Maples Tearoom in Wychavon

The person manning the entrance insisted we wear bands on wrists (plasticised, non-recyclable) which indicated payment of the garden entrance fee which would allow seating in the garden area. Having reserved a table inside, sunny weather tempted us into the garden. No tables were reserved in the garden area. Staff stated they were unable to move an umbrella to provide shade over a table large enough to accommodate the 5 of us. This request was made by 2 very elderly members of the group. We moved to the reserved table inside the tearoom which allowed dogs at tables. Our expectation of a healthy lunch with salads gathered from the wonderful kitchen garden was dashed. Salad leaves came from plastic bags, quiches were supermarket produced and almost nothing locally sourced. Mediocre, bought-in food assembled on site. When asking for water at the table, a glass urn was pointed out to us. “Glasses” were the single use plastic type. 2 of the party, sitting at opposite ends of the table, ordered the same type of tea. One pot between the 2 was provided. When the meals arrived, the waitress stood at the end of the table, announced the contents of the plates and expected to pass them to the person seated next to her for distribution down the table. A second waitress attempted a similar act with the cutlery (wrapped in a serviette) but then did walk around the table and put it in the appropriate place. The attitude of the supervisory staff was high handed. The younger members, although pleasant, were clearly untrained. Although something of a fuss was made about the displaying of the entrance wrist bands if the garden area of the tearoom was to be used, (can only be clearly displayed on a handbag strap or wrist), several customers not displaying bands were seated in the lovely sunny garden. The gardens were simply beautiful.

One of the best lunches I’ve ever had, service was friendly, prompt, polite and with a smile. All the staff were lovely. Food arrived quickly and was absolutely delicious, I had mushroom and tomato Quiche which came with a delicious fresh salad, with coleslaw and a potato salad, I can highly recommend the elderflower fizz to drink, my Mum had a bacon, cranberry and Brie panini which also came with a lovely salad and some 2 farmers crisps. Then an absolute joy with the arrival of a wild Robin who flew onto our table and shared some crumbs from the crust of the quiche and some bread crumbs, the Robin then to our delight and surprise flew off with a tiny crumb to give to its fledged youngster who was sat on the grass nearby.

My wife and I went for lunch before looking around the gardens. The staff were very friendly and helpful, especially Heather. We had the soup of the day which was carrot and corriander which was incredible and my wife had the brie and cranberry toastie and tea. Price was a little pricey for where we were but worth it. We will be going back

Lovely food in gorgeous setting and made to feel really welcome. Even happy to allow the dogs. Recommend the baked potatoes.

Very disappointed that were unable to sit on the terrace or veranda and were restricted to sitting inside for our meal. The decor in the café does not match the character of the house, and therefore most visitors would prefer the ambience outside. The only way you can sit outside is by paying £8.50 per person to visit the gardens, whereas previously this was not the case, and you could even reserve a table outside in advance.