The Baytree Restaurant in South Holland

Please look at the photos before reading please. yes I know we are all human , mistakes happen , it ie easy to just complain but also good to compliment - however - 2 attempts at getting it right and they expected a third on the same day ....and insulting disbelief to boot - sorry NO ! Please see email extracts : "On Wednesday lunchtime my wife and I stopped over for lunch. We ordered the fresh Grimsby haddock . The fish tasted fresh. Even the chips were an acceptable quality , nothing to write home about . But the batter was certainly not crisp except at the ends. The batter was like eating a stodgy bread baby meal. I asked one of the staff for an opinion and it was wicked (* sp should be whisked ) away for a replacement . I also requested the same for my wife.( sic plate) Two fresh golden coloured pieces arrived. The batter was no different . The fish inside was very tasty. We noted other people dissecting the batter to remove the fish. We are on a low carb diet so this was meant to be a terrible sin of temptation . You just failed. There is clearly a problem ... A remark like "it's only the flour" really did little to help." I stated in the email it was NOT my intention to put something on Trip adviser or FB but after the reply from Baytree I thought , no you deserve one especially as I seem not to be the only one ! : "Firstly thank you for taking the time to give us some constructive feedback on your dining experience that you had with us on Wednesday. I would like to take the time to apologise for the first 2 fish that you did receive. I did at the time go into the kitchen and address this issue before your replacement meals were started. The batter was slightly too thick not allowing the air to enter under the skin and coated fish to get that crispy texture that we all love. This issue was resolved immediately by thinning the batter down before your replacement meals were started. Therefore I find it very strange that the replacement meals were the same. If this was the case then the best thing for you to of done is addressed the issue there and then when we can offer you a different meal or even a couple of hot drinks and complementary cake or desserts. I will take all of your feedback on board and strive to not let this happen again. We are all human and mistakes do happen. Once again thank you for taking the time to let us know about your experience. " I responded as follows : " Generally I do give everyone a chance and indeed asked the staff for comment and it was replaced. The second being no better really was unacceptable. At that point we decided it was a waste to give a third try . We ate the fish and left the batter and left disappointed. If you cannot get it right the second time then really that demonstrates a problem . What you should have done was sent someone or yourself to the table when eating the second version to apologize and ask if all was well, that is the basic hospitality business way of doing things. When you say " If this was the case ... " Clearly your disbelief by using this phrase is tantamount to calling us liars . Most insulting. Simply resolved .. we will not be coming again . Not a big loss for the overall profit of your business but my gesture to your reaction and now not only poor batter but a bad taste left in my mouth by your hurtful comment." Essentially I feel they need to get it right - the fish batter was a problem but the hospitality of the whole experience was certainly negative. No I was not seeking a refund , a gesture to try come and try again may have been considered - BUT thats it, done NOT going back .

I have to admit, I would not have gone to this place if I had read the reviews first.  We popped in just after opening time on a Sunday. So the cafe was just opening by the time we had been around and picked up some plants and stuff.   I have no idea what it gets like when it is busy. I can only speak from my personal experience.  I was actually very happy with the service and the food was spot on.  Side salad with Grassmere meats, cheese, crackers, piece of bread, some chutneys and coleslaw. The meats included pork pie, turkey, ham and a scotch egg.   It was very good.  Very good portion too, £12, not cheap but not disappointing. Very happy customer.  I don't eat out in Spalding often because I have had so many bad food experiences and paid a lot more for some shocking service and food.  Some places get good reviews and they are the worst i have ever been to.  So I can only rate this on my experience which was very good all round.

I stood in front of the food serving area where staff were straightening/ playing with the food and never once did anyone look up at me! Just a simple “I’ll be with you shortly” would have sufficed. Instead I was totally ignored (didn’t realise that I am invisible!) for what seemed an age! Then a “man” arrived (happened to be a friend) and the middle aged woman immediately looked up and acknowledged him! Took his order whilst I stood gobsmacked! I did say out loud that clearly I must be invisible because I’d been stood waiting to no avail! Still she didn’t look at me choosing to ignore me until an embarrassed young girl grasped what was going on and served me! The women are rude; clearly feel entitled to treat costumers as they so please; unpleasant experience and will not be rushing to return and put myself through that again!!!

The restaurant that time forgot - and I can see why. Stuck in the 1970's it is long past time for an update. The cake seemed to be stuck in time as well, as dry as an old boot. Eating dry cake with the smell of chips wafting by is no fun at all. Avoid this place it is not worth visiting if you are at the garden centre or stopping off there if you are not.

Had a roast beef dinner here and it was disgusting! The food was piled on top of each other and it tasted gloopy and bland. It cost £14.99 for a pile of rubbish. We have often had a meal there and it was always excellent and reasonably priced. We will not be going there for a meal ever again. I believe they have a new catering firm providing the food. I suggest they get a new company and put the prices down. In fact the whole garden centre has become very expensive.

We went for a cup of tea and cake. Waited in queue to be served, choice of cakes was heavily focussed on very sweet slices/brownies/biscuit bars. Young female assistant was somewhat sharp and has alot to learn about customer service. Restaurant was noisy with unruly children. Tea pot leaked on pouring,as did the small milk jug. The tea was awfully weak and both pots had split teabags so all you got was a mouthful of tealeaves. There was no one available to speak to. Scones were heavy and slightly under cooked. (Lime & coconut) Left disappointed.

I had a bad experience today at Bayford restaurant, self-service. They give you a buzz when you have to go and collect your food. We all had a sausage bat, but the sausages were horrible. They were full of spices which they should’ve told us, also it should be on the board in big letters, what the sausages are actually and what is in them

How the heck do I recommend Bay Tree Restaurant? Let's see. Had I WANTED to chip a tooth on the over priced scone (I suggest it's re-named as ROCK CAKE) then I would have been happy. It was dry, likely NOT baked the same day and uninspiring. Unlikely to return. Very poor indeed.

Massively inferior compared to even a year ago. We have eaten here fairly often for many years and was always worth a long trip just for the lunch. Last few visits have been progressively poorer. I did email my disappointment and surprise to the restaurant manager twice who replied each time in a very arrogant and disinterested manner - pointing out that I’m obviously very hard to please. It was the first time I have ever complained about any restaurant! It’s now more of a canteen than a restaurant - self serve teas at the beginning mean that the tea is far from hot by the time you collect your food. Very disappointing as the food and garden centre have always been a favourite day out. Prices have risen massively in the garden centre too and if it was still a good day out this would not matter quite so much. We are long standing customers and Very disappointed.

Visited today, had a what was advertised as a chicken curry, very disappointing, no taste of curry almost like a stew and only just warm, reminded me a bit of the vesta dried meals you could get many years ago, Baytree used to be very good, Whats happened, second bad experience with food there certainly wont be going back

This restaurant used to quite good going back a couple of years and would visit at least once a week during a visit to the garden centre. It is now awful, absolutely disgusting quality of food. Burger was pink inside and chips were undercooked and hard in the middle.. I took mine back to complain and was told that you can eat burgers like that as it won’t hurt you and offered to reheat chips. Gammon with chips and cheeseburger and chips, coffee and water, just under £30.00. Never again….

Stopped for lunch and wished we hadn’t bothered - we were served cold food and didn’t seem to be an isolated incident looking at other tables in the restaurant. Disappointing.

Should not be allowed to serve Fish & Chips that are so disgusting. We could not even finish the food (nor could people on table next to us!) Fish was in soft soggy batter with a tainted taste , could be the oil it was cooked in, but unpalatable. None of it; Fish,Chips and peas was hot, only lukewarm.Will not be returning.When we asked how to get a coke to drink, was rudely told to 'get it from the cabinet' not helpful and no cups/glasses offered.

We went with a party of 13, we pre - ordered our orders. when we arrived the table was all ready we sat together on a long table, everything was lovely, Jo who arranged our meals, delivered to our table. the food was hot' generous portions, the staff delivered our meals all together. then the desserts were ordered, they were very nice. we will definitely come again, Jo and her staff were brilliant.

disgraceful i had fish and chips and a pot of tea, just under£15 half the chips were scraps that you would break your teeth on my friend had a bit of cake and a drink £5 the cake was stale rock hard i shall never go there again people say why didnt you complain, i think this is the only way to complain every one can read and see my complaint

Hadn't been for a while so decided to go for lunch there food was very nice we both had sandwiches a little over priced I thought but nice and fresh ,didn't like the self serve coffee thing from a machine etc ! But ok we got over it ,it was the chipped cups that bothered me on both of ours ! We struggled to find un chipped mugs ! I wouldn't rush back there

The food was fine,had no problem with that. The problem was the outside area. We had taken our small dog,so wanted to have lunch outside,the tables and chairs were full of bird poop,the whole area needed sweeping and the dog bowl with water in was disgusting,it was full old green slime and filthy water,I wouldn't let my dog drink from it. They either need to give regular clean water in clean dog bowls or don't bother at all. A couple of paid staff need to spend 10 minutes every morning cleaning this area for customers along with their children. For that reason I would not eat there again,no excuse for it.

today we are hear at this very nice place for many years i have been coming hear it is quite big and well set out both inside and out a bit later after looking round we went for dinner the restaurant is set out well and quite large with plenty room to move about (ect) you know round the tables and about wen you go into the restaurant and order your meal you will find ANN at the end of the counter at the till she is most helpful if you need to know anything and she as a very nice smile and we will be back soon

Advertised saying booking esssential. We had booked and were seated and waited nearly 15 minutes before being asked if we would like a drink Meantime other people coming up to the counter for carvery who had not booked just walked straight in See that carvery price is usually 12.99 and we paid 13.99 and also had had to make deposit of £5 per person Not impressed sorry

We had a fairly normal cafe meal. Cafe was packed but we were served fairly quickly. Reasonably priced and food wasn't bad.

very pleasant garden centre restaurant very clean and tidy great selection on the menu meals were very tasty and plentiful service was very good great value for money.

Slow service with just one member of staff struggling cutting meat with a blunt knife.An electric knife needed for the amount of meals being served. Saying this the 1/2 hour qué was well worth it Super Yorkshire puddings . Highly recommend just needs a few tweaks on delivery.

My Husband had meat pie, very dry, left more than he ate. I had scampi and mashed potato and peas, peas were OK, scampi all breadcrumb, very tiny scampi, last 2 scampi had funny taste so left them. Mashed potato done in microwave,,so hard, l,gave...

I would just like to point out this restaurant does not comply with the new Natashas law which sadly was put in place due to young girls food not being labelled correctly and here we are visited this restaurant today and they have no allergy...

We didn’t get a chance to eat in here as after making a 10 mile out of our way was told no dogs and the woman was very rude, I explained we had come because we had been before and a section for dogs and...

What wonderful, friendly staff! Here with my mum for a bite to eat and she felt compelled to tell the lady on the till. Despite being busy, every member of staff out on the serving line in the restaurant was chirpy and it really was...

Went for lunch here with my mum and dad, was very impressed. Myself and my mum had jacket potato... Which I know you can't go far wrong with, but it was presented really nice with a side salad. My dad had the pork and apple...

When arrived used the toilets in the restaurant the ladies were not clean and half of the seats were not attached to the toilet. We then ordered a hot bacon & cheese baguette, pricey but we thought at least it will be good. The baguette...

Great food and nice, friendly staff. Fresh ingredients and nice sandwiches, as well as a selection of hot food.

We went to the garden centre and stayed for lunch. Very nice fish and chips and it was a lovely day so were able to sit outside.

Called here whilst on holiday and decided to have some lunch, eating was mostly outside which was not a problem we decided to order sandwiches the young lady serving was friendly and chatty and made our sandwiches to order so lovely and fresh so much...

Just before popping into The Fun Farm next door, we had coffee and cake in The Baytree. Been there many times before, and we like the way the girls are flexible with how they serve your coffees. I had a piece of orange and chocolate...

Went for early lunch and there was already a queue so obviously very popular. There are two service counters. One for full meals and one for lighter meals, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, soup etc. The choice of jacket-fillings is very good and the sandwiches are made...

We decided to have lunch there whilst visiting the garden centre. Found the food very nice and fresh. Good selection on menu . Size of portions not too bad for price. Place was very busy but plenty of staff on to keep it clean and...

Went there with my wife and my granddaughter and was really impressed with how nice and friendly the staff were and how good the food was. We only had sandwiches but they were made to order and really tasty and such good value for money....

Popped into Baytree for family lunch on Monday. really good lunch. Four of us had roast turkey- really good portions, hot and lovely crisp potatoes. My partner who has a gluten free diet usually finds it difficult to find anything to eat and thought he...

When passing through the Spalding area we have "settled" upon the Baytree as our preferred stop - this time just for coffee & snacks - but we have previously also enjoyed their breakfasts

Lovely food at just the right price for all the family. Grandchildren had fish and chips and nuggets and chips, I had a bowl of chips and daughter in law had fish and chips too. There was other meals, including salads and other cooked food

Excellent service and food fish and chips better than a fish shop. Large helpings. Served in very clean surroundings

We called in for lunch and found a lovely quiet little room off the main dinning room. It was not the first dining room that you come to through the main entrance. Walk through towards the Owl and Wildlife centre and there is another very nice dining area. The staff are very helpful and friendly.We ordered Tomato soup and fresh bread. It was piping hot and delicious. We then had coffee which was served in large or small cups, not basins. Very enjoyable Thank you.

Had not been here before not too busy but a long queue menu not clear food was ok but not served very well. I just hope they do not alter my local Baytree that used to be Dents garden centre that would be a shame. The good point decent portions and good value

Visited for breakfast quality bacon and sausages eggs cooked to order beans and field mushrooms toasted and a drinks I had filter coffee great value happy staff all tables had flowers on which is nice clean and busy 10 out of 10 baytree

This is a large restaurant within the Baytree garden centre complex. Plenty seating indoors and outside. It’s canteen style, grab a tray and queue up for drinks and food.

This place just isn’t the same as it was a few years ago. The food quality is lacking as is the menu choice, you don’t feel like you’re getting home made more like from the freezer or ready meal.

We used to use the restaurant fairly regularly about 6 or 7 years ago, and the food was really, really nice.

Had an excellent meal here. The beer battered fish and chips were lovely. Food and drinks reasonably priced. Clean and spacious so even when its busy you don't feel crowded while eating. Good friendly staff.

In addition to the usual sandwiches, soup and cakes, this eatery has a selection of home cooked food every day. when we visited the choices were beer battered fish, cottage pie, sausage in onion gravy or chicken, ham & leek pie. Choice of potatoes and veg. 2 hot meals and 2 hot drinks with change from £20. Food very tasty. Counter service but will bring food over if cooking fresh.