The Gardeners’ Restaurant in Enfield

We came here as a group of 4 for lunch. Although the cafe looked presentable at first glance, our experience quickly went downhill. Food: The food was particularly dreadful & the worst part - expensive yet underwhelming. I ordered a cheese toastie, but instead received a plain basic untoasted butterless cheese sandwich after over 20 minutes of waiting (mind you, this item cost £8.50). We ordered a hunter's chicken, which took 30 minutes to arrive & then arrived cold as though it had come out of a fridge. When we ordered a replacement, it arrived a further 15 minutes later without the sauce. The chicken sandwich was bland & disappointing for the high price. The menu did not indicate any dietary information (vegan/vegetarian/allergens/etc) and lacked good vegetarian/vegan options. The hot chocolate was alright, but the coffee was tepid. The jacket potato was undercooked & hard. Atmosphere: Nice enough to begin with, until we settled in and begun the long wait for our food. People were regularly getting up to complain - customers had issues with the mash, with items missing from their orders & many other customers besides us were visibly upset. It seems that the kitchen must have been understaffed or overwhelmed, as the quality of food just wasn't up to parr & wait times were absurdly long, even though we came after the lunch rush & there were plenty of empty seats. Service: The service was ok - the waitresses were doing their best to bring out orders, man the till & serve their customers. However, the strain they were under was visible - between having to field all the customer complaints & repeatedly bring back incorrect orders to the kitchen, they were stretched thin and unable to clear the tables, refill the water jug & keep things running smoothly. Overall, I wouldn't go here again & would recommend trying out one of the several other cafes nearby. To the management: I'd implore you to look into these issues, as we are very much not the only diners that have had such a dismal experience. These disappointed reviews are numerous & action is needed. For vegetarians: Only 2 options were available: Cheese omelette or cheese & beans jacket potato. They had a ceasar salad but it contained parmesan. I asked for a cheese toastie (not on the menu but they offered other toasties) but they gave me a disappointing untoasted sandwich instead.

With four people in the kitchen I waited 20 mins for a toasted tuna and cheese sandwich. Two reminders at the counter and told it is coming! Pastries on front of counter with people passing and no covers. Got a refund but not the point.

Awful service, they lost our ticket for the order, food was shocking - over priced. See photos for £8.50 sandwich. All good came up separately.

We arrived just before 4 o’clock and 3/4 of the seating areas was cordoned off. There was about 7-8 customers waiting in the queue. When it was our turn we were told take away only but my husband requested that we get served in proper cups as it was still an hour before the restaurant closes. The chef said 3/4 of the restaurant has been ‘reserved’. He was very specific about where we should sit. Clearly we understood that this was the case as he doesn’t want to clean the entire restaurant. Other customers who came after us were also directed to sit in specific seats. He moved us on one occasion so that it’s closer to the entrance and away from the other clean tables. The lack of autonomy for customers were taken away and the dictatorship of the chef is outrageous. He should be trained for proper customer service should he wish to stay at that level of leadership.

We enjoy coming here as the staff are lovely Last Friday was a bit of a chaotic day for the Restaurant. Clearly there was not enough staff to serve hot drinks, serve meals or clear the tables after customers had left. Dirty crockery was clearly mounting up. Long waits for food and impatient customers. Such a shame as we love it here but its also now very expensive. £6.50 for a toastie (as shown) with a tiny teaspoon of coleslaw.!! Way too expensive!

We left after appalling service and rude staff who clearly didn’t want to be there. We ate at the Gardeners retreat restaurant down the road, and received exemplary customer service.

Stopped for lunch on an 8 mile walk and regretted it! We both ordered Brie, Cranberry and Rocket panini. Very stodgy panini, invisible Brie, very sweet cranberry and virtually no rocket. Hard to see how it could go so wrong. Avoid at all cost! Wish we’d gone to the pub.

Visited in the early afternoon, 2 staff serving. After the previous customer was served I waited several minutes before I was even acknowledged - a ‘we’ll be with you in a minute’ would have been nice at least. If I hadn’t been meeting someone I would have left at that point. When I was finally served the staff member was rude and seemed annoyed that there were customers. The coffee was pleasant, but the cake was dry as if it had been left out uncovered, and nearly £5 a slice, which would be OK if it was tasty. Tables all around weren’t cleared with dirty plates and food left on them throughout my half hour visit, and I overheard the staff being rude and abrupt with several other customers too. Such a shame.

Asked for a afternoon tea with a fruit scone and a black coffee. Took my payment then gave me tea. When I reminded them I had asked for black coffee as I don’t drink tea I was told “we don’t do that”. When I Suggested, as they had already accepted the order and my payment, to swap the tea for a coffee they refused. I asked them to double check with the manager who said “we can’t do that”. I had to give back the tea and pay another £2.50 for my coffee on top of the £8 I had already paid. I politely pointed out to them that I would not be returning which was just completely ignored. . Then had to go back to the counter as they had not untopped the orange juice bottles I had just purchased or given me a knife for the extortionately priced scone. I then watched them refuse an elderly man two slices of toast “because it counts as breakfast and it has passed midday”. Unbelievably rude, over priced, long queues, and unhelpful management.

I have visited this restaurant many times in the past. The service has always been a little slow but the food and drinks are ok, so fine for a light refreshment break while shopping. However, my experience on a couple of recent visits makes me wonder if it is under new management. The last time I went was Friday 30th July. It was about 3pm, so not peak lunch time rush. There were only two people ahead of me in the queue yet I was not served for nearly 15 minutes - this was just to order food and drinks. The queue behind me was huge by the time I was served. The young woman behind the counter was on her own and obviously needed some support. Through the hatch into the kitchen I was aware of several members of staff seemingly chatting and standing about. I was glad I only had tea and a cake or I would have have to have waited even longer. The teapot I had was filthy - definitely never seen the inside of a dishwasher. My friend’s was the same. The restaurant is generally clean and pleasant and staff polite.

four of us met to eat, talk and sit in pleasant surroundings. Cheese omelette and chips excellent with salad. Fish and chips impressive looking and all tasted good. Ideal for a light, quick bite. Dishes cooked to order, so a bit of a wait, but nothing wrong with that.

Did not wait to be served in the end, staff ( at least 3) faffing about with clipboards etc, no interest in serving. They actually looked like they were annoyed you were there. Bad buzz- so we left after waiting 2 minutes

Nice clean airy restaurant but very pricey. Doesn’t feel very welcoming. Felt rushed to choose food while standing in queue you have to look at boards to choose, once chosen was then told not available, chose something else, also not available. Gave up and went elsewhere

Took my mum there for a sandwich. Mum had a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich we she said was ok and I had a ham & chesse panini. Have to say the filling was in the middle but nothing either end so very doughy. Was presented nicely though and hot. Service at the counter was very slow but the restaurant was nicely decorated and clean although it was so hot I could sit there for to long after we finished eating. The cakes and pastries looked lovely and all covered so maybe next time I’ll go for tea and cakes

Having read the poor reviews I thought some notice may have been taken ,the girl on the till was unfriendly and seemed cross because we changed our coffee order .The scones were more like rock cakes and had no taste,the cream and jam portions were very small .Its a shame because the surrounding was very plesent ,but I will not be returning

Lovely cafe - great surroundings, the undercover play area is excellent too. I think the portions are large and fairly priced. The only thing which lets it down is theres very few vegetarian options and all involve eggs or cheese. A healthy vegetable soup, or a falafel and hummus dish would be easy to add and would make a huge difference! We are all vegan or vegetarian in our family so its important to us. The play area and spacious surroundings mean Ive given it a good review despite this.

We visited at breakfast time for coffee and bacon rolls. The surroundings were pleasant but the service was slow and the bacon roll consisted of a small stale white roll with two small pieces of poor quality fatty bacon. Not nice at all and we left them mostly uneaten. £4.50 each !! We won’t be going back.

francesca was sooooo rude waited far tooooo long for service very small portions luke warm at best the whole service was rubbish and i wont return

Came to pots or art who are next door and were wonderful. Needed some cups for refreshments for 5 year old party. Said no. Unless he pay £1 a paper cup!!! Wow!! Wouldn’t lend us anything or sell at a decent price . Not how u run a business.

It's not a restaurant, it's a cafe and not even a good one. Very over-priced, small portions, extremely slow service and the staff were abrupt bordering rude. The food was ok but nothing special.There's plenty of other places to eat nearby, do yourself a favour and go elsewhere.

Shocking service delay in ordering took 30 minutes another person behind counter took her break when restaurant busy lack of management and attention to detail

There is potential for this to be a really pleasant restaurant, although it is more of a cafe. We like to sit outside and were pleased to see an outdoor decked area which was covered but at least it was outside. Unfortunately it is next to a play area for small children which is horrendous. Shrill screeching, yelling and unruly children that were not even in the play section but by the tables. Children yelling at their parents at top volume even though they were right next to them.The sensible thing would be to move the childrens area away from the cafe/restaurant so that civilised people could sit and enjoy the surroundings and look at the plants below. Situated in a garden centre area which attracts older, sensible folk it makes no sense to have a playground which drives the customers away.First visit was OK, children were just playing and supervised, second time was lucky and no-one there, third and final time it was mayhem, lax and lazy parenting, feral children, food was not great, and what we ordered wasn't available. The toasted sandwich was like tasteless sawdust. Cheesecake is weird and tasted 'off'.A shame because with some thought and consideration for others, it could be a regular place to visit. I won't be returning.

Absolutely awful service. I visited with my husband and we ordered a sandwich and a coffee and a cottage pie.

This is quite a pleasant looking cafeteria until you see the miserable looking staff. Having taken our order at the till we waited 25 minutes for our toasted sandwiches to arrive - they probably forgot our order. The food itself a Welsh rarebit (actually cheese on toast ) was ok, accompanied by a small salad and coleslaw. Not once did I see any staff smile or make verbal contact with the customers - they definitely need lessons in basic hospitality.

Este café jardín no parece saber que llamar en sí. Las señales por encima de la entrada y en ambas puertas de entrada diga "Los jardineros restaurante", mientras que el sitio web de jardín tiene "Jardineros", ambos con y sin un final; sin embargo, el apóstrofe hasta recibos y un aviso dentro de la cafetería restaurante diga "Massarella. "

Yo bastante de mirar, ya que hay muchos puntos de venta aquí. Yo no haría nunca comprar el jardín productos ya que hay variedad y encontramos un pobre artículos más barato al otro lado de la carretera. El café es caro y nunca he comido allí. Pero la venta minorista se merece una visita y siempre estoy comprando zapatos en Soleras y la ropa de romano!

we visited the massarella restaurant within the garden centre today. the food was very good. had an omellette with crispy bacon and cheese. staff very polite and friendly. very clean. will visit again.

Fuimos un domingo para un bocado en el almuerzo. Nunca he estado antes, así que quería darle una oportunidad. . . . Tardo 15 minutos en llegar sirve y era caro para lo que teníamos. . . A tostados, pannini dos cafés y una tarta y tengo que decir nada del otro mundo. . . Sorprendentemente el servicio es lento.

No hay mucho de un centro de jardinería, es más un lugar tratando de ser un pequeño parque comercial.

Visited for the first time Decor OK and quite bright and seemed very clean. Food wasn't the best, edible but nothing fantastic. Chips were dark and seemed to have been hanging around for a while or refried to heat them. Staff seem a little bit...

Nuestra primera visita a la cafetería hoy parte de Massarella Caffes desastres de comienzo Ltd grp en primer lugar la chica que nos sirve en hasta era menos que tomar agradable la orden equivocada y nosotros culpar de que ella tenía que escribir de nuevo. Nuestra orden se perdió 25 minutos en nuestra orden pregunté y me dijeron que estaba siendo plateados que era mentira. llegó finalmente comida cara para lo que era nada especial, teniendo en cuenta el precio. Las mesas estaban llenas de ropa sucia y el piso sucio vajilla una señora mayor tenía que limpiar la mesa para poder usarla. Una y única visita.

It's not good but not bad - just ok. They often run out of items on the menu. You have to walk right through the building to get to it. Difficult to find.

The food is ok, the tea was excellent, but we had to wait nearly an hour for a piece of quiche and a portion of welsh rarebit. I know it was busy and the staff were all very friendly and helpful and clearly under a lot of pressure. The cakes are lovely, the scones are good, my quiche was nice and as I said the tea and the coffee was very good. But my partner's welsh rarebit was cold so were his chips and by the time the food came we just needed to get out and get on.

For a garden centre caffe it is better than average . Not fantastic enough to call it a restaurant but better than a sandwich and jacket potatoe caffe . Great coffee and nice omelettes . Very friendly staff

unfortunately our first visit to this smart garden centre restaurent was not good.We queued for nearly 20mins . To be told the kitchens were closed (about 3pm) others couldnt order coffee as they ha d run out.the Yound Lady there was very efficently serving on her own and she did apologise about the lack of Food as the kitchen was not available.

after doing a bit of shopping in pavers retail outlet situatated in the phoenix garden centre we decided that we would have a quick cup of coffee and a bite to eat and quite frankly this one of the worse meals I have ever had both our pannins were undercooked my coffee was tepid and my wife hot chocolate was not hot we left the meal uneaten and went over the road to woldens garden centre to eat there I would not choose to eat there again

Popped in after shopping in Crews Hill. Had tea for two which came in a big teapot so no complaints there. We shared an almond croissant which was one of the best I've tasted (I've tried a few!), it was soft, most are crispy making you wonder how long they have been hanging around.Service at the till very very good too - will definitely head back when next in the area.

Stopped in here for a quick bite with my family whilst shopping in Crews Hill. The cafe in this garden centre used to be cheap and cheerful and a decent place to just rest your feet and take a breather. The food was average then, but you'd accept that because you knew what you were getting. Easy food and a mug of tea. Typically, this garden centre had to ruin it. They've done that emporer's new clothes thing, where they upgrade look and feel and you end up paying twice as much for rubbish. My panini was under toasted as was my wife's toastie. So was my mother in law's. There was a smattering of cheese on my daughter's potato and my wife's chips arrived tepid. Plus it all took forever to arrive. It wasn't that busy but took twenty five minutes to serve. Honestly, the paninis and sandwiches are pre wrapped and on display. Hardly as if they're made up from fresh and yet you end up leaving with a bill just under thirty notes for this dross. Won't be going back as I have a real issue with being ripped off. Oh, and it was so cold in there that they had patio heaters going that were inadequate to heat the area, so we had to keep our coats on. Sounds as great an experience as it was.

All the tables were dirty , food took ages and tasted like cardboard. Over priced and horrible won't be going there again

Slow service taking orders, when order was placed half the items on the menu were not available. Ordered two soups, one veg queich and one meat queich. Two soups were delivered cold so we sent them back to be heated up. Soups took a while to heat up. Then the waiter turned up with two queich but didn't know which one was veg. Took back to the kitchen to be told they only have veg left. After cutting into it to my surprise I found that it was meat as was my partners. This was then removed and a 2nd queich was brought back which was also a meat one. Staff need training and need to know the food they serve. After 10min of messing around we got a partial refund after being told my veg partner could eat around the meat quench.

We visit here on a regular basis, and have never been disappointed. The staff are always very welcoming, there is a good selection of food available all day and the restaurant is clean and very well maintained. Good selection of hot and cold drinks too. Our favourite has to be the Welsh Rarebit, feeling hungry just thinking about it!! Only slight criticism would be heating in the winter months, ok if you are near a heater, but otherwise it's chilly.

Just back from having lunch with a Friend and although the cafe is modern light and airy the service and food was a little disappointing. I know they must have been short staffed, as there was an advert on display but there was just one person serving, who was rushed off her feet. When our food arrived my friends wasn't what she ordered as it also had toasted cheese with it, which she doesn't like. She took it back and was told "it is always served with toasted cheese - it says so in the little menu". We never saw a little menu just the menu board displayed behind the counter, which said nothing about toasted cheese. They did make her another. Unfortunately I think they will lose much custom, as I think few people will return I know we won't be.

Visited this café/restaurant on a visit to the garden centre. The staff made us feel that we were an inconvenience with their surly attitude. We ordered Jacket potatoes to be told that they had 'run out of cheese' - we made do. The potato arrived al dente (not good for a jacket potato) and cold. Tea was stewed and the whole experience was not good. I wont bother next time.

This is a pleasant cafe in the Phoenix Rose Garden Centre in Crew Hill. There is plenty of choice of food and drink suitable for a teatime snack or a lunchtime meal. The service was very friendly and the cafe was clean and well maintained. Some of the cakes were a bit expensive but the food menu seemed reasonably priced. The only complaint I would have is that it was very cold, being in a large garden centre with very limited heating.