Merriments Restaurant in Rother

Appealing menu. Nice space with tablecloths making it look attractive. Handed menus quickly and told about Specials board. Staff took our food order and drinks, we hadn't been shown drink list, they were friendly. Drinks arrived quickly but waited over an hour for food! We hadn't been told about any delay or wait. Food was tasty but we were so hungry it was eaten quickly. Enquired about wait for dessert and we're told kitchen wouldn't even look at the order for at least 15 minutes . It was ridiculous as we wanted cheesecake with a scoop of icecream which any member of staff could have prepared.

Very enjoyable lunch in lovely surroundings. Proper linen tablecloths changed after every customer. Staff couldn't have been any more pleasant and eager to please. Food imaginative, well presented on lovely crockery and very tasty. Cannot fault.

We had a meal here for Mother’s Day and we absolutely loved it ! Great flavours and great presentation , we had booked here on the recommendation that there was a new chef and my friends had said how wonderful a meal was here a few weeks before , if you haven’t tried recently I can’t recommend the place any highe x

We only called in for a coffee but as the cakes looked so delicious (and they had gluten free options) we finished up having one of those as well. Both the coffee and the cake were delicious and the cake portion was large enough for two. Reasonably priced and good value for money with friendly, helpful staff. Looking at the menu, there seemed a good choice and, again, reasonably priced. I'm sure we'll be back for a meal

I am impressed by the loveliness of the waiting staff, and how vegan friendly the menue is.. Mum had sausages on bubbke and squeak...not vegan...but a lovely idea. I had chickpea and mushroom wellington with greens new potatoes and spiced tomatoe dressing.

We stopped off here thinking we would get a light lunch for us adults & my 3yr old. Wished we hadn’t bothered! There were no kids options whatsoever & the staff weren’t helpful in providing any options other than a scone or a tea cake. I asked if they could just do a cheese sandwhich but that wasn’t possible. There is a cheese & ham toastie on the menu, so I asked for it without the ham, but that wasn’t possible as “they are already made up” My hungry boy had to make do with a scone & some salad & crisps from my plate. Also no kid friendly drinks available. I ordered a vegetarian sausage roll & was given pork!! So it just went from bad to worse. And we were given cutlery that was so filthy it didn’t even look like it had been washed at all. A terrible experience, very disappointing!

Went for afternoon tea but as with another visitor there seemed a reluctance to serve us (at 3:50p.m.) - they were closing at 4:00 p.m "as no customers" but just squeezed us in.But we left as despite handing us extensive menus all they could offer were chocolate brownies - we only asked for a slice of sponge cake and lemon drizzle cake.Can't see the point of serving teas if they close at 4:00p.m. - isn't that normal English tea time?So disappointing as we are locals and would like to support our own village businesses - but why bother???No wonder they have no customers.

Went for a solo lunch at the cafe and upon arrival the young guy almost seemed annoyed by me wanting to eat there, I asked him for a table for 1, and he seemed really weirdly hesitant and said "eerrmm.. you do realise its outdoor seating only", i am fully aware of the current restrictions in place. Ordered a coffee first and asked if they had Oat milk, to which the same young guy responded, "no but we have semi skimmed?", not quite sure if he knows how "non dairy milk" works. i then ordered a scone and they only had cheese ones, so it came with chutney, but i didn't realise this, so i asked one of the staff (older female) if it would be possible to swap the chutney for jam, which she then gave me a really strange look, paused and said "..really? .. with a cheese scone?", i did not expect to get judged when coming to the garden centre for lunch!?!?! she even said herself that i wasn't the first to ask. i found it really rude. all round poor experience and i won't go back there for lunch ever again, go to staplecross down the road instead. it was a shame because the young girl who i paid with at the end was so so lovely!

We happened to be passing by (making our way back home to Hertfordshire, after a lovely break in Sussex) and wanted to round it off with afternoon tea somewhere. We are so glad we stopped here, what a delight. We ate inside the restaurant (tables are limited due to current coronavirus situation), but plenty of seating outside in the courtyard. Lovely gift shop side of the garden centre too.Our afternoon tea was such good value for money, beautifully presented and so tasty - we had a choice of sandwich fillings and a slice of homemade cake (a very hard choice as all so tempting!)Please either move to Hertfordshire or open a branch near us!

Well.., where do I start!So Very briefly, I travel around the country buying and selling exotic plants etc to the rich and famous and also to small outlets. I've been to Merriments on a couple of occasions in the past, of which my last visit was mid summer last year (June/July) & popped in for a quick bite to eat as I've eaten at a lot of garden centres etcI must say, not bad but also not that good either, but this time I was with my wife & was unexpectedly passing through the area and thought we'd get a bite so popped in to Merriments... Well what a wonderful and very delicious surprise we had! Clearly a new chef is on board as what we was given was outstanding.Full flavoured, beautifully presented and great value for money. It doesn't state it anywhere, (Naughty Merriments) that you do a great VEGAN BASED menu I found out. My wife had the vegan burger... She said 'that was probably the best one I've ever had....proper vegan food here' And I had the Caponata with a warmed caramelised onion sourdough roll & added an egg on top... WOW! That's it.... WOW... To both dishes!! Well done Chef, well done staff & well done Merriments!! I love where this place is going so to everyone who might read this... Go there, wonderful people and wonderful food!! Thank you Merriments I'll see you in the Summer!!! Many kind regards, Mr & Mrs Javier marquees du pont

The standard of catering in the restaurant is a cut above that of most ‘Garden Centre’ locations. It soon becomes clear that the chef is passionate about his art and delivers excellent looking and tasting food that is also good value. Highly recommended for morning snacks, lunch or afternoon tea.

i only called in for a cup of coffee but I should think that I'll be taking my wife for a meal. The service was friendly and efficient. The place bright, airy and welcoming. There's even a vedry comfortable, separate seating area for those just wanting a drink. And, if that's not all, there's a good garden centre and the wonderful Merriments Gardens adjoining. The reason why I'll be taking my wife for a meal is that she is Gluten Free and the menu at Merriments Restaurant is packed full of dishes which are suitable for those who are Gluten Free (as well as Vegetarians).

We took a break from the excellent gardens to have a leisurely lunch here. The range is good and everything seems to be cooked to order. I had a baked potato and my colleague had the fish plate, and both were huge, perfectly cooked, and well thought-out. Little touches like the sun-dried tomatoes and olives made all the difference. Although it's not rock-bottom prices, given the quantity of food, it's really very reasonable, and we didn't need much dinner that evening!As some other reviewers have noted, we did have to wait at times for service as the staff were busy. However, they all seemed to be working as hard as they could, and we had absolutely no problems with this. Our waitress was friendly, polite, and thoughtful, and it was such a lovely location right next to a marvellously aromatic jasmine plant that we were happy to relax and let the world go by.We'll definitely be returning.

Had a lovely baguette. Stained table clothes were a let down. Service was good and quick. Would return. Menu options were not my favourite.

Thoroughly enjoyed my nachos. My partner and his dad had ham & cheese warmed baguette that they enjoyed too. Afterwards had a nice little walk around the garden centre before we continued our journey home. Next time will go for a walk through the gardens

Just popped in for afternoon tea , very pleasant, staff excellent and food good value. It would be nice if the cakes and scones were on show so that you could see what you choose. The lunch menu looks good !

After soaking in the beautiful gardens we were all looking forward to a scone and cream.The scones were far too over baked ,very hard and cream in a tiny jar !!! how awful, there was no taste to the cream. A very disappointing tea. I sincerely hope cream in a jar doesn't catch on, it strips a cream tea of all beauty and British tradition.

Warm welcome by the waitress. Coffee served to us - no self service queue which was lovely. Thought the coffee was expensive (no change out of £5.00 for 2 coffee's)

I have visited these gardens over many years and our visit last week saw these at their very best. The gardens are so intimate and beautiful you want to take them home - well you can! All the plants are for sale in their garden centre, which has helpful knowledgeable staff. I would also recommend the restaurant, the homemade scones (I was informed these are made fresh daily by Bob, who has been baking for many decades) were a delight and I booked for lunch after the garden visit. The lunch menu was varied and well executed and the banoffi sundae was everything you always want an ice cream sundae to be. The staff were busy but found to time to chat, laugh and make recommendations.A beautiful, relaxed day out, or even just a fantastic cafe stop.

Pleasant venue. Went for afternoon tea and was provided with a sizeable pot, scones and some shortbread - all reasonably priced and very tasty so no complaints. Shame about the unsmiling, fairly terse waitresses.

I don’t think I have ever had such poor service in a Restaurant. I was in the industry myself for over 14 years and if one of my staff had spoken to a customer like the blonde waitress at this venue today, I would have dismissed them

First time we have been to this restaurant in years. . It has changed a bit and for the better. They served a very tasty lunch although rather slowly.

We eat at Merriments occasionally and have always been happy. Unfortunately a visit for A Christmas lunch was very disappointing. Only enough veg for one. Stuffing hard as bullets. Lukewarm food. My dessert not as stated on the menu.

Had lunch with a friend on Monday here and was very happy with our visit. The staff were so helpful and polite. The menu was full of mouth watering choices. Lots of vegetarian options. There was soup of the day, roasts, lasagne, jacket potatoes with many fillings, sandwiches and plenty more options. We had a very enjoyable lunch and at a very reasonable price. Also as it at Merriments there is a lovely gift shop to look around and of course the garden centre. Will be returning soon.

We only had coffee which was great. Good menu but we didn't eat there. Next time as other people's food looked good.

Enjoyed a wonderful afternoon family tea celebrating father in laws 89th birthday.

Was a decent meal, but expensive. I watched an older gentleman place my prawn korma. With one tub of prawns microwaved, one sauce and probably the whole dish. Not sure if it is brought in sauce portioned out or homemade..... but cheeky paying £13 to simply zap it in the microwave.

Went for lunch with my family. Waitress was lovely and friendly. Service was quick. Children ordered a panini which looked fab. Husband ordered the beef chilli with nachos which was a massive portion. (he was very happy). I myself ordered the quiche with new potatoes. Which after seeing the quality and portion size of everything else I was excited about. But what I was given was so disappointing. My quiche was flat as a pancake and burnt on top. I've never seen anything so pathetic. I was so dissapointed. You can buy bigger ones in a shop!!!

Excellent all round with the staff, food and menu. Nice ambience looking over the plants etc, and very clean and efficient service

If you are travelling on the Robertsbridge region of Kent and expect a fantastic choice of lunch venues then think again. Just about everywhere is shut on Mondays.

We had a very good lunch today 11th July. Food was extremely good served by very friendly staff. We did not have to wait long for the food. Highly recommended.

We went in for lunch having enjoyed it there in the past. This time was very average. We ordered two drinks and a shared fish platter. You would think if they had an ounce of thought the waitresses could be told to take out the drinks first just in case a second one would be ordered.

Had a lovely walk round the gardens then decided to go for tea and cake. Ordered two coffee a d walnut cakes and one cream tea plus drinks the cakes arrived but 10 minutes later we had to ask for the cream tea a miserable lad said we forgot walked off got the cream tea gave it to my partner then walked off again not a sorry or anything it ruined what would have been a nice afternoon. I suggest you give your staff some training in customer relations.

Four of us came for Sunday lunch. We all had something different. Considering the beautiful setting and the air of refinement, my expectations were raised.

Went there for afternoon tea, it was lovely. Nice tea and cakes. Very good service. will come again soon.

Came here with friends for lunch, we had the mussels and the chicken salad both well presented, cooked and tasty meals, staff very friendly, oh and I had a hot chocolate one of the best I’ve had, drink and mussels were piping hot, will certainly be going again, afterwards we looked at the plants and shop well worth a visit

Fantastic! From start to finish; the staff worked hard and were so helpful and friendly. Although a set menu the choice was perfect as something for all tastes. The food and portions were plentiful, and cooked perfectly. We were a table of 7 and everyone was complimentary!

Travelled 30 miles for our first visit this year. Lunch was brilliant. The meat pudding was excellent and filling. My wife had salmon which again was great. Quite a busy dining room but the service was quick and friendly. Excellent, varied menu. Would recommend merriments to everybody.

Reviewed MERRIMENTS Cafe and Shop a few months ago when it was in-between owners. It was very nice then, but quite sparse. On returning this week, the improvement is immense. The new owners have obviously put a lots of thought and effort into the layout / items they now sell. All lovely, could have spent a small fortune and most things very reasonable. Had some lovely Christmas decorations & cards. Went to the cafe for breakfast, which was tasty and well priced. The staff were the same as my previous visit, very friendly and welcoming. I did buy some plants this time, lots of variety and choice. I really hope the new owners efforts are rewarded for all their hard work, as it is a real Gem.

Met up with some friends for lunch. We really enjoyed our meal. It was very tasty, hot and well presented. The staff were polite and helpful. We would like to return when the weather is warmer to look around their lovely garden.

Attended an anniversary lunch at the Merriments restaurant, which is under new ownership. Lovely meal and very pleasant attentive staff. Will be going back.

The scones were delicious as was the cake. It was a very pleasant place to finish up after seeing the beautiful gardens. Go and eat there!

Lovely gardens, although visited late August and probably a.little past it's best. I did think the. £6.50 entrance fee was a bit excessive . I did laugh at the so called pond, which had many bullrushes but no water. There is however another pond with rather murky water, if you look closely there are koi carp to be Seen. Didn't use the restaurant, so can't comment on it. The plants for sale were rather expensive. However if you're looking for something unusual, this is a good place to find something for your garden

Visitamos Merriments para ver unos retretes en pantalla y decidimos tomar unos refrescos. Tés eran realmente agradables (y no estaba mal de precio) pero un poco desilusionarse en cobrar 3 libras. 75 para la media del tamaño de torta para rebanadas cada uno de nuestros...

Nos encontramos con este restaurante jardín un sábado. Decidimos parar para almorzar y no nos decepcionó. Tuve el tocino y Panini brie win amreally era de buen tamaño y muy sabrosa, mi marido tenía la ot Stilton y champiñones baguette, regresamos con ensalada. Teníamos una...

Estábamos bastante temprano, así que nos sentamos fácilmente antes un autobús de fiesta llegamos. El servicio era excelente y la camarera era joven y amable, eficiente y muy agradable. El café estaba bien, pero las tartas eran del día anterior (o más) y mantenido en...

Parado para té y pasteles en el camino para ver amigos. El restaurante es bastante grande y tenía algunas mesas más grandes disponibles (6 a 8) de estar siempre bien si hay un grupo de ustedes. Había varias tartas a elegir lo que podrían ser vistos antes de decidir que uno tenga, que algunos de nosotros. Todos ellos están hechos en las premisas, lo cual fue agradable para ver. No llegamos hasta las 3, así que el menú del almuerzo había terminado pero había tés/varios pasteles y tortas de té tostado todavía disponibles. Nos sentamos en el patio justo fuera del restaurante, que era precioso, ya que era muy bonita y un día soleado. Todo fue muy agradable y el personal era amable. Tienes que ir a través de la tienda para llegar al restaurante, que era muy escaso. En las mujeres o hablando en el restaurante, me dijeron que tenía nuevos propietarios MERRIMENTS que estaban teniendo sobre la próxima semana,

10 libras. 90 para el asado del día, que hoy era pollo envuelto en tocino. Totalmente insípido y difícil. Poquito de relleno, que era dura y sin sabor.

The lovely location and homemade coleslaw (delicious) were somewhat offset by a poor lasagne and a cold meat platter that included a good Pie let down by overcooked Chicken breast and two slices of Ham on a bare plate for £12.50.If offering cold meat cuts care should be taken with presentation and the initial cooking time of items like Chicken breast as chilling dries the meat further...Items like tomatoes and vegetable crisps assist presentation and demonstrate attention to detail.I am told the Cakes and Teas here are very good though...

We always manage to convince ourselves it's necessary to have a snack / meal every time we visit the garden. We start with a coffee then do the rounds of the wonderful garden, next stop the cafe. They may be moderate cups of coffee but the meals are quite adequate. They apologise in advance for any delay delivering the food but it is prepared while you wait, can't be much fresher. Have both enjoyed every meal we've had over the years during our 'quarterly-seasonal' visits. You may have to wait to be seated during their very busy times; summer weekends.

We had some local drinks (cider and lemonade) and some baguettes as meal.Food and drinks were ok, very long waiting time up to one hour due to a larger group entering just before us.I found it rather expensive (40 pounds) for the 3 of us.

This was our third visit to the garden center followed by a meal in the restaurant.It's lovely to look at all the great plants and then sit down over a leisurely meal and have a chin wag with old friends. But Oh, what's gone wrong? You would think a month before Christmas the place would be decked out to give you that Xmas feeling, I think I saw one set of lights, and hardly any plants, not very welcoming. But our most disappointment was the 'restaurant'. Four of us sat down, all ordered different dishes. I had the steak and kidney pud, very nice , but the vegetables tasted like they'd been cooked for three hours, the carrots were mushy and watery, the cabbage bland and very overcooked. My wife had the game pie, looked and tasted bland and had the look of being previously frozen, I tasted it and would not have known what it was if I hadn't known. Our friends had the daily roast and a fish pie, very bland. We followed with sweets, but they didn't justify the £5.50 price tag. The restaurant is very 'echoee' , and when they're using the coffee frothing machine, you can't talk over the noise. I think if you're charging average £10.50 for a main and £5.50 for a sweet in a cafe' it should be outstanding, otherwise go to a local pub. On conclusion, we walked around the garden center, but there was nothing to see, almost smacks of selling out. Won't be going back. Such a shame.

Popped in to look around garden centre,saw restaurant,fancied quick snack!Sat down and ordered eggs on toast and a bacon baguette and two latte's,then informed that to late as food on breakfast menu (it was approx midday) so ordered two tea cakes with jam! would have preferred original request any way quickly served so tucked in!Yuk! Tea cakes odd taste and what appeared to be lightly toasted,not light and fluffy like should be,Latte's weak and lacking in flavour,finished paid £9.00 and left,drove away with both of us saying we had odd taste in out mouths so ether tea cakes jam or latte's caused odd taste!Conclusion won't go in there again!Ps when paying saw chef?Pouring what was possibly soup from a five litre plastic bottle!Surely not?Wow bet that tasted home made! For ever who got that!How can you ruin a tea cake???

No visit to Merriments Garden, that little gem of the South East, would be complete without a visit to the Restaurant. My wife and I have been many times. We called in for lunch on the 1st October 2015 and sampled their brand new menu: my wife had soup and I had an excellent Game Pie, beautifully garnished. Our lattes were a little weaker than we would have liked, but a quick word to the waiter and we had stronger coffees in no time, accompanied by a lovely but quite unnecessary apology. We really like the ambience of the place: nicely furnished, tables not too close together, and polite, attentive but discreet staff. My compliments to the manager! We shall return again and again.

This is a lovely cafe within Merriment Gardens. There were four of us and we had sandwiches. The salmon and cream cheese sandwich was amazing! I noticed that many friends in the area meet there for lunch.

Called in on a wet and windy lunchtime. We were seated promptly and service was good. We opted for jacket potatoes and baguettes (there were three of us). Fillings in the baguettes was plentiful and the jacket potato was filled with cheese. Dessert was on the large side and had we know, would have ordered one dessert to share. The restaurant was not overly warm which was a bit disappointing but will definitely go again.

Merriment's restaurant provides a warm and excellent service offering a wide choice of traditional meals and cream/savoury teas. You will be pleasantly uplifted by the personal table service, the relaxed but prompt speed of the service, and the quality of the courses.

We had a disappointing return visit here earlier this month for their cream tea. The restaurant staff seemed poorly organised and chaotic and stood around talking when there were tables to be served. One member of staff was quite surly and banged the plates down as if we were an inconvenience. The sandwiches for the cream tea were sparsely filled and looked as if they had been cut into chunks by a 5 year old. The cake was good although the lemon was sickly. You need to get your act together or you will lose your regular customers.

This has become one of our favourite garden nursery's and garden attractions; consequently we regularly visit the 'restaurant'. Don't expect the world and you will not be disappointed. The food is good, although some may feel a slightly restricted menu is offered. The service is wonderful, the staff so helpful. Take it in as part of your visit to their 4 acre gardens [absolutely terrific] and an unusual nursery and you should experience a good time. Naturally being able to sit outside amongst the plants on a sunny day can make all the difference!

When we visited it was a sweltering hot summer day, what they called their summer menu, consisted of things like Game pie, Lasagne and sandwiches, amongst other things, no salads, goodness knows what their winter menu will be.The food was utterly terrible and seemed to have been prepared by someone who knows absolutely nothing about cooking or food preperation, I asked if I could perhaps have a prawn salad which they did oblige me with but served it up with coleslaw which had sultanas and black grapes and two huge slices of sliced bread and butter, never again!

Before visiting the gardens we decided on something to eat and the lunchtime menu was comprehensive, excellent value and very enjoyable. The staff are very helpful and we weren't rushed even though it became very full. There is both hot and cold meal selections and although we chose cold the hot food seemed very appetizing and well received from some of the comments we heard from other customers. Our lunch of sandwiches and salad was well presented, the bread so fresh and with a good filling, and extremely tasty. An excellent meal all round and very good value.

Lovely staff, nice surrounding and good prices. However the menu is on 3 separate bits of paper, so very confusing. The choice of food is poor with very little healthy options and the counter area could be more interesting.