The Coach House Cafe in Newark and Sherwood

We sat down to eat at 3pm. Staff had already begun cleaning up in preparation for closing. There were still people eating as they stacked chairs, wiped tables, sweeping and mopping floors around us. Not impressed as closing time is meant to be 4pm.

Having eaten here before for light lunch and being satisfied thought we would go with relations when visiting recently. The choice , and service was abmissmal. Know they are thinking of the planet using wooden cutlery but not much good to use with jacket potato and then for it to be presented in a card box and in my opinion wasn't even eatable... just like a takeaway. A cabinet that should of had selection of salad in was empty. Certainly wont be going again. In there defence was offered a drink as compensation!!!! not really what you wanted.

This is probably one of the worst places I’ve eaten in! The choice was awful, beige beige and more beige, even though it was only 12.30 they had ran out of almost all the sandwiches. None of the hot food looked appetising, it advertises a salad bar, but when I asked where it was, the man serving said we haven’t got it set up yet! I chose a jacket potato with tuna and coleslaw, it was served in a cardboard box, the coleslaw was slopped in next to the potato, there were no salad garnish, it looked awful and it didn’t taste much better, I think the potato had been reheated several times, it was as dry as a bone. My friend had a tuna roll which she said it tasted stale even though it was in date, she left half of it. The cafe itself inside looks dark and unappealing, you certainly wouldn’t want to sit in there, it felt really depressing. It’s such a shame that they haven’t got their act together because it’s such beautiful surroundings, you could make so much more of the cafe, have some delicious cakes on display or offer cream teas, do fresh sandwiches and rolls, not soggy ones in plastic supermarket type wrapping. We went on a Tuesday lunchtime and it was really busy so the market is there! I will definitely not be returning to the cafe. On a positive note the staff were very friendly.

What can I say No menu So had to stand while the guy reeled off what they had All food in the heating cabinet looked dry as a bone Who wants a toasted sandwich that has been sitting there for hours No salad in the salad bar Hot chocolate undrinkable Coffee not much better Who ever owns this now needs to get a new career Will be going to Sherwood next time Please please can someone let me know when this is next up for grabs A great business opportunity being missed here I am afraid

Truly shocking. Soggy bread, poor ingredients, the cheese was terribly thin. Do not eat here the staff haven’t a clue. One of the worst cafes for taste wd have ever encountered.

Horrendous food and coffee, been put off quiche for life and the coffee was Luke warm. Eating out the cardboard box added to the bad review. Won’t be eating here again

The major plus of the Coach House is its setting, in the c.18th building of the same name where the grand estate of Rufford stored anything horse-drawn away from the weather. On a fresh January morning, after a walk around the lake and through the woods, I can think of worse places to get a drink. The wall display of wagon wheels (not the biscuits) was more apt than the random selection of pre-1950 agricultural implements that these places often scatter around. Not enough indoor tables; all were occupied before lunchtime. The constant shuffling-along of the queue reminded me of a school cafeteria or budget hotel buffet, and the food on offer suggests a slightly upmarket Greggs. Sausage rolls, cheesy turnovers, £3.85 pasties, chips...anything yellow through beige that can withstand an hour or two in a warming tray, it's in. The slices of roast beef, slowly stewing in their Bisto bath, did look tempting, and the prices overall were as expected. What put me off ordering any hot food was the lack of sneeze guard over the display, facing the queue (see pic). It wasn't as if the staff had forgotten to lower it or whatever; there wasn't one to lower. How does that make it past council health inspections? How is it even a thing in an establishment that first opened post-lockdown (2021, according to the sign behind the till)? I'm quite sure that the other patrons don't want my pleb peasant germs being breathed and coughed all over their lunch. My friend and I had a coffee each. Both fine, both reasonably priced, both served quickly. For a drink and an ice cream, I'd have no hesitation in going back. But anything more, no thanks. Lastly, what's going on with the carved "Notigham" stone (see pic) outside? I sat and studied it for some time. Was it intentional? Making some kind of unclear statement? A genuine diagnosable learning disability on the artist's part cannot be discounted. Eventually, I concluded that the original brief was simply "NOTTS", which would have centred neatly on the stone. But the artist then realised that the upright of the second "T" was too close to the first, improvised by changing it to an "I", then crammed the rest on in a grumpy hurry. The results now sit, unloved, propped against the outside wall and subject to one man's internal monologue that went on unnecessarily long. Decide for yer sen.

I am not fussy believe me but, what I was served was a crime against basic food. I ordered chips, fish fingers & beens as this is all they had ? Bearing in mind it was only 1.00pm,,,, I asked if there was a menu but was told that’s all they had, apart from a few over heated Cornish pastes. They served it in a cardboard box ( class ).., I sat down to eat. I don’t know how they managed it but the chips were cold as was the over cooked fish fingers. Some of the staff looked disinterested in in their work,,,,, I didn’t complain, I had a few chips from the bottom of the box as a few were warm, I had a bite out of fish finger, it was terrible, I closed the box lid, binned it & just left, never again.

Went for a nice walk with newborn baby and dachound dog, Paid £5 to park, went to the couch house to have a drink and breast feed and was told to breast feed outside or leave our dachound and come inside, asked to sit near the door with our precious pooch and was refused. it’s a country park for all ! including dogs maybe have a small area somewhere that dogs are allowed would be a nice idea.as dog walkers need a break from the cold too. Never the less consideration for a new born out in the cold would have been nice. Jobs worth and disgusting

Visited on Sunday with our grandchildren which was enjoyed unfortunately spoilt by the poor quality of their hot chocolate and coffee at the coach house .. had better at Mac Donald’s and half the price!

Cycled 16 miles to get there this morning for breakfast, when ask what the vegetarian option was the answer was "well nothing, we've never been asked before" Come on are you living in the dark ages? Won't be going again!

Went today 23rd August 21 . Have been coming to the park for over 30 years. After our walk around the park and lake we thought we would stop at the Courtyard café, big mistake. 4 of us and a small dog. Want do we want to eat and drink? hadn't got a clue what was on offer no outside menu showing items and prices. only a board generalising what was inside. so it meant one person couldn't queue up with our order , so my son and his partner went in first whilst my wife and I stopped outside with the dog. 15 minutes later our son and his partner came out with 4 drinks they had to guess we would want and 1 overpriced sausage roll at £2.50. we then went in. People queuing up at the hot counter ,so we looked at the cool cabinet for the sandwiches, no price list or list of choices. We risked the wrath of the others queuing for a hot meal and went straight for the till, on the way we asked an assistant how much the sandwiches where and she didn't know. At the till they where £3.10 per pack, another rip off. Couldn't pay by cash had to use card. Why? . Nothing to do with Covid as very few customers wore masks and no staff had them on ( we did). This is discrimination and no excuse. When we got back to the table our son and his partner had drunk up as their drinks were getting cold, our drinks had already gone cold whilst we were inside. NEVER AGAIN

Visited rufford this morning for a family dog walk and thought we would get some breakfast at the café.orderd 3 bacon cobs but they only had enough for 2 so we had a sausage one as the third.The meat was cold and hard but the worst thing was the bread it was dry and stale.how hard can it be to get this right ! It's only 2 ingredients,they were £4 each as well,bloody awful, the only reason it got one star is because the staff were friendly.wont eat here again !

I met a friend at Rufford for a walk on a lovely Autumn day. We went to the Coach House cafe twice-once in the morning for a coffee and then after a good walk and picnic lunch for a cup of tea. All very Covid safe and well organised. We managed to sit out in the sun. The coffee was lovely-and I am fussy!! All excellent. Thank you!

Super tuna sandwich on soft, thick, white bread. Pot of tea, crisps. Jobs a good un. Nice atmosphere.

After visiting Rufford park last week I was amazed with the changes I went into the coach house the sausage rolls are amazing the staff was very attentive all really helpful I was in the que listening to a couple moan about the car park charges try visiting the other local parks then you will find something to moan about thank you Rufford for my lovely day out

I visited the Coach House cafe with my husband and friends on a Wednesday lunchtime after walking round Rufford Park.It was very busy and a number of dishes had run out. We chose from the remainder , and had a children’s choice, but at adult price. The staff were apologetic and pleasant enough and the food was satisfactory. I was surprised the menu was so limited, but assumed there had been many visitors. I hope next time we visit we can get there before the crowd!

Friday 29 November 19. After walking around Rufford Abbey and the Abbey Grounds with its wonderful sculptures.My friend and I then visited 'The Coach House' Café, where we had hot fish finger butties and a latte for me and tea for my friend. We spent a nice hour here getting warm after our lovely walk round the abbey and grounds.The staff here were very friendly and the food was served well presented and piping hot, which was just what we needed on the cold November day.If you want nice food, in pleasant surroundings then it is well worth popping in when you visit Rufford Abbey

Shocking, miserable people, who obviously do no like their job. Food dreadful, counter space unused as nothing decent to put on it. However do not mistake this place for the ICE CREAM PARLOUR AND CAFE.....lovely helpful,fun loving lady called working there. Gave us numerous samples of ice cream. Nothing was too much trouble. Very efficient and made it a pleasure to be there. I cannot believe how two places could be so different Rufford will have to work hard to keep her though, compared to the other restaurant.

Came here today was nice but was costly, my advice is take a pack lunch, nice view of the Abbey as its opposite the cafe

Really lovely English breakfast and cup of tea. Pleasantly suprised...staff were very polite and the breakfast was hot substantial and reasonably priced. Made a good start to a nice day out.

small half cardboard cup very expensive 3 swigs for £2.20 also our carvery meal was luke warm enjoyed the gardens and lots of things for kids to play on

There was not much food on offer mid afternoon, but that was not a problem as we only stopped for a cup of tea. Fine for a quick stop, but nothing too special about it.

After a walk round the park I popped I. For lunch and was pleasantly surprised. Staff were helpful and friendly. Food was much better than expected and was cheep. The fish finger butty although obviously made with frozen fish was tasty and very warm. Well done.

Always busy here but organised. Good food, indoor and outside seating. Reasonable prices. Lovely to visit on a sunny day

Visited Saturday afternoon 26 January. The cafe was very untidy, lots of tables uncleared. We sat outside and the area didn't look as though it had been swept for a time. It looked uncared for though there seemed to be plenty of staff around to deal with this. The food on offer did not look very appetising and the prices didn't reflect that. This is a shame as the abbey/park are beautiful and well worth a visit. We live locally and often visit for a walk but are certainly not tempted by the cafeteria offerings. The management need to take a tip from Chatsworth and similar. Rufford's prices are not cheap and people expect more nowadays from food outlets.

Miserable selection of food, miserable staff, and grubby cafe area. Such a shame as park is beautiful.

The Coach Hose provides simple but well prepared food on a self service basis. The range of take out food is also execllanr and in summer saves taking a picnic with you. The kids can enjoy the park while the adults sit and watch

Came in for brunch after a lovely but chilly walk around the lovely park. Ordered bacon butties, coffee, hot chocolate and cake. Not cheap either,cost £20. The bacon was barely cooked and cold, the bread was hard and dry. The cakes were obviously not fresh as one was dry and the other was chewy.

The Cafe was decently priced and had a good selection of Veggie food. All in all we were inpressed at the quality we had and for two lunches with drinks we paid around the same as we would have done at a fast food restaurant and the food was much nicer

Stopped here for a quick cup of tea while walking around the park, Not brilliant food, bit expensive for what there was. but did the job.

We go here on and off when we visit the park and consistently find the staff to be unfriendly and offhand. Limited food choices and we used to find there was a better choice than there is now. We visited today and the lady who served us was actually horrible to us. No excuse to behave that way .

Came here with my daughter & her dog because I love country parks / walks & it was nice to give the dog a run. Decided we were hungry so had a jacket potato & my daughter had an hot turkey baguette, both we agreed were on the cool side but we were eating outside none the less both were also tasty & my potato was of a good size by cafe standards. Staff were friendly & polite.

Waited 45 minutes in the queue only to be told that 3 of the main meals were sold out. The only thing left was a tray of dried up turkey slices in a gloopy gravy. The only hot meal available was a small spongy baguette stuffed to the hilt with turkey, with an enormous heap of tasteless chips. Bog standard food for over £6. Barley any cutlery left either, and this was just after midday. Very disappointing for somewhere I’ve been going since I was a kid

it was one of the best cafe shop i ever been, very nice and romantic place to go, wonderful staff and very friendly.

After we had been walking gently round Rufford Country Park we decided to stop for a cup of tea before we went home. It was close to closing time but the staff could not have been more welcoming. A lovely cup of tea and as we are going they gave us, free, some scones which were left over. How kind and generous. We had them when we got home and they were lovely. Thank you.

I found all the staff to be veryfriendly very polite and helpfull, A large selection of food and drinks which arrived hot, We have recommended the coach house cafe toall our friends and family if they ever visit the park.

This is a lovely cafe at the Abbey end of Rufford Country Park. Great for light meals or snacks and drinks. Lots of seating - some indoors in air conditioning, and lots more outside in the courtyards.

A great walk round the lake and estate. It was really interesting to read about the history. And a few little court yard shops and a lovely little cafe and also a nice looking restaurant will give that a go next time. And most importantly some great woodland walks around the estate well worth a run out too.

Good selection of drinks, meals, sandwiches, and sweet things. I like that the kids 'make your own' lunchbox has plenty of healthy options. Lots of things for veggies, but unfortunately usually the only vegan options are chips or jacket potato with beans. However yesterday the home made veg soup was SFV and it was so good my son stole half of it :)

Often stop here when we visit the park for a late breakfast. Food is always hot and good portions. Plenty of choices. Plus if you keep your parking ticket and spend over £15 you get the £3 parking off your meal. Well worth a visit.

Visited on 28/8/17. We hadn't planned to eat lunch out, but it was such a lovely day, and the salad lunches we saw around us looked tempting, so we decided to. We had lunch at around 13:30... sadly... VERY disappointing! I chose Jacket potato with tuna mayo and salad - the potato was tiny - smaller than the palm of my hand - the salad consisted of 6 slices of cucumber (which I didn't eat) and a tiny pot of coleslaw... this is NOT what I would call a salad! ... had I have been the one to go to the counter, I would have told them so and refused it!

Brilliant little café, nice food great staff, the man serving on the till very helpful and friendly.

A kind of get a tray and get in line system which is difficult with children in tow. You choose from a variety of dishes on hot plates along the counter. Very nice food and great staff , reasonable prices we enjoyed it .

Popped in here whilst visiting the park and so glad we did lovely meal, large portions all fresh and really tasty. The prices were shocking at how good they were would send anyone to have a well cooked well priced meal.

Fairly regular visitors to the park & cafe but first time since being taken over by new management

Lovely to sit and have a pot of tea and a slice of cake in the Coach House Cafe after a walk round Rufford and the lake.

I love Rufford and everything to see.