The Living Cafe in Maidstone

Hidden gem with an amazing service. Had a full English and avocado egg and bacon on sourdough. Faultless. Wish we were local but will visit again

Popped in for lunch today, the staff was very friendly and polite. Food was very good and they cater wonderfully to allergies - thank you!

We popped here for a coffee the other day, my husband decided to have the full breakfast. Excellent food, nice sausage and bacon, and lots of it! The waitress was friendly. The coffee was really nice. Will definitely go back.

excellent food quality. love their home cut chips. local large sausage and granary bread. my wife was offered blanket by manager because she looked cold. will definitely be returning

A perfect lunch stop! Fresh clean colours, friendly efficient staff. Tasty menu. Excellent value for money.

Desperate for coffee and sustenance we jumped into The Living Cafe. They service was friendly and they had gluten free crumpets which is one of my favourites! If I lived nearby this would definitely become my regular.

My husband has various food allergies and as a result we have been avoiding going for breakfast until we found this place. They have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy free options and they make sure that these foods are cooked separately to ensure no mishaps. I’m so pleased to have found this place. Not to forget the excellent service from the staff as well!

Very good service and the food is amazing. Owner is very welcoming, food came on time. Top notch service.

Owner is an absolutely lovely and friendly guy. Food and drinks were delicious! (we ate an english breakfast and the special, which was seafood tacos). Service was fantastic. The cafe is decorated nicely and is clean and organised with lots of seating. I will definitely be coming back.

This cafe is in a great convenient location and has lovely friendly staff so I wish I could compliment the food and value to the same length but unfortunately I can’t. Being vegan it is very difficult to find places to eat in Maidstone and so I was happy to find out there were two vegan options on the menu, however when we got there they had run out of sourdough and so one of the options was unavailable. This happens, I understand, especially being vegan it is very difficult to find menu options, in the end I ended up going for a sandwich and salad (not vegan) which cost £5.95 which was a bit steep considering it was the same as something I could have made myself at home and the bread seemed shop bought rather than home made?? My brother ordered ham, egg and chips expecting a decent cut of gammon, but got a few slices of process ham and some rubbery eggs. Overall the food was nice but not THAT nice and not worth the price. That being said, the smoothies were absolutely delicious, and as I mentioned, I couldn’t fault the welcoming staff.

Though i live close to maidstone, I rarely venture into the town and even more rarely eat at any cafes or restaurants. Today was different. I had some spare time, felt hungry and discovered this fantastic little place. I had a late full english and a pot of tea. the following impressed me - the quality of the food and my tea, the quality and s[peed of service, the cleanliness of the cafe and the overall price. I really hope that this gem of a cafe will be able to survive the current challenges facing the hospitality industry.

Great Lunch spot, food is served fast and the owners are lovely. great atmosphere, and fantastic that they support local artists will definitely go back.

Highly recommend! Lovely food and service. It is a very small cafe with a friendly feel on Earl Street. We love having breakfast and coffee here.

Came here for a Birthday fry up and wasn't disappointed. Lots of options available including veggie and vegan. The sausage and bacon were top quality as was the thick crusty granary bread and eggs, just what we wanted. It's a small place so reckon it could get packed quite quickly at busy times but we were first in at 10 when it opened so bagged the window table and were served straight away by friendly and attentive staff. Perfect!...we'll definitely be back.

Lovely to find a welcoming, very dog-friendly cafe in the middle of Maidstone. We had coffee ( very good) and freshly made cakes and scones. The warm chocolate brownie was especially good. They even supplied our dog with a bowl of water without us asking. Lunch menu looked good and very reasonably priced, too.

I visited the cafe for lunch on a cold day in January with my family, so we were 7 in total. It was a busy day and we were told they could set up a table in the basement given 5 minutes. We returned a few minutes later and the heating was switched on for us which was very welcome. The waitress took our order and said they could manage almost any combination of items on the menu which suited the grandchildren who can be quite fussy. The food arrived quite quickly, was nice and hot and was for the most part enjoyed by all. The grandchildren thought everything was great and they said they would love to go back again. I felt the lunch was good value and the staff were very friendly and whilst not exceptional the food was very good compared to many other cafes we have visited in the past. It was a bit tight for space and they did run out of a couple of the items on the menu because it was such a busy day but we came away with a good impression and we would happily recommend The Living Cafe to others.

Visited again after a small shop in town. Good location, nice and central. Staff always welcoming, good set up of tables upstairs and downstairs. The menu has a good selection, i had a Kentish breakfast and it was very tasty. Everything tasted fresh and nice and hot. I also recommend their milkshakes, lovely jubbly.

We had a lovely time. Highly recommended.We were looked after.Proffesional and friendly team members

I saw this place on TripAdvisor and thought I'd give it a try. it's a quaint cafe, and cosy to say the least. The food was lovely, coffee was great and service with a smile. I would definitely recommend a visit and would happily go again. Halloumi with a fry up is the best idea ever!

Popped in for a quick bit of lunch while in town on Sunday..very nice chicken,lettuce, tomato and mayo sandwich made with granary bread, comes with a handful of skin on fries .Sandwich was nicely presented and tasted great Reasonably priced Worth a visit ,going to pop in for breakfast next time

Tucked away in Earl Street, quirky little cafe with a wholesome British menu. The all day breakfast does the trick.

Had a delicious lunch here last month. Very accommodating - happy to make anything my toddler fancied. Lovely provence rose too.

Definitely recommend! Service is always friendly and polite and the food is great. Good value for money also

Go to the little cafe with the bright pink door, serving drinks and food for you to adore! Really impressed with this little gem, stumbled upon by chance for a lunch on Sunday. The food was excellent, the decor was modern with a quirky retro feel and the staff were very polite and friendly. If I was a local I’d visit frequently, a really great place for a cuppa and a bite.

We absolutely love The Living Cafe. They do the best coffee in Maidstone. Food is excellent too, and the menu is regularly changing. We are into oat milk cappuccinos, and this is one of the few cafes where you can have one. The staff are very friendly and very knowledgeable about the whole coffee making process. If u haven’t discovered this gem of a place, do yourself a favour and stop by for a drink and a bite to eat. If you have any special requests off menu, they are always happy to oblige and adapt.

Handmade burgers, fresh chips gluten free varied selection of sides toppings and great buns. Friendly atmosphere.

Had a nice lunch there. Friendly staff and also good menu for children. Quality of food and coffee is good. Quick service.

Once again outstanding treatment, lovely staff, very accommodating to people with food intolerances. The staff here don’t even need to be told my requirements any more, I come here so often and would recommend this lovely cafe to anyone.

Wonderful service, wonderful food and the best smoothies 😍 Staff can’t do enough and are so welcoming 💪🏼

Always a nice place to eat lunch with reasonable prices.

Just off the main high streets, a pleasant little hideaway. Lovely selection of goodies. Staff are friendly. Decor is relaxing (some places can be over decorated and make me feel queasy). Highly recommend 🤗

Popped into this cafe for a small spot of lunch before a wedding and we were really pleased that we did. Lovely sandwiches and chips and a scrummy piece of Victoria sponge. Very pleasant staff that made the whole lunch worth coming.

Met a friend for brunch and chose the rarebit from the specials menu and my friend had a keto friendly full English! So accommodating and we had a lovely chat with the owners when they had some down time.

Popped into this little gem for lunch before my nephews wedding. Smallish place but lovely. Lovely people & food was delicious. Well worth a visit if you’re looking for a bite to eat.

Visited for the first time after finding out about it here. Lovely little cafe, tucked away in Earl Street. Ordered a toasted cheese and ham sandwich which was delicious served with a few beautifully cooked chunky chips. Not a huge amount but just enough. Although the shop is tiny i think there is more seating downstairs. Very pleasant staff. Will make this our go to cafe when visiting the town in future.

Such a lovely little cafe . The ladies worked really hard to keep their customers happy. I ordered a omelette with salad which was tasty. Would defo go back :-)

I'm a coeliac and my wife is a vegan so finding places to eat can be a pain, but this little cafe in Maidstone provides great lunch options for us both. Today we've both had a delicious panini and chips, plus they often do dessert options too. We've been here a couple of times now and we'll definitely be coming back.

This is a great little gem , a varied menu which staff are also happy to personalise for you . Great friendly service , appears to be family run and very well too! . Have had breakfast there for 3 Sundays on the trot . The sausages are fantastic

Fresh, local ingredients, great atmosphere and the owner (Patrick?) is super friendly. We'll be back!

It was really nice to find an independent cafe to catch up with friends. I enjoyed the vegetarian breakfast and my friends loved the Earl Street breakfast. Lovely friendly team, relaxed atmosphere, will definitely return.

Went out for breakfast for my dad's birthday and the staff couldn't do enough for us. Really lovely decor throughout and a fantastic understanding around gluten intolerance. Had an amazing eggs Benedict here and lovely coffee. Will definitely return!!

Called in for a birthday treat .I have a gluten intolerance . The breakfast was the best gluten free breakfast I have had in a long time .Thank you I will be back soon.

A pleasant enough experience , a fairly functional interior. The service was fine , the discovery that it had an outside privy was a novelty.

Lovely little place in Maidstine town centre. The menu offered a nice selection of food and drink, the food was well cooked and presented. The service was efficient and friendly.

Had a brunch for two here today, our first visit. Superb food served by such lovely staff, faultless. Will be coming again definitely!

Having visited many places in and around Maidstone this one tops it by far! I am vegan, I was delighted to find that they have a whole seperate vegan menu. I had the vegan breakfast which was divine! My husband had the homemade spinach and feta quiche which he said was amazing. We shared a portion of their homemade hand cut chunky chips which were lovely! If I could rate this more than a 5 I would! Thank you to all the amazing staff that made our experience one to remember!

This place used to be an absolute gem in Maidstone, however my partner and I popped in for a coffee yesterday, to discover that it has been sold to someone new, trading under the same name, and made cheap.

Although I've walked past here many times I had never been in. It always looked busy so I was pretty confident I wouldn't be let down.

We visited the Living Cafe for lunch this weekend, having not been since the current owners took it over. Despite being really busy the service was fast, and the food arrived quickly. I had the Kentish rarebit from the specials menu and it was excellent and my other half had the Bearsted pie, also very tasty. There’s a good everyday menu available with the specials board adding a bit of extra diversity. I can’t wait to find out what other goodies they have in store! It’s good fresh food, well cooked and prepared - the chef did really well to cope with the volume so quickly - fair prices, and efficient service. I can really recommend it!

Such a good breakfast, no grease at all! Cater for all food preferences/allergies! Love coming here! Independent cafe which is well worth a visit

Visited here with my two boys recently, and whilst most of the food was very good, the chips were disappointing. I can't speak for other children, but my two (and me) expected rectangular shaped chips, what we got was skin-on potatoes cut into chunks (photo posted), I guess I can best describe them as 'artisan chips'. I mentioned it to one of the staff, she was lovely and said that they usually get complimented on them, I said, yes, they were very nice... but chips they are not.

An excellent place to go for lunch with a good selection of food, including vegetarian options. Friendly staff, good prices. The only downside is that because it's so good it's also quite crowded!

A really nice place to eat. Comfortably the best cafe in town! Will certainly be a regular here. Would recommend!

I’ve visited this cafe a few times over past years. It’s changed it’s name and it’s owners during this time and I was therefore delighted last week when I popped in for lunch, to find it’s completely refreshed! The staff were attentive, the food amazing and everything was spotlessly clean! In these days of large chain outlets, it’s rare to find such a jewel in their midst. I’m an advocate of independent, local businesses and so pleased with this gem!

Just popped in for coffee when I was shopping in town but the great service and wonderful outdoor seating caused me to stay for lunch. Highly recommended this spot.

Great place, food was amazing and the staff are very friendly! Managed to get a table outside which was ideal for today. Will definitely be returning!

Lovely cafe, with great service and friendly staff! Food and drinks are delicious, especially the coffee! Would definitely recommend :-)

Lovely setting and atmosphere. Staff were beyond friendly and very accommodating. Will most certainly visit again in the near future.

Stopped here for breakfast at the weekend and it was absolutely wonderful. The staff could not have been more welcoming and the service was second to none. The food was of a very high standard, tasted very fresh - I shall most definitely be returning!

A lovely little Cafe in the centre of Maidstone, extremely friendly staff and great service. The sandwiches are awesome and I would strongly recommend to anyone visiting Maidstone who would like a tasty lunch!!

This place is really wonderful to visit. It's just been taken over by new owners and they've already made a huge difference. Really warm welcome and the food was ace! It's such a world apart from visiting any of the corporate chain cafes in town. I would highly recommend!!

It's very rare that I feel compelled to write a review, but The Living Cafe is more than deserving! Being instantly greeted by who I believe to be the new owner, made us (girlfriend and I) feel very welcome. Overall, the atmosphere was great, and the food delicious. Highly recommend visiting!!

Fantastic lunch on Saturday with friends! They were very busy, always a good sign! New owners are lovely, really looking forward to going back! A few new touches to the place have made a world of difference, very clean and welcoming!

Struggled to find a place where we could have a family meal and all eat together. These guys really tried to accommodate us as we have a coeliac and wheat intolerant set of kids. Appreciated the effort.

Food was good. But the manager （l believe, female in her 50's?）was just chatting with her friend ignoring us waiting to be served. Never go there again.

Pop in on the off chance. Had to sit our the back as wheelkchair couldnt get inside. Our table was right by the unisex toilets so people were always trying to get by whilke we was eating.

Friendly staff, good grub, nice to find an independent cafe thriving amongst the chains. Must go back for a prosecco cocktail. Thank you

Visited with a friend with our 2 little ones. Everything just seemed inconvenient from the moment we walked in. We had a pram and was told wherever we put it was in the way. We asked for a high chair and that was also going to be in their way. I ordered my 6 month old baby a jacket potato as nearly all the children’s options were with chips. She started eating less than a week ago. Yes of course there’s going to be mess. I wiped everything down and made a pile that simply had to be picked up using a dustpan and brush. I told the woman and she rolled her eyes and walked off. Appalling customer service! The food was actually really lovely. Shame the serving staff are letting the place down massively.

A friend and I and our 4 kiddies all had a delicious relaxing meal here today. The prices for the kids meals were just so low and the food was delicious, healthy and home made. The coffees for us adults were delish too.

Nice central location, nice and cosy with 2 floors and the staff make you feel very welcome. A few of the customers had been before, always a good sign. The food was quick and fantastic, the place is lovely and clean and the service excellent. Will be going again next time i am in town. Thank you.

Came here as part of a large group. Had part of the downstairs reserved. Service took some time but this is to be expected when in a large group and for a small cafe. Some of the drinks that were asked for from others in the group were unavailable so alternatives were given / asked for. When food arrived though it was fantastic - quantity and quality both very good. Excellent range of food - sandwiches / paninis with chips, omelettes with chips / salads, all day breakfasts and burgers to name same. Good range of specials too and cakes etc. Will definitely return.

Endroit très sympa, personnel accueillant, super petit déjeuner ! Je conseille vivement ce restaurant !!!

Walking around the town we began to look for a pot of tea, some sweets and a nice setting. Up a little side street we came upon The Living Cafe.

Nice food with quaint little courtyard in the summer. Love the selection of healthy options. My son had a delicious home made smoothie .

Loads of room and a great place to meet, the cakes are divine 😊 I think I will be tempted to have a savoury dish next time too

Food is amazing here! all home made, so fresh and don't wait long at all! Staff are lovely! Really recommend this place!

Great food and good prices have stopped here for lunch on several occasions . Lots of choices from sandwiches to breakfast and fab burgers a must if in the area . Service always good

Lovely place to stop for tea or lunch. A varied menu with gluten free options. Made to feel very welcome will visit again.

We stopped in for a late breakfast & found very varied menu. Food was so fresh and tasty. Great value for money. If you visit Maidstone go try them.

Been here a few times, quite small & gets quite busy. Traditional cafe. Good menu, plenty of choice, all are freshly prepared so takes 15 mins or so. This time I had the ploughmans & my wife had the cheese & ham omelette but with a baked potato rather than chips. Both were excellent, the omelette had lots of filling & was very tasty. My ploughmans had 3 chunks of cheese & two different pickles, together with a nice piece of french bread. As drinks they do a great range of juices, I had apple & rhubarb. Very nice. We will certainly be back.

What a fab little place we sat downstairs it was quite and roomy Had the poached eggs and it was delicious and filling A reasonable price considering the quality and portion size Good brunch definitely the best in Maidstone !

Lovely place for cup of tea and breakfast. Clean, friendly and welcoming staff, great menu, lovely food.

Such a good cup of tea we had to visit it twice.

Just brilliant a real gem. Excellent food and service. Excellent value. Food is well prepared with a great choice. Portions are generous and the staff are lovely.

We visited for lunch on a warm sunny Friday. There are a couple of tables outside. We had a friendly welcome. The service was first class. We enjoyed hand made sandwiches served with hand cooked potato style chips. I enjoyed a Whitstable lager but there was an extensive choice of hot drinks, smoothies and milk shakes. Good value and a better option than Pret which is just round the corner.

Now visited this cafe twice (once for lunch and once for breakfast) Each time the service has been prompt and the food great. The portion sizes are generous. One of the most unique coffee shops in Maidstone.

One of the gems of Maidstone. I have lunch here most weeks. If you look in and it is full remember to check downstairs as there is further seating for 16/20. If you wand a good snack go for the sausage butty...... you get all little sample of roasting........ we always have an extra portion they are to die for. Lovely staff.

This cafe is a favourite with our family when we want to enjoy a light lunch, snack or sandwich.

I went here because of the great reviews on trip advisor, but if I'm honest the reviews are a little misleading.

Went for lunch with a friend, never noticed this place before, but glad we did! Both had a delicious sandwich which came with fresh homemade chips...was divine! Great atmosphere and friendly staff! Can't wait to return.

Always tasty food, quirky venue, slightly overpriced. I love the idea of "bowl food", the regular specials.

Went to this cafe with friends,what a place,the palma violet milkshake was just the best,very big choice of food for a small place,the chunky chips where amazing,the homemade cakes were yummy,i had the rose and pistachio (delicious)it was ideal for my friend as she has a wheat allergy and as the food is homemade she was able to choose a good choice from the menu,now my favourite place to eat in maidstone so check it out and see for yourself

OMG had a lovely lunch, great atmosphere l had a cheese and mushroom omelette with home made chunky chips. Fantastic homely feel to the café and the staff was so friendly l will be back 😊

We often visit The Living Cafe for breakfast as they are simply the best ones in Maidstone. Always friendly even when it's busy, the hot drinks are always spot on too.

Was recommended by a friend.. The service was fab and the staff were very friendly.. the food was really good and it's the best find ever! Will defiantly be returning.

Some might find it a little cramped but this place certainly has atmosphere. The food was delicious. You could tell it was cooked to order with good produce. Friendly service too and clearly very popular as it was full. Nice....I'll definitely go back.

Wanted a tasty snack for lunch and had a lovely fluffy tuna filled jacket potato. Would you like anything with that? How about some sweet corn. No problem. It took a little time but it arrived with a side salad and was nicely presented. Job done with a tasty latte.

I've come to this lovely place to eat many times. The staff are very friendly and I've never been disappointed with the food.

My husband and I visited for lunch as we had passed it so many times and it was always busy. We had omelette, hand cut chips and tea. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The portions were very generous and the restaurant was very clean. All in all a lovely experience. We will be back.

Went today as wanted to go somewhere different. Lovely food. Chips hand made although to salty for me, would think most would like them. Brie and the homemade onion chutney absolutly delightful. Partner had sausages again really tasty. Would go again and not overpriced either!