Plantation Room in Isle of Wight

We enjoyed a visit to the botanical gardens & decided to stop in to their cafe /restaurant for a bite to eat I must say that the views were stunning looking out onto the gardens , we were lucky enough to get a table on the veranda where a local choir were singing & it made our day The food menu is quite limited but there were a nice selection of cakes available & lots of unusual teas too The food we did order was delicious .. but they were small portions for the price ( I must admit it was one our most expensive eats while on the isle of wight!) All in all a great setting to enjoy a cup of tea & drink but maybe wouldn’t go back for food

Rarely can I get ecstatic about ploughman’s lunches and baguettes but today has been an exception. The plantation room produced a delightful fresh and superbly served meal quickly and with such a friendly team. We then had ice creams and they even had a special doggie one for our pooch. This restaurant is a treat specially in the surroundings of the Ventnor Botanic Gardens. If you go to thecSle of Wight, you must visit this. It’s great

Dropped in here for a drink. Lovely colonial building with views across the gardens. Shop and plant sales attached. Great coffee and chilled wine.

The pumpkin soup was very tasty and the Botanic Pale Ale was superb. The raised decking area overlooking the garden was also excellent.

Lovely breakfast. Scrambled eggs with tomato and mushroom and toast. Cooked perfectly. Lovely cake too. Sat on the terrace overlooking the gardens

We had a really lovely fresh breakfast, cooked by Paul, of scrambled eggs, local tomatoes and mushrooms. It really was very tasty and well presented. Good coffee. Sat on the terrace which really felt like a tropical plantation with a view across the tree tops of the gardens. Paul was very helpful and friendly. Really good way to start your visit to the gardens.

Ventnor unable to provide food during a coastal walk after 2pm apparently, so a relief the Plantation Cafe at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, which we were on our way to visit anyway, is open 'til 6pm. Vegan-friendly cheese & hummus baguette with salad & veg crisps was very nice & good value, using local ingredients, staff were friendly & welcoming, especially the helpful & hospitable Paul. Recommended!

After a very long walk from Shanklin and finding various places closed for food this place was a fantastic discovery. Ordered lovely sandwiches with a great vegan option and coffee with great service from Paul.Nothing was too much trouble.

We had a drink here before walking round the gardens which was ok but when we went back for some lunch later we sat inside, just us in there and waited for someone to take our order, in the meant time three other parties came in sat down and two of them had their orders taken before us. When I pointed this out we were ignored so we walked out, disgusted at the poor organisation and lack of customer care.

Visited after a walk around the beautiful gardens. Coffee was really good quality and strong. We had the hummus sandwiches which came with side salad and vegetable crisps. The portions are huge!! And just £6. Very impressed. The hummus sandwiches were really tasty. Staff were friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to go back!

We started our visit to the garden in this cafe. The coffees (cappuccinos) were excellent, nice and strong, and the courgette cake was outstanding. It is also lovely (and unusual) for the cafe to be dog friendly inside as well as out. Thoroughly recommend.

Visited twice during trip to Botanic Garden. Dog-friendly. Food good and lovely terrace to sit on, weather permitting. First time, no trays available or tea spoons. Second visit, no glasses for soft drinks. Felt they were a bit disorganised.

Pretty seating area outside. Wheelchair access needs improving as a few difficult bits to get over when going through. Rather pricey but nice all said and done. Staff friendly. Dogs welcome.

Nice cafe, lovely location But rude/bad mannered staff. Cakes and drinks nice But they need to employ staff who are polite

There was no one in the shop to take entrance fees or give out wristbands (not unusual) so went to the cafe which was in chaos! Only Two members of staff (one from the shop leaving it unattended and potentially open to shoplifting) as apparently the second person working in the cafe had gone home due to being unwell.There was a queue of people waiting to pay to go in the garden and/or order food. There were dirty trays etc on most tables and piled up on the counter. Not a very good impression at all. On returning from the garden there were still trays everywhere. On ordering tea we were offered PG Tips or Earl Grey - no loose leaf as stated. They clearly need more members of staff in both the shop and cafe especially during busy times and this needs to be sorted sooner rather than later - especially with the summer season coming up.

Indifferent staff, no other customers but had to ask to be served. Stale scone. Lovely setting. Wont be going again.

By the time you have waited for food or drink you will have probably left. Not enough staff, very badly organised. Best if you are not hungry/thirsty or wanting to sit down........

Good food in a lovely setting with excellent staff. Needing gluten free lunch - the quinoa bolognese was excellent! The staff were lovely and we enjoyed looking at the selection of plant books.

I'm moved to write this because I feel that some recent reviews fail to note just how exceptional the location of the cafe is. Looking out over the stunning Botanic Gardens is absolutely unique and it is one of my favourite cafes on the Island. In my experience food and service has been consistently good, although I agree that occasionally (later in the day) some of the offer is slightly restricted. For me, however, my experience has always been very good and the ability to sit on the deck and look over the stunning views below is truly exceptional. I also find the serving team very wiling to offer that little extra. I don't live on the Island but I do always prioritise a visit so that probably says something in its own right.

it wasn't even late we was there around 1.30 i wanted a sandwich but was told no we havent got any....

I am afraid my green tea wasn't as pleasant as I hoped, it was quite bitter (I only drink green tea) but it all comes down to taste! My husband enjoyed his cake and his tea was to his liking. Would happily go back, but I would stick to sparkling water! My only other criticism was the toilet door opened adjacent to the dining area, which I thought strange.

Although not busy, we had a long wait for our coffee/hot chocolates/scone and cakes to arrive. Only one teaspoon with the drinks and we had to ask for butter to go with the scone. Unfortunately we had to send the scone back as it was extremely stale. Disappointed to see the remaining scones still for sale. The scone was replaced with a cake without question but no-one seemed too concerned. Doubt we will visit again.

We enjoyed a trip around the botanical gardens then finished off with coffee on the veranda, this is the warmest gardens in the uk and in the late afternoon it was beautiful.

Always enjoy a coffe here after a brisk walk around the gardens. Nice snack menu and excellent scones and cakes don't miss out give it a try.

Not the great experience we had on our previous visit last year. Staff was unsure about menu items and not real friendly nor outgoing. Food was only OK and not worth the price. Skip this place when visiting the Gardens and opt for one of the nearby beachside restaurants!

The staff seemed to be confused with everything they did. Prices for beer are cheaper to buy in the Plantation Room rather than the shop. There was not much atmosphere to place, it felt cold and there was not a lot of choice on the menu. What there was pricy in my opinion.

Visited here before exploring what turned out to be, fabulous gardens. Lovely fresh sandwiches & cakes. For a more fulfilling meal you need to go down stairs. Staff very pleasant. The Cafe nice and clean. Only problem was the lift that was out of order. This made it difficult for me as it was stairs only on this occasion to take us from the gardens up to car parking level.

Estaba deseando volver a mi última visita en noviembre con la familia, esta vez me encontré con unos amigos. La comida y el café era encantador, el entorno eran cómodas, pero fue voltear helada! ! ! Nos encontramos en el día más frío del año hasta ahora y cuando me puse mis manos en los radiadores muro estaban muy fría! ! ! Creo que la señora sirve debe haber sabido que vestirte cálido para trabajar como ella estaba sirviendo en su abrigo de invierno al aire libre. . . Ella estaba bien envuelto, pero aún así tenía frío y se disculparon, me sentí pena por todos los niños que vinieron después de nosotros, que espero que no casa con la hipertermia! ! ! Volveremos en primavera/verano, cuando hace más calor, pero es una pena que no volver y apoyar este negocio antes y después. . Si tienes un edredón de terminar en recomendaría este lugar para una escapada de todo con impresionantes vistas para disfrutar de un trozo de tarta y una preciosa taza caliente, o alternativamente, que puede ser la pena que les da una llamada para ver si tienen la calefacción antes de que el viaje fuera de la ciudad. . . . Un fuego en este. Café sería el toque final perfecto y bien vale la pena el desembolso;)

Los jardines botánicos y Steephill Cove están bien merece una visita. Después de un paseo alrededor de ambas almorzamos fuera (en diciembre! En el sol) acompañados por un codicioso robin. También tuvimos torta y café de la mañana. La comida era sencilla pero fresca y deliciosa.

Sure it could be much busier if café was developed. Has a beautiful terrace and garden overlooking the botanical gardens but only one very helpful person on duty at the cafe/reception who seemed to be doing everything. Food that was being served looked very nice

Just another cafe really. Serving light snacks , drinks and cakes. Reasonably priced. Well worth a visit if you are in the area or visiting the gardens. Nice area outside overlooking the gardens.

pasteles no tenía un aspecto muy atractivo esperaba más variedad. Debo decir que aunque sí tienen una buena selección de productos lácteos y sin gluten, que hace que un cambio refrescante. Personal encantador y amable. No vale la pena escritura sobre el café aunque

Los comentarios de la cafetería sonaba muy bien, así que decidimos almorzar allí. El sitio web oficial prometió "mejor de los productos locales y hierbas frescas, ensaladas y verduras cultivadas en los jardines. Nos dieron pan Kingsmill (Baggettes estaban ordenados) queso que le faltaba sabor y ensalada de hojas de un paquete preprepared vaccum. la preparación es la zona detrás del mostrador y abierto para todo lo que hay para ver, de ahí que vi lo que íbamos a tener.no me esperaba tener que pagar £17,60 para esta calidad. Para ser sinceros si no hubiera pagado por adelantado, no hubiera pagado los precios cobrados.No es una experiencia que se puede repetir pronto.

El café es un lugar encantador, en especial en el balcón con vistas a los jardines. Genial para una taza rápida de té, pero un menú muy limitado. Es una pena porque podría ser un preferido si la elección era más variada.

Excellent cakes and coffee with plenty of reasons to walk it all off being set in exquisite Gardens close to the sea.

Fantastic cakes - so much we had three between the two of us! nice views over the gardens and a great end to a day exploring the gardens.

Lovely traditional building left over from the Victorian hospital. Good views over the botanical garden and delicious cake and coffee!

We've been visiting here for quite some time, as we used to visit when the gardens were free, however this is the first time we have been since the new location. The new look is really nice and I was pleased to find some dairy and wheat free cake, and an offering of soya milk. Perfect! The taste isn't quite there yet though.I was a bit disappointed that this hasn't yet extended to the sandwiches or soup, however I am hopeful as this seems to develop each time I visit. Fingers crossed for next time.My partner really enjoyed his Stilton soup though so from him it would be more like a 4 starWithout the gardens to visit whilst there (unless you want to pay a shocking £8) it's only a 3 star for me (which I am hoping to change to a 5 in due course)Top tip: although it states free parking when you drive in you apparently need to ask at the till for something to put in your window, so don't get caught out by this

A very attractive space with comfy chairs God coffee and cake...nothing to dislike....great gardening books to peruse and possibly borrow

2nd visit. Tea and cake. Great value, epic Victoria sponge. Serioulsy very very good.Our first visit was for lunch and we still dream about the crab terrine.Smart, interesting, stylish decor. Great venue.

The Botanic Garden really is a jewel in the south of the island, and the restaurant makes it a repeat destination for me. Fresh, tasty and warming soups, fresh warm bread, exotic teas and good wine and local beer, made from hops from the garden. And a library of harri culture books to browse while you're there

Mothering Sunday Lunch was very good and the service was very good, but there was only one person serving and our meal took ages in coming, we sat down at 1.20 and did not finish until nearly 4.00 which left us very little time to explore the gardens which was included in the price this made the meal expensive.There was only one choice of dessert or cheese and biscuits, there were no biscuits so two people had to have thick sliced bread, one of the party has to have gluten free food, which I had mentioned when booking. Two of the party thought they would go upstairs for coffee and cake, as one of them had only one course,there was nothing left, so a little disappointed. There were apologies and we were not charged for our drinks, which was fair I think. A beautiful place to eat with good food, though a little disappointing on Mothering Sunday.

Lovely place for a cuppa , with views overlooking the garden. Food was lovely and service very good. This is such arelaxing place you could sit here all day enjoying the views

Had a nice lunch with family. Food was home-made and nicely presented. Would recommend for a light lunch, morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Called in hoping for a tea cake and cup of tea, ended up with a marvellous toasted sandwich and a slice of the best orange and almond cake. Good coffee and tea. Sat on the verandah and enjoyed the views over the gardens. So good we repeated the process two days later, although this time weather was too cold to be outside for long with the drawback that inside you cannot avoid the rather loud background music. One thing that was off putting on the first visit was that the outside tables were not cleared, even when the waitress brought food to a table she completely ignored all the dirty cups and saucers at the next table, however on the second visit this wasn't a problem.

These pretty garden are made all the better for the friendly, helpful and welcoming staff, and the gorgeous choice of gluten-free cakes in the clean and welcoming tea rooms.

Initially recommended by a colleague, we took advantage of a Sunday lunch deal to try out this restaurant. The food was very good and the quality of the produce was obvious from the flavour. As most of it is locally sourced, it is an excellent showroom for Island fare and the chef’s skills. Sue had the roast beef and no dessert. Take note Rosemary Connelly. I had the veggie option, a Tuscan bean stew followed by the rhubarb cranachan. We are not foodies so the best description of it all is that it was very tasty, albeit a little small in portion size. One question here, why put a roast dinner in a bowl? To hide the small portion size perhaps. Had we been paying full price I would have been asking for more vegetables, especially as they tasted so good.The only niggle with the food was the Yorkshire puddings, firstly they were forgotten and bought out afterward and to be honest they were more like cake in texture. Not sure if this was the posh version but certainly nothing like any we have had before. Overall, based on the taste we would eat here again. However there was one major issue that did sour the experience. On arrival it was crowded and we were shown a table that not only was in the somewhat cramped aisle between two large parties, it was right next to the toilet door. The next option shown was jammed in next to the entrance door. Eventually we were seated in an area, off the main dining room, that was cold and draughty. Had we not driven across the Island and prepaid for the meal, we would have gone elsewhere at this stage.We will try this again in the summer when I understand there will be a new, larger dining area and hopefully the accommodation will be better.Andy

Had a Valentines meal here last night. Wonderful.at the moment only open evenings on selected dates like this but may change - hope so.The food was lovely and all the better for watching the theatre that was Martyn (mainly) and his team prepare each dish in front of us for the full house. From the beetroot and caraway bread - nice and red for Valentines with olives and raspberry dip, Tomato assiette - tom shot, tartlet & carpaccio, Gnocchi with butternut squash puree, lamb chops with mash and parsnips or open lasagne for the veggies followed by a very rich chocolate cake with ice cream and strawberries topped off with a coffee and a spearmint tea. A very good bottle of wine too.From what I could see everyone enjoyed the food and was a mixed gathering of about 50:50 'old marrieds - us and the newly loved up couples - ahI think currently open about 10-4 unless special date give it a try for lunch then jump in if there's an evening available sure you wont be disapointed.Well done Martyn

We took advantage of a local offer for Sunday lunch. The restaurant was really buzzing with a another large birthday group already seated. Our waitress was attentive without being overbearing.Most of our group had the Italian meat starter, beautifully presented with olives, a mustard based dip and a large slice of toasted bruschetta. My mother had the celeriac and IW blue cheese soup, which she thought was wonderful. We all had the roast beef for mains, which was artistically presented and tasted absolutely delicious. My dessert consisted of a large meringue ( with yummy gooey middle) served with cream. The restaurant has an interesting wine list, with a good selection to choose from. From our chat with the staff, it may be difficult to get a table for Sunday lunch during the next couple of months!!

We had a voucher for a Sunday lunch deal and it was just amazing. Relaxed but clearly up there with the best trendy places to dine. We could see our food being plated up by the professional but friendly chef/manger. I had the roast lamb which was presented beautifully. I will try to suss out how to post a picture on here! The only downfall to our meal which is nothing to do with the restaurant was that we would have liked to have gone for a walk round the gardens after lunch. Whilst I understand the need to charge an entrance fee now, £5 per adult in winter and after eating at the venue seemed very steep and we didn't bother.

We have just had one of the most memorable meals ever for all the best reasons. Our gorgeous meal was cooked in front of us by the manager/chef Martin Cutler. Nothing was too much trouble. Fantastic selection of wines supported by excellent advice. The food was innovative and prepared with enormous care, passion and attention.