Tadpole Tearoom in Canterbury

We visited on a Sunday. Didn’t seem to be anyone in charge. The staff were disorganised and customers were crowded round the till area getting in the way of coffees to be taken to tables and the cake display. We waited a long time for a coffee. We went for a walk and came back for a piece of cake. As we approached the front we were told quite rudely that no more orders were being accepted. I found out afterwards that there is a 45 min window where nothing is served. What they could have said was - we’re taking a quick break from service and if you take a seat we can be with you in 15 mins. But they didn’t and we left without buying a cake. There’s a bakery next door. Could be really great if the service was sorted.

Busy when entered around 2pm, and managed to get the last table inside, Menu is basic snack food - paninis, jacket potato, croque monsieur and sandwiches… Staff were helpful and moved between the tables. Prices were on par with other local places we had visited, and in the end it all tasted really nice.. Yes, a pub or restaurant is going to be more upmarket, though if you want a quick snack supporting local business, then this is one… Recommended

Great salad lunch. Well presented and waitress very friendly and welcoming. On a warm sunny day the outside tables are recommended. We looked at the on-line menu for future breakfasts but although they show a meaty full English breakfast, they don't appear to offer a vegetarian one. Mushrooms on toast don't quite compete with a veggie 'full English'. Nearly every other restaurant we've visited over the past few years has offered a veggie option. If there is a veggie option, then it needs to be advertised more.

Fabulous dog friendly tearoom (inside and out) which we walked to over the fields from nearby Bridge. Excellent food and drink choices available and in a lovely location. Popular with walkers, cyclists, families, locals and visitors. Highly recommend.

This is not a place to eat if you have a vegan diet. I had a lovely catch-up and tea with oat milk with some old friends, but the staff seemed phased when I said ‘Vegan’. It was like stepping back in time, with the waitress having to go and ask the chef what was available. I had a small portion of beans on a single slice of toast. This could be a lovely cafe if you eat meat and dairy, but best to avoid if you are plant based.

Service was excellent but the food lacked imagination and was utterly tasteless and cold. We had Croque monsieur with a handful of salad thrown on the side with the very bare minimum of salad dressing. Nobody asked if everything was OK, in fact the staff didn't seem to bother about any of the customers apart from plonking food in front of them. Not even a smile.

Went for a small lunch. No menu on table, or sallt, pepper, sugar etc Was hurried to choose despite having just sat down. Cappuccino was good. Croque Madame was tasteless and when we asked for some salad dressing we were given a teaspoon amount in a tiny bowl. We left most of it. And when paying no one asked how our meal was. Inexperienced staff and not impressed with chef/cook. Overpriced £30 for dreadful lunch for two.

Greeted with a welcoming smile. The place was spotless. Are breakfasts were perfectly cooked and excellent quality. Well done to all

Go here regularly as the atmosphere and set up is pleasant and it's well located for cyclists and walkers. Good selection of freshly made, light snacks and home made soups. The young staff are always friendly and helpful. Can get very busy at weekends when you might have a lightly longer wait.

A lovely, relaxed venue in which to celebrate a family birthday. The food was fresh and tasty, the service was friendly. Our specific dietary requirements were met with no fuss. The birthday cake provided was really pretty and exactly as requested. Highly recommended!

I've given this one star only because I can't give it none. We were on holiday in the area and my wife had read about this place and said it seemed quite nice. We sat down and despite staff passing us for other tables, we were completely ignored. After 15 - 20 mins we got up and left without having been even acknowledged. Worst service I have ever had anywhere and just plain rude.

A delightful place to have a late breakfast.High quality food with good service.A real gem and well worth a visit.Seating outside and inside is very pleasant indeed!

Very friendly service. We were greeted most pleasantly and although we were, strictly speaking, too late to order brunch, the waitress said there was a nice chef on and she would have a word with him. Our brunch orders were accepted. The 'Hot Chocolate Deluxe' (which I have enjoyed on several previous occasions at this establishment) was excellent and very good VFM. The 'Poached Eggs with Avocado' was very tasty. A lovely place to eat and a very warm day. We had intended to eat at the Old Dairy Cafe, Goodnestone but contrary to the information on its website, we arrived to find it closed today. The ODC's loss was the Tadpole's gain!! It is great to find catering establishments that are prepared to help themselves in the current difficult economic environment. There will always be a demand for food of the quality of that served at the Tadpole, particularly when it is served in such a welcoming fashion.

The coffee is like water. The oat milk is not creamy and hot enough. Please please get a new coffee machine and and some proper barista training!!

Ploughmans lunch at this tearoom on a sunny but windy day. We sat outside as it was sheltered. Good ploughmans with ham and cheese. Service great. A little expensive but you pay for the quality.

Nice surroundings / settings, but spoilt by staff that had no rapport what so ever with their customers. Smiles and acknowledgment towards your customers however busy you are go a long way.

Have visited a few times for breakfast and lunch . A friendly bunch serving good food at a reasonable price.

Lovely little team rooms which serve hot and cold food with a great selection on offer - Lovely place to settle after a nice walk in the countryside.

Visited this so called popular vegetarian friendly cafe for lunch. There was nothing vegan on the menu and it wasn't busy. The waitress said they have nothing for vegans and confirmed this after after speaking to the chef. Clearly they have an issue with vegans as they didn't bother to try and offer me a simple avocado on toast. It was fine by them to leave me hungry. This in my view is incomprehensible, everywhere I go the staff go out of their way to be respectful,but not the Tadpole!

Had the blandest salad I have ever eaten, couldn’t finish it. No flavour at all. Not worth the overpriced £9.50 cost! (Much better salad at another cafe nearby, and cheaper, that I tried very recently) I asked for dressing, to be told it had already been added…OKAAAY, so if I hadn’t wanted it I would have not had the choice! As it was, there was definitely no dressing whatsoever. The sachets of salad cream on the table need changing. It was a strange colour and tasted like vinegar. Couple of the younger staff very happy and polite. It was very busy so maybe I was just unlucky today as it seems very popular. Not sure I will return though. Bonus was Gildas, a new sourdough bread shop, so delicious and lovely staff

This is a nice place to breakfast. The food is excellent. Unfortunately the condition of the customer toilets lets the place down. Today at 10.00 a.m. they did not appear to have been cleaned. I was also disappointed to find the prices on the menu did not seem to correspond with those on the bill and VAT seemed to be charged on top of the displayed prices. The menu needs to be clearer and perhaps dated. I notice the web site menu is from several years ago too.. So a little sock pulling up maybe Other than these points the experience was enjoyable

Was pleasantly surprised at how nice this place is Great strong coffee in a mug and tea in a teapot with vintage cup and saucer Had a Croque Monsieur and a BLT and both were delicious and very filling Reasonable prices Friendly staff and the place was spotlessly clean Would recommend and will visit again

Lovely place to visit First time going there Sat outside in the sun, had breakfast. Good decent prices. Would definitely recommend and would go again And it's dog friendly too!!😁👍

The cafe is a lovely place with very pleasant staff. UnfortunatelyI do not visit as often as I would like to as there are not any vegan options and just the mention of the V word does not seem to be welcomed which is such a shame. With a little imagination vegan options are doable. For non-vegan customers the food looks very nice.

Really fantastic poached eggs and avocado toast with bacon. Service was speedy, friendly and my dog was offered biscuits and water too. Highly recommended

Just a little review to say how very tasty the white chocolate and raspberry cake was. Very nice bacon sandwich too and a great selection of teas.

Really enjoyed stopping at Tadpole Tearooms the other day! My wife has been many times but only second time I have got in there! Sitting outside on a relatively nice day with very good quality food! Really enjoyed my chicken and avocado sandwich and my...

This is a fantastic cafe in a lovely setting. The food was superb - great for breakfasts (with a very good, wide range of options) - coffee was great and everyone working here was really lovely and accommodating. Highly recommend - great for stopping off...

Lovely tea and cake, we walked from bridge to the tea shop. They had a good selection of very nice cakes. Team were also very friendly.

I pre-booked a table on Friday for a family lunch and on arriving early was told the table was ready. The CV19 safety was excellent, the table was excellent and the food was excellent. The staff were friendly and efficient and we all had a...

I pre booked a table, which is a good idea on a Saturday as it gets busy here. Tables at the moment are outside only (or was on Saturday 19th September 2020) We had picked a beautiful sunny day for it and was sat amongst...

staff were friendly and fab, food was outstanding , service was on point, home-made produce and the prices were very reasonable. All socially distance and disinfected with lots of areas to sanitise ect. beautiful location lovely overall experience.

Fantastic lunch time treat mid-way through our walking tour of Bishopsbourne. A very filling and fresh chicken and bacon salad before a delicious mango and blood orange sorbet for the road! Very welcoming staff and a wonderful stop off in a beautiful village on our...

Today we arrived with another couple (friends of ours) just after 9.30 am . We were able to sit at a roomy table in the lovely courtyard perfectly spaced under Covid guidelines. We had a delicious breakfast under a parasol and two rounds of good...

It was great to return to the Tadpole after lockdown. I had missed their coffee. The staff were terrific and helpful and the seating meant we could safely socially distance. This place is a gem.

Visited The Tadpole before Covid and the food was great with excellent service. The menu is just right, not too big with the most amazing sandwiches

We are regulars at this lovely tearoom in the heart of the kent coutnryside. Their coffee is seriously the best in the area, which is one reason we choose to visit most weekends. Tasty sandwiches, light meals and a special or two to choose from....

Lovely fresh food in a pretty setting, just don’t ask for any changes to the menu (mushrooms are only available as a side for breakfast not lunch!)

While visiting another couple who’s dog was a little yappy but not loud or disturbing anyone were told they had to go. Don’t take your dog if it behaves anything like a dog.

Such a friendly comfortable place, brilliant location, tons of parking and countryside location, excellent locally sourced food, spotlessly clean, a lovely walk across the fields enjoying the views and fresh air, certainly worth the walk there and back.

Visiting Tadpoles is always a treat. The very best bacon sandwich and delicious cakes to indulge in. A visit at least once a week is a must!

Great menu, staff, and venue. Had a delicious sandwich for lunch and a proper teapot of tea. Relaxed atmosphere and very friendly staff.

No por primera vez que visité hoy aquí con mi pareja y mi nieta. Al igual que las visitas anteriores, el servicio fue excelente y, aunque estaba ocupado, no nos mantuvieron esperando nuestro pedido. Té servido con tazas y platillos, opciones simples de comida, todo servido con una sonrisa y caliente. Realmente disfruté mi panini de salchicha, queso cheddar y mermelada de cebolla con ensalada que era crujiente y fresca.La ubicación está justo al lado de la A 2, pero sigue siendo tranquila y el aire fresco con mucho espacio para estirar las piernas.

Lovely food and such polite management and staff 😘 would highly recommend it is worth the visit xxx

A lovely venue with very cute interior design and pleasant outdoor seating. Despite how nice it looked, it came with a caveat. We waited 20 minutes before any member of staff even noticed us and over an hour’s wait for our food to arrive. We were warned that the food would come with a 40 minute wait but after over an hour our children started getting restless and complaining they were hungry. We received barely any attention from the staff while we waited. Our drinks arrived but had gone cold by the time our food came out. What was supposed to be a quick breakfast meeting turned into a very stressful and lengthy wait. Really quite disappointing. Food was nice when it came though.

Nice surroundings. Efficient service. With a few tweaks this could be good. Mushroom soup had no or little stock. Some cut up sage on top with black pepper would have been nice and improved the flavour which tasted like mushrooms in warm water. My friend had the bacon sandwich, bread was nice as was the bacon but the cheap tomatoes and iceberg lettuce do nothing for the flavour. The chef I know used to work in the Good Shed and used to roast the tomatoes in herbs and olive oil. So, in short nice place, reasonable quality of food but I’d not rush to go back. Shame as the location is beautiful and it is tastefully decorated and could really do well with a few tweaks.

Visited there today with a friend on the recommendation of another friend.

We were guided to Tadpole Tearooms through Tripadvisor reviews and can say with confidence the reviews didn’t lie.

We enjoy doing circular walks that include a stop for drinks and refreshments. The Tadpole in Frog lane Bishopsbourne is such a place. . The staff are very welcoming and friendly, There is room inside or outside. There is a wide variety on the menu No full meals but lite bites. we had sandwiches which were freshly made which was accompanied by a salad garnish . They were well presented, and ample portions.

We have often ended up here during a walk in the countryside. We have often come with our two toddler granddaughters. They even have a little children area in the corner. Pretty decor, excellent coffee and plenty of beautiful cakes. The staff are just so helpful and friendly.

I wanted to visit here because of the name, yes I love frogs. Food was delicious, we went for breakfast. Great for kids with an area for games and colouring. Great for cyclists and dogs also allowed. Lovely nearby farm shop too all with large car park with a perfect countryside setting.

We always enjoy the Tadpole Tearoom. Perfect spot for after a dog walk and tasty cakes! Dog and baby friendly and good service. Excellent cooked breakfasts and lunches too. Relaxed atmosphere.

The staff were friendly, and helpful. The food was very good and reasonably priced. The interior is clean and airy and quite spacious. We will definitely go back again, would recommend it to anyone.

Went to tadpoles this morning, sat down and was ignored for 10 mins, a waitress finally came over and said it’s a long wait for breakfast, we left

We decided to eat breakfast at the Tadpole today and what a treat. The food was all locally sourced and therefore more environmentally friendly plus of course supporting the local community. The food was tasty and the cafe was light, clean and well decorated.

Great tea room find with fab cakes and farm shop on way to an event at Charlton Park. Just minutes away from main road in case of a pit stop. Friend staff. Clean. Lovely airy decor. Massive car park.

Arrived just after 11.30, too late for breakfast...fair enough

A chance visit over the New Year period when many cafes were closed. Service was and menu great. Can reccomend.

Popped in for lunch because we had heard good reports. Soup was home made and delicious. Served by husband and wife team who were very friendly and we were made welcome.

We visited Tadpoles last weekend, it was recommended to us by a local resident.

Found the Tadpole not long after it first opened and have been back weekly ever since. Its just a really nice place to visit. The outside area is spacious and uncluttered. Same for the cafe. I've not had that much off the menu as its usually just a coffee stop for me, with a couple of rounds of their lovely Norfolk Crunch toast and jam. The coffee is great and if you ask for a large you can end up with a mug twice the size of a regular and for only 20p or so more. Everyone that works there is pleasant and pretty laid back. No stressing here!

Just had lunch at this little gem of a place in the middle of the countryside. Cheese scone with cheese and onion chutney " lovely". Large choice of delicious cakes and slices. Definitely worth a vist .

I had the tea room previously and decided to give it a try for breakfast on the way to visit the Battle of Britain memorial at Capel Le Ferne.

Lovely rural location. Great staff, yummy food. Farm shop on the same location. Bacon and tomato sandwich to die for!

Fantastic little find .Tea and cake ,fantastic farm shop and dog friendly outside area . Great value for money . Lovely menu cakes ,sandwiches and lunches .Variety of beverages. Give it a try .

The wife and me went for brekkie on a Saturday morning. Arrived about 11:00am. The cafe was busy but there were seats available. Seemed a lovely little cafe, made me look forward to brekkie even more. Nice man behind counter said "take a seat and we will be right with you". The menu (which I had to go looking for on other tables) said Breakfasts finish at 11:30. The first time we were acknowledged sitting down was 15 to 20 minutes later, when we were informed that breakfasts were no longer available because they had a large lunch reservation and could not do any more breakfasts. Didn't even get a coffee! Very poor,but Must be doing OK if they can afford to turn people away.

What a lovely tearoom my daughter and I met with a dear friend we haven’t seen for a long while so it was lovely place to catch up and enjoy the tea and beautiful cakes there , they also do other food as well would definitely recommend this jewel of a place to visit thank you

Went for breakfast on a Sunday morning having set out on a walk from Bridge. The Tearoom is easy to find off Frog Lane. The tearoom is clean, bright and inviting. Plenty of seating inside with outdoor seating also available. Very friendly staff come to your table to take your order. It is child friendly and dogs are allowed in. It feels very relaxed. Toilet facilities onsite. The food is excellent, my sausage sandwich, (pic), was fabulous, thick granary bread and very tasty sausages. Well priced and good portion size. Overall a lovely place and I will return.

Delicious food and good service. Warm ambience and lovely staff. Try the beetroot courgette and apple soup! Recommended

Scrumptious, delicious and tasty , that's the food, and the coffee is pretty good too. Nice place for lunch especially on a sunny day sitting under the shade in the courtyard.

Great little countryside cafe/tearoom, high quality ingredients at a good price, nice service ... definitely worth the trip out of town...

very nice but so popular now - great breakfast with local produce - they don't mind muddy boots and dogs ;-) Farm shop next door is very good also

We have been to Tadpoles Tearoom many times with and without friends, and always enjoyed the food and service. Also the little farm shop next door is worth a visit.

This is an outstanding little tearooms, the food is excellent, the staff and service is very good and it has a very pleasant ambience,there is comfortable seating outside when the weather is good. Plus you can take your dog in the cafe whatever the weather or the condition of your shoe wear, cos there is even a place to leave your dirty wellies!

Stumbled across this tea room the other day and delighted with what we found!

I visited Tadpoles for the first time today, having had several recommendations from people. The tearoom is beautiful, a lot larger than I was expecting! Having a children's play table with blocks and books and colouring things made the visit much less stressful with a 2 year old. The carrot cake was delicious, and my 2 year old had one of the homemade ice lollies (watermelon) which was a big hit! Will definitely be coming back!

I stopped here for a coffee & was tempted by the delicious looking cakes. The cake was excellent. I will return to sample more of their offerings.

Superb break between appointments for a superb Cappucino and a lovely slice of home made cake - very tempting to have a second slice. Highly recommended.

Coffee was just frothy milk, not taste whatsoever. Didn't try the food but have to say quite possibly the worst coffee I have tasted

Visited with a friend for lunch and it exceeded my expectations - staff were very friendly and welcoming, the food was fresh and delicious (can recommend the cheese, chutney and apple sandwich!), and in pleasant surroundings. The cakes looked delicious (I was too full to try one, but next time!) and all are handmade. There is also a lovely farmshop next door for very local fruit and veg!!

Can’t believe we’ve not discovered this place sooner. Had breakfast and my goodness it was wonderful!! The two cooked breakfasts looked incredible and hubby said it was the best he’d had in years. I had scrambled egg on toast and it was heavenly. Cousins poached were also the best she’d ever had. Service excellent too. We will certainly be returning frequently!!

After a long morning walk we stumbled upon Tadpoles. I ordered a humble cheese sandwich for lunch. Wow. I really think it was the best sandwich I have ever eaten.... I mean, literally, the best, ever. Gorgeous cheddar, crisp apple slices, soft, fresh bread - plus, delicious mayonnaise - homemade, maybe?? - and butter perfectly combined (I'm picky about this stuff and it was ideal). I know, I know - it's just a sandwich... but my god, it was exceptional!!

The best tomatoes on toast, shame it’s not on all day. Coffee is nice two, specially in a green mug. Come here most weekend. Nice place , good parking, not sure about dogs where food is concernCarol . 🍰☕️

I went here for lunch with about 10 friends. The service and food was excellent. A lovely place to relax and have lunch after a walk from Bridge. I will definitely go again.

What a great find. This is exactly what a country tea room should be.

Go most Sunday's for breakfast excellent, although a little slow but worth the wait, staff very pleasant and delicious food great cakes, dogs and muddy boots allowed .

One of Bridge and Bishopbourne’s gems. Lovely cafe with outside seating area serving pots of tea, a range of good coffee, delicious cake, toasted sandwiches and a cooked breakfast. Doggy, walker and cyclist friendly. Plenty of car parking. Worth visiting Galley’s Farm shop on the other side of this converted stable, where you can buy plants and local produce. Enjoy the sound of ducks, hens and sheep in this part of the Garden of England.

Went here with my daughter today had a nice late lunch , was little confusing as to weather it was table service, staff were friendly and my lunch was nice

My boyfriend a I found this little place for breakfast and it was amazing! Great food and great service:) the coffee was also extremely good! I will definitely be returning

I had the Tadpole salad which was to die for! My partner had a jacket potato with a very tasty side salad. Will definitely be back!

We stumbled on this place by accident and had an excellent lunch of croquet monsieur and paninis. We'll definitely be back, especially as it's right next door to the new farm shop where we also bought wine, jam and other goodies.

Fantastic little restaurant and whoever’s set this place up should be very proud. Been here a handful of times for a full English breakfast and that’s exactly what I got. Good honest food and well cooked. Good news travels fast and I can see the place being very popular and successful.

We are very lucky to have such a super place to eat right on our doorstep. Delicious cooked breakfast with high quality ingredients & tasty cappuccino.

Having been past a few times, I thought I’d give it a try for a spot of breakfast. It was a bitterly cold day and I parked on the right hand side, just inside the gate by the field of ducks (my bad I didn’t read the signs to the car park which is on the right as you come in)!

Having found Tadpoles fairly recently when stopping for coffee, we decided to try the breakfast. It is delicious. Beautifully cooked good quality ingredients. I believe it’s one of the best breakfasts I’ve eaten out and will definitely be making it a regular event

Great lunch. I had panini with smoked mackerel, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella followed by an excellent espresso. Spotted this tearoom on a walk last week and came back with family - not disappointed and we’ll be back to try the breakfast!

What a find! Warm and welcoming, spotlessly clean and with ample parking. Amazing lunch followed by really excellent lemon drizzle cake. A real hidden gem and somewhere that I shall certainly be returning to.

This is a great Tearoom, serving fresh homemade cakes, hearty breakfasts and light lunches. The coffee is great and the tea refreshing. You can sit inside the cosy Tearoom or outside in the picturesque courtyard. Visit the poultry farm, or the Farm Shop too and make your Tearoom experience one to remember!

Friendly, good value simple meals, snacks, home made cakes and tea/coffee. The spacious shed accommodates people easily and represents an excellent addition to the local food scene. Galleys farm shop is on site.

Lovely setting for this cafe in a small complex of farm buildings that includes a farm shop. We dropped in for a light lunch and were impressed by the friendly atmosphere and the range and quality of food. Decaf tea on the menu too!