The Cockpit Café in Dover

I come here regularly with my sister who is learning disabled and loves visiting the memorial site and having snacks here. It is a basic menu but in its defence, the staff are volunteers who give up their time to keep this place running. Lovely view if sitting outside but even inside it has a panoramic view.

We decided to go here for coffee and cake on our way home. It is clear millions of pounds has been spent on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, and it is in a stunning location with fabulous sea views. It was a beautiful warm sunny day in the school Summer holidays, and should have been full, but I can see why no one would want to return to the Cockpit Cafe, given the dismal range of cheap bought in cakes they had on offer. There were 3 full cakes on display, 2 were gluten free and 1 was vegan, the plastic wrapped Bakewell tarts were also gluten free. Now given that this probably represents probably less than 5-10% of the population, it begs the question why these were the only cakes on offer? There were 3 staff behind the counter who seemed to have nothing much to do, why not bake a couple of fresh cakes and some scones every day, then the place might become more popular and get repeat visitors. Ask each customer if they would choose vegan or gluten free options to give them an idea of how in demand they actually are. The coffee was also very poor, a definite non repeat, though we did enjoy wondering around the Battle of Memorial Flight grounds in the sunshine.

I stopped off for lunch. Nice and well-priced toastie and soft drink. Very friendly staff and great views of the memorial and channel.

Situated on the first floor of The Wing (which, on the ground floor has the Scramble Experience and a shop) is the Cockpit Cafe and viewing platform. Offering a basic range of snacks and drinks, the Cockpit Cafe is open and airy but what gives it that extra edge to take it above average is the viewing balcony from which you can see the whole of the Battle of Britain Memorial. Manned by very friendly people the Balcony Cafe and viewing platform is both wheelchair and pushchair friendly as there is a lift from the ground floor and wide doors onto the viewing balcony. Parking is available in the pay and display car park.