the girls if they sold full cakes........so if your reading this do you take orders and the price? Would like to order for xmas if your taking orders! Thanks you are a credit to this park.

Bit disappointed that a lot of the food for kids are fried. Staff seemed unmotivated to serve most of the time. the building is a bit impersonal with the high industrial ceiling.

We booked a table after buying a Groupon voucher for afternoon tea. The voucher was £7 for two and allegedly entitled us to tea for two, sandwiches (a choice of three fillings) with crisps, cake and a scone each. Upon arrival we were advised by a young girl that they had changed the offer and that it did not include cake and a scone but either cake or a scone. Both my boyfriend and I queried this as did another woman who had the same voucher. The girl came back and said that was definitely correctly and they could change it. She said Groupon had made the error but that cannot have been correct as the value of the voucher was £17 and what we got was more like £11 and not £17.

A great place for a snack if you are going to the park, but not somewhere you would make a special trip. Everything was ok and the food was above average.

An unexpectedly high-quality cafe within a park. Clean, friendly and welcoming but the CAKES! beautiful Victoria Sponge, deep, fresh and perfect.

A beautiful place in a beautiful setting serving beautiful food what more could we want?

Fantastic food at great prices. This lovely cafe is situated within Alvaston park grounds, and after a walk round its the perfect place for a bite to eat and a drink. The staff are so friendly!!

What a gem in nice surroundings ! Not only is the food tasty and nicely presented in a clean environment by courteous, welcoming staff, it also represents excellent value for money. We have visited The Mad Hatters on several occasions, the last time in June and have never been disappointed. The bacon and egg cobs are delicious and I love the Scones served with generous proportions of Jam and proper cream (NOT that horrible squirty stuff ) Well worth a visit........or two.

Theres a cafe at Alvaston Park!!! Who knew... Great food, great staff, great prices! Get on the tray bake it is legen...........................dary!

We had afternoon tea at the Mad Hatters tea room on our way home from a weeknd away. It was well worth the stop the food was lovely and the staff were very friendly.

How lovely to watch the swans gliding by while eating delicious food. A lovely setting in the middle of a park. I thought the food was excellent value for money. I will definitely visit again soon.

Swung by here the other day to be greeted by the friendliest of staff. great menu whether you're peckish or in need of a good meal and great value! Comfortable and clean surroundings with a great view of the park. will go again!

We discovered this place with a groupon, and will definitely go again. (The brie & bacon sandwiches, and lemon cake were particularly delicious). However next time I will take the kids so they can take advantage of the park, and as this cafe is superb value even without the groupon, I will definitely return for snacks for us all here.

My Mum and I went here for afternoon tea and we was not disappointed. It was really lovely with plenty to eat, all freshly made to order. The staff were nice and friendly. We will definitely be returning.

Excellent value, great British food (hot or cold) served with a smile - try the speciality home made cakes! Brilliant views over the park and lake (complete with ducks waiting to be fed.)

Great food, excellent service and a wide range of choices. Great for the whole family and well worth a visit for anyone of any age. First time visit was not long ago and The Mad Hatters Tea Room made a great first impression!!

Everything was great! A high standard of freshly cooked and baked treats, generous portions, great service as well as an amazing location - sitting on the edge of the park's lake! Definitely more than value for money. Cakes are delish!

I was lucky enough to go to the grand opening of the Mad Hatters Tea Rooms located in the newly built center in Alvaston. There is a wide range of snacks and drinks available from breakfast cobs, wide range of sandwiches, hot food, ice lollies, and their famous home made cakes which are huge! The service was efficient and friendly, the prices were more than reasonable, and the quality of the food was exceptionally high and very filling.

I have been to Mad Hatters lots of times. My kids love the Park and love to feed the ducks. The food is delicious! You get very large portions for fraction of the price! The cakes are amazing ! I have also purchased whole cakes for birthdays and they are well worth the extra couple of quid! Would deffinately recommend ! Great staff and very helpful!!!! :) x

Excellent value, generous portions, fabulous cakes. All found in a pleasantly situated tea room in a lovely Park. Well worth a visit.

I've been to the tea room several times and never been dissapointed. Good food at good prices and when the sun's shining a great location!!

I have been here quite a few times and the food is absolutely delicious. Good menu and great service. Would definately recommend some tray bake...!

The tea room is in such a lovely location, even a nice place to be when the weather isnt so great! The cakes were amazing, all homemade and HUGE!

Couldnt believe how nice this place was, hidden away in the park. very clean and modern. really yummy sandwiches, thick cut fresh bread, totally lush cakes. its a keeper THANKS