robbies tea shop in Luton

Tried this Tea shop for the first time instead of costa. First impression is that the customers are on the maturer side and probably regulars. Lighting is comfortable but many would find it was too dark. The menu has a selection but it doesn't contain any cakes etc. I asked about that and was informed that there is a sweet counter. Probably most customers are regulars and therefore this information is not volunteered. Had a jacket potatoe and scone with cuppucino. Food and drinks were great. Will be back again!

A now very empty tea shop, no wonder considering the hostile atmosphere in there. A once lovely tea room has slowly slid into decline with its shabby appearance and leaky teapots. A lack of customer service is evident when we’ve been in there. I will not be going back.

My husband has been visiting this shop since the late 80s as he likes their French sticks ..back in the day there used to be a queue outside just to get in.. suffice to say not anymore … Visited today at 2pm and it was empty and we even asked if they were closing to which the lady behind the counter said ‘no 5 o’clock’. So we sat ourselves in the corner by the window and a member of staff came over to serve us.. my husband mentioned that he had a drink for our son and whilst we know that we can’t eat our own drinks on the premises the staff member sternly said to us ‘you can’t drink that in here’ my husband said I know that …. Our young son couldn’t decide what to have especially his drink and the lady couldn’t be more unhelpful if she’d tried and all she did was huff and puff complete with the eye roll 😳 and we were a massive inconvenience to her because obviously she was so busy! Given that we were the only customers in there you’d have thought she would have been falling over us alas not.. and my husband has won awards for customer service and got up and said don’t bother I can see it’s to much effort .. and we walked off .. we only went there because there was a wait at Nandos so we went back to Nando’s and had a lovely family meal … writing should have been on the wall and red flags as it was so empty .. there’s a reason why it’s empty if the customer service is anything to go by… maybe the staff member who served us should consider a job role where she doesn’t have to speak to anyone as she has a miserable attitude and a face to match …

They have put up prices in a run down tea room . We were charged 55 p for a pot of water when we ordered tea for two we got small leaking teapot and spot of not water. We also ordered 3 bacon and egg sandwiches we were served bacon and sliced boiled egg . Needless to say we will not be going back

The Arndale centre is an unpleasant experience, however Robbies is a nice place given its surroundings. We were served quickly, the food came and was tasty and the portions were generous.

Very disappointing. Toasted bacon sandwich that tasted like cardboard ... asked for some butter to try and give it a little taste and a bit of moisture as it was so dry but to no avail. The bread was either thin or medium hence the cardboard toast and bacon was barely cooked. Will not be visiting again

I went in here for the first time recently, my wife recommended it and I'm glad she did, I was very surprised with the choice of snacks etc that they served. The food tasted good, I had scrambled egg on toast and a cup of tea. The staff were friendly and the prices were ok. I would deffo recommend this place to anyone

Visited here for a snack lunch while in town. Although it was my first visit my friend who is local told me it was the best place and she was not wrong! A good choice of snacks and served by friendly staff and a very good cup of tea! The toasted sandwiches were great. The décor was quaint but the whole place had a charm that you don't find in many 'snack' places.

I always like going to Robbys when I am out with my mum. Nice lunches and tea. Decor is quaint and the only real problem is trying to get a table! Nice staff and nice food

This is a great place for a nice sandwich in the town centre and the coffee is great. Staff are always helpful and friendly the portions are a good size for the money overall great value

every time we are in town ,we pop inhere for a cuppa and sarnie..undoubtedly to our mind the best cup of tea in luton ,great sarnnies or rolls and service ..but really could do with more cool air in shop .everybody including staff are over heating .come on MR robbie ,make everybody more comfier ..overheating is not good ..

I have eaten and taken afternoon tea here for many years. The food is always freshly prepared, an served in a timely fashion. Perfect place to have a snack and drink and rest your feet from all that shopping in the Mall.

Had a quick lunch of mushroom soup and baguette, two large pieces of baguette which was excellent, I can eat bread for England. Used to eat in here when I was an apprentice and working in town, so nice its still going

I visited Robbies tiering Saturday morning 8 April 2017 I left Luton over 35 years ago visiting my mother said I would take her down to Luton mall for brunch being Irish there was only one place to go to Robbie's tearoom considering I haven't been in there for probably 40 years I thought yeah that would be nice revisit in your childhood first the good news The weather in Luton was gorgeous now we begin about the tea room and the staff to say it hasn't moved forward in 40 years is an understatement the carpet is still threadbare tables the same as they were 40 years and the cake display look like something out of the Stone Age not even furnished with enticing cake I had French stick chicken mayonnaise roll to be fair that was okay maybe 2/10 Subway it is not it really did bring me back to my childhood crap dinghy depressing 70s food I asked for a double espresso what was I thinking I might as well ask for moondust The look of vacancy from the waitress was amazing I'm now coming on to the waitress mutton dressed up as lamb is doing a disservice to the term she must've been middle aged when I first visited 40 yrs ago age has not been very kind to her to make up to be fair would've been more suited on a 16-year-old looked nasty and more resemble the of aunt sally (we all remember worzel gummage) the white T-shirt which had in appearance been bought from mother care was most unflattering and to be frank rather offputting to the eye when thinking of consuming food!! it was as though we were an inconvenience to take up her time in even ordering she did not look shall we say "happy" to be there more like begrudgingly it boosted her pension but please love dress appropriately for your job and at least try to pretend the customer matters as without us there is no business. The food arrived which to be fair was okay it was edible and like the black coffee I ended up having to order as no espresso or understanding of such drink but the black coffee was probably no more Than nasty throat cutting cheap coffee could even have been mellow birds but saying that that would have made me smile this made me want to vomit it had a film of Greece on the top and was totally undrinkable absolute disgusting but if you want to explore the time capsule Robby's is is the place for you it's tired dated and dimly lit bit like the staff it appears Luton has much to offer but Robby's is long past it's sell by date. I'm traumatised by the bizarre experience

I have been coming here since I was a child, it never disappoints. It's comfortable, perhaps a bit warm. If you want to stay and eat it's table service and the service is excellent. I always go for ham salad crusty roll, everything is always so fresh and the prices are reasonable if you compare against the chains like Costa. You are never rushed and always made to feel welcome. If your coming with buggies go through to the second room as there is a bit more space. How you view the decor is all about perspective, I wouldn't want them to change it, it's nostalgic and probably one of the reasons I feel so comfortable there. However it's not for everyone.

Excellent food and coffee. Very cozy old fashioned place. The food is of a very high quality and they make it for you while you are there. Great and friendly staff. The place to go for a solid breakfast or lunch. Back in a months time Per from Norway

This warm, friendly and inviting tea shop serves up a unique atmosphere as well as good tea and cake (and other meals I presume). Regarding the excellent tea, it comes with an extra pot of hot water, which is a yardstick for generosity as far as I am concerned. It means that you are welcome to dwell for a while, whilst squeezing all the flavour from the generous number of bags in the tea pot. It's a place to chat with staff and meet friends for in-depth discussions on art and literature, pop music, etc. A real cafe! Shock horror! Other reviewers have noted the decor as being out-of-date, as far as their taste is concerned. That's fine of course. For me though, it is this factor that draws me to the place. It is unique and clean and a welcome relic from the conception of the Arndale Centre, in the early 1970s. Were it to be stripped out, and given the same treatment as every other laminated parlour, or wood-lined, industrial hipster-joint, then I would not be interested. This is something different. Why have all the world the same? Luton has long suffered from mass-style clearance of its architectural and social history, and it is gems like "Robby's Tea Room" that we need to support and that can offer us a sociable atmosphere and a glimpse into Luton's making. I'll be down there again soon. Say hello.

Went for Breakfast, had Bacon, Scrambled Egg, Beans and Toast with tea. Lovely staff and food. Used to go here 35 years ago, so happy memories.

I arrived about 3-00pmA large selection of hot and cold snacks are available,also hot and cold drink.the prices are reasonablethere is a lift and elevator for easty access,i found the tables andchairs very cleanthe staff are very attentive and helpfulthe whole place is very clean

Amazing food, big portions that always come out quickly. Go there frequently. It is old fashioned inside but just adds to the experience. Highly recommend

This little cafe hasn't changed much in the fifteen years I remember. I went back today for lunch with my partner and Nan as I was in the mall. It is exactly how I remember it as a kid! The decor, smell and clientele are what really makes this place special. The menu is limited, ask the staff if there's something else they can do and they are only to happy to help. I'd summaries the menu as very lunch based only. Robbies is that old school that there is no wifi and they only accept cash. It kindly forces you to make conversation and pay with the more traditional method. Cheeky some would say, I'd call it more original! The tea shop attracts the elderly citizens but anyone is always more than welcome. Staff are friendly and the food is homely and tasty! The food is what you'd expect from a home based kitchen, pure delight.

YOU GET A GREAT CUPPA HERE ,food is freshly made ,so you have to wait a little...nice seating too.sandwiches ,baked pots ,soup cakes ,..take a bit of time out and rest in comfort

This little gem has been here for years. The service is always 10/10. All the staff are loverly and attentive. Value for money and good quality.

I wish i went to this place more often but i dont spend much time in the town center. When i do go though i love how it feels homely and all of the staff are welcoming and friendly. The menu is small but offers everything you would want for a lovely lunch. The service is brilliant and i would 100% recommend this for a nice lunch.

As everyone has said it hasn't changed since it opened but that's obviously what we all like about it! Great tea and coffee (with jiggers of cream!), sandwiches, French bread it all tastes great. Definitely an arndale institution and long may it be so!

I have been going to robbies since before my eldest was born he is now 40, all my kids and grandkids have been going here over the years. Yes it does look a bit dated but I don't care. The tea and sandwiches are just as good as they use to be, I not been in a while so is nice to go back. Friendly and helpful safe, please pay Robbies a visit as its a good old fashioned tea room.

Let's be honest, the food was OK. I had a nice cup of tea and a very acceptable bacon sandwich. My wife's cheese on toast tasted fine but the cheese overflowed the toast and almost entirely covered the plate. Again, it tasted fine but looked a bit of a mess, and if nothing else, they could improve their profits by cutting back on waste. My issue was that the decor and the menu was stuck in the past and that is not the sort of place that I want to eat. Clearly there are plenty of people who do and fair play to them. This place is clearly catering to it's market and good luck to them, but I will be going elsewhere.

What a great old place to get great home cooked goodHad jacket and filling awesomeBig portion and very tastyTake a step back in time and taste the old luton

This bakery / cafe has been in Luton's Arndale Centre since it opened in the early 70's and was no doubt somewhere in Luton before that! The decor is very, very dated but it still serves reasonable sandwiches and drinks. My last visit was more disappointing though, the place was stiflingly hot and there was only two staff members on duty and a nearly full cafe - they were struggling. Ham salad baguette was hit and miss, full of salad one end and empty the other. If you want to step back in time for a 1970's sandwich then this is the place!

I was introduced to Robbies by a friend, yes I agree the decor isn't modern but I go for the food which I cannot fault. I work locally and it's nice to go somewhere that doesn't stock loads of pre packed sandwiches. The rolls and sandwiches are all fresh, you get plenty of filling and it's all made up to order. It's cheaper than any other place and good quality food. So if your looking for a proper cup of tea and a bite to eat at lunchtime pop into Robbies it's great.

I have only visited twice. First time I was asked to stop nursing my baby so as to not upset other customers. 18 years later I went for lunch with my husband. The food was okay but the décor was really tired, the carpet threadbare. When I asked where the loo was to go wash my hands before eating, I was told there wasn't one. The lady was wiping down the tables with a cloth she wrung out in a small tub of water. I'll give it a couple more decades before seeing if things have improved again.

Robbins has been in Luton for years, it serves sandwiches to order, cakes, pastries sweet and savoury, and I believe jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings. Prices are reasonable, and the cafe and shop that's attached are always very popular.

This is the best tea shop in Luton . Going in here is like stepping back in time , friendly staff , good food and not too expensive . This place is well worth a visit .

Whenever I go to Robbies I always feel like I have just walked into a Nana's living room. It really reminds me of what my Nana had as her decoration, years and years ago! Even she has since updated it since then! ;-).. But I must say it has a certain charm about it, I think its almost part of the experience. Its a really sweet little tea shop tucked away on the top floor of the mall, a lovely little stop for a crusty roll or a baked potato and a cup of tea. Its really a modest, adorable little place. The staff are also so lovely, warm and welcoming too, you almost want to sit back and put your slippers on!

Its a livley bubbly place to eat with simple food I've been going for years to Robbie's and is the best place to eat in the mall it is also within the budget of any student

Allowing for the fact this is a Tea Shop and should be viewed as quaint, it now misses that bracket and becomes very tired and out dated. It desperately needs a lift in decor. The food itself is very good, always fresh and tasty. There is always a queue for a seat and it us a popular drop in spot.

Step back in time with a visit to Robbie's tea shop. Enjoy traditional food, service and decor. Elderly relatives (alive or dead) will thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Some things should never change and this is one .Great place for a pot of tea etc etc .Its like time has stood still .

Recently I had reason to need a light, reasonably priced lunch in Luton. Local advice pointed me towards Robby's cafe in the Mall.This is the sort of tea room that your grandmother would remember. The decor is rustic, the tea pot stainless steel and the menu quite short. It consists of sandwiches, cakes, salads, soup and baked potatoes. There is also a breakfast menu with some simple cooked dishes, such as scrambled eggs. The menu is also determinedly old-fashioned: a long loaf is a French stick, not an un-English foreign sounding Baguette.I ate there three times, even popping in for a pit of tea at 0915 and the place was never less than busy. From the conversations I heard many of the customers were regulars which is always a good sign. Service was prompt and helpful and the prices very reasonable indeed. There aren't many places that will do a sandwich and a pot of tea, served to you at a table, for £5.It would be very easy to say what a throw-back it is or how quaint the menu is. But it's doing a lot right and if you need to entertain someone with very conservative food tastes in Luton you won't go far wrong.

my wife and i have been visiting this tea room for many years you get a good variation of cakes, sandwiches pastrys hot and cold drinks while they do not provide meals but they do sell hot snacks the prices are very resonable and good quick sevice with frendly staff they are very good with children give this tea room 10/10 give it a go

Robbies is the original sixties type of tea room where you can get a good selection of sandwiches and pots of tea, the cakes are good too. Service good and quick and if you dont get in there before 12.30 you will have problems getting a seat.

when i was a kid a treat if going to the dentist or such was a snack at robbies tea shopit was the first place i ever encountered a cheese salad french stick ,after a recent visit it seems little has changed except a million and one chicken shops in lutonI like robbies it will always resonate of a childhood treat