The Imperial Retford in Bassetlaw

This was so disappointing. Reasonable price of £6.50 for hot drink and cake. Although the coffee was ok the cake (we had a few of the cakes in our group) were not good quality and begrudgingly paid for them. Also the milkshakes were really poor.

To say the place is a "tea room" is questionable. The waitresses are pouring tea which has only momentarily just had hot water in the teapot. No brewing time? Surely I shouldn't have to advise the waitress of this but apparently I do (older lady as well so no lack of knowledge excuses) waited 30 minutes for 2 sandwiches which were cold when they arrived. Odd. Made to pay instantly but it is 1 rule for 1 and 1 for another as others were not. The way the staff were spoken to by the person in charge was disgusting and to do it so openly within ear shot of the customers was unbelievable and made us feel quite awkward. First and definitely last visit.

Absolutely fabulous birthday afternoon tea. Coffee great cakes and sandwiches were fresh and tasty.vintage crockery just added that extra niceness really lovely staff.thank you

Lovely little find in Retford food staff and ambience fantastic highly recommend will be back when next visiting my sister and I’m sure she will be popping in

Disappointing. Great setting and nice shop. The afternoon teas looked great but sadly using catering jam, more like jelly, and squirty cream on the scones is not what I expected. The scone was a little hard too. The toasted teacake was very small.

First time I've ever been in this tearoom. Busy when I arrived, but a table was available furthest away from the exit. Lots of Coronation paraphernalia in evidence & a nice vibe to the place. I ordered the fruit scone & a pot of tea. No issues there! But, I was asked to pay before any food/beverage had actually arrived at my table. I duly paid & thought no more of it. Then I realised that every other table paid when they left the premises (normal practice in most eateries). These other tables were mainly occupied by people of a certain age (OAPs) & no request for payment had been made to them prior to arrival of their orders. I'm a male, late 50's, dressed casually. But don't class myself as somebody unwilling to pay & ready to vault out of an eatery 1st chance I can get. I asked the question to a member of staff/owner. But felt that the "blustered" answer received stating everybody was supposed to pay when their drinks arrived as being very poor & quite blatantly incorrect because it wasn't in evidence at all. Lovely tea, lovely scone, lovely surroundings. But my visit was spoilt by an presumed insinuation that I looked like somebody ready to leave the premises without paying. Quite insulting really!!

Inside is lovely, staff are pleasant. Just think that £12 for a cup of warm tea and a latte plus two very average cakes is too much.

First appearances was good. Staff was friendly, tea was good. The waitress accidentally left a black smudge on our napkin. I ordered an omlette which was £10 so expected high quality. But was far from. No toast only bread with no butter and an in seasoned salad. Wouldn’t visit again.

Tina and her staff really looked after us lovely food and drinks quick service our favourite go to cafe

Normally good but waited 20 mins to order a coffee and scone then waited another 20 mins for our drinks which were cold by the time the scone arrived . Ok for coffee and scone if you have an hour to spare. We always used this place but will try elsewhere in future.

Friendly staff and fantastic food. Myself and my friend stopped by this lunchtime for a coffee and cake. We took advantage of the coffee and homemade scone deal. Oh my the scone was to die for! Thank you ladies for your friendly hospitality we I’ll sure be back soon.

So many cafes in Retford and I chose here! The waitress had as much personality as a brick. The scone was warmed up and already had the butter slapped on it when it got to me. The caramel shortcake.... Really!!!! Just so disappointed.

Called in here today and admittedly it was busy. They were only serving cakes and drinks as they had got a large group who had reserved a table. The waitress said they would be serving food again in about 20 mins so we decided to have a drink and wait it out. Half an hour later we asked if we could order our lunch only to be told that they were now on a limited menu as the large party had depleted their menu. We came away. Hungry and by this time really annoyed at their lack of foresight.

I visited the Imperial Tearoom with the intention of having lunch with my daughter and grandson. They didn’t have what we wanted so we decided to order fruit scones, and what should have been a cake with raspberries & white chocolate. I also ordered a loose leaf Moroccan mint tea. The disappointment was felt by us all. My grandson was unable to eat what was effectively a piece of sponge cake with possibly a hint of raspberry hidden in it, and it tasted of coconut, something that he doesn’t like. The scones had been warmed in the microwave and were very rubbery as a result. There was hardly any evidence of fruit in either of our scones either. They were tasteless! The tea was not Moroccan mint but peppermint. There is a difference! When I looked in the teapot, I could probably have counted the number of tealeaves in there. It was very weak indeed! Needless to say, we won’t be returning there!

Visited on 21 March for coffee.Waited until we were permitted entry then shown to a table that required cleaning.Waitress cleaned the table and we waited nearly 25 minutes for coffee to arrive.This wait although the restaurant was not particularly busy.When the coffee arrived one cup had coffee swimming in the saucer.When mentioned to to the waitress she stated she would fetch a napkin. We decided to leave.

Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or just a cuppa the place to go to when in Retford is the Imperial. The food is locally sourced, freshly cooked and very tasty. Comfortable and traditional surroundings and a number of tables outside for El Fresco dining. The owner and staff are very welcoming and nothing is ever too much trouble. During the pandemic an afternoon tea delivery service was available which was wonderful and gratefully received

First time in Retford today and I stumbled upon this busy little tearoom. Fantastic experience from start to finish! I visited with my 8 week old in a pram and they couldn't do enough to help me, from pulling out the chair to clearing space to allow me use of the toilets. The latte was lovely and the panini was delicious! Great menu choice executed perfectly! At least one new server learning the ropes but I was served quickly to say how busy it was! Thank you for a great, hassle-free service!

Ordered afternoon tea as a Christmas treat for colleagues. Despite being closed due to Covid lockdown restrictions Tina delivered it to our workplace today with everything we could ever need! Teapot, cake stand and even a table cloth! The food was delicious and the cakes were amazing with great variety. The christmas spiced scones were especially good. We all really enjoyed it.

Enjoyed an espresso in a comfortable chair by the window which overlooks the market square. There are blankets available if you prefer to have your food and drinks in the sunshine.

I went here today with my mother for breakfast. We were really looking forward to trying somewhere new. It's great how it is set out regarding the Covid19 restrictions and we felt very comfortable. We ordered 2 traditional breakfasts. The drinks we ordered were nice and no issues with these. However the breakfast was terrible. The hash brown fell to bits as it was undercooked. My egg was in pieces and the yolk was hard. To be honest I'm not sure how it was even cooked, whether it was fried or poached? The 2 sausages on the plate were very undercooked and mine had no brown on it at all. They looked anemic. When I stuck my fork in it to move it away it popped and lots of grease came out on my plate. The mushrooms were tasteless and the beans had a been put on the plate close to the bits of egg and mushrooms so everything seemed mixed together. I personally like my beans in a pot but not a problem if they are on the plate, just not mixed with everything else. We had a choice of white or brown toast, this came buttered. I wasnt aware that it would come already buttered as I like to butter my own. It was also soggy as the plate was hot. The bacon was beautiful, cooked just how I like it. I really hate leaving bad reviews and I really wanted to like this but it was the worst breakfast I've had. I've read so many good reviews about this place and my mother who lives in Retford has been in before for a scone/cake and loved it. But today we were disappointed. The customer service was fab, we were not charged for the breakfasts which was very good of you. Please get those little things sorted, and it could be lovely.

Went for breakfast and had a lovely time in this little cafe. Friendly service and seems to attract a crowd of local regulars. Good scones and very generous breakfast muffin. Extremely clean and covid conscious while still feeling cozy. If we are ever back in...

Charming, comfy coffee shop. Pleasent spotlessly clean surroundings. Piping hot coffee in a large cup, scones served with lashings of clotted cream. So nice to see it still open in these challenging times. Owner still had time for a chat. Linger a while don't be...

I had booked afternoon tea 1.5 weeks in advance for 3 plus a high chair over messenger with Tina confirming my booking. However we arrived today to find that there was no booking and that the highchair was being kept outside in the rain and...

Gem of a place, ALL staff extremely helpful and polite, exceptional food, great coffee in big mugs. Could not fault it. I am writing this review while inside cafe. Keep up the excellent work, this place is a credit to all of you.

Excellent food and great service. Good selection of Gluten-free toasties to boot. Would recommend a visit.

Called here on speck whilst visiting Retford. Lovely country market town. I have called here numerous times, and always found the food and service excellent. Only downside is that it is not very big, but I suppose this adds to the quaint ambience of the...

What a delightful eating establishment, friendly staff and comfortable surroundings, even providing blankets and hot water bottles if you wish to sit outside. Plenty of choice and reasonably priced. Both had full English with hot chocolate, all freshly cooked and tasted great. Well worth a...

My husband and I visited here with our 6 year old son. We were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and wanted to have an afternoon tea and chose here. So glad that we did. The sandwiches were freshly prepared on lovely soft bread. Delicious cake...

Called for lunch, superb food and service. Really enjoyed "proper" loose leaf tea after years of tea bags. Waitress poured it for us! Lined napkins, not paper, very friendly old fashioned service, the home made quiche is to die for! Very reasonably priced, excellent value

First time visit Retford town ,after walk around King’ Park we saw this restaurant on the square of town ,friendly Asian lady waitress ,lovely services ,food in fresh prepare . Enjoy it .

Have been here quite a few times and it never disappoints. Great family lunch today, with a good range of all day breakfasts, sandwiches & jacket potatoes. Food was all freshly cooked to order. One of my favourite stops when I'm in Retford

Some friends and I usually meet for breakfast once a week. Having visited nearly all that Retford has to offer we tried here on the market square. Food was good. Staff very friendly and very attentive. Well worth a visit.

Very friendly staff. Seating inside and out. Table service, table clothes on the table's out which is a nice touch. Had full English breakfast which was spot on, also jug water and filled water bottles.

Looking for afternoon coffee we came upon the Imperial in Retford. As we approached the restaurant the waitress (who saw us) walked up to the window and turned around the sign to say ‘Closed’ ! The door was still open so I Popped my head...

We were a family of three adults,one child.We made our choices and ordered drinks.Whilst waiting for the food we were told they had no baked potatoes left...this was about 1pm....so,another dish was chosen,but we asked why more potatoes could not have been purchased and prepared...the...

A friend recommended these tea rooms after enjoying an afternoon tea here. Called in whilst visiting Retford and was made a very warm welcome. Ordered an early light lunch of beans on toast & poached eggs. Arrived well presented and very tasty! Heard comments from...

Went to visit Retford market, as hubby has to rest after so, long ; we managed a slow round of the market it then decided on a sit down there are a few cafés to choose from but we’d passed ‘The Imperial’ as we entered...

Been here a few times each visit has been a delight. A friendly welcome, caring staff, lovely clean table cloths and proper serviettes. Vintage cups and saucers, proper leaf tea, fresh coffee. We had toasted teacake and hot cross buns. Next time we are going...

I go quite regularly at lunch time, always a friendly warm welcome, and food is very good. Very clean, friendly service. I don’t think of lunching elsewhere when I am in Retford.

Staff friendly and a good range of food and drinks on offer but the menus were sticky, tea pot spout was chipped, floaters in the milk. Food OK but scone not cooked in the middle. Lady prepping the food behind the counter was full of...

Called today.Clean and friendly service.Food well presented and plentiful, husband had the full English breakfast and I had the brie and caramelised onion chutney sandwich.Will be visiting again.

Picked it out for its good reviews on TA...wasn't disappointed at all...nice food...friendly service and decent prices..not on our doorstep but we'll be returning asap.

A beautiful day we sat outside this Autumn day..the cafe provides throws and hot water bottles if needed, we didn’t in the sun. We had coffee and a pot of tea with fantastic Bakewell Tart one of the best we have tasted. I would definitely...

My friend and I visit this place often and do not have a bad word to say about it. Always a warm welcome, and Tina always ensures there's room to fit my pram by rearranging chairs etc. Nothing is too much trouble. Afternoon tea is...

First came here alone back in February and loved it. Returned today with my husband and we weren't disappointed. A generous mug of very good coffee for me and real leaf tea for him, with warm, home-baked scones for both of us. The café is...

I went with my husband a few weeks ago to Retford market and popped into the Imperial for brunch. The atmosphere is lovely and the staff were so welcoming. So much so, I took my friend here for lunch last Friday and sat outside in...

Such a shame needs to get the basics and prices right. Could be really nice, but there are far better in Retford "doing it right" for less money. Scones and cream? Came with margarine and ice cream.. Cheese scone again, margarine and smallest portion of...

Not knowing the town we popped into the Imperial for lunch and we were greeted by cheerful and helpful staff. Lunch was excellent but it was the small things that set this place apart. Tablecloth replaced when we sat down, white linen napkins placed on...

Came here for lunch as we have tried lots of tea rooms in Retford. The food was good however the service was terrible. A young girl seemed overwhelmed and had to be told to set tables and clear tables. Cutlery was dirty. When tables were...

Fantastic friendly welcoming atmosphere. Nothing is too much trouble. Tina and her team always go the extra mile and Mary’s fresh strawberry and vanilla scones are to die for especially with a glass of prosecco! Lovely vintage afternoon tea with vintage linen. Definitely returning again!

Nice place to take special people for coffee & cakes. Very high attention to detail here. You could eat off the floor & the toilet room is a credit to the establishment. Very friendly & we will now make this a regular stop when shopping...

Called here last Saturday with my wife and mother. All the food and drinks were first class. The service impeccable, and the attention to detail made all the difference nice plates, proper serviettes and individual towels in the toilets. Well worth a visit.

Enjoyed a lovely goat cheese and roasted veg panini followed by a beautiful Bakewell tart (with proper frangipane). Service was prompt and friendly and efficient. Highly recommended! recommended

When ever we are in town we head here. Always guarantee a good selection of cakes and scones. Had a few lunches here and can highly recommend them. The special board is always different with lots of yummy food to choose from. The staff are...

This is a small and friendly tea room serving the usual tea room selection of all day breakfast, soup of the day, cakes and scones etc. Everything is fresh and well made. The staff actually act as though they enjoy their job and are pleased...

The Imperial is a gem of a place with very welcoming helpful staff. Great vegetarian friendly menu and reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend the Imperial.

Just another average tea shop nothing special. Won't be rushing back for another visit any time soon

I went there with my mom for an afternoon tea. We had a very good chat and lovely tea with Christmas scones! The staff was very friendly as well.

My husband and I nipped in here for breakfast while shopping in Retford on a cold Saturday morning. The staff were very friendly and the breakfast was excellent and so was the tea which came in a big pot with tea strainers. The tea rooms...

Few establishments rate a return month on month, year on year. The Imperial does. Further, you can embellish the effect of 'service' from staff thinking 'it's just what they do'. Here the welcome and almost involvement in the place is palpable....and they really do welcome...

Excellent quality quiche and good service by every member of staff. Go early as by mid afternoon they sell out of some items on the menu, understandable as its good quality, tasty, fresh food.

We visited for coffee on a weekday afternoon in August and were pleased to find that they also did lunch time meals. The menu was tempting and offered a range of homemade food including vegetarian option. Service was efficient, staff friendly and patient and the...

We travelled to Retford on business and found this little gem, it was a pleasant Saturday and so decided to get a light bite for brunch. I had a breakfast which was freshly cooked and was quite adequate in size, my wife went for the...

Very friendly and accomplished cafe. The chairs are excellent, very comfortable and stylish. Cafetière of Java coffee delicious, the tea for one in a large pot, also good. Cream tea scones with cherries was really good though I prefer clotted cream to whipped double. The...

came with my husband and daughter who both just had drinks. i had a drink and asked for a cheese scone that was nearly £3 i got the two tinest things id ever seen and tasted a little funny not like any cheese scone id...

Cute little place nice atmosphere and friendly staff, ordered 2 goats cheese toasties and 2 glasses of prosecco which came to £26!!!! Definitely over priced,

My friend and I visited the imperial for lunch today, I had a chicken sandwich this comes with salad and a small coleslaw. Our lunch was lovely, the cafe has a wide selection of cakes and a huge choice of drinks including many different teas....

Nice clean venue and comfortable seating , Polite staff Slow service We ordered for lunch a prawn salad ,what we were presented with was nothing more than a prawn cocktail in any other establishment (bed of of green on large plates 1 cherry tomato cut...

This is a charming little cafe with a lovely aspect on the market square. A bit pricey for Retford. Coffee is £2.20. Nice music but spoilt by a noisy proprietor.

I went for breakfast with my wife, my 1 year old daughter, my friend and his wife on the 14/04/17. The place was busy however the owner was very accomadating and found us a table with space for the high chair. The owner kindly stored...

Nice place, waited far too long for an average meal, service was a let down,the staff were to busy chatting to one another

This place is a must if you are in Retford ,my daughter and I often pop in for lunch here and the owner and staff are amazing with my daughter who is disabled and unable to read, they will help her with the menu and...

We called in here just for a coffee, and with 2 prams I was unsure if we would fit- or be made to feel welcome with two small and sometimes noisy children . However, I couldn't have been made feel more at ease, the owner...

We've just stopped here for lunch as we travel north. A lovely friendly cafe. Our food was delicious, soup, cakes, toasties, jacket potatoes. Great to be able to pick the children's food off the menu and get a half portion. The brownies and pancakes were...

I have been going to this tea rooms for a lot of years. Previously it was under different ownership but has always had the same chef. Always been outstanding food, cakes etc. It is even better now that the chef who used to cook for...

While visiting Retford in north Nottinghamshire for a wedding we went into the town and had a coffee at the imperial coffee shop, it was very nice. Well done.

Beautiful restaurant in the market square. Service was excellent. Toilets are very clean providing terry towelling individual hand towels which are used once & places in laundry basket. Molten Brown soap dispenser & hand lotion. Definitely worth a visit.

After an afternoon out with parents, we booked our afternoon tea at the Imperial Tea Rooms. Very clean and tidy, pleasant welcome, table was ready for us. Ordered 4 afternoon teas, excellent choice of sandwiches, jam scones and cream and a selection of small cakes....

It was a baking hot day and we had lunch in the market square at the Imperial. The service isn't the fastest but it makes you slow down and take time to enjoy people watching! It's not a fast food restaurant after all! There were...

There are lots of tea rooms in Retford to choose from but we are glad we picked this one for a mid morning coffee and scone. Situated in the main square this place is clean, comfortable and beautifully decorated throughout. There is a very wide...

I cake to The Imperial on a charitable event where the host provided drinks and cake at no cost. That said, I would have happily paid because the host was just so personable, welcoming and the cakes were divine. I don't live in Retford but...

A brilliant time in Retford, until our day was ruined when we went into this establishment, the service was slow and terrible the wine was rubbish, waited 20 minutes for a coffee, staff were seriously rude. The owner was more interested in arranging rendezvous with...

When we visit Retford. Our destination for lunch is the Imperial we always look forward to our visit. The atmosphere is very relaxed and we always get a very warm friendly welcome the menu is varid and every need catered for. When the weather is...

We were passing through the town and were attracted by the smart frontage and copious seating options on the Square....in the sunshine! Great service, fast and efficient service of food by friendly, happy, professional team! Super clean eating areas, and stylish toilet facilities. Would love...

If it's breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just a coffee or snack The Imperial is the place to go. You can rely on a warm welcome and excellent food. By far the best eating establishment in Retford and surrounding areas

Lovely venue for an afternoon coffee and Bakewell tart. All the cakes are homemade. You're spoilt for choice. Would recommend when visiting Retford.

Food, drinks and service. All excellent and superb value. Intimate venue for all ages. Well worth a visit. Their afternoon tea is a special experience.

Lovely atmosphere and the staff are lovely especially Tina. The cakes are to die for and If anyone was to ask me where to have lunch or breakfast in Retford I would recommend here. There is a loevly view of the square from every table...

We called here for a pot of tea and a toasted teacake, and as it was lovely and sunny we sat outside. Food was lovely and the service was good and very quick, nice place to stop off at.

I spent the most wonderful afternoon here, celebrating a family members birthday. The owner of the business made us all feel so welcome, and nothing seemed to be too much trouble. We had already booked our table in advance for the vintage afternoon tea. Wow...

Had another wonderful lunch today at the Imperial. It has a real vintage feel and the food can only be discribed as amazing. We are always given such a warm welcome by Tina and her staff and I would not hesitate to recommend this "little...

went for afternoon tea today with my family. Excellent food, perfect presentation, friendly staff, lovely comfortable environment, lovely touch having a box of toys for kids. Glad I've discovered this gem and will definitely be back

We have got into habit of dropping in here now and again. A few weeks ago decided to treat ourselves to the traditional vintage afternoon tea. What a treat it was. China dishes,Tablecloth and napkins, Freshly made sandwiches, scones, and little cakes. Everything was delicious...

The Imperial Tea Rooms in Retford look set to become a firm favourite. It has a fabulous menu and their Afternoon Teas are a real treat. We've been a few times now and have always enjoyed our visit. Lots of nice cakes too and the...

What a delightful place to have a cup of coffee, home made cake and comfort. Wonderful service, linen napkins comfy chairs in a carpeted lounge. The price wasn't bad either. If you want a lovely break from shopping or just a chat I wold recommend...