The Almonry in East Cambridgeshire

Whilst visiting the Cathedral we popped in here for lunch and not disappointed. We received a warm welcome and it was comforting they had excellent social distancing measures in place. The food was delicious along with the service.

I have written many reviews on Tripadvisor and have never felt the need to leave a terrible review. This is the first one. These people simply should not be in business. After a warm welcome by the young man on reception, we were taken to a vaunted ceiling area. There the issues started. 3 waitresses went past: did not not stop, not even when signalled to. We eventually had to walk back to Reception to get the young man who had greeted us to take our order. One course arrived first, leaving three of us waiting. When I asked the blonde waitress, the response was that she did not deal with drinks or cream teas, as they came from a different part of the restaurant! I chased another waitress, who brought the remaining meals. No drinks though! So another round of getting up and chasing the waiter. Drinks eventually brought by another waitress who said they had been happily cooling on the side as forgotten by the first waitress. No sugar with the tea. Another chaser, and eventually this and our water materialised near the end of the meal. Should not call themselves a restaurant. The staff simply do not understand what a waiter is.

A quick snack and a coffee before visiting the adjacent cathedral. Lovely coffee & scone but a long wait for it to arrive. We picked a busy time I guess.

Upon arrival we had to wait outside for a table to become available which was fine and we didn’t have to wait too long. Staff were very apologetic and friendly. We then got accompanied to our table in a side room with four tables (all occupied), got given a menu - and that’s where it ended. Nobody came to take our order. After about 25 minutes we chased someone which In current mask world is quite painful anyway. We overheard that the table next to us had placed an order which then didn’t go through to the kitchen so had to wait forever. So, my tea arrived but I had to call the waitress back to get sugar. My Mum and my friend had food but didn’t get any cutlery, napkin or sauces. Everything has to be chased which really spoilt the experience. Nobody cane to check up on us or even to clear anything away. The bill had to be chased too. Due to all this we spent a lot more time than anticipated- so the queue outside is even more unsurprising. All in all a disappointing experience with a lot of potential if it was more organised and staff were better trained. Due to the beautiful location it feels like a tourist trap. A real shame.

Excellent Corona safe measures in place at this restaurant.Chicken and Brie lunch was excellent, Lemon meringue pie was superb too.Despite the reduced tables for Corona, the serving staff were really not well organised.We had booked, and there was an empty table reserved for us, but it was necessary to stand out in the cold with the rest of the queue until all those who had not booked had waited for a table.Tea took half an hour to arrive and main course longer. In total our lunch took 2 1/2 hours, even then we had to ask for the bill because our table was left uncleared.We had plenty of time and it was cold outside so decided to take this as a benefit.

Stoped for a quick coffee and cakes after visiting Ely cathedral This coffee shop is in there grounds. Very clean tables distanced Table service Lovely coffee and fresh cakes the scones particularly good! And fresh Dry nice people

Visited here whilst on holiday and passing through/sightseeing. Restaurant set in beautiful surrounding grounds of Ely cathedral and which on a sunny day was even more glorious. As the garden seating was full, we opted for an inside table and so didn’t need to queue for more than 5 minutes. All COVID systems were strictly being adhered to which was reassuring and staff were found to be very accommodating, professional, polite and helpful. We were shown to the downstairs area which has vaulted ceilings and was extremely pleasant to be seated in and given how warm the weather was, it was once to be out of the heat and in a cooler, relaxed atmosphere. The menu was quite varied and reasonably priced. We opted for a jacket potato/tuna, mature cheese/chutney sandwiches/salad/crisps, water and black Americano coffee. The waitress took our order promptly with food/drinks arriving in good time, hot and very tasty. Once finished we decided to have a cheese and fruit scone (which we asked to be warmed up, which they duly did and so was a nice touch) with another Americano coffee. Again, all served in good time. It was nice not to be rushed and overall enjoyed the experience very much.

We visited after a lovely visit to the Cathedral, on a very hot day. The staff were very switched on re Covid, and we thought the menu very good

We were kept waiting in a queue in the hot sun waiting for a table to become clear for quite some time, only for another room to then be opened up to clear the queue that had begun to build up even more behind us. By that time I had developed a really bad headache from the sun, so was glad to get inside and have a glass of water, but as this option was available to them, they could have taken this action sooner rather than left us all standing out there. However once seated, in a very nice room, we had a pleasant tea and cake/biscuit etc and service was of a reasonable level (although we had to go hunting for someone to pay the bill). I can imagine that if on a less busy day it is quite possibly very nice to sit there and relax with a pot of tea as certainly the decor and grounds were very pleasing. I think the staff were quite stretched and were trying their best but were struggling somewhat.

Lovely spot for coffee, but busy and could do with more staff, we had to queue for ages to be seated.

Arrived at lunchtime with no booking but they fitted us in OK. Good and friendly service - did not have to wait very long at all.

Took a long wait to gain access, assuming due to Covid restrictions. Service improved once inside. Acceptable cream tea, especially presentation of cream.

its 5 stars for the inside stunning place but oh what a let down, very young staff do there best but ...... Coffee cappuccino very weak tasteless and even the froth looked plastic , terrible worst ive had in years. Food, the sandwich was nice but the homemade cheese scones very dry and even the 2 small frozen plastic butter portions couldn't moisten it , the currant scone was devoid of currants hardly any in there i counted 5 and again very dry. Shame as the cues outside showed the architecture drags then in it wasn't the food or drinks . Some one wants to visit Bettys in yorkshire to see how good this place could be. Wouldn't ever go back.

A beautiful spot next to the cathedral means that this place will always be popular. The staff were very polite and the tea very nice. If there was one criticism it would be the cakes. Maybe I was unlucky but my Millionaire shortbread didn't quite hit the spot. The lemon drizzle cake was popular though!

We visited today for coffee and cake and were not disappointed. Staff were providing a safe and clean environment without spoiling the experience of cafe life. We had a delightful table outside surrounded by the beautiful gardens and the stunning view of the cathedral. Good coffee, good cake, good service, well done lovely ladies, we will definitely return for one of the yummy looking sandwiches.

So we hadn't book, but there was a table spare, and we didn't have to wait long to be served. We met friends in Ely and all chose the same for lunch - quiche and a pot of tea - it was lovely.

My husband and I had lunch here today. He had a baked potato with cheese, not much to go wrong there. I had 'spicy parsnip soup' or tasteless wall paper paste. The waitress took it away as she noticed I wasn't eating it. Came back with tomato soup. It was sour and really unpalatable. I didn't eat it. Such a shame as the setting is wonderful and the staff are very welcoming.

Went on a Friday lunchtime in a party of 6. No one meal was worth a good review. It's a cafe catering for coach and society groups doing Ely for the day. The sausages were billed as " local ", so I thought immediately of that excellent pork butcher barely 200 yards away, Edis of Ely, whose bangers best the original Newmarket sausages into a cocked hat! But no such luck, just an average sausage with only its plumbers going for it!

Called in on a Sunday lunchtime though only wanted coffee nd cake as we had a roast meal planned later. This was not a problem and we were seated in the attractive Blue Room with a nice view of the almonry garden. The cappuccinos were very hot and perfect and the lemon drizzle cake and date and walnut loaf were both excellent as was the service. If we come to Ely again we will try the fuller meals.

Popped in a couple of days ago whilst in Ely for a short break. Busy little cafe, and an excellent cup of tea. Whilst we didn't order any food, all that we saw being served looked to be of good size and excellent quality. No visit to the Cathedral is complete without popping in to the Almonry for a sit down and a cuppa!

Had a good lunch here while visiting Ely. My son and I opted for the sandwich platter - tuna mayo and ham & mustard respectively. The sandwiches were well-filled, and the salad garnish nice and fresh- not too much mayo with the tuna, which was a bonus. My hubby’s jacket potato with tuna was also good quality.

We have often visited this restaurant when in Ely for the day. On a cold Saturday lunchtime it was so inviting, so close to the cathedral too. The food is home cooked and it's so nice to be able to have fresh vegetables. The staff are lovely and so friendly. Everything is spotlessly clean. We highly recommend this restaurant to everyone.

Enjoyed the cake last time I came - so was pleased it was still available- and just as good! Had it with coffee (they make it hot, something you can't take for granted everywhere). A beautiful sunny day - just warm enough to sit outside.

Coffee Stop....in the upstairs tea room...which can be very noisy due to a lack of anything to absorb the noise.Cannot fault the staff or quality of service and the coffee or savouries and sweet things.Tables could do with a deep clean to remove some of the stains of plates and saucers, felt like I didn’t want to lean on the table in case it was sticky.Choose the cloisters for less noise.

Had a cup of tea and a fruit scone here with my wife. The scones had been baked on the premises and were delicious. The staff to were great and the service very efficient

A good atmosphere and the food is good worth a visit, a pleasant space to enjoy a meal. This is a second visit and not disappointed.

We have been here numerous occasions. We enjoy the tea and scones while sitting outside and enjoying the view of the cathedral. The sandwiches are not full of flavor but the soups are good. The staff can be a bit rude at times.

This popular tea room was understandably busy when we visited on a Saturday a couple of weeks before Christmas.

My Wife booked an afternoon tea for FOUR.

Sunday morning - stepped one step inside in order to look/ask if there was a table for morning coffee. A very rude young woman "shooed" me out stating that a sign told me to wait to be seated (a sign I hadn't seen). Politeness and good manners are extremely important to me so I walked away and found a much more amenable cafe.

Called in by chance one Saturday lunchtime. Although they were busy the youngman on duty was so friendly and attentive. Food was served quickly and was delicious. I had fish cakes with poached egg. Five star treatment. Five star food.

What a fantastic place,no sooner had we ordered both food and drinks they had arrived,staff,food and service was excellent,excellent choice of food and drinks on the menu,place was spotless.place was very busy. Well worth a visit

Delightful location over looking the cathedral and charming room and terrace. Lots of home baking going on - don't arrive too early if you want the maximum choice for things as they clearly are made on the day. Good coffee. A local meeting place with a very pleasant atmosphere

Friendly staff, great view of the vintry garden and cathedral and the scones were almost as good as my mother in laws which is high praise indeed. There was a tempting display of cakes and the meals that were delivered to surrounding tables looked very appetising. The room is bright and was buzzy and welcoming on a damp Friday morning. The outdoor seats in the summer must be very popular due to the setting and the quality of the food on offer.

Visited Ely for Christmas Fayre but due to dietary issues, chose to eat at the Almonry. Extremely helpful, jacket potato was perfectly cooked, smoked salmon and salad. Had 2 x gluten free sweet dishes, had the Millionaire Shortbread, very nice. It was a busy place, had to queue but well worth it.

Sunny day sat out side lucky to get a table as very busy. Very good service one tea one and one coffee both good quality and taste. Both had scones which were moist and tasty. All the cakes and food seen look good.

We had a lovely time at the Almonry during our visit to Ely. My son (age 7) had the ‘specialty hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows’ which he says was “AMAZING!” The rest of us had tea, coffee and scones with jam and cream. The scones were very fresh and tasty. There was also a good selection of cakes, puddings and other food which looked delicious but we didn’t try them. The service was fast and friendly. We highly recommend visiting here when you’re in Ely.

Don’t bother with a high street chain, go here and have your coffee and cake with a fantastic view of Ely cathedral.

Stopped for a drink and scone but for £3.95 for scone, just had a drink. Cakes a bit over priced. Friendly staff and very clean

We walked up from the train station and wanted a drink and a snack. We had a slice of cake each which was very nice. My husband had a latte presented in a mug which he said was good. Unfortunately I had tea which came in a pot that reminded me of a tea set I had when i was a child. The cup and saucer were also small. I spent more time pouring than drinking. Very disappointed.

Stopped for coffee & cake & in early October it was warm enough to sit outside with a magnificent view of the cathedral. Coffee & home made cakes excellent & reasonably priced. Plenty of indoor seating & a very tempting Christmas menu - also very reasonably priced. Friendly & efficient service.

Already well known as a tea room The Almonry also does very good meals. We had lunch there today with two friends and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Service was pleasant and friendly and our meals arrived promptly. The food was not 'fancy' but whoesome and well-presented. Our only criticism was that the chips could have been hotter. Pudding were traditional but again good, with plenty of custard on my apple and blackberry pie - always a good sign for me. I would recommend The Almonry for a pleasant lunch with good ambience and in an ancient and impressive setting.

An excellent place to stop for a drink and a bite to eat excellent service nice friendly staff reasonable prices and much better than the common or garden cafes

Had a lovely lunch with family. Food was really nice and the ambiance is very special. Staff were very friendly and efficient. Prawn sandwich was delicious and view of Ely cathedral was stunning.

We visited The Almonry today and sat outside in the sunshine with the magnificence of Ely Cathedral towering in front of us. This restaurant is always very good but today it moved into exceptional with a gluten free cream tea..... albeit at ten o’clock in the morning. My sister is coeliac and says she has never eaten a scone so good. Usually gluten free are not brilliant so congratulations to whoever supplies these.

Reviews can cover food, staff, and location. As we went in and sat down ‘The Almonry’ just felt right for us.

Would definitely recommend this place for a light lunch. They serve various sandwiches and jacket potatoes. Polite service and lovely setting when the weather s good for sitting outside.

We visited this place with our friends, who were celebrating their wedding anniversary and were looking forward to a nice lunch. When we arrived, it was very busy, including a large party of tourists in the downstairs restaurant. We were asked to wait for a table for 4, which was fine. Whilst waiting, we saw the Specials board in the middle reception area & asked a waiter if these meals could be ordered from any of the three cafes/restaurants. We were told ‘yes’, that was ok.

What a superb setting with lovely views of the cathedral .I visited with a friend and we stopped for coffee .The waitress was friendly and our drinks were brought very quickly.Look forward to visiting again ..the scones looked delicious !

Afternoon tea of freshly made sandwiches, homemade quiche, cream scone and brownie... delicious. All in the beautiful Almonry gardens in the shadow of the cathedral. A quite retreat.

We weren't intending to have snack during our flying visit to Ely, but the rain encouraged us to pop into the Almondry. We were pleasantly surprised to be greeted at the door by a friendly staff member who escorted us to out seats. Really friendly and efficient service, reasonably priced cakes and drinks. An unusual location, well worth a visit.

Stumbled upon this place whilst exploring Ely and had a very nice lunch with a fantastic view of the cathedral. We sat outside which was lovely (wooden tables with umbrellas for shade) but the inside looked fascinating- lots of little areas with arched ceilings. We had jacket potatoes and wine/Coffee which was all very nice and reasonably priced.

There’s a lovely view of the cathedral from the Almonry gardens. We had to wait quite a while for our order to be taken, a waitress was busy piling crockery and cutlery high onto a tray to clear the tables, with a promise to come back and clean up the spilt milk - she didn’t. The lemon cake was fine, fruit scone was very nice but my coffee was lukewarm. I think next time I’d visit one of the smaller cafes locally where they aren’t so busy.

Nicely situated. Lovely garden seating area. Nice general ambience inside the cafe with lovely doorway to garden. Pleasant and calm but decor tired and a bit battered.

Having previously eaten here, during our last visit to Ely we decided to bring our friends. The view from the garden,where we sat was stunning., offering unprecedented views of the cathedral. Good sandwiches scones and cakes excellent coffee. More substantial meals are available. Prompt service by young effecient staff.

Met 2 friends here, we are all from different parts of the UK. We enjoyed the food, the service was good, and the staff friendly. It was no hassle to delay our lunch order until the 3rd member of our group found us! Set in the grounds of the Cathedral, lovely garden. Easy access and easy to locate!

Very nice location sat in grounds of the cathedral service good food & beverages good, definitely recommend this.

After visiting. Cathedral, called here for a meal which did not disappoint! Waitresses, very polite, lovely surroundings and meal was served quickly and well presented.

We called in for lunch and, admittedly, it was very busy but we were quickly guided to a clear table in a room which appeared to have just been opened for use.

While visiting Ely on my birthday we called in for a cuppa and a cream tea. After reading about how wonderful the scones were - I was very dissapointed. The lone sultana inside could just about allow it to be called a fruit scone, it was quite tasteless too. the cup of tea however was good as was being able to sit outside in the lovely gardens with a good view of the cathedral

I completely agree with florence101 review: the place is 5 out of 5 but the service...

Lovely setting, good food, but very poor service. Two young waitresses preferred to ignore us rather than serve us. My husband had nearly finished his food before mine arrived. The lady behind the till was almost rude, the only saving grace was a very pleasant man who seemed to be in charge.

A perfect garden setting for a day out in Ely.

We sat outside. Selected what we wanted to order. Went inside to place our order, ignored by 3 members of staff until Sarah informed us it was table service. She came to our table and took our order. Lovely waitress. Why the other staff couldn't tell us this is anyone's guess! Or maybe put up a sign informing patrons of table service?

I’ve reviewed The Almonry before and since then there has been a change of management. I visited today and what an improvement in terms of efficiency, friendliness and customer service. Full marks to the new manager for the customer focus. The food, as always, is very good. I had the date and walnut loaf - a great experience.

Great eatery on a good weather day, but also very welcoming inside The food and service excellent The seating in the quiet garden overlooking the Cathedral is lovely

Nicely tucked away with beautiful gardens and a great view of the Cathedral. We popped in for some tea and cake. Great selections or cakes but also sandwiches etc. The staff are all friendly and welcoming.

We have been to The Almonry many times but today wasn't good for either myself or my husband. I ordered the salmon fish cakes but they were too sloppy and felt they would have held together better if they had been rolled in breadcrumbs, as is traditional for fish cakes. Excellent strong cup of tea. Husband had the quiche which he said was OK but not as good as their food normally is.

This is a popular place to stop for lunch or just for tea/coffee and cake. All the staff are pleasant, the food is very good and an outside seat gives fabulous views of the cathedral. Highly recommended!

We'd come to the cathedral to see the space exhibition and stopped here for tea and cake. Can't add much new to what others have said about the food and service - we certainly enjoyed our refreshment. However, when we walked towards the cathedral afterwards we discovered the Almonry gardens and would recommend that you take a look. They are well laid out and tended.

We had a couple of hours to spend in Ely and for elevenses decided to stop at The Almonry having read the reviews. I ordered a hot chocolate and a danish pastry and my husband ordered tea and a scone. The room we were in lacked character and was quite bare but the service was good and there were plenty of customers. My husband's tea and scone were perfectly nice as was my hot chocolate but please do not offer danish pastries if they are not fresh. It had clearly been left over from at least the previous day and was dry and unpleasant. What a shame.

We have eaten in the cafe here before and were satisfied. This time we had a full meal (paid for by a friend) in the undercroft. We had the braised steak and it was dissapointiing. The veg was bland and tasteless and the steak not great. We left embarrassed and disappointed. We have had FAR better elsewhere locally.

This is one of the best restaurants attached to a sightseeing spot that I have come across. All ingredients are fresh and cooked on the premises. The meals are delicious. Service comes with a smile. Well worth a visit.

We had excellent service with a delicious lunch. Interesting surroundings and plenty of space outside on a warm day to relax near the cathedral.

We visited Ely on the May Bank Holiday and chanced upon the Almonry when walking in the Cathedral Grounds. It was busy but there was seating outside and we selected a table there. Table service was provided and we ordered tea and coffee and sandwiches for lunch. Despite the fact that the café was full, service was very speedy and efficient both in taking the order and serving it. The sandwiches were substantial and tasty. Worth a visit.

We had coffee and toasted teacakes here before going into the Cathedral. The Almonry has a wonderful ambience; the coffee and tea cakes were good and the service was charming.

Selection of home made cake available, as well as usual hot drinks. Outside is very peaceful and pleasant views to cathedral. Prices competitive, staff pleasant

We had our first ever lunch at this lovely restaurant. My wife had the trout which was, sadly, over cooked. I had the braised beef which, while very tasty, was also slightly over cooked. The staff are very friendly and generally attentive albeit we were disappointed on this occasion that nobody asked how our meal was until they were clearing up our table after our lunch. The food is favourably priced but might have to stick to cream teas etc if their cooking skills don’t improve. However, it won’t stop us returning if only for coffee and cake.... or tea and scones!

Popped in for lunch as the setting in and around the restaurant is lovely. Sadly the food didn’t match the surroundings! Why do some restaurants serve crisps and coleslaw with everything?

We came in the tea room after a guided tour of the Cathedral we had a pot of very good reasonably priced tea all the cakes and scones looked lovely. It is small peaceful and calmingbwith friendly staff

Found this placed tucked in the grounds of the Cathedral. Staff are really friendly. Good selection of food, savoury and sweet at reasonable prices. Toilets available but a little awkward as you have to walk through the restaurant. Otherwise a really lovely place to stop for refreshments.

Great food very friendly staff and a joy to visit. Always make an effort to visit this jewel of Ely whenever we visit

This is a perfect place for lunch, especially when the weather is good. You can sit outside and enjoy great food right by the lovely old cathedral!

We had a lovely afternoon bacon sandwiches tea Very good service great location Nice choice for the setting

Their are many coffee shops in Ely now offering a nice cuppa and a spot of lunch but none holds a candle to The Almonry. Fantastic freshly made sandwiches and quiche or a fuller meal if you fancy it. The portions of cake are very generous and absolutely delicious. Choice of tea, soft drink or a glass of wine or beer and all in the most beautiful surroundings. Anyone visiting Ely should pop in here for a spot of lunch or just cake and a cuppa. An absolute gem.

We had tea and cake here after wandering around Ely, the lemon drizzle cake was lovely and fresh and the staff were friendly and attentive. This is a really nice spot for lunch or just a pot of tea.

I had lunch here with friends and it was very nice but I found the menu uninspiring. Egg and cress sandwiches and cheese and baked beans baked potatoes being typical menu items.

The Almonry is a short walk within the Cathedral grounds so it’s a good location if visiting the Cathedral, as well as very close access to the town centre and market.

I took my family here on Saturday afternoon and although we had to wait for a table because the place was busy it was well worth the wait.

I was with several of the Suffolk Singers when we went for a tea after singing a concert in the Lady Chapel. We have often retired to the Almonry after. This year was exceptional. Excellent cakes and sausage rolls, tea coffee etc. The new (to us) proprietor and the staff were keen to make sure everything was good.

We went here for lunch as the website claimed “vegan options”, when we got there- NO vegan options on the menu- offered a jacket potato, chips or a salad. Got chips and a dry salad - no dressing , really underwhelmed.

We came across the Almonry when we needed a light lunch after visiting the Cathedral.

We have been several times always made welcome this time we asked to wait in the entrance they explained they where very busy.

We visited the almonry with great expectations but we both felt a little disappointed, my husband ordered a cheese ploughman’s & got a ham one ( which he got changed ) I ordered scampi & chips with homemade tartare but no sauce except in a packet & the chips were just about warm. We were not told about the specials board. Nice ambiance but service could of been better.

Service very friendly and great atmosphere for family. Delicious cakes and looking forward to sitting outside with the family and enjoying the beautiful view.

This venue is brilliant if you a little something special.

As a local I have been to this establishment many times, today I wanted to treat my elderly parents to afternoon tea. As my Dad is coeliac it is good to know places which cater for gluten free. We ordered cake, scone, tea and a GF prawn sandwich for my Dad. The tea and cake arrived promptly and we awaited the sandwich. After about 5 minutes I asked if it was on its way to which I was told yes, it would take a bit longer as it comes from a different section. Another 20 minutes passed, my Mum had finished her cake but still no sandwich. Another 10 minutes and I had finished my scone, still no sandwich. No one came to see if we had everything, no one checked if what we had was ok. After 30 minutes wait my Dad gave up and left whilst Mum and I settled the bill. When I asked for the sandwich to be removed as it never arrived, the waitress seemed surprised as she was clearly unaware. She later explained that they had been busy and that someone was meant to tell us it would be 10-15 minutes. This never happened and it was over 30 minutes but we did see other sandwiches being bought out, not my Dads order though. I have seen it busier and never had to wait so long or been so neglected. Doubtful I will return and will give my custom to the tea house by the river in future or the coffee house in The Cloisters where I have never had bad service.

Very quaint inside. However ‘vegan options’ don’t exist. I got offered a plain potato, to be told 10 minutes later that they had ran out. I asked for dairy free milk in coffee, was told they had none only had soya- lack of communication and knowledge with staff. We waited 50 minutes for beans on toast. Won’t be visiting again!

A winning formula for so long, but deteriorating quite quickly. For morning coffee at the weekend he’s shut of the most attractive part of the restaurant - who knows why. Other areas have no heating turned on. Staff seem demotivated and very poorly led. Coffee is half full. Toilets were dirty today. A demonstration of poor leadership - never change a winning side! What a shame, but I guess nothing stays the same.

Hello, My cousin and I were going to have coffee at the Cathedral Refectory, but there was a long queue, so my cousin recommended the Almonry and we had a really lovely coffee and the service was excellent as the staff allowed us to sit in another area before 1200 Well Done