Orangery Tea Room in Rother - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Heard lots of good reviews, but was disappointed. The soup had to be sent back as it was tepid at best. The sandwiches were laughable for the cost, would have got a better deal out of a supermarket at a cheaper cost. Unable to reserve a table for six of us and had to chance availability. Apparently you can reserve if you are having a cream tea. Would return to walk the grounds and have a coffee, which was decent, but would not waste my money on the food.

Ashburnham Place orangery cafe and the adjacent church and grounds are a lovely place to visit. The cafe was revamped in early 2023, although it seemed like they just put some new seating and long servery and forgot to do some needed repairs to the inside of the building itself. There are lots of food options, but not too many savoury dishes for non meat eaters. For example four ciabatta's were on offer all with meat fillings. Options for vegetarians appeared to be a cheese sandwich, soup of the day or salad. The food we had was perfectly fine, and the cakes which were delicious. There were quite a lot of flies inside, including many dead in the windows.

The Orangery has recently been refurbished. They have new chefs, and it’s very own bakery, making artisan breads. I had a salad selection it was more than amazing. Best meal out I’ve had in a very long time. My husband had focaccia Then we finished with an Almond croissant. Bought a sourdough bread to take home. Another trip planned soon to sample their amazing scones. Oh and the sausage rolls they looked A MAZ ING

We visited today as a family. We ordered fruit scones and they were massive, fresh and absolutely delicious. We also shared a cheese scone with again was massive. It came with butter, cheese which was great quality and the most delicious onion chutney. Drinks were hot and a good size. Choice of milks were available and when we asked for extra hot almond milk it wasn’t a problem at all. We sat outside which was lovely. Yes we had to wait a while for the food but I believe the time was totally acceptable looking at how many people that were there. The gardens and lake are beautiful. Will we return - absolutely

Went here today with my father and family for Fathers Day. Wrong order was brought out, followed by undercooked sausage rolls. Staff were rather rude and miserable. One of the family members walked inside to find them laughing and talking about our food. So very rude and unprofessional

Our whole experience was so bad that I almost don’t know where to start….. We lunched on a weekday with nice weather and the tearoom was busy but not frantic. When we placed our order of an open sandwich and an ordinary sandwich we were warned that there might be a delay. Our drinks arrived after about 10 minutes and the waiter put my glass on the table holding it with his bare hands around the top ( appallingly bad hygiene ! ). Our food arrived after 40 minutes. Dry cardboard tasting white bread with tasteless ham. The open sandwich was a slight improvement but the homemade sourdough bread was so tough that I eventually gave up trying to saw my way through it and left it. There seems a plentiful number of staff all milling around seeming to achieve nothing but all looking thoroughly miserable. The setting is idyllic and I could spend acres of time in the grounds but definitely not in the tearoom!

Amazing food and drink in a beautiful atmosphere, with very friendly service. Food and drinks locally sourced - a really great place to have a break, enjoy and relax!

Great place but only go if you have a lot of time on your hands ..snack arrived way before coffees which took over 20mins to find us...lacked any energy..better experience for us prior to refurbishment

Just been refurbished and nicely done. Like the branding. Lots of options for pastries and cakes. However disappointed with only one choice of gluten free cake which was the usual offering of a chocolate brownie. Where had the gluten free sponges gone? Did have a gluten free fruit scone which was nice. Large latte is large - super and tasty. The long counter is great but all the food is uncovered and you have to walk back past the queue to get out which is not that helpful as the space is tight. Lots of outside tables. Good service and a lovely venue. Free parking. You can also have a circular 20 minute walk around the lake if you wish!!

Booked an afternoon tea for today, what lovely friendly service and the tea was fabulous, lovely sandwiches and really good scones, we took the cakes home as we couldn’t fit them in. For only £13.50 highly recommended you try it.

We have been coming to the orangery for years and were really looking forward to our visit today but what on earth is going on:- cardboard plates cardboard drinks containers wooden knives and forks (useless) terrible coffee we could go on. They need to reintroduce proper china and glassware (we sat indoors). Try cutting a piece of cheese or a roll with a cardboard knife ridiculous. I asked for metal cutlery and was met with a blank stare. They had a special of focaccia with tomatoes and mozarella but the focaccia roll bore no relationship to any focaccia I've ever had. A really disappointing visit and we won't be coming again until they can reassure us that they have reverted to 'normal' service. All that paper and cardboard wastage is shocking too.

V disappointed to have the whole tea experience given plastic/ paper cups and plates. ...we make quite a drive to Ashburnham. .were the prices reduced for what can only be described as a below average experience?

An excellent place for good quality homemade cake and fantastic array of drinks. You can sit in the Orangery or outside at tables provided. Set in the tranquil grounds of Ashburnham Place outside Battle Sussex. We have visited here many occasions and never been let down . Traditional afternoon tea is not available until Sept 2022 for some unknown reason.

We have been here on several occasions, The service is good as is the food and drinks. The walk in the grounds fabulous and so very peaceful the wee shop is also very good for gifts etc'.

A beautiful day and a lovely location, sadly disappointed by the thinnest slice of cake I have ever received. But this cake was priced highly. Beware cake lovers...

Ashburnham is a wonderful place, and the Tea Room is situated in the atmospheric old Orangery. There is a limited menu of sandwiches and panini, but plenty of cakes and drinks. A wonderful place to meet, chat and eat, and then walk round the lake afterwards.

We had our golden wedding anniversary Tea here for 25 people. It was Fantastic. Diets catered for, too much delicious food. Large scones, delicious cakes the sandwiches so fresh. We asked for some of Ashburnham s Apple juice extra for the tables, unlimited tea. We...

The Orangery was the place my father looked forward to going to every week with his friend for chocolate cake and coffee. The final time he managed to get there was his birthday in 2019. So, the only place that seemed appropriate for my father's...

It's dangerous to go to this place ... you will come back with incredible memories, and you will have tasted such good pastries!

My latest visit was very disappointing the ploughimens lunch used to be so good.but today was a giant letdown.the ham was very poor quality small portion of cheese all on a small plate to make it look more.my people there were saying that it has...

Since my first visit to an orangery as a child, I have always loved this type of building. I love the surroundings and just feel good wandering around the beautiful surroundings

Having had some lovely visits to the Orangery I was extremely disappointed this time. There is now no indoor seeing due to covid regulations and you queue up to collect your food. Unfortunately this queue was over 45 minutes long (and there was no one...

Having read some reviews I thought the cream tea at Ashburnham place would be lovely. We were so disappointed, in fact that is an understatement. I don’t know where to start. On arrival to Ashburnham place it’s stunning. Then second by second it gets worse...

Nice cream tea with large scones. Very long wait in the queue - stood for approx an hour - hopefully not usual.

Great destination and popular, not widely advertised. Good food and coffee (Cheese scones are the best and enormous), not enough vegetarian or vegan choices. Prices very reasonable. I don't envy the guys/girls who need to climb up and up to clean the cobwebs and windows!!...

Excellent House and Gardens, Tea Room in Orangery, Excellent Cream Teas ,very good service. House is not open to public but shop is, also the grounds are open to the public. Well worth a visit.

I visited the tea room today for the first time. Beautiful setting, lovely tea room, super friendly staff BUT, apart from a meze style lunch, there were no vegan options. There were plant based milks available and the coffee was fab but at 1030 in...

The tea room was friendly and the food was served very quickly. The food itself was delicious and I would certainly pay it another visit. There was a wide selection for gluten free, vegetarian and vegan people and I'd particularly recommend the cheese scones.

Everything was dealt with in a professional way. The team serving wor kedgeree together well and we had a lovely time

This is our tea room, cake stop, bite of lunch or soup stop of choice. Make room for a lovely stroll around the lake and drink in the beautiful ambience of the place. We have never been disappointed with the place. It does get busy...

I came here with my Nan and sister for a girly catch up and tea! My sister and I had a cream tea for £4.75pp. This came with a choice of a fruit or plain scone, butter, cream, jam and a pot of tea. My...

I have managed to visit the Orangery Tea Room a few times, but more often than not have been disappointed by the absolutely atrocious booking facilities for the tea room, with phones continually not answered and a poorly updated website.The Orangery itself is lovely overlooking the grounds designed by Capability Brown and the food is reasonably priced and good; however, do beware that the same atmosphere is lacking if you're unable to be accommodated in the Orangery (Christmas meals) and are allocated another characterless room in the brick monstrosity which has been tagged on to the original historic building.Most recently I was very disappointed when I'd carefully checked Orangery Tea Room closed days on the website and attempted to visit with some family, only to find it closed at short notice for some event.I'm normally a very patient person, but the Orangery has let me down one to many times.

Great hidden tea rooms in the grounds of Ashbumham Place. Why not have a walk around the lakeside first and finish up in the Orangery designed by Lancelot Brown. Yes the wasps can be a big problem but that's nature. A good veggie meze with good service.

We had lunch in the Orangery and the staff were friendly and efficient. The menu was adequate for our needs and very reasonably priced. You can then enjoy the beautiful grounds and visit the church. An excellent place to visit for lunch or afternoon tea.

We had been trying to book afternoon tea for a friends birthday but unfortunately due to the orangery being closed we were unable to book afternoon tea but were advised we could come for lunch.

We had been trying to book afternoon tea for a friends birthday for weeks but unfortunately due to the tearoom being closed for events there was no way of booking this. Once we finally got through we was told there was no bookings available for afternoon tea but would be able to walk in for lunch, so this is what we did.

Such beautiful setting , gorgeous lunch and good quality for a very reasonable price . Service was excellent and so helpful . Ideal for Disabled .

Spent a lovely lunch time here in these beautiful surroundings with a good selection of food and drink.

Very disappointing, the scones crumbled to dust the minute you tried to butter them. Cake wasn't served so we ended up taking it home. Sandwiches were dry and curling at edges... Plue the service was appealing. Over all not worth the price..... And very disappointed expected better.

Beautiful grounds, lovely walks around the lake, beautiful wildlife and plants, loved the kitchen garden and the chickens. Orangery has lovely cakes and drinks, plus lunches and snacks. The pistachio and raspberry roulade was amazing. Beautiful venue.

What a place beautiful setting very friendly staff great food and the best flat whites in Sussex. Easy parking and wheelchair access, a wonderful place.

Beautiful setting & surroundings, lovely Orangery Tea Room & plants.

On arrival you sweep down a driveway to a view of an amazing house. Quite beautiful. We found parking easy and we walked across to the Orangery tea room.

Great variety of home made cakes, even providing Vegan cake too! Lovely large homemade scones, fresh soup and lovely sandwich selection, as well as other light bites and lunch specials. The Orangery is spacious and airy and has outdoor seating too which overlooks beautiful gardens. Lovely historic setting with royal links in its history, feels like a little oasis of peace with a rich history. Tearoom is suitable for children too. Staff friendly and attentive. Well worth a visit!

Friends kindly introduced me to the Orangery Tea Room recently and I was delighted to discover such a tranquil and welcoming setting for my morning coffee. The coffee was good and the scone was delicious. I can well understand why people are drawn to these beautiful surroundings and I am so looking forward to going back on a day when the weather is kinder and I will be able to explore more.

I went last Sunday (not first time and for sure not the last). Scones and capuccino were top notch and of course the surroundings are beautiful.

We used to visit regularly with our young sons. Service was always good and the staff helpful. Visited this Sunday afternoon. A different story.

Lovely place to go with friends for a coffee and catch up. It's a shame that Ashburrnham doesn't allow dogs. Such a lovely setting

Took father in law for lunch last week and once again ere impressed by this delightful tea room that offers good quality and value food and drink in gorgeous surroundings.

Really enjoyed our afternoon tea- lovely to be able to order a gluten free afternoon tea for one of our group too. We did order our teas in advance so the table was all ready on our arrival. Liked seeing the crusts off the sandwiches - one thing would be to change the cucumber sandwiches or add another filling with the cucumber to make it more interesting and tasty. A small point but worth mentioning. Scones were huge and you have the choice of a slice of cake from any on display. If you can’t manage it all they give you a box to take what’s left home! Good service and a lovely venue. Free parking. You can also have a circular 20 minute walk around the lake if you wish!! Thank you!

Ate at lunch time today at the Orangery - which was so packed we had to sit outside. We both ordered a Brie with cranberry sauce and rocket toasted panini. Had to ask if Diet Cokes were available because they are not mentioned on the menu and were nowhere in site - presumably so people think there is no option apart from the very highly priced menu items.

Today we took our granddaughter for afternoon tea , in wonderful setting . The tea was delicious and the scones wonderful thank you so much .

We visited here today, it was a lovely day! We had a wander round the vast grounds before having lunch, we sat outside and enjoyed the great views, we all chose sandwiches which were so tasty and with salad and crisps, such great value, very friendly service too would highly recommend a visit here and look

I love the Orangery. Beautiful location, wonderful food. Amazing cakes! Can't find any faults. A real treat.

The Orangery Tea Room is set within the Ashburnham Estate. A visit there feels like stepping into another world of tranquillity and calm. It is a special venue, steeped in history, set in the most stunning landscaped grounds. There is a lake that offers a 20 minute circular walk that can be taken either before or after visiting the Orangery. Teas & coffee with delicious cakes or light lunches are on offer. The salad garnishes are imaginative and a significant part of the sandwich or panini options. All are incredibly good value and with delightful service. It is located in the old, large conservatory that houses an impressive number of camellias growing inside it. It is a spacious, light room which never feels crowded even when all of the tables are filled. In the summer there is the additional offer of tables outside with the extremely attractive view of manicured gardens and a striking fountain. This place is a hidden gem. I cannot recommend it more highly.

We go at least 4 times a year if not more and have never had a single problem . This place is the perfect place to sit relax and enjoy the company of friends and family whilst indulging in the best scones or sandwiches .

The Orangery Tea rooms have a small but excellent choice of foods all at incredibly reasonable prices. The cheese scones are the best in Sussex and if you're there in the morning, still warm from the oven. Good quality coffee and friendly cheerful volunteer staff.

Well worth a visit. The grounds were l6aid out by Capability Brown in the 18th century. Walking around their lakes is a great way to get away from the hustle of every day life

I was very impressed with the gardens - a beautiful tranquil place to visit on a warm afternoon. The restaurant serve a variety of soups, sandwiches and high tea also available. For those with the energy to walk around the grounds allow a cpl of hours./

We were passing by looking for somewhere for a light lunch and my friend said she had visited here many years ago and we should see what it's like now. I was enchanted by the green stretches of lawn down to the lake, the little bridge, and the vast expanse of areas to walk. A photographer's dream. Living in South Africa it is such a realistic reminder of English country living. On arrival at the tea room we had smoked salmon sandwiches with all the trimmings, my friend is allergic to peppers and the waitress kindly replaced the salad. There was an unusual selection of cold drinks, I've never had rhubarb and (I forget) but it was delicious. It was fascinating to see the converted stable and carriage houses - easy to imagine life as it was in those days. The weather in June was sunny and pleasant and we dined on the patio. So glad we took a chance.

Arrived quite late but was able to find a table inside. The outside seating looked inviting but the weather needed to be not so windy. Image much better. Trialling a new service style, which meant we ordered at the bar and waited for everything to be brought. Cakes way before drinks, so although everything very tasty, I think things needed to be brought the other way round

I visited with my family on Sunday for a late lunch (not the first time, but the first time I have reviewed) It was a lovely sunny day and we were lucky as there was a seats and table outside.

I visited today for the first time this year, I like to visit every now and then, however I ordered a panini which came with a salad that was mostly rotten, I picked out the rotten leaves and what was left had drips of rotten residue from the unwashed rotten salad, which i had to dab on my napkin to clean the leaves of this, I have to say i'm very unimpressed, this is the basics in catering and know this with my own experiences having worked within catering and supervising weddings etc, after leaving I visited the lavatory to find no toilet paper

Entering the grounds by a winding lane over the bridge with a wonderful view of the lake and the out buildings .A collection of cycles (20) lay alongside the barn shows it is a favorite meeting place for cyclists.we had a cream tea consisting of the usual finger sandwiches smoke salmon,cucumber,ham,cheese with plain crisps in the center next tier had scones ( more like rock cakes 1 plain 1 fruit) unfortunately they were large but very dry and when you tried to eat them you had a plate of crumbs , usual pot of cream and jam and choice of tea or coffee . staff very helpful and restaurant was cosy and warm with a small play area for children

Tucked into the Ashburnham estate, quant tea room in the orangery was bright, comfortable and welcoming. Cream tea was excellent and very good value for money.

Had a great afternoon chatting with friends in the delightful location. Kids played on the grass outside.

The Orangery Tea Room is a real jewel in the crown of Ashburnham Estate. We visited for an afternoon tea with a real treat of ham, cucumber and salmon sandwiches, homemade scones and a huge slice of cake. A great range of speciality tea to select from. Kind and caring service.

Beautiful grounds and location. Building is pleasant and lots of available seating. Table service is provided which is a bonus. Menu choices are adequate (sandwiches) but hot food service is limited to soup or quiche. There are a number of wasps flying around which apparently is a common problem.

What a great place this is. Easy to find, lovely walks past lakes and through woods. Wonderful trees and great atmosphere. If you don't want to walk then just to the Orangery Tea Room, inside or on the terrace. It was such a lovely day...

We really like coming here, such a peaceful place winter and summer. The sandwichs are delicious and so is the coffee. Would really recommend the mezze if you want something light and super healthy! Staff are very friendly!

I organise ladies who lunch we went here early this year. Very pleasant, the quiche was superb. Nice place with...

Hemos visitado dos veces, en junio y julio. Ambas ocasiones nos sentamos en la terraza soleada con vista a los jardines. Un lugar maravilloso, una verdadera. Hemos tenido una gran variedad de platos del menú - el mejor fue el jamón de almuerzo con un bollo plowman queso. Los bollos de frutas y variedad de pasteles (hemos tenido de naranja polenta, Esponja victoria, llovizna limón) han sido excelentes. Una gran relación calidad-precio y usted puede trabajar todas esas calorías con un paseo por los jardines. Un maravilloso lugar de paz y tranquilidad. ¡volveremos!

Delighted to have been brought here by friends on a sunny and hot Sunday afternoon, when it was very welcome to get the chance to seek sanctuary under the sun parasols on the patio outside the Orangery itself.We were a group of six, and while most of us were very happy to demolish the outsize scones of an excellent cream tea, the well-stuffed pain, with imaginative fillings were also adjudged winners.

Excelente salón de té situado en jardines en un hermoso 220 acres. Buena variedad de té, café, pasteles, panini, etc, realmente este es un espléndido entorno. Los jardines están bien merece un explorar.

We are fortunate to pass this on a regular basis, so it's great to be able to visit these lovely grounds and have tea in the orangery. Not a huge selection offered, a tea rooms and a light lunch is fine which is clearly what they have set out to offer.This is a hidden gem and anyone travelling past should pop in and experience for themselves. It cannot be seen from the road and you enter like royalty through a gated entrance and travel along a driveway. The grounds are magnificent and well kept and there are pretty lakes. I believe originally landscaped by Capability Brown and painted by Turner!Only issue is that sometimes they are unexpectedly closed for a couple of weeks, so this can be disappointing. I expect this is when the conference/Christian centre is busy with other guests so the offer of the Orangeary to the general public does seem like a bit of a sideline!

I love this place!! I have a two year old and keeping him occupied and trying to talk to friends can be a challenge, but not here!! After something to eat/drink, he can play in the little play area while we sit next to him and chat, with some tea and delicious food, he's happy, I'm relaxed, everyone's super friendly and helpful, the cakes are lovely, kids menu is perfect and then a walk afterwards... my favourite place to go!!

Ashburnham Place itself is a religious retreat in the grounds (by Capability Brown) of a small stately home (best way I can describe it). However, set next to the actual house itself is the Orangery Tea Room. This is open to anyone - religious or heathen!! It is a real gem of a tea room. Very good range of teas / coffees and soft drinks. Sandwiches, paninis, cream teas and cakes to suit all tastes at very reasonable prices. Sit outside like we did today (hottest summer solstice since 1976) and relax in the garden under a sun shade. Bliss. Good waitress service as well. Pay inside the orangery when you have finished then take a stroll around the lake, walled kitchen garden and formal garden. Soft drink, pot of tea, 2 rounds sandwiches and access to the gardens for under 13 quid? NT eat your heart out!

Really good coffee on the terrace. The setting was idyllic. The orangery is very unusual and the garden was looking spectacular. You can walk in the grounds around the lake before or after your visit to the cafe. It's waitress service. We didn't have cake but they looked delicious.

Had a very nice afternoon sitting in the sun the waitress was very attentive and we had a lovely large pot of tea and great warm scones. The views are magnificent as the gardens were established by Capability Brown. Take s stroll around if you have the time it's worth it. Maps can be found in the tea shop.

Out of Battle on the way to Herstmonceux, down a long wooded track to a car park. A long way but worth it. For lunch a good choices and healthy portions, so much that I was not able to test the lovely looking cakes.Good service too and a great looking church to look at next door.

We ordered a cream tea each, Darjeeling and Earl Grey tea.With a fruit scone which was dry with hardly any fruit in it and the teas were very weak and NOT what we ordered.

The orangery is set in some gorgeous grounds, the building itself is light and airy and clean with a small area for children to play in. The cake selection is amazing with some great different flavours, I had avocado and courgette! The scones are incredible and the savoury tea with its supper light but really cheesey scone and high quality cheddar was fabulous. Nice range of savoury dishes, the salmon quiche looked amazing. Great range of tea and coffee all served by lovely staff and great value, loved it and will be back.

Referring to the review about the 100 year old lady, we had the same problems finding the orangery from the car park. There were not a lot of options for wheat intolerance so my husband would have liked an ice cream which we did not find on your menu. It is only after having ordered another drink that I found where the ice creams were. The staff were kind, friendly and happy which was a pleasant surprise as it seemed to be expected in such peaceful surroundings. It was sad not to find the name of the Orangery in the first 10 places to visit near Battle. Having found this little gem we will certainly use the Ashburnham Orangery with our visitors.

A lovely setting for a drive out. Always a lovely selection of cakes. Coffee is lovely. Some ancient plants growing. Now there's plenty of seating outside for summer. Lovely friendly staff from all around the world.

We had a very pleasant afternoon tea here with tasty cakes and lovely tea. However, I am a little disappointed by the care we received. I telephoned the day before to say that I was coming with a 100 year old lady and asked about steps, levels, parking etc and was told that it was easy to get to. So we set off, drive down the drive, get to the road junction and have to squint to read the sign. It is poorly sign-posted with one sign saying left for the tea room and one sign saying straight on for the tea room which is straight through the hedge/wall. So we take the left lane and eventually find the car park. As you leave the car park, on foot, we missed the faded sign and went into the courtyard to the left. No tea room. No signs. So we. back tracked and found the faded sign which sent us in the right direction, through a gate in the hedge upon which we were faced with a considerable walk up the path, up steps, across a patio and up further steps. I was honestly beginning to worry that we would not make it. There was nowhere for us to perch to catch our breath. If you are able bodied, its beautiful and the walk is not a problem but I had rung and specifically asked for information about all this so I am unhappy that this has happened. Taking an octogenarian to the 'Ladies' was also not without its issues - upstairs, keypad lock - the wrong code given to us by the waitress.They need to highlight disabled parking in the front of the house and sort out the toilets otherwise the tea was pleasant.

Nice surrounding, extremly good home cookiong and friendly service with wonderful views of the park.

the restaurant was noisy and table service was ad hoc . The dishes were ok but nothing special .We did not find the ambience very welcoming but they were very busy

1 Americano, 3 pots of earl grey tea, 1 goats cheese & onion panini and 1 afternoon tea all accompanied a wonderful 3.5 hours of reading & resting in the beautiful Orangery.Staff were attentive & friendly, and the atmosphere was soooo peaceful. Cannot recommend this highly enough. Everyone needs to go there at least once in their life!

This is a lovely tea rooms in a beautiful setting. Walks around the lakes and grounds are fantastic. The fruit scones are the best you can get and they are large, eat one and you are full up. Just a wonderful place. TRY IT. Parking is free, the walks are free.

Piccolo gioiello in un parco ancor più incantevole. Gentilezza e servizio impeccabili in puro stile british. Sembra di essere in un giardino botanico. Varietà di bevande fredde e calde e carta dei dolci da veri gourmet. Possibilità di pranzare. La struttura chiude alle ore 17. Accessibile sia agli ospiti della struttura sia agli esterni. Prezzi in linea con la media. Giardini all'esterno a dir poco incantevoli. Da visitare assolutamente.

This is a beautiful and relaxing place for afternoon tea. Excellent cakes, helpful staff and best scones I've had in years - better than John Lewis! I will be returning as often as I can.

This tea room is a very relaxing place with excellent leaf tea and selection of tasty cakes, home made food and warm covers for you to snuggle and keep warm in

WE are a small club called fat club, and we enjoy our afternoon tea when its a birthday and what better place than the Orangery

A beautiful walk around the lake followed by drinks in the orangery. Excellent service, very reasonably priced, plenty of seating, not rushed, staff attentive and helpful.

No can deny the setting for this establishment is stunning. There are extensive beautiful grounds which you are able to stroll around at your leisure. The tea room, however, was a little disappointing. Not the building itself which is an incredible piece of architecture but the ambiance and the service. We entered looking for a table but were given no greeting or smile by any member of staff. As the inside was busy we took a table outside on the terrace, which was rather pleasant, and perused the menu. A member of staff eventually took our order (I believe they are volunteers who are staying at the onsite Christian centre) but there was no warmth or chat. Our order arrived and one item was incorrect, it was changed but again very little was said. The food was ok and edible but nothing special. When we went to pay we mentioned the error and were given a card so we could have a free drink next time. Whilst sitting on the terrace, to the left of us, some of the residents came out of the centre and sat on the steps smoking. Because of the breeze that day, this wafted over to the front of the tea room. We would go back for a tea or coffee and to explore the grounds further but there are other eateries, very nearby, with better service, food and character.

I have never written a review where I have been so torn about my experience. Firstly, the positives. I have never visited before and took up a friends recommendation. The setting is absolutely stunning. Beautiful. The grounds are wonderful and to be able to walk round is a lovely bonus. The Orangery is also lovely. A beautiful, light, airy room with a fab atmosphere. And the childrens play area is a great idea. We had a table booked months ago for 12 people for a wedding celebration. I telephoned at the beginning of the week to check our booking. I was told we were unable to book as they were so busy. After trying several times to explain I had already booked and wanted to confirm, I gave up. Obviously there was a language barrier between us. I drove 15 miles the next day to try to speak to someone face to face, and our booking was indeed booked. Not a very good start. On arrival our waiter was quite surly. Took the drinks order down wrong. Handed the drinks to one of our party, expecting us to hand them out to everyone. No glasses offered. And when asked to change things, no apology offered. I understand now after reading other reviews that its run by volunteers. But surely good manners are quite important when working with people?! Voluntarily or not!! Our actual tea was lovely. Lots to go round and nice and fresh. And at a fantastic price. The best value Afternoon Tea I've ever had. Gorgeous scones and cream and a really helpful young lady serving us. She went beyond to be friendly and helpful. When we had finished our scones she offered us boxes to take our cake home as we were all full. This was a really nice, personal touch. Unfortunately our table was overrun with wasps. Obviously this cant be helped. But clearing our table would have benefited us greatly. We had to do it ourselves after waiting for 30 minutes without any acknowledgement. I admit Im disappointed because it was a special occasion. If we had just popped in for tea perhaps it wouldnt have mattered so much. In all honesty, we just wanted to leave after our wasp invasion, but its a first that I've left somewhere in tears!!

I used to really enjoy coming here and have been coming since you first opened. Lately though I have tried to avoid the tea rooms as everytime me/family visit your staff forget something off our order. I visited yesterday with my mum and ordered 2 children's platters and the waitress only recorded one. After already waiting half an hour for these and a sandwich (how does it take that long!?) We then had to wait a further 20 minutes after asking TWICE again for the missed platter with a tired grumpy toddler who wanted her lunch. I think you really need to train your staff in better service as a lot of people I know won't come here anymore which is a real shame as it's a beautiful place.

Popped along for a quick lunch. My first time. Lovely looking place. I had the ham and cheese quiche with salad. Really good and the salad wasn't just green leaves but potato and pasta salad as well.

We met in the Orangery cafe for morning coffee, the staff were all friendly, the cakes were fresh with generous portion sizes and many different types to choose from. Altogether a very pleasant time had by all.

Most enjoyable Strawberry Cream Tea served by friendly staff in pleasant surroundingsScone was enormous, freshly baked and tasty jam and clotted cream finished it nicely.The oldest Camellia was stunning. No doubt we will return.