The Gatehouse Cafe in Epping Forest

Whilst visiting the Abbey church and wonderful gardens on a cold April day, we came across this cafe at the end of our visit. It was cosy, warm and welcoming. We ordered two coffees alongside red velvet and victoria sponge cake. The coffee was smooth and not bitter and the cake portions were generous and tasty.

Food was good, especially the homemade cake. Staff very friendly. Nothing is too much trouble for them. My favourite place to eat.

Slow service but nice drinks and clean interior. Attentive staff, reasonable price. Unfortunately not dog friendly inside.

i went to this cafe thursday for a coffee and a bite to eat the service i was given was outrageous however it was the manager i was shocked at most as i have been to many restaurants and cafes in this area and i have never been met with such moody and slap dash staff.not just to me but his presence was off and it feels like everyone there is under trained and under pressure as there was only 2 staff members at the till when i payed.would not recommend.

“I had the pleasure of visiting The Gatehouse Cafe in Waltham Abbey, and I must say, their vegan breakfast was absolutely delightful! The flavors were amazing, and the presentation was top-notch. The cafe’s ambiance added to the overall experience, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing morning. I highly recommend it to both vegans and non-vegans looking for a delicious and cozy breakfast option in the area.”

Hi, I ate here today on my own while killing time between meetings and the staff made me feel super welcome. I had the super delicious cheese and ham croissant, with the an exceptional tasting coffee. It's a sweet little café within in a historic building with a view of the Abbey. My only regret was not asking for the make of coffee they serve, does anyone know what it is?

I visited with my wife for my birthday treat and the staff were very friendly and very welcoming. As a vegan I ordered a soya latte and vegan bread pudding. It was delicious this is definitely going to be my new coffee shop

I regularly met people here and really liked it. Then I took friend, his son and I - we had breakfast each and hot drinks. We decided to order another hot drink each and the owner told us that there wasn’t time as other people wanted our table. Nobody had said the table was reserved (it wasn’t) and his attitude was atrocious. The way he spoke to my friend was really arrogant and condescending. Then when we went to pay their card machine wasn’t working properly and that prolonged the tense atmosphere for around ten minutes whilst the manager kept resetting it. Not once - not once - did he make any kind of apology for the inconvenience of the card machine, never mind the rude treatment of my friend in particular. To be clear, we are both polite, community leaders, business owners etc - we were dressed smartly and his son was behaving impeccably with his headphone in and watching his iPad. It wasn’t like we were loud and overbearing or disrespectful, or don’t know how to behave in public. My friend owns a number of franchised restaurants in another part of the country and he was flabbergasted at the attitude we experienced. He tends to swagger with an air of tense energy, each to their own, but not when you let that spill over into your interaction with regular, paying customers. It was, quite simply, one of the rudest experiences I have had in hospitality. The waitresses were generally very pleasant. Earlier today I was looking for somewhere to meet in the area and this place popped up and it reminded me that I hadn’t added this review, and surprise surprise, the most recent one I saw was complaining about who I can only imagine is the same guy. If and when this place changes hands under a new owner I’ll definitely go back but until then, I haven’t been back and won’t.

When we arrived it was suggested that we sat outside and someone would come and take our order so we did. Nothing happened and as we were all thirsty after our walk one of our party went in to ask for some tap water. Again nothing happened and we had to request it again before it eventually arrived. As no one materialised to take our order one of our party went in and placed the order and paid. We had now been there about 15 - 20 minutes at least. We waited and waited and eventually someone went to put more money in the parking meter as we didn't want to get a fine. On a couple of occasions one of us requested and update on our order. We were told we were in a queue even though only 2 tables were occupied. After we had been there around 50 minutes my friend made another query and was told our order was now being prepared. When the food did arrive it was actually very good. It was after we finished that the manager came to our table and started shouting angrily at us. He said we had not waited 50 minutes but was timing from when we ordered and paid and not counting the amount of time we waited outside having been told that someone would come and take our order! I would like to add that the waitress was very friendly and lovely. It was the manager who was very rude and upsetting. On the facilities - it was very difficult to find the light switch in the toilet and it was not a string pull one as I think it should be legally. Also the toilet seat would not stay up for our male friend.

Lovely little cafe with welcoming staff creating a homely feel… and top notch coffee. I would definition recommend visiting

stopped off the motorway for lunch and found this Beautiful little cafe what a fabulous lunch .real attention to detail loved it. Do look out for the owl .

Lovely breakfast catch up with a friend this morning. Friendly prompt service. Lovely food and drinks. Good quality herby sausage.

Tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of the Waltham Abbey Church, we came across the Gatehouse cafe after a cycle along the river. Options to sit inside or out, we chose outside and didn't regret it. We did venture indoors too, clean, cute and well styled venue. We ordered a vegan breakfast and scrambled eggs on toast with coffees. It was all fresh and delicious, especially the scrambled tofu. Waitress was friendly, knowledgeable and swift in service, a perfect way to start the day. Plenty of veg/vegan options. We will be back 😃

The Gatehouse Cafe offers tables inside and outside sitting on a green by the Church and Abbey wall. The staff are very welcoming and helpful. The drinks and food were excellent.

This cafe has a very good vegetarian menu. I also liked the breakfast. I recommend you to visit there

I have been in this place too many times and absolutely love it.I usually eat lunch there on the weekends.My favourite food there is jacket potatoes with chicken and avocado (which I usually order it)Freshly cooked, tasty and so well presented.I wish the place was a bit near me.....lovely ambience and really nice, jolly staff. :)))

Useful that they were open during lockdown, but now that all the normal price cafes are open, why would you want to pay well over the odds for smaller portions?

Simply the best every time. 😷💜 Very friendly. Nothing is too much trouble. Gluten free menu as well. Outdoor space especially in this lockdown time. A beautiful oasis.

Great cafe with additional outside well shaded seating under some big trees right besides Waltham Abbey. A little haven from the heat of today. We only stopped for morning coffee and croissants and tea cakes, but others were tucking into a full English. Table Service and ladies were really friendly. Tables cleaned down between customers. We returned later in the afternoon as they were closing, but they still took the time to serve us a take away.

Found this beautiful little gem of a place via Google and then confirmed it's reputation here so booked in for a rare couples breakfast date while the kids were away.The food itself was gorgeous and they even rustled up some changes for my Wife's one that weren't on the current menu choices which was kind, especially with everyone generally begging off with reduced options in the current crisis. Had decaf tea which is always helpful for me and the service was v friendly. A great find that would be lovely to return to.

In normal conditions the Gatehouse is notable for the warmth of the welcome from tis proprietors Sean and Aurelia, the excellence of the food and coffee/tea both in taste and presentation and the wilingness to go the extra mile in being helpful. They also provide well-served and catered private partes. Since the lockdown they have been servig taleaway food and drink through a conveneint window (maintaining social distancing advice at all times) and have been providing a welcome and much appreciated service.

What a pleasant surprise had a cracking coffee and sandwich mid morning. Found the staff as you would wish for. Perfectly located in a spot that brought back happy memories

This is a cosy welcoming small cafe close to the Waltham Abbey church. We had a cup of tea and cake and whilst it was obviously being enjoyed by many others it didn’t seem too noisy. They serve breakfast also.

Honestly great food and atmosphere. I messaged ahead to check they served vegan options and got a lovely response polite and welcoming and yes amazing vegan options. Really enjoyed the breakfast. Thank you 🙏🏾

Lovely cosy cafe opposite Abbey. Had the best Oat Vanilla Latte "best ever" & the breakfast was Amazing! Staff are so friendly and welcoming. Wish it was my local

Gorgeous fresh food - always willing to acommodate dietary needs - The coffee is delicious :) looking forward to our next visit!

Service rapide, café lumineux et agréable, repas fait maison chaud ou froid Une belle découverte trouvée par hasard

We noticed this delightful tea shop just after we left the historic Abbey Chuch. The bacon sandwiches, complimented with fine condiments are an absolute delight! Coffee was good and ambience very pleasant.

Visited here whilst having a day out in Waltham Cafe Good food and great people My only criticism is when having quiche with salad The salad should be in a bowl Not put onto a hot plate next to the quiche

Lovely well thought out spotless cafe with lots of nice touches. We ordered from breakfast and lunch menu plus cakes and hot drinks and it was all excellent. Friendly helpful staff and very reasonable prices to boot.

Such a lovely cafe, set in the most picturesque part of Waltham Abbey.

Went for breakfast with my partner. We sat at a table inside for a while waiting for menus and even though staff saw us sitting there, no one came over to us. I eventually went over to the food area to pick one up myself. We then ordered breakfasts and drinks and patiently waited. Forty minutes later, nothing had arrived, not even the drinks. My partner had enough so we decided to leave. One of the staff did come out following us and apologising, but it was a bit too little and a bit too late. It's a shame because it's a lovely little spot to have a bite to eat.

We have had breakfast here several times and the occasional coffee and cake.

I held a private family afternoon tea here for about 25 guests. The food was excellent, with a large choice of quiches, sandwiches, beigels, salads, cakes and the best scones and cream ever !! The price was very reasonable too.

Best cafe in the area by far. Fantastic food, amazing cakes, lovely coffee and nothing is too much trouble for them. A great unhurried experience

We had not been to Waltham Abbey before and needed somewhere to have a birthday lunch after visiting the water sports centre nearby. We found the Gatehouse cafe online, booked a table for nine and were delighted by the welcome, the food and the service. Excellent. Highly recommended

Simply the best cafe for many miles around. As a local, it's been my go to place for breakfast or lunch many times. The food is of a high quality, and served with a personal touch. Also children friendly with a small store of books and toys to keep the kids entertained. The chilli dog is to die for!!!! I've even had a business breakfast there, so they can do it all.

Lovely little cafe tucked away in a corner opposite the Abbey. A few parking spaces darted round, Plus a short stay car park not too far away. We came here after seeing the reports on TripAdvisor and was on our way home to Newcastle. We were hungry and came for breakfast and although the food was nice, The order was incomplete and we kept on having to ask for the food that we ordered which was irritating... (Sausages were missing, extra milk was missing from tea, Asked three times for a glass of water and still didn’t get it). The restaurant wasn’t busy at the time and it was on a Monday late morning so no excuse really. I would come here again but maybe just order a simple toastie and a coffee.... can’t see how they could get poached eggs and toast with a sausage on the side so wrong, oh with 2 teas and a coffee!

Had another awesome lunch at this little Gem in the Abbey. Always worth a visit if your in the area. Friendly service, good food and great coffee. Never fails to disappoint and recommended to all. Enjoy

Always eat at The Gatehouse Cafe. The food is lovely and freshly prepared. The staff are so helpful. I would recommend to anyone

I go to Gatehouse regularly. The food is delicious and being vegan they always go out of there to make everything for me! Their roasted veg sandwich with hummus is fantastic and the vegan chocolate cake is amazing!! The staff are lovely and very friendly. I couldn't recommend this place more!! Go enjoy it everyone!!

Working locally we always pop in for lunch, always a good service and fresh food. Would highly recommend.

I'm a regular at the gatehouse cafe. The owners and staff are hard working people with excellent customer service that aim to really take care of their customers. The food and coffee are of exceptional quality and taste.

This place is my go to place in Waltham Abbey for gluten free cake! Yummy ..... Friendly staff and they also do a very good breakfast using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The Gatehouse is the best place to eat in the abbey and I am never disappointed. The staff are so accommodating and friendly and go above and beyond. Fresh food deliciously prepared with a varied menu. The gatehouse is tucked into a lovely corner by the beautiful abbey what more could you ask for. I visit weekly or I order takeaway if I am pushed for time. I highly recommend as they tick every box.

Fantastic Food and great service , The staff were extremely helpful with information on local attractions. We will return many times I'm sure.

Our food was in edible and when we tried to speak to the staff and owner they were not very helpful or understanding and very rude

We visited based on previous reviews and were not disappointed. We both had a full English which was freshly cooked and piping hot. The cafe was very clean and the staff helpful and friendly. We even bought scones to take away with us as the cakes and scones looked so good.

Popular tourist café, serving activities in the Abbey Church, opposite and the Abbey Gardens and rose garden, nearby; wheelchair access is a little tricky; wheelchair -accessible toilet with grabrails; limited street parking outside and very limited Council-run parking area, nearby; excellent table-service from very attentive owners and staff; limited seating inside and out and in the Church grounds immediately opposite in good weather; good, wholesome food and drinks.

Small cafe/bistro run by Italian /English couple. I live locally and go in there regularly for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea- with family & friends. Opposite the famous Waltham Abbey church which dates back to the medieval times& King Harold of England is entombed there with many other famous knights, noble& religious folk. It is a clean, beautiful& contemporary bistro with rustic elements.

Such a beautiful little cafe this is. It has the best view of the Abbey, with seating amongst trees, nature and water.

Called in before went over the road to the town hall for our daughters wedding. We had a panine and sandwich which were really good and we thoroughly enjoyed

One of my favourites places to eat or drink. Very nice place, great food, great service, definitely it’s worth visiting. One of the best places in town.

I have really strict food intolerances, but the staff did not even blink, did not make me feel awkward, and made up a dish especially for me. it was fabulous, and gorgeously presented. Lovely atmosphere and super friendly fast service :)

We visited for breakfast about a year ago and ended up coming back at least once a month. We take our families and friends when they visit. We also came to the Valentine’s night. It’s such a lovely local cafe with great food, great staff and homely feeling decor.

The Gatehouse Cafe is by far the most superior eatery in Waltham Abbey and the surrounding areas!

Always a friendly welcome and good food freshly prepared, the Gatehouse has made its mark on the town of Waltham Abbey. We love the atmosphere and feel looked after there.

Yesterday we went there and had some hot chocolate. It was really nice and delicious. And customer service was really good. My sister in law ate falafel. So I tried it, it was reallyyyy delicious and this cafe has some delicious foods for vegans. First we want to drink soup but the time was 15:00 and they said it finished. So falafel was really nice. Thanks for hospitality and heartwarming atmosphere.

We visited this Cafe yesterday after my Sons recommendation its was busy as it was lunchtime but the friendly lady found us a table . Two girls asked for Omlettes which wasn’t on the menu but girl said they could do! Food was nice and lovely Coffee lovely atmosphere I’m sure we will be back!

Great food that always tastes lovely and fresh. lovely friendly and helpful staff. We go at least once a week.

Went in for breakfast and had two full English ones with notably great tasting bacon and sausages. Accompanying four sides of toast was in the form of thickly sliced bread with loads of butter.

Called in for tea and cake after a walk around the lakes.

Visited this cafe for the first time last Saturday having read very good reviews of the establishment. Can only agree with all the good things written about it. We had an excellent breakfast, served and cooked by very pleasant staff. The cafe is very clean, with nice decor and situated very close to the Abbey and grounds. When we are next in the area a visit to the Gate House will be a must for us.

My friends and family always go to this cafe. At least 3 times a month. Very friendly the food is excellent. Would highly recommend this place.

I visited this venue today with my family and friends. The service was amazing. They were extremely busy but still found the time for the personal touch making us feel extremely valued customers. The food was excellent too. I will definitely be returning and telling my friends to as well.

Saw the reviews on this place after searching for a local cafe with that little bit extra and this was certainly the place. Nice cosy surroundings, friendly staff, great atmosphere and the breakfast was very tasty indeed. This place is on par with the the trendy artisan cafes you’d find in Islington but so much better value for money and the added bonus of being on our doorstep.

Got there at opening time on Sunday morning. Fantastic breakfast. Very friendly & helpful owners. Excellent Gluten free cake purchased for later consumption which was placed into a nice container with fork. very thoughtful and great value for money. Many thanks

Visiting Waltham Abbey on a very soggy Sunday morning I was happy to find this adorable tea room open. Lovely atmosphere, lots of locals came in and I had the sense that this is a real community hub. Beautiful surroundings, great service, perfect bacon sandwich and a great pot of tea. Despite being on my own I didn't feel lonely and had a lovely hat with the cafe owner. Definitely recommended.

This place ticks all the boxes. Great food, great coffee and great friendly staff! What more can you ask for.

We visited the cafe during lunchtime.

Lovely location overlooking the abbey, so was very pleased that the food and service matched the view! Ordered a customised breakfast (dietary requirements), it was cooked fast and was really enjoyable, think they must use good quality produce. I initially sat inside, fresh looking decor, but wanted to relocate outside with my tea and cake, and it was not a problem. There were some customers who were obviously familiar to the staff, which I always think is nice, especially if you go somewhere regularly. Friendly staff, good food, clean toilet, and a lovely outlook, what more could a person want! Will definitely visit again when next in the area.

Such a lovely cafe, set in the most beautiful part of Waltham Abbey, with view of the abbey. I come in many times a week for a lovely cappuccino. They have the most delicious food, with cakes, nice sandwiches, breakfasts and much more. I highly recommend anyone to visit the cafe. The owners are super nice and friendly too. They have always made me feel so welcome.

Bullet ‘poached’ eggs which included a hair service was very good and coffee was nice but I wouldn’t eat (not eat) there again.

I visit often and always enjoy what I have, the Coffee and Food is great, and doesn't change in quality either.

I come to The Gatehouse often to meet friends for coffee, lunch, cake etc! It’s so beautiful with friendly staff, delicious food, and lovely atmosphere. Well worth a visit!!!!

With a quiche only slightly warm, and cakes and deserts 'alright', I am at aloss to comprehend how it is rated first out of 43 eating establishments in the Waltham Abbey area!! We will definitely go again to judge if our first visit was a 'one-off'

We had just had a tour of the Abbey and grounds and just wanted a cup of tea, slice of cake and a sit down. There were nine of us and we were immediately made welcome by Sean who moved tables and chairs so we could all sit together and chat. Our orders were taken whilst we were seated and bought to us. The tea was served in cute individual teapots and was lovely, as was the Earl Grey and coffee. Different cakes were enjoyed as were the toasted tea cakes which were all freshly served. And they had gluten free! A definite place to return to and recommend.

Stopped here for late breakfast, which was excellent -- full English with good sausage, good bacon and plenty of toast -- all cooked to order. Also good coffee and tea. And at a very attractive price. Everyone very friendly. Will definitely visit again when in the area.

Booked a table on bank holiday Monday and was very impressed by the quality. We had Great coffee, beautiful handmade food served in a clean and simple cafe set up.

The cakes here looked so unappealing that we went in and came out again. Then we searched the rest of this small town and couldn't find anywhere else, so went back and shared a rather terrifying looking lemon and some kind of berry cake, which was a bit dry but OK. However, the service was good and the tea was fine, and it does seem to be the only place around, and it's nice to sit on the grass by the wier.

Always looking out for hidden gems and this is one of them. Really good food options and followed the recommendation of the quiche which was great.

A lovely place for lunch or breakfast with warm friendly staff that go out of their way to be accommodating. Food is always tasty and fresh, I can highly recommend the quiche.

Visited Waltham Abbey and bumped into this beautiful cafe, the staff were very helpful, the food was really good ( I recommend the chicken burger) and probably the best coffee i've had. I wouldn't go anywhere else if i was in Waltham Abbey. George S.

Our local. Always a friendly welcome and great food. Great vegetarian and vegan options too. The couple that run it always remember us and always have time to chat.

Whilst visiting Waltham Abbey we popped in for coffee and breakfast based on the reviews we had read. We certainly were not disappointed. The food and service was great. We had a bacon role and a jacket potato and two coffees all of which was served with a smile!

Thought we try somewhere new and wasn't disappointed, lovely staff, great food and charmingly cute decor! 5 stars

Just had a really nice panini with fresh ground decaff latte, other tasty items on menu. Well decorated with pleasant atmosphere, even the toilet was updated & clean. Looked in through windows of most of the other Waltham Abbey Town Centre Cafes & this looks one of the best.

Been here a number of times with friends and with family. Always really tasty and filling food whether it’s breakfast, lunch or a dinner.

The food at Gatehouse Cafe is always spot on. Sean is such a lovely down to earth guy. I couldn't fault this cafe Highly recommend.

Sean is a fantastic host. The food is always delicious; the jacket potatoes and paninis are excellent.

14 of us visited the Gatehouse on 1-2-18 We had a great time there. The food was fantastic, the service was great and nothing was too much for them. We would recommend the Gatehouse to everyone. We will return. Richard and Myra Pùrton

The owners make a real effort to make you feel welcome

I can't fault this cafe. The staff are very friendly and the food is lovely. The best place in Waltham Abbey to stop and recharge your batteries.

Nice little Cafe opposite the Abbey Church. Probably the nicest Paninnis we have had. Not the normal squashed versions. The Big T was very tasty along with a good cuppa. We will be back.

Not into long over descriptive reviews. So I will break it down to give you exactly what you're looking for:

First time I went I thought what a lovely friendly relaxed place. My friend asked for something no longer on the menu but they were more than happy to make it, What is so nice is you can ask for anything and if they can oblige they will. The next time I went in it was exactly the same - nothing too much trouble. I will call again very soon.

Relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff. Lovely vegetarian breakfast, also do a vegan option. Reasonably priced, very good quality . Highly recommended

This is a superb pub restaurant. The host is very attentive and funny. Food is excellent. Very clean and tidy. Toilets are modern and extra clean.

Morning coffee is always better at the gatehouse, scones are to die for and the gluten cake was delicious the gate house is clean and comfortable and staff are very helpful and friendly

The Gatehouse Café is a tea room located in front of the beautiful abbey of Walthan Abby, the cafe is cozy and tastefully decorated, the fantastic home-made lasagna and delicious pies, the friendly and helpful staff make you feel at home, giving the place a warm atmosphere. I highly recommend this café.... you won' t regret it!