The Deck at Macknade Food Village in Swale

Avoid. This Macknades open air outlet is a disgrace to a fine company. No indication on the menu that the baguettes were sourdough, and the bread was as tough as old boots - unchewable, and uncuttable with the wooden knives provided. Fillings were mean, and the ham no better than a supermarket’s. When we complained, our server offered to get them remade using pizza dough, which l hate, so we refused and asked for a refund. At first, offered a 50% refund “as we had eaten the filling” (in fact, the only edible component). It took a great deal of assertiveness, tenacity, and appeals to the manager that we eventually got a full refund. A really badly trained staff member. This experience is no reflection on the quality of the company’s great produce in general.

At the entrance there was a shortish queue , quickly and efficiently dealt with by pleasant , polite and upbeat staff . Was pleased they asked everyone to don masks before walking through the marquee to the outdoor table . Tables were well spaced out . We ordered two sourdough baguettes ( one ploughman’s and one Anglo -French ) and drinks / coffee . The latter came quickly with good service . Unfortunately the baguettes took rather a long time . Had they been good we would have minded less , but the fillings were a bit sparse , too much pickle , and the bread chewy . Disappointing .

Tasty street food, with a wide range of menu options. Good service from a server who has the “waiter’s eye”: very rare these days!