Marigolds Cafe in Harrogate

Visited on a weekday lunchtime as we'd been told the riverside spot was nice. Staff were friendly and found us a table with speedy service. I had a delicious Cream of Courgette soup - it was the best thing I ate on my holiday.

We went to the ice cream shop at the other side of the road which is part of this business. Three x one scoop ice creams for £9.60. Normally when you order a one-scoop you get a little to fill the cone then one scoop on top. At Marigolds you don't. You just get the small scoop to fill the cone. You could hardly see any ice cream in the cone. We actually couldn't believe it. We felt ripped off. I would have said something but the lady behind the till didn't look very friendly.

Either as a couple of individually we have been visiting Marigolds on a weekly basis. As regular visitors we both carry loyalty cards ( 9 drinks gives you one free) On this week's visit my loyalty card had 8 stamps on it whilst my partner's has 1 stamp. After purchasing 2 drinks I presented both loyalty cards to the young gentleman taking payment. He flatly refused to add 2 stamps advising it was now policy that only one loyalty card can be presented per visit. ( One stamp only applied to my card with 8 stamps on it......and in hindsight fully appreciate I should have asked for both stamps on my partner's card) Needless to say if this is how you look after loyal customers then you will find us in the Black Orchid on future visits to Knaresborough

Lovely setting right on the riverside. We had a short wait for a table at peak lunchtime. We had some cream scones and chips to share with a couple of coffees. All really nice and good portion sizes. Beautiful setting, pram accessible and clean. Will definitely return.

We came for lunch on a drizzly day. We only had to wait for around 1 minute before being seated and the staff were all very friendly. The indoors is spacious with lots of seating and dogs were allowed inside. We had a delicious lunch and the staff gave our little dog lots of fussing. There were other people inside with young children and dogs and it was all quite harmonious. The only thing I'd note is that due to people coming and going through the doors to outside, it was a little drafty- but I imagine that if you sat nearer to the wood burner, this wouldn't be an issue. We can't wait to come back!

I’ll open by saying we visited at what appeared to be a fairly quiet time. Lots of free tables - perhaps 60% full. It took a good 5 minutes standing outside in the cold before someone came to see us - not terrible, but it set the scene for what was to come. Once we were seated, it took: - 15 minutes for someone to take our order - A further 25 minutes before coffee arrived - Thankfully not much longer for food, maybe another 10 minutes. The coffee wasn’t very nice (the milk tasted funny), but the food itself was good, although some components such as the mushrooms were cold. The room was freezing, because staff kept leaving the door open walking to and from where they prepare food & drink, to where people are sat. It was comical, as everyone in the seating area was clearly angry and frustrated at the wait, the cold room, and the lack of service. They also leave the trays on the table when they bring the drinks, despite there being no space for them (at least not on the 2-seater tables). We asked the server to take the tray, and he was disgruntled by this request, initially attempting to leave it on the floor leaning against one of our chairs, then realising that wasn’t going to work so he took it with him. Seriously…. Considering we visited at a quiet time, I dread to think what this place is like when it’s busy. Maybe they just had an off day, but everyone in the dining room had the same complaints as us, and I suggest they urgently look to fix these problems. Alas, the view was nice.

Fantastic food and beautiful scenery! We waited probably 20 mins to get in but well worth it. The food was delicious and especially eating with the view of the river/bridge and people canoeing. Would definitely recommend. Food was slightly costly but you pay for the view as well. 9/10 👍🏻📸

Beautiful views across the river and lovely atmosphere. Food was limited.with regards vegan and vegetarian options with 2/3 veggie options and flapjack as the only vegan food item available. Oat milk was an option, so vegan drinks are available. Nice spot to grab a cuppa on a cold day.

Lovely staff, great coffee, food and a magical river view. Always a delight to be there.

Ice cream with a view! There tends to be a queue, I think if would be nice to make a different entrance or an indication for those who just want a takeaway ice cream.

Highly recommend amazing cakes & coffees by the river. Beautiful location Absolutely loved it. Friendly staff.

Old lady server kept making sarcastic remarks behind our backs when we could not decide what we wanted to eat or seat , and saw her mouthing her frustration, the place was empty and plenty of seating to be chosen to get a nice view of the bridge etc , so with that we got up and left and eat n drank at another customer friendly close by

Beautiful cafe with wood burner, positioned on the edge of the river side. A warm welcome, friendly staff. Pleanty of room inside. Delicious Creamy garlic mushrooms served with toasted seeded bread, absolutely spot on. My daughter had a toasted panini. 10month old had a little scrambled egg with toast. Won't be too long be for we are back. Thank you to you all.

Wonderful breakfast and cappuccino, nice views of the river great service. Would definitely recommend . 😉👍

Visited here many times, will return again. Can eat inside or out. Superb staff, clearly well trained.

Food and service was good. Very nice place to sit by the river.

Really nice food, really nice seating out in the open by the river, friendly and good service.

Firstly, the staff here are so lovely and welcoming. The location is second to none. (This is why I have given 3 stars instead of 1.) However, I was most underwhelmed by the food. The salad I received was just rocket and canned sweetcorn... With some tasteless mushy tomato slices and dry cucumber that seemed to have been sliced long ago. A dreadful and bizarre combination for a salad. One would expect a mixture of salad leaves, fresh tomatoes, fresh cucumber, red onion, olives, grapes, toasted seeds, .. Etc, Options are endless with salad. The burger meat seemed extremely low quality. The bacon, cheese and pickles were nice. But the burger reminded me of one you would get frozen from a supermarket. My friend had the chicken and avacado 'salad'. She said the chicken was bland and the avacado came mashed in a ramekin and seemed to have been diluted. She also got the rocket and sweetcorn 'salad'. So, sadly neither of us could eat our lunch. This place has such potential. Brilliant staff. Exquisite location. If you could up your game with the menu options and food quality it would be extremely beneficial to you and your customers.

Lovely place for lunch before or after going out on the boats. Can het the odd snobby group who are loud and entitled but we are dangerously close to Harrogate.

Had a little bit of a wait but then was asked if we wouldn’t mind sitting inside what we did view was of the river and we watched the rowing boats ,food was amazing nice and hot and chips to die for,staff friendly and happy to help and would definitely go back if ever in the area again .

Long wait outside, then told a 20 minute wait for food. Disappointing and unfriendly staff. The cafe across the road was far more accommodating and friendly

We arrived as a group of 7, plus a dog. We were welcomed in and chose to sit inside due to the high chance of rain! Luckily the moment we got settled inside is when the rain started! We sat beside the huge windows and watched the boaters go up and down the river, very entertaining! We had a mixture of drink, coffees, fizzy drinks, tea, ginger beers etc. All very good Food we also had a mixture of sandwiches, main meals, burgers, salad etc. Again all very good Menu seems a little limited but still all very good quality and everyone enjoyed their food The place itself was very clean Staff were extremely attentive and this was great! Great spot to people watch with a brew!!

Beautiful location, food was pretty terrible but due to hight tourist turnover they will probably not improve, you will go once and not go back for food again. Shame because location is stunning.

Just had coffee and biscuits but you can't beat sitting next to river in summer

Visited here many times, best cafe in Knaresbrough. Great sitting outside watching the boats on the river. Delicious food and service , friendly staff.

Enjoyed lunch sat outside watching people on the river rowing . Excellent service from staff . Food was lovely

Fantastic food and beautiful scenery! We waited probably 20 mins to get in but well worth it. The food was delicious and especially eating with the view of the river/bridge and people canoeing. Would definitely recommend. Food was slightly costly but you pay for the view as well. 9/10 👍🏻📸

Top quality cafe with a lovely view. The customer service and drinks and cakes absolutely gorgeous. Highly recommend a visit when in Knaresborough.

Lovely spot on the river. Stopped for lunch - it’s a busy spot so a small wait to get a table but we’ll worth it. Great lunch and reasonably priced for such a prime spot. Service was great.

Perfect location. We sat outside and got a little forgotten about by the staff who served everyone around us. Eventually I asked if we could order and then after that the experience was much better. Food was delicious and access to the boats is a lovely touch.

At the end of a bike ride, this is everything you're looking for... Stunning setting with moored boats and river, gently lapping them, duck sail lazily by, instant and friendly service and delicious traditional and imaginative dishes. Perfect way to start the day.

Idyllic location, extremely friendly and helpful staff and great coffee.. Perfect.

I arrived at the cafe on my mobility scooter and my scooter was carried in and out when we left. The food was good and service excellent. Great to get treated so well. Thanks

When we decide to have a trip off to Knaresborough, we know exactly what it'll entail - a lovely walk by the river, lunch at the Marigold and more riverside walking. We've been coming to the Marigold for over five years and always get a lovely welcome, as well as a warm welcome and treats for our dog Clio. The menu is a little bit different from other places but with old favourites too and the portions are generous. Top good food and lovely staff off with a fabulous view of the river and hours of entertainment watching how people really don't understand how to row a boat (the right way round!) and not collide with each other... with the occasional natural rower putting them to shame and it's the best day out.

Lovely place to eat. Friendly staff, beautiful view, super menu too. All the food was fabulous, 7 of us ate a selection of meat and vegi dishes and all were lovely, but there has to be special mention about the vegan burgers - absolutely gorgeous! Best tasting ever! Recommend to all.

Very testy Clean Stuff Everything OK

Lovely setting and tasty coffee and scones. Had to half it actually , as my wife caught sight and swapped a bit of hers for mine...both very nice!

Visited with my sister and nice whi were here from Australia. Proud to take them out in Yorkshire. This was the ideal setting. Cake was delicious.

Great food and plenty of it.served freshly prepared.

Hired boats - good fun and relatively affordable. Bring a watch - if you go over the time limit you get fined!

An absolute institution on the town. Always a good place to visit. Excellent service, good food and drink, and the best location you could wish for.

Often stop here for a breakfast with a view

Called in for coffee and a cake, both excellent. Would recommend

Such a lovely little cafe next to the river with a range of snacks/ light lunches. Thoroughly enjoyed it here with a lovely view too. I only wish they did milkshakes!

Spot of lunch with Mother. Stunning location and exceptional views.

Food was bland, service was hit and run style, the only good thing was sitting by the river.

The only redeeming quality of this place is the location and the view it offers. Service doesn’t exist, which is ok. Food is bad, boring, tasteless and expensive for what it is. Places like this will continue to prosper because of where they are, regardless of what they putting on the plate.

We are regulars at Marigolds. Great food and service. Beautiful location too

Very nice and friendly service the staff were very nice and helpful

Lovely food and lovely staff . With a view that is stunning!

Received a meal with a hair. Told staff about this. After one minute they brought "a new plate". I waited 40 minutes for the meal to be prepared, but suddenly they had an extra plate?! I raised this to a manager, he didn't like to be questioned. The food itself was poorly prepared, cold. For what I got it was expensive. Very disappointed.

Came for the boats and were not disappointed! Absolutely gorgeous on a sunny day!! Wish we could of stayed for the food but had been elsewhere for lunch before we went on the boats! Would definitely like to return and have lunch by the river!

Lovely next to the river especially this sunny day visit. Staff friendly and just a short wait for a table. Food very good. They're steps around the site so caution required for those a little unsteady. Dog friendly and got a biscuit.

We didn't have food so I can't complement on that but the staff were friendly and the row boats were brilliant!

Great place to meet friends sat outside in the sunshine overlooking the River Nidd good cup of coffee and toasted teacake this morning

Our favourite place for a coffee..

Lovely wee place to relax and watch the world go by both on the river and on the walk right beside the river. It's fun to watch the ducks and water fowl bobbing around and then placing bets on who is gonna capsize their row boat first. The food here is nice but is perhaps somewhat overpriced but the location probably charges them an arm and a leg. It's really one of my favourite places to meet my bestie, so we have sampled a fair few dishes and seldom been disappointed. Oh and an amazing bonus you can sit indoors or outside and have your doggie in with you regardless of where you are sitting. And the dogs can go in the row boats which can be hired here too! The owners are very hands on too and keen to keep their customers happy.

Beautiful location, lovely homemade icecream and cakes. Like everywhere else these days, more focus on coffee than tea. A small selection of breakfasts and lunchtime snacks, eg. Ham, egg and chips, toasted ciabattas. Row boat hire. Last orders 3.30pm

Loved this place on the bank of the River Nidd. Great view and the whole party of 5 loved their different breakfast choices.

I can heartily recommend the burger, it was delicious

Best burger in town. Good service. Kind staff. Not expensive.

A lovely place for a quick coffee and scone or cake. Or a full meal. The view at side of the river and trains going over the bridge is special.

As always, a great meal and brew

Staff are rude. Heard them speaking about how my other half was sat at a 4 seater table on her own with her bag on my seat. The reason she was sat on her own was because I was waiting to be served. Heard staff speaking ill of customers on several occasions throughout my hour here. Won’t be coming back and suggest others don’t either. If the manager would like to deliver this feedback that would be most appreciated.

Amazing view from the table, the food was good too

Great food in a beautiful location on the side of the river with friendly helpful staff and both inside and outside eating area.

If its a lovely day then it's definitely worth coming down and hiring a boat. Grab an ice cream and a coffee and enjoy. There are also some lovely places such as Knaresborough Castle with some incredible views. There are also plenty of great places to eat so you can have an amazing day out here.

Stunning view of the viaduct and village to sit and watch with an excellent glass of Rose and some chips

We went for the boating, the staff was friendly and helpful. Price is 8 pounds per person for an hour. Rowing is a must do in Knaresborough and would definitely recommend Marigolds for it !

The perfect location for breakfast looking out over the beautiful River Nidd. I had a traditional English and my wife had sausages and hash browns. Perfectly cooked from really tasty ingredients. Friendly, helpful staff. A great way to start you day.

Lovely cafe with some really nice scenery. A good place to sit and relax

Just stopped for a drinks and cake. Hot chocolate with cream & marshmallows recommended only £4 Lemon drizzle cake very good. Nice spot on the river to watch the world go by. Great staff and service.

Lovely Cafe in the most beautiful location with fantastic views of the River Nidd

Lovely weather to sit outside with a coffee. No better views

Wonderful place a a loverly boat ride

Lovely staff, great service. Had a very tasty lunch with my daughter Katy for Mother’s Day with our two dogs, the food was delicious even our dogs got treats! We sat outside watching the boats go up and down the river.

Lovely place right on the river offering good food at a good price. Staff were friendly and service was quick.

Marigolds is well known locally and for good reason. You can hire a boat here or enjoy a meal while watching some comically poor rowing from the enclosed area or the extensive outdoor seating. When the weather doesn't suit, the indoor seating area is warm, well lit and has a lovely river view. I found it slightly noisy in there with one table watching videos on a phone doing nothing to improve the atmosphere. The food I've had here is good. Great chips. Coffee was fine but I would tend to go elsewhere if it's coffee I'm after. The menus is pretty good with good vegetarian and vegan options. Service was efficient and we didn't wait long for food. Found it simpler to order at the hatch than wait for our order to be taken. Will likely be back.

Great service, friendly staff lovely atmosphere sat next to the river and although I only had a cream tea it was delicious 😋 will certainly call again if in Knaresborough

Great location, good food. A basic room.

Fantastic location, lovely wood burner - ideal on cold February morning. Staff friendly.

Coffee and cake by the river, perfect! Very nice cake just to note!

Marigolds cafe, adjacent to the river, beautifully set looking over the viaducts Service, food, and atmosphere very good

After exploring the wonderful town and castle, we decided to walk back to the car along the river. We saw Marigolds and decided to stop for a cup of tea. We waited a few minutes for them to clear a table outside, but looked longingly at the cakes whilst we did. We were sat right alongside the river, and it was a lovely February day. We both had tea, mine was decaf, and ordered a scone with jam and butter and a slice of Victoria Sponge cake. The cakes did not let us down! It was a lovely location to sit and enjoy the scenery around us.

Lady working in the kitchen preparing food, used the toilet whilst wearing blue preparation glove and then returned to the kitchen. Simply unacceptable

Friendly welcoming staff. Very nice cake and tea

Lovely cafe to sit watching the river flow by.

Very good customer service and lovely food served in clean, well maintained premises. Situated right on the river with excellent views this is a great place to stop for either a cup of tea or a quick bite. A good menu, not overloaded with choices, but plenty to choose from. Prices, I felt, were quite high but reasonable (Jan 2023) as the cost of everything has risen considerably recently. Service was very good with staff happy to help and of course the all important smile. I would recommend a stop here as you can be assured of a relaxing place to sit (inside or outside) and enjoy whatever you have chosen. As a side note... Dogs are welcome!

Very nice staff, mediocre food, gluten-free bread - so sandwiches available - fantastic location❗️ Excellent ‘Riparian Entertainments’ à la Hyacinth😁. We also took out a boat which I rate at fun of 5 star⭐️’s. There really aren’t any decent restaurants in this town, even less gluten-free, so we decided to opt for dining ambience, and this was 5 ⭐️ ambience. The food was standard fare 3⭐️s , but the staff were all wonderful; I give them 5 ⭐️s. We also took a tour on the boats, which were a blast; 5⭐️s, BUT, would have been better had the boat crew mentioned that there was a rudder, or even given us rules of boating behavior (drive to the right, overtake on the left). Sadly, we saw many people -like us- not realizing there was a rudder, and everyone rowing every which way on the river - a lot of bumper boats going on. For the boat crew, 3⭐️s for poor instructions, but 4 ⭐️s for pleasant and efficient. Overall, very fun, I would return for a boat trip and snack with Riparian Entertainments - on further consideration, it was definitely amusing to see people bumping into one another - rudderless rowing - so maybe the lack of instructions are intentional.😂

Lovely friendly cafe, I highly recommend the turkey, stuffing and cranberry panini.

A must visit when in Knaresbrough. Dog friendly. Great 👍👌 service and staff.

Absolutely corking Victoria sponge. Do not pass by without trying it

Really friendly, comfortable and warm cafe. The food suited us and was really tasty. I scored it lower only due to the fact that if with my coeliac daughter, would have loved to see a gluten free option.

I was in the town with a friend who'd been to the café previously and had recommended it. Had to wait a few minutes outside before we got a table. But the beautiful surroundings made our wait very pleasant. The moorings for the boats were underwater as they'd been a heavy rainfall. One inside the café we were seated and chose from the menu. There was a roaring log burner at one end so it was very warm inside. I ordered their signature Rocky burger, salad, chips and gherkins with chilli jam ontop of a sumptuous cheese burger with crispy bacon. My friend who was gluten free and scrambled eggs with bacon on gluten free bread. I have a cappuccino and the coffee was excellent and my friend had Yorkshire tea... Fantastic views of the bridge and river, a popular spot I bet in summer once people go out on the boats. Will definitely come back here again!

Cayooot, nice food, always busy and dog friendly

Food delicious and a nice log burning stove.

A warm place for a coffee in a winter time, enjoying the view of the bridge, frequently staff as well.

Worst turkey pannini ever. Could not taste the turkey as the one slice was so thin. Sorry guys you need to up your game.

Stopped here for some lunch, beautiful place with a beautiful view. Lovely food and drinks and friendly staff. Perfect thank you.

Nice cafe with log burner with great views of the river. Great service, nice food, veggie options and nice atmosphere. Bacon rolls were nice as was cream with coffee which a lot of cafes don't do.