The Forest Cafe in Northampton

Expensive for what it is Yes of course everything is so expensive these days But this really wasn't value for money Great selection of cakes and brownies but high cost This along with expensive parking will make this a rare visit

We visit this forest regularly and now find the cafe food really expensive- small pieces of cake cost £3.10-£3.95, cost is over £3 and a small soup and bread is £5. The service was very slow and the two toasted sandwiches were cold by the time the soup and coffees were ready. I will be taking a picnic and a flask in future, which is a shame as I do love to support local businesses.

We come several times each week. The staff are friendly and helpful. The range of drinks and snacks is good, bearing in mind Covid restrictions. The dog loves the forest and the attention from other visitors!

Gone downhill since the takeover. Staff all wear uniforms. It's like eating in an airport. Used to be a real country feel. Now just corporate nonsense. As someone else quite rightly said, same prices, less food. No salad or crisps with sandwiches. Sad really. I take my own food and drink now when I stop at the Forest on my biking days.

It’s been a while since I’ve been here and it’s under new management.

Used to really love the breakfast here, even had parties for beaky. Now you can get a bacon roll etc, not the same. Place still clean and welcoming but it has lost the personal touch. Still go but only occasionally.

Cafe was slow service we phoned to double check they were serving Sunday lunch as stated on their website when we arrived we were told tgey no longer to them The one waiter he was slow very unresponsive and the rest of the team looked as if they had to carry his mistakes I think the cafe would benefit from an actual menu rather than refrigerated food as was very disappointed The well it's self was lovely xx

Went for a walk in the forest and then had lunch in grounds cafe. I had a Han and goats cheese sakad, and, my partner had spicy tomato and mixed bean soup with a brown roll and butter. One large cappuccino and one large latte very reasonably priced. Well worth a visit, and dogs are allowed inside. Helpful as the weather gets cooler. Staff friendly and helpful. They also have an extensive range of quality ice cream plus sausage ice cream for the dog!

A lovely little find given my previous experience of park cafes. Lots of GF/DF options and friendly staff. Spotlessly clean, friendly staff and the coffee was wonderful. Already planning a trip back for breakfast after an early run.

Loved the forest cafe before with it was taken over by new owners , staff lovely , but not freshly made up sandwiches toastys and wraps on the premises and a very poor selection , for vegetarian ended up with a cheese and onion toasty which looked very sad on the plate no salad no crisps no little pot of coleslaw all very boring and bland , don’t think I will be rushing back

We've been to the cafe quite a few times before. I like it as I'm gluten intolerant and they have a selection (albeit limited and costly) of sandwiches an dcakes. However since the new owners have taken over they have reduced what you get but kept the prices the same. Before I could get a roll, tortilla crisps and salad, now I only get a roll - all for the same price. The food is lovely, but I don't think we'll go back.

Booked 20+ people for breakfast here to celebrate my sons 1st birthday, followed by a walk around the forest. The cafe was very accommodating with my booking, the food and drink being brought out all at the same time. This was on a busy sunny saturday, so the staff all coped well. Whilst we didn't have exclusive use of the cafe seating area, no one else was in the area where we were sat, so it may as well have been. It all tasted good and well priced. The parking prices at the forest are frustrating with it jumping from an hour (£1) to all day (£4), with no in between but this is not the cafes fault. If you want to consume time with your toddler and combine with breakfast then salcey forest is a good choice in the local area.

After a nice walk with my 3 year old daughter I dropped in for a bit of lunch. Those with 3 year olds will know that sometimes it's hard work eating out and after finishing her food was stood next to my table happily playing with some fake flowers from a plastic vase on our table. Waitress/manager type woman walked over and told my daughter she was making a mess and took flowers off her making her cry and ending any chance of me having a chill out. We were then pretty much chased out as this woman tidied away some communal cafe toys my daughter had brought over to the table and then started clearing/wiping the table down. There was only one other table occupied as far as I could see and my daughter wasn't bothering anyone. Won't be eating there again. Food was average anyway. Do yourselves and your kids a favour and take a packed lunch.

Had a lunch here after a walk in Salsey Forest. Lovely outside eating area to enjoy the sunshine. We had chicken pesto pasta and a jacket potato. Both were good size portions and really tasty. The only downside was the selection of drinks, maybe a touch over priced and a bit high end. Overall a great place for lunch regardless whether you are actually visiting Salsey Forest.

The cafe in the beautiful surroundings of Salcey Forest looks like a welcome and fitting addition to the environment. It is pleasing on the eye and the decor doesn't make it look out of place. However, there are two things that would push me to urge anyone to dodge this place and spend their hard-earned money on a decent picnic. Firstly, the food is below average. Really not worth the wait or the calories. Secondly, and for me the biggest factor, is the incredibly obnoxious staff. After being served by an old lady (with a nose ring), and experiencing a level of hostile, blunt and demeaning behaviour in front of other customers I was left wondering why she chose to do a customer-facing role. All in all a humiliating visit that really wasn't worth the effort or money.

We decided to go to Salcey Forest on the BH Monday expecting it to be busy, and it was. I'd popped into the cafe to buy a map, and while there noticed they had a hot pork roll with trimmings on the blackboard. This is a favourite of mine. While returning to the car I mentioned the roll to my wife, who said ok but she'd have a salad. Seeing how busy the cafe was when we arrived I didn't think we'd have a chance of getting a table, but we were in luck. The menu is quite extensive with something for all tastes and appetites. My wife had a chicken salad sandwich and I went for the ploughmans. Both were great value, but mine was amazing: cheddar,Stilton,ham, coleslaw, salad, pickled onion, apple, pickle and two huge wedges of brown bread! All for £8.90 They have a drinks licence so I enjoyed a Doombar beer with my lunch. Obviously they only serve alcohol for consumption on the premises, as they don't want to encourage alcohol in the forest area. We will definitely return to try something else from their menu soon.

We have just had lunch out on the veranda at the Salcey Forest Café. We both had a mug of tea (nice and strong) and a ‘The Works’ bap; sausage, bacon and fried egg. Okay; what could they get wrong? We have had disappointments elsewhere. The sausages were herby (Cumberland?), the bacon lean and the fried egg had a proper runny yoke. Service was prompt enough given that the place was rather busy for a term-time Friday lunchtime; only 4 staff and a delivery just arrived. It is not the Ritz and it is never going to be awarded a Michelin Star, but for a forest eatery it does a great job.

You know those rainbow coloured plastic IKEA plates that everyone with young children has? Now imagine one of those with about 10 Pom Bears on, two each of small slices of carrot, apple and cucumber, and a round of Marmite sandwiches that have so much Marmite in that your children take a small bite and cry about them hurting their tongue. Now imagine you've paid £3.80 for that (plus a small carton of poor quality juice). Now imagine you had to queue for 20 minutes to get that. And that while you were in the queue you saw staff replenishing the "home made cakes" from plastic packaging from the cash n carry.

We went for a walk in the Forest before coming to the cafe. We had hot chocolate which was hot and came in large mugs! Wonderful! The cakes were fresh and tasty. The place was warm and clean with a very inviting wood burner. Everything you could ask for after a walk in the Forest.

We stopped here for lunch after a walk in the Forrest. I’m so glad we did.

I'm a regular visitor here with my husband and often my daughter. We have lunch - usually soup or a sandwich, but occasionally a hot, more substantial meal. Our daughter is vegan and has no trouble getting food here, and the menu is always interesting. Tables are cleared quickly, staff are mostly very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, there are toys inside to keep littler children happy and it's in a forest, so the surroundings are beautiful and ever-changing, and you can go for a pre-meal walk to earn a piece of delicious homemade cake after your lunch.

Popped in for morning coffee and it is was so good we returned for lunch. Three of us, with one of our group a vegan, were looked after very well with careful attention to any dietary restrictions addressed. The proprietor even accommodated a late change...

This cafe is a hidden gem. Dog & vegetarian friendly although the lovely staff will talk to others as well....

To be honest i didn't really expect nothing much of the food, because its in the middle of the woods,...

No había estado aquí durante años y nos sorprendió gratamente en esta visita el 17 de julio. El lugar estaba muy concurrido y pedimos Pollo y espinacas con humous Caesar y verduras. Ambos eran buenas, se sirve con una ensalada y el pan en sí...

Visitamos con un grupo de estudiantes. El personal de la cafetería y los alumnos nos hicieron sentir muy bienvenidos. Gran capuccino y tartas maravillosas!

We've been to The Forest Cafe several times for lunch and afternoon tea over several years and while the food...

Un muy agradable y servicial personal mucha variedad tanto en la comida y la bebida, un lugar para comer principalmente, pero tiene un diseño bueno si algo puede llegar a mucha gente es muy popular.

Our first visit here. It was very busy due to school holidays but food didn't take too long. My son is coeliac and we were very impressed with the gluten free food on offer - three different cakes, scones and gluten free bread available along with some hot food marked gf on menu. Only criticism is that no Nutella was available for my youngest sons sandwich and I was not told that there was a 50p surcharge for the ham that he had instead.

What a little gold mine on a sunny afternoon! Situated next to the play area at Salcey Forest, lots of room inside, lots of seating outside. Prices are reasonably. Staff are friendly. Keep up the good work guys, see you again soon.

Really poor customer service by manager. After paying for overpriced drinks and snacks for eight of us, we were asked to leave before I had finished drinking as it was a busy period and there were customers waiting....I tried to point out that we too were customers! Very wrong attitude here but feel that as it's the only cafe there the business with thrive with rubbish service until some competition opens... bringing a flask and sandwiches next time.

We used to go the the Forest Cafe regularly where we got good hearty home cooked food. Then it started getting more popular and they updated the Cafe. They got a great new coffee machine and served super Americanos but it wasn't long before they started to use the faster corporate single button machine instead which gives out office style nasty coffee. Things went down hill. Prices went up and quality went down. Last weekend we gave it another go, I ordered the chilli which came with rice or bread and gluten free bread is available. So I ordered the gf bread only to find a new penalty fee added of 60p. This was never part of the offering previously so I questioned it and was told that we are more expensive to feed so need to pay more........ words cannot express.... But I won't be going back. Poor poor poor offering.

On a rainy day the café was perfect to have a hot snack and drink by a gorgeous log fire. The place was busy but the staff were efficient and friendly.

Finished a walk and needed a quick snack so went in. We were muddy and no one was bothered, which was good. Hot chocolates were apparently very good and coffee was fine. Pastries were good. Decent experience.

After spending over £30 on drinks and food for my family and I a member of staff approached us and with a very rude tone asked us to hurry up as they were busy and people were waiting for tables . I work in the catering industry and run a small resteraunt so I understand the busy times but I would never ask a paying customer to hurry up.

Four of us went for a walk round the forest today and then stopped in the cafe for something to eat and drink. It was fantastic! Somehow everything about the place is just right. The general decor and atmosphere, with wood burning stove going, rustic looking but comfortable chairs and tables are perfect for a forest cafe. Service and the staff are really good and friendly, and the food is just perfect and puts many 'high street' cafés to shame. The vegetable hot pot was really good - generous serving, flavoursome with a good mix and variety of vegetable ingredients, generous slices of bread . Full mugs of hot tea. Just right after a winters walk. If one of us hadn't needed to get back home, I would have followed up with a slice of what looked like one of the best apple pies I've seen with a thick, full layer of apple. I might go back just to try it! All excellent value. A nice mix of foods, with gluten free options and a children's menu.

Stopped of for a hot drink after taking the two dogs for a walk. It was very busy as it was a Sunday and start of half term week. No problem getting a seat. Didn't eat food but noticed the sandwiches looked really good so will plan to do lunch next time.

Love it here, the food is good and fairly reasonably priced. The cafe is a gem of a place if you have had a hard days walking!! Friendly and convenient open all year round except xmas day, lots of seating inside and out.

Suki and I visited the wonderful Salcey Forest with the boys, felt a bit peckish so decided to stop and eat at the cafe. What a great place! Lovely food, good fast service, great variety on offer on the menu. My jacket potato with chili and the accompanying cappucino were excellent, the others loved their sandwiches and drinks. All in all superb and a pleasure to have a nice chat with the proprietor Katherine.

Often stop here after walk the dogs and recently refurbished and deserves a review Good menu with great options for breakfast and at £6 for full English great value. Try a sausage sandwich which is delicious Staff very polite and helpful, nothing better than long walk and finish off with good food, coffee, newspaper and sitting in the sun

Salcey Forest is a great venue for walks, cycling and riding and the Forest Cafe is a great place for a coffee and lunch stop. It offers a range of delicious drinks, meals and snacks.

This is a lovley little cafe for coffee and a cake after a nice walk around the forest or stopping mid route on the bike with the lads. Especially nice when the wood burner is on in winter.

We live near the forest and often walk here and use the forest cafe so thought it was time wrote a review The location is next to car parks (there is a charge for parking but if your going to come here on a regular basis then worth getting season ticket) Back to the cafe, lovely log cabin effect with smoky wood burner on cold daysGood selection teas & coffees with wide selection hot food (bacon or sausage sandwich very good), prices very reasonable and X good place to relax and read Sunday papersStaff very friendly, cafe also has wi-fiRecommend for a rest after walk in the forest

Stopped here after a nice family stroll ar Salcey Forest today.Good value. Good selection of things to eat.I can recommend the pasty and bakewell tart. Bot very tasty and good value.Very clean. Reasonably priced and welcolming.It's great that it's here and I always pop in every time we go for a walk here.Keep up the good work

The food was great for a cafe like this and when we ordered the wrong food for one of our children the waitress changed it (without being asked) immediately for what it should have been which she didn't have to do.

We go here regular,y and enjoy the food and range of drinks. It's right next to a play area for kids to relax. You can sit inside or out and dogs are allowed inside when wet in part of cafe only.

The forest cafe has a wonderful ambience, and serves really good food at reasonable prices. There are two sections, a 'cafe' area, where well behaved dogs are allowed, and a 'restaurant' area, which is dog free. A log burner makes it cosy in winter. There is also a large patio area for al fresco dining. Service is quick, and prices are very reasonable for healthy home cooked food. I love the vegetable hotpot!

The day we visited was a rare nice day so far this year and it is not surprising the cafe ran out of food, this is unfortunate but cannot be helped. I would not mark the cafe down for it's lack of food but for its staff and service. Gum chewing when serving food is pretty off putting to say the least. But discussing customers in a negative way who have just paid in front of customers who are about to pay is not the best way to get a return visit. The overall place was dirty and full of empty cups, plates and general rubbish. This is not the most expensive place but not the cheapest either. Perhaps the place makes enough money not to have to worry about customers. The food we did eat was very nice and a very tasty organic cola went with it. It is a nice setting too.

Decided to have breakfast after a wonderful walk in the forest. No table service as you place your order. Picked the Ploughmans Platter and it was reasonably good. The cafe serve breakfast, cakes and a variety of other items. Service ot the best.

After a lovely sunny walk through the forest with the family we decided to have lunch at the forest cafe. We had only taken our seats less than a minute when the waitress was at our table with plates of food and shouted "37" and stared at us "37are you order 37?" We said no and she turned and said why the "" do people sit in here and not order! Through our whole meal the same middle aged waitress kept coming out shouting an order number, the more she shouted the number louder and more aggressive she got. Why cannot this cafe have table numbers or have a order number visible by the table so this can be found easily by the waiting staff. ??Why employ someone with such s bad attitude ?It's a shame as the food was really very good.

Popped in here for a quick drink after visiting the forest. It is quite expensive, and the service isn't the quickest. The staff behind the counter were chatting to each other as they were serving us, and I noticed a bloke in the kitchen licking a wooden spoon. Also wasps everywhere, inside and out. It's really offputting. There are jam traps outside that are quite low, I was worried a child would knock them over. Not really a place to come if you want a chilled out cuppa.

Often walk in the forest here and did the four mile trail with the dogs, about two thirds way around stopped off for coffee. I like this cafe, good coffee and fair selection main course and sweets. Staff very helpful and pleasant, my only complaint is there never needs to be enough staff so it can take a while to get served Overall worth stopping off for coffee of snack when enjoying a walk in the forest

Called into the Forest Cafe after completing the Elephant Trail Walk. We had coffee and scone both very nice. The cafe has a varied menu plus a 'specials' board. 'Little Persons' food also available. Lots to choose from Soup, Hotpot, Chilli on Carne, Jacket potatoes, sandwiches and a variety of cakes. We sat on the patio area, lovely.

iv only been in for an ice cream and a drimk but the cafe appered under staffed with staff rushing around

Called in today for coffee and cake while out on a bicycle ride with four friends. As we were about to leave, I said to the others that I was going to pop back inside and ask them to fill my water bottle. 'Good luck with that,' my friend replied. Turns out he had asked on a previous visit and knew what was in store. Three of us went into the cafe and stood at the counter, with smiles on faces and waterbottles in hands. We waited and waited. The woman serving had obviously seen us, and knew why we were there, but decided to ignore us while she continued to serve other customers. She looked livid. Eventually she came over, grabbed the bottles, filled them and handed them back without a word. Such a shame as they should be actively encouraging people to arrive by bicycle. Other cafes we regularly visit know that weekend cycling is booming in the UK - we are a great source of income for them. Needless to say, we won't be returning in a hurry.

lovely place to stop and have a quick drink! I will be making sure I go back this summer!Also good place to walk the dog if you have any, when my sister visits from Scotland ill be taking her and her dogs here!

Lovely idea, warm things to drink and eat after a crisp morning's walk. Ordered a few things, were asked where we were sitting, told them and got our numbers. After queuing for 20 minutes and only two tills, we weren't in a rush but looking forward to the expensive but fairly nice food and drinks. A loud and very rude woman yelled at us to come and get our order as she wasn't walking on the mud to our table. There were many more polite ways to have said this but not many worse. Mortified and embarrassed this quite spoilt the day. The horrid woman who should never be allowed any contact with customers, ever came and said a sort of sorry but she'd been busy and we weren't sitting where the till staff said and it's hot in the kitchen and muddy.....Blah blah. Get over yourself ! Lovely place,lots of potential but asbo cook unfortunately. Won't be going to the cafe again at all. What a shame ! Could have been good !

Had a lovely walk in the forest, highly recommended as it is January and a cold crisp day we stopped at the café for a cup of tea and a snack to warm us up before the drive home. The café was quite full. I ordered 2 teas a banana and a packet of crisps. I was told the tea would be in paper cups as they would be closing soon. I thought this was a bit odd as having worked in a café/restaurant if you know you have to wash up/clear up once the customers have left. We sat at a table and ate our snacks whilst allowing our tea to cool enough to drink. We were halfway through our drinks when a waitress came round and asked us all to take our drinks outside and finish up outside. I realised then why the tea was served in paper cups. I thought this was outrageous as it was freezing cold outside, O.K for walking but not sitting around. If they want you out by a certain time then they should stop serving well before they are prepared to finish up and leave themselves. I highly recommend the forest, lovely walks and areas for the children, the café is snug and welcoming but unfortunatey I won't visit again, will take a flask and a snack next time.

This review is just of the exterior of the café and the ice cream parlour.Service was slow, choice of ice cream was awful - Pistachio, tuttifrutti, rum & raisen; halzelnut. no good for nut allergy sufferers. The choice of lollies was just as bad, was offered a milk lolly for an adult!! The litter bin by the parlour was over flowing, there was litter all around this area of the café, granted this was from a picnic table or 3, but none the less, over flowing bins are health hazards.

Its a lovely café, right where you need it but they have a captive audience so in my opinion, charge over the odds slightly. That said, the ice cream is absolutely delicious and the staff are always polite and helpful.

Visited Thursday 17th Very busy with kids and mothers. A cloudy cool day, obviously need something to occupy the children. Parking charges in a FREE FOREST!!!!!!!!What's this all about?????I grew up around here.They have blocked off around 10 bays, filled them in or gated them, now charging for the privilege to use the forest.I waited over 30 minutes for a sandwich and a coffee, overpriced or what.I say to you all.Bring a pack up, use the facilities, and park on the grass verges like a considerable amount of others.Save your self a small fortune. There is a shop in Hartwell to buy your Ice cream. Give it a very wide birth, unless you are made of money.

I visited your cafe today with some family. They bought a packed lunch and my children and I were buying from the cafe. I have a few problems with your cafe. Firstly, I think nearly £4 for a cheese sandwich is a disgraceful price!! Secondly, it took around 35 minutes to arrive. But above all the worst thing was the grumpy waitress!! She brought our food out and pretty much threw it on the table claiming grumpily that there was no room, even though there was clearly room in front of my children (who'd been waiting 35 minutes to eat their lunch!!), we were sat quite near the door and every time she came out she just looked so miserable and as if she just wished we'd all disappear (I mean all customers). Yes, it was quite busy, but staff should expect that and prepare, after all it is the Easter holidays and a warm sunny day!

Been here a couple of times , great place, chilli wonderful and spicy just what I needed on a winter walk

Sat 24 at 1pm Ish - girl with specs and dark curly hair tied back - no badge - not knowing AMERICAno from expresso..... Is all forgiveable --coffee was actually good - but she was so rude and unhelpful when asked for something slightly different - like a double espresso with real milk ! Again coffee was actually vey good

What a pity that such a lovely beauty spot as Salcey Forest is only served by a cafe serving a mediocre offering of mostly sandwiches and jacket potatoes. Considering that such a large number of potential customers must be under 12 too, I would have thought it sensible to cater to their tastes - but the selection of kid's lunch-boxes ran only to jam, Dairylea and Nutella sandwiches. Come on guys - nip down to the local Morrisons and see the fantastic selection they put in their kids packs for such a great price!There were two specials on the board for adults - homemade soup and a sandwich for £6 and a prawn salad Marie Rose for £6.50, bolstered by the hot selection on the menu which includes the omni-present Chilli Con Carne. Then of course there are the sandwiches which are all priced at around £3 - £4. We all chose their home-cooked ham and I have to say, after a wait of fifteen minutes, arrived nicely presented with tortilla chips and salad garnish in beautifully fresh bread with chunks of very tasty (obviously home-cooked) ham. Total cost of lunch for two addults and two under 5's was £25 though. In my view this is plenty to pay for this type of light lunch.The offering of what appeared to be homemade cakes looked delicious, but by the time our sandwich finally arrived we had had enough of hanging about so moved on.We did come back for an ice cream later - a local Kettering firm's produce, which was delicious!

The Forest Cafe has been expanded again since we last visited in 2012. There are now plenty of tables, both inside and out. It's a nice place to end up for a coffee and cake after a walk around the forest. They do have a wider selection of food than just cakes, including some options that could be seen as a 'main meal', but we have never ventured that far.Food is nice, but a bit expensive and not backed up by the service. The slices of cake, for example, are wrapped in cling film and there was no offer of a plate. The whole experience feels very amateur, even though they have been there for years now.

Nice little cafe, set in the forest. I visited with my girlfriend and her parents, and it was nice that their pet dog could join us! The cafe was certainly busy, and the coffee was lovely...my only complaint would be the cost of the cake...I felt that £1.70 for a small slice of fruit cake was rather expensive!

A very good menu of affordable dishes, sandwiches and cake. A great cup of tea, either in a mug or opt for a teapot and a very good cafetia of coffee or by the mug or cup. There is a good children's menu too. The thing is, you can take your dog here, have a cup of tea and a bun so to speak and there is somewhere to actually sit with them. The Forest Cafe staff are friendly and make you feel welcome, service is usually very quick and the food is served in an attractive way. There has to be a downside doesn't there? Be warned watch out as there was a parking fee, part of the Forestry Commission upkeep and maintenance presumably so be prepared to put your coins in the slot. If you get stuck you can use your mobile to pay, It's worthwhile if you want to spend the whole day and visit the Skybridge Walk and various walks to visit ponds such as The Elephant Pond. when you are tired out you can go back to the Forest Cafe for a great cup of tea, icecream or fizzy drink. This place has it all for dog owners and children alike.