The Gatehouse at Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds

Dropped in today whilst out for a walk, terrible experience. Walked in and placed and order for food and drinks, immediately got snapped at that short staffed to day so we would have to ‘make do’ with what we were given! Really!!! It is 2022, not 1922! Interestingly the ‘make do’ food and drink was charged at full price!

We checked this out yesterday with a view to coming back here with our little grandson. The museum next door is excellent and much more extensive than we'd realised - far too much to take in on one visit, to be honest - while the cafe is in the wonderful high-arched old gatehouse. An atmospheric setting and they've got some tasty cakes (e.g. the excellent lemon drizzle cake), and particularly if you can get a table by the window on a sunny day it's a delightful place to sit, though the coffee is a bit disappointing. Made in a proper espresso machine but a bit lacking in flavour. That's probably not what you'll come here for, though, what with a good playground nearby, a fine park, and Kirkstall Abbey and the river across the road.

Had pleasant drinks and cake at the Gate House café (part of Kirkstall Abbey park). We sat outside, which was nice, but was a bit windy. The café is next to the free car park and across the road from Kirkstall Abbey ruin and the main part of the public park.

Was in Leeds today, and had a couple of hours between appointments. Visited the exceedingly well preserved ruins of Kirkstall Abbey (best in UK in my opinion and undervisited - had place to myself). Found this fantastic cafe opposite in the old Abbey Gateway in beautiful parkland. Fantastic welcome, excellent service and the most delicious Millionaire Shortbread I'd ever tasted. Free parking to boot. Can't wait to go back for lunch. Thanks guys.

The cafe is very nice and has the provisions of a small and nice meal along with a tea / coffee . There were sitting arrangements in both inside n outside. The garden outside is beautiful with lots of beautiful flowers.

Want a quick bite and a coffee while visiting Kirkstall abbey? Gatehouse cafe is the place situated across the road. What caught my attention was the stain glass windows of the cafe reminding me of the church. They make fresh sandwiches and wraps served with fresh green salad. They have a vegan option also. Lemon drizzle cake was soft, moist and delicious.You can either sit inside or outside at the back to enjoy the food depends on the weather.

Came here with my friend as we visited Kirkstall Abbey. I had a panini which was good. The place was pleasant and cozy which made me think of Christmas. If you visit the Abbey, don't miss out this cafe cuz it has a fancy vibe!

This was a very welcome place on a cold day after walking around the Abbey. Conveniently situated with a large free car park just opposite the Abbey.

Visited the Gatehouse Cafe located across the road to Kirkstall Abbey. A quiet time of the day so the Cafe had no atmosphere. We had coffee and cake which was very nice. A little expensive but ok.

This wonderful venue has been lifted with charming staff, good coffee, a decent menu and the surprise is the delicious fresh salad which they serve with the larger plates. So much to do around here: the interior of a cafe alone is a marvel, with exquisite views of the gardens. As well as the lovely gardens, there is the museum next door, the Abbey opposite and a special market there, with lots of stands and food and even music at the end of each month.

We popped in for a bite to eat and were happy we did as the menu was great also our sandwiches .There is a lot of choices to be had with loads of different fillings to sample ,we had 3 different sandwiches all of which were superb as was our tea's and coffee's,well worth a visit .

Such a shame that most placesyou go in Yorkshire you can take your dog with you. Had a lovely walk round the Abbey and went for a coffee & cake. Unfortunately we got rained off. We asked if we could take the dog into the edge of the coffee to have our coffee and was told no. To be fair they gave us a refund on the items but what a shame. We won't be using this place again. Leeds City Council need to think more people have dogs now so let's get 'Dog friendly Leeds'

It's a shame this place was rubbish because the setting is really great. It's standard cafe food, jacket potatoes, cheese toasties, just what you need. But it was awful. Burnt sausage roll, limp old salad with watery coleslaw, soggy jacket potato. It was a very busy bank holiday, and perhaps the staff were over-worked. Next time I'll pack a sandwich.

Popped in for a sandwich with my mother and student daughter on a Monday lunchtime after a walk round the gardens. Nice fresh bread and contents. Proper tea. Friendly, prompt service in attractive surroundings. Good value.

Nice setting inside the Kirkstall museum, well decorated, lots of tables inside and out but it's expensive. It was quiet when I was there, only one member of staff and I had to wait to be served despite being the only waiting customer. They know they have the captive audience with visitors to the museum and abbey, there isn't anywhere else to eat for a distance so the prices here are higher than they should be.

Tuvimos un gran día visitando la Abadía y el museo y luego decidimos terminar con una bebida y algo de comer en la cafetería Gatehouse. El lugar es limpio y agradable, pero solo había una persona para atender a una larga lista de clientes y eso llevó una eternidad.Cuando me sirvieron ordené 2 tazas de chocolate caliente y un bollo de crema. 8. 70! ! ! Aparte de eso, el bollo medio pequeño fabricado se puso en un plato junto con una pequeña mermelada de plástico y crema cuajada. No puede competir con un té crema de buena reputación que cuesta mucho menos. . En general, muy decepcionado. Una opción mucho mejor sería conseguir bebidas y comida en la Abadía misma. No tienen la misma variedad de comida que el café, pero les haré esa sugerencia.

Although this cafe does great Sunday lunches, its a fave of mine to get a coffee or ice cream after a walk around the Abbey. The staff are always friendly and the place has a relaxed feel

Very expensive if I had known how expensive this cafe was I would have taken a picnic. 65p for a very small apple is extortionate.

Disfrutamos de una buena taza de café en la terraza de piedra fuera de este antiguo arco de la entrada a la abadía de Kirkstall. Las rosas eran hermosas y perfumadas; las abejas zumbaban hacia y desde su "gallinero" en las paredes de piedra; la vista sobre el valle del río Aire fue muy atractiva, un buen lugar para descansar y absorber la atmósfera de un lugar hermoso y una visita interesante

Es grandioso ver que la puerta de entrada interior se haya hecho un buen uso, y es encantadora al notar las características arquitectónicas del edificio. Tenga cuidado con el enjambre de abejas en esta época del año (en lo alto del frente del edificio).

Vive localmente pero siempre para en el café para tomar un café después de caminar en la abadía de Kiirkstall al otro lado de la calle. Lugar idílico poco encantador interior y personal muy agradable mantener el lugar agradable y limpio como una regla. El té y el café es muy bueno, no te molestes con la comida ya que estoy cerca de casa pero se ve bien.

This is an average café situated withing the Abbey House Museum. Slightly expensive for what it is but interesting surroundings within the old building with stone floors. Lovely helpful staff and a very clean environment

This is a very average but rather over priced café. I've visited a couple of times, you can grab a nice coffee and sandwich but very pricey. It would benefit from some extra outdoor seating.

I usually avoid this cafe on my visits having previously endured slow service and stale scones! My ham sandwich, freshly made, served with mustard on brown bread, small salad to the side, was delicious. Americano was hot and the coffee had flavour. I was offered a choice of hot or cold milk. The person who served me was cheerful and chatty. Altogether a pleasant experience.

I love this place, the history, the ambience and the happy professional staff. Yes there was a short wait for my food but what can you expect in such a popular and vibrant establishment? I had the coronation chicken and it was simply delightful. Needless to say, I'll be back next week to try out one of their paninis with my Ipad to take advantage of the free wifi too...what more could you want?

We stopped off on our way to the train station in Leeds as we had a spare hour and it was such a lovely sunny day, the sort of day to sit outside and have cake and coffee. There were only three tables outside such...

Needs to have more attention to detail. Several times I have been here and the don’t have food items left to order on the menu and it is the start of day. Afro example 12 pm. Dirty stained tea pots need a good clean. Could...

Why do they have to change everything we like!? Seriously disappointed, it used to be great. Great coffee, food and decently priced... Not so much now

We popped in for lunch and sat outside on a sunny afternoon. Part of our order was forgotten about so...

Situated across from the stunning 12th century Kirkstall Abbey lies the historic Gatehouse. With grand Cistercian arches and gothic style...

Pedimos una taza de té y frijoles en las tostadas. El té se sirve en un recipiente que al llenar de líquido caliente, tiró todo la bandeja, sin fuerza en el té, tuve que tirarlo y pedí un café. Cuando llegó mi frijoles en tostadas,...

Popped in for Lunch and a cup of tea, so glad we did sandwiches were very tasty and filling, came...

Mi marido y yo metimos en aquí para energizarnos después de pasar un día paseando alrededor de la abadía y alrededores. Tenían una gran selección de tartas caseras, tés y cafés. Por desgracia, habían vendido todos sus sándwiches suene deliciosa, pero las tartas más que...

Llegó después de 4 milla de un paseo de la estación de tren había lluvia en el aire. Pequeño y encantador lugar al otro lado de la calle de la abadía. Tuve un capuchino y un trozo de tarta de chocolate fudge. Ambos estaban muy...

We have been to the cafe before but we are aware of the cafe becoming so noisy and full of...

Los sándwiches son recién hechas y vienen con una ensalada pequeña y unas cuantas patatillas y son excelentes. La comida otras personas estaban comiendo parecía bueno. El entorno es también parte de la experiencia

No puedo calificar este salón de té muy encarecidamente. El personal es maravilloso, excelente gente amable que sirven deliciosas comidas con adornos bien. Teníamos sopa y sándwich, que era delicioso. Este lugar como un gran lugar para pasar un día. La abadía está justo al cruzar la calle y el museo en sí es genial, especialmente para los niños pequeños.

After a walk around the Abbey, this was a lovely place to stop for a cuppa and a fresh scone. Warm and welcoming and quirky features.

The on site victorian museum is excellent.With shops houses pub and street. Each room contains old items set up to look like real victorian rooms.We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and the family enjoyed Santa.Did not use the Cafe.Well worth a visit.

We had such a nice time here with our little babies. Food is simple but good. We didn't feel rushed and were greeted with big smiles. A walk round the grounds after really topped it off

Original old shops and contents, cobbled street, children's toys. Full of nostalgia. Also story of Abbey and area.

This place is lovely it has great food,coffee, and the staff are very helpful a must try are the scones just like mum used to make.We go here every month when the deli market is on in the Abbey.

With a superb location opposite Kirkstall Abbey (albeit close to a very busy road), next to a park and children's playground, adjacent to the museum, and in quite lovely surroundings, the Gatehouse is understandably popular. The interior is looking better than ever. But £4 for a pot of tea for 2 or £2 for a mug of tea really is a bit much.

I actually don't remember much, as I found myself starving after visiting Kirkstall Abbey and this was the closest place that served food. Which was nothing special, but not bad at all, especially when you're very hungry =))

We finally made the stop into the cafe after leaving the Abbey and are so glad we did! It's become our new favourite spot for tea and a delicious(large) homemade scone! Their wraps and soup were incredible. We are going back today!!

Nice selection of drinks and light snacks and friendly service. View of the abbey and gardens is lovely especially on a sunny day. There is s car park and children's play area over the road.

Wonderful location next to the museum and the abbey. The food is good but not exceptional, but the old building and polite young staff add to the ambience.Popular with parents with little ones at the weekend,The old stone interior can make for a bit of noise so be warned if you like a very quiet environment.

we had the sandwich and soup offer which was very good. Staff very Accommodating. The museum and shop located in the same building

This is a nice enough place to stop for a coffee after a visit to the Abbey or the museum. The coffee is OK, nothing fantastic, perhaps a bit pricey for what it is. Service is OK. On one occasion we had difficulty getting in with a pram and had to go through part of the museum, with an attendant chivvying us along in case we got a free look without paying! THere's a small terrace outside with fine views of the traffic on Kirkstall Road.

Pitched up at 1pm on a cool, showery April Sunday and wasn't surprised to find the gatehouse packed. We managed to secure the last of the roast lunches which were enormous and great value at £7.50. Not the best I have had but I didn't need to eat for the rest of the day. Staff friendly and helpful. Worth a visit but probably less frenetic on a weekday.

We have been a couple of time to the gatehouse cafe and we are never disappointed. I went today with a friend and her children. Although the cafe was very busy, service was quick, food was prompt and tables were being cleared. The menu was limited today but the lady explained it had been very busy which we though was acceptable as you could see she was telling the truth. Nice relaxed place with friendly attentive staff. Hopefully will become one of our favourite spots over summer.

We visited on a sunday after a two hour walk along the tow path from granary wharf. The cafe was busy but we were served quickly and efficiently. I had a chicken and chorizo wrap and my wife a grilled courgette bagel. Both were delicious and so were out almond and lemon drizzle cakes. Minor gripe that the tortilla chips served with the wraps had been forced into a too-small rammikin resulting in mostly crumbs. Reasonable value and pleasant surroundings. Will come again

Visited on a Sunday after going for a walk around the abbey. Just popped in for a cup of coffee with my aunt and uncle. It was tasty coffee and the food looked quite nice. The building itself is also very pretty inside.

Was nice cafe style food although a touch expensive, the cakes are lovely :) staff very pleasant over all nice

Lovely cafe with home made food and pleasant staff, tables outside are especiallyGood on a sunny day, water for the puppies too. Live in Leeds but love to visit .

we had our lunch here, jacket potato with cheese and side salad, husband had bagel, daughter (fussy eater) cheese sandwich (no dressing).after we walked around the museum and abbey, we went back for scones and coffee- highly recommended.good home made/cooked food.

We had an early lunch here before we toured the museum. The architecture is stunning, not a huge menu but the sandwiches were very nice, good tea and coffee and the cake was nice enough. A well used and popular cafe/meeting place. Definitely worth a visit.

Amazing building with culture, history and lovely staff. You cant get that at Costa or Starbucks!!I go every week with a bunch of friends and they all have babies, the Gatehouse always accommodate the kids and say hi, warm bottle and have enough high chairs for a small rugby team. The food and cakes are great and the service is super quick. Cant recommend The Gatehouse enough.See you next week x

I visited the gatehouse today with my family for lunch in lovely surroundings.The staff were extremely helpful and very friendly. We ordered food and cakes and I can say we all thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. My mum did comment that the cafe had a lovely family feel to it. Will be returning very soon!

Me and my family often go to the gatehouse cafe after a stroll around the abbey and must say we really enjoy it, the atmosphere is lovely and the staff are so friendly, and great with the children, there always so attentive and always happy toGo that extra mile, the food has always been great wether it be a quick sandwich and cupper tea or a family Sunday lunch, never had anything to complain about and the cakes are always very fresh, overall it's a very pleasant and welcoming place and I would recommend it to anyone, the museum next door is just as fab!!!

I used to visit here with family not too long ago but the business has changed. They used to do lovely inventive food, and homemade cakes, not anymore! For the price of homemade I think my cake was terribly dry, it was something you'd get from a supermarket. The coffee I had was okay, very froffy, and the food was honestly the worst meal I've paid for in a while. I got the tomato and mozzarella bagel. The bagel used was chewy, obviously from a packet, it was slapped on a plate with some tortilla chips which I don't see the relevance of, they were plain and tasted like shop bought ones, the salad was okay but really wet, it leaked onto the plate and made my bagel soggy, grim! I won't be coming back, everything tasted like it had been take from a shop. This place used to have originality and taste, all of that seems to have disappeared. Only go here if you want to buy average food at an expensive price.

Had a nice cuppa and a roast lunch which was quite reasonably priced and tasty. Lovely inside the gatehouse and Abbey Museum adjoins it.

Went today after a walk around the museum. Good cuppa and cakes for the kidsDoes do a Sunday lunch unsure what it would be like though may test next time we visit

A limited choice but of good quality. Our Grandsons snack box being very good value with a choice of sandwich

Terrible sandwiches with rotting slimey salad leaves topped with gluey salad dressing. Pre-sliced tasteless cheese, sliced bread with only one piece scantly spread with whatever they use. When questioned about all this, staff rude and arrogant, and she even admitted that she would eat this vile salad. Quality needs vastly improving as does their attitude to customers, who incidentally pay their wages. The cafe needs some TLC and a good clean & tidy. This matter has been taken further to a higher level.

This is a basic place to eat, especially good for children as there are long table, there were five friends and their children, very relaxed as the tables were ideal for messy eaters, and plenty of space. Coronation chicken sandwich was delightful, coffee lovely, but the soup was dreadful.

Worth eating here if you are visiting the Abby! Food and coffee was great! You have to order at the counter, then they bring your food to your table.

We visited as a large family group and found the staff very welcoming and friendly. We had a selection of different dishes from the menu including tuna baked potato, soup, sandwiches and a New York bagel. Everything including the coffee was fine and place was busy with young families. This was the second time we had visited and overall a fine experience.

I love Kirkstall Abbey. I live near to it. And I loved the Gatehouse cafe. But someone has decided to cut the food served. I had a cheese sandwich. And that was all I got and it was nearly £5 so not cheap. No garnish, no pickles, no salad. Just two slices of bread a bit of tasty cheese and a few corn chip things. So boring I brought half the sandwich home to try and liven it up.I wont be going again to eat there thats for sure. And it makes me sad.

We have visited the Gatehouse many times in the past however on our visit today we were informed of a new menu due to change in managers. I ordered jacket potato with tuna crunch and salad. The potato was cold and didn't taste like a potato, the tuna crunch was very "wet" and slimy and the salad consisted of just lettuce which was very jaded. We were told they no longer serve chips and didn't have crisps anymore just tortilla chips or kiddies crisps. We were very disappointed however the member of staff who we complained to was very nice and apologetic.

We went here as a bit of refuge during the school holidays with my friend, and my daughter for some peace and cake! The staff were really welcoming and friendly. We were able to linger over our afternoon tea, and felt under no pressure to rush off. The cake's were delicious, and tasted homemade and nice and moist. The setting is amazing, and although the weather wasn't good enough to sit outside, the gardens are beautiful.

Terrible coffee, even worse food and the prices they charge are ridiculous. Ignorant rude staff except one pleasant young lady! Just not well ran! Visited here August 15

Me and my friend have visited this place 3 times, today was the 3rd time and probably the last. The coffee has gone down hill, I ordered a latte that definitely wasn't a latte and more like a flat white. My friend also ordered a cheese sandwich which was just white bread and cheese, no salad and looked like something you would you make at home.This cafe has definitely gone done hill since we first visited at the beginning of the year.

The gatehouse looks absolutely lovely and I liked the adults menu which offered something a little different to the norm. We visited for lunch with our young daughters after a walk round kirkstall abbey. We ordered them a kids pack each with a tuna sandwich. Our 4 year old was not impressed that there was black pepper in her sandwich (I'm not entirely sure why you would put pepper in a childs sandwich) and also the crisps were spicy tomato flavour?? We didn't realise this until already opened otherwise I would have asked to swap. I would go again just with the husband as the inside looks lovely and atmospheric but I think the kids menu needs a re think especially with the location a good kids menu is so important!

This is a must see, lots of rooms and the historical walk around is well worth it. The old shops are amazing and it's easy to see how they must have lived many many years ago.

Had visited Roundhey park with my son who has a house there and he took us around the ruined Abbey. We needed refreshments and called into the Gatehouse for afternoon tea and cake which we all enjoyed in the Gatehouses unique setting.

Friendly staff,quick service and lovely cake!! Lovely tea room within the museum with the old glass windows from times gone by.lovely garden outside and full view of the abbey.

Very nice from outside but not so nice inside. Very average coffee shop with slightly expensive cakes, which are not so great. It could be a great spot if they would work a bit more on interior and service.

Nice cafe in the old gatehouse at Kirkstall Abbey. We were planning to get a pub lunch, but went for the Sunday roast here instead. It was absolutely delicious and really inexpensive. You won't get a better Sunday dinner for £7!

Oh dear, the first rule of hospitality...is to be hospitable and when you fail to make your customers feel welcome you fail epically! It's first time I've had to argue with a waitress about opening times, if a venue opens at 10:00 and it's 10:05 then I would class that venue as open, please feel free to correct me if you don't agree! I ordered two coffees and two tea cakes, the coffees we're great and thank you to the friendly young chap who made them, the tea cakes however which were made by the argumentative waitress...cold, un-toasted and deliberately delayed and you could feel the hate ousing out of them with which they had been warmed, not toasted! Great venue, great location, great coffee, great potential but a rude waitress. Just choose another profession if you don't enjoy hospitality and stop ruining a lovely little cafe!

I was exploring the Abbey and Abbey Museum today and popped in for a snack before I started exploring. I chose the scone with jam and a pot of tea. The scone was still warm inside and the tea hit the spot. It is a great historical place for a bite to eat. There were lots of lunchgoers and I noticed they had options for children as well.

This young man freely shared his enthusiasm about the Gatehouse - it's history and the surrounding area - encouraging us to stay in the community and see the sites - we are off to view the Prison next:)

We (my husband, baby and I) have been to the café twice, once with my MIL and once with my friend and her preschool aged daughter.The first time I had pulled pork on bread because they'd ran out of ciabatta. I was warned the bread would go soggy but to be honest, it made it all the better! My husband and MIL both had a veggie wrap. MIL was unimpressed by her wrap and insisted on stealing some of my food, despite having told me it was 'too expensive' and she didn't want me to have it. We shared some fries too, which were nice. I had a slice of millionaire's shortbread for 'dessert' - 'sugar is the enemy' according to my MIL but she still wanted to share that too. I gave her a tiny slither. MIL had tea to drink and my husband and I had Fentiman's Rose Lemonade.The second time we had the same again, minus the 'dessert' and with ciabatta rather than bread. I can't remember what my friend ordered, but her daughter had a little lunch box which had tons of food in! She took some home with her in the end - it had sandwiches, crisps, cake, a drink, fruit... Again, it was all really enjoyable.The food is quite expensive, which is the only negative. I had pulled pork at home a couple of weeks later and the sauce tasted suspiciously similar. I wouldn't like to jump to conclusions but Aldi isn't far away... However, whilst I suspect they're making a big profit from the food, I hope it is mostly going into the maintenance of the café and museum. It's full of character and worth that little bit extra in my opinion - if we were eating in a Portakabin I might feel differently!

We visited for a quick lunch following a trip around the Abbey House Museum and were impressed with the interior and exterior of The Gatehouse. The food was good and the service was friendly and efficient however I did find the prices of the drinks and food exessive.We enjoyed the food but in a simlar situation I would be reluctant to return now that I am aware how expensive it will be.

Called at 1.15p.m. On a Tuesday the cafe itself is in a lovely part of the building with rafter ceilings and is bright and airy. Unfortunately, I saw the place with tables full of dirty dishes, the floor strewn with uneaten food, discarded paper napkins and pieces of cutlery, and just generally very scruffy. I assumed they had encountered a very busy lunchtime rush? The menu board offerred a variety of snacks but when ordering I was informed that most if them were unavailable. I decided on just a coffee and cake but was served with a hot liquid that tasted of nothing at all and a pre wrapped cake. Not really the right impression for the visitors to this fabulous Abbey. Don't think I will be returning.

This cafe is in a lovely old building with twinkling lights round the big window and also round twigs in vases, giving a lovely ambiance to the place. The food is excellent, not run of the mill plains sandwiches, but wraps and tortillas too. Although the place was full and they were preparing for a wedding reception we did not have to wait too long for our food. Good to combine with a visit to the museum or abbey

The setting is lovely, the food is adequate the service is disappointing and the price is absolutely extortionate. We left feeling furious at how much we had been charged for an average (if that) meal.

This place looks nice but it doesn't live up to its looks. The service is very slow - we queued up for ages. They didn't bother to clear the tables of guests who had left so we were surrounded by half eaten plates of food. The floor was a mess. They brought food without cutlery, so I had to go and fetch some. We won't be going back.

Had a lovely lunch today at the Gatehouse - a coronation chicken sandwich on Ciabatta, with salad followed by a scrumptious lemon drizzle cake. Good quality and very reasonably priced so excellent value; great surroundings - would definitely visit again.

Reviewed Saturday 18th OctoberAs a man now on my own I often feel uncomfortable when eating out alone - but not at The Gatehouse. I was greeted by a smart mature lady with a big smile and a motherly approach who clearly valued my custom. A coffee was poured immediately and my lunch order was taken efficiently with careful explanation. Although clearly a busy Saturday lunchtime period my food came quickly and was delightfully presented. In beautiful surroundings and with families who were clearly enjoying the experience I was made to feel as though my presence was truly valued. I can't wait to go back.

Went to this place after visiting the Abbey. What a difference!! It was just turning into Autumn and so I expected leaves on the ground but not rubbish. It looked shabby from the outside but I put that down to the time of year as above, however it was not much cleaner inside. On top of this, It took three goes to get something that they actually had on the menu. I am vegetarian and the choice was uninspiring. The staff were impatient even though no one else was waiting to order and not one of them cracked a smile or said hello. Plumped for a roasted mixed veg bagel, had trouble finding the vegetables, they were chopped so small and there were not many of them. The bagel was rock hard on the outside and really slimy on the inside. The coleslaw accompaniment however, was very nice, as was the lady who brought the food out (the only member of staff who seemed to have the ability to smile). Went back in to order a cake and asked if they were vegetarian. I was met with blank faces and shoulder shrugs. One girl offered to see if she could find a 'list in the kitchen', not sure what the list was supposed to offer but she couldn't find it anyway. So was left with no cake. The staff were unhelpful, almost apathetic. Wouldn't recommend this place at all, it is a real let down for a cafe situated in such a wonderful building.

Yes that's right, I think you would be better off going across the road and using the vending machine in the visitor centre. A vending machine would give better levels of customer service than at the Gatehouse. The food would also be nicer. Oh and it would be cheaper too.Needless to say, I'm not a big fan of this place. The service, food and prices are all terrible. I would recommend either of the Vesper Gate or more preferably the West End House. You will get a much better meal or drinks there.Oh the building is gorgeous mind you.

Enjoyed a visit to Gatehouse today for lunch with my daughter, friend and her baby. Atmosphere lovely, place very roomy not struggling with pushchair. I enjoyed a panini with a bowl of soup for an extra £1. cant fault it it was lovely and temperature of both was hot. But was very disappointed with my daughter kids box which consisted of ham sandwich( bread was hard), an apple and a muffin with a carton of juice. I do think the value £4 was quite expensive and sandwich would look more appealing if cut in triangles rather than in half. Overall great visit just wouldnt buy kids lunch box next time.

Me and my partner went for lunch for my birthday, we arrived about 1:30pm. When we tried to order food the only response we got from the server was a shaking head then told there was nothing on the menu left other than paninis, so we both ordered a panini. This took ages to arrive and when it did the "salad" was room temperature and wilted, the "coleslaw" was mostly raw red onion and mayonaise and the panini itself was an almost empty, luke warm bagette. To add insult to injury the glasses we were given for our drinks still had the previous customers lipstick on the rim! However, the one star on the rating is for the beauty of the building itself.

We visited The Gatehouse after a walk around the Museum. Choice is fairly limited but the food was fresh and great quality. I was surprised to pay more for my son's meal than my adult meal but it was nice to see healthier kids options on the menu.

Having visited the adjacent Abbey ruins, Diane & I dropped in for a coffee/cake before returning home. We found a warm welcome on a cold Saturday morning and the young staff impressed with first-class service, nothing was too much bother!

Super place for really quality food whether it's a coffee and cake or a full meal. Reasonably priced, pleasant staff and, in nice weather, outside seating taking in the Abbey buildings. Massive Sunday lunch at carvery pub prices.

A beautiful building in equally beautiful surroundings. A warm autumnal Sunday so I decided to take the family for a walk around the Abbey followed by coffee and cake.Met with cigarette ends and rubbish around the outside tables, and a long queue inside for coffee. 2 of about 5 cakes on display were labelled which looked a bit 'can't be bothered' so we didn't bother. Coffee was ordinary.A real shame, maybe caught things at the wrong time on the wrong day. Maybe next time.....

We'd spent a couple of hours round the Abbey so decided to have lunch at the cafe. The food being served looked delicious; they gladly accommodated a tweak in our order for me.The food was reasonably priced. The ham sandwich looked lovely - great, thick slices of ham with fresh salad; served with big hand-cut chips. My salad was lovely too.