The Loft Cafe in Cheshire East

Sadly, we were not made to feel welcome at all. My husband was left ignored and standing at the counter while the gentleman behind the counter continued his conversation, then eventually bellowed to someone in the back to come out and take an order. We then ordered Staffordshire Oatcakes for me, toast for my husband WITHOUT butter, a pot of tea and a pot of Earl Grey tea. Hubby's tea was awful, my Earl Grey was lovely. The toast arrived, quite heavily buttered (we ordered no butter) and instead of two slices of toast, he was given two whopping great toasted crusts. We thought charging £4.00 (apparently related to the time of day) for a couple of slices of toast was pushing it a bit, but then to present two doorstop crusts without a word took the biscuit! Having said all that, my oatcakes were lovely and crispy with plenty of filling, so no complaint there. All things considered, it was a game of two halves, my food and tea was very nice, husband's was very disappointing.

Just love the French Onion Soup - have it as often as I can get ther

We arrived just as they opened and caught the owner a bit off guard! But he produced us a tasty breakfast. My bacon so crispy, (as requested) and the bread buns warm and soft. We will return.

Can't be bothered to take my order. 1 couple walk straight in order taken then table who came in after me. I walked out

A nice friendly place with nice cakes, based in the top of an old mill that has loads of furniture and bric a brac for sale

the loft is set on the top floor of an ex factory it is a cosy little place serving lovely food. If you like browsing round antics you will love it as the other units are full of them all in all a nice afternoon out

Always had great tasty & filling home cooked food, a little treasure to be sure

On a previous visit I was very pleased with my meal; no extraneous salad and it was hot. I had recommended the Loft to my girlfriend, so 9n our visit to the antiques centre we had to have a meal there. Had a good chat with the chef too. Again, not disappointed 😊

Superb food. Ian is a very talented chef, who deserves 10/10 every time.

Ian is an awesome chef and to top it all is a lovely kind polite man with bags of wit and charm! I highly recommend this cafe and we are already looking forward to our next visit….. 😊❤️🍽🍽🍽

This was our first visit to the antiques centre, we came over from Manchester.After spending a few hours in the antiques part, we decided to have a sandwich and a brew to perk us up before our drive home.Well what a lovely little place! The ambiance was lovely when we walked in. Warm and cosy, Christmas decorations up and lovely music in the background.We ordered a sandwich each (Tuna Mayo for me, Bacon for him), and a pot of tea for two. Well, the sandwiches were huuuuuge! Masses of tuna in mine, and his was packed with bacon. (they also came with a little salad too). The bread was so thick - they were absolutely scrummy. The tea came with little china cups - a really nice touch.You get what you pay for - everything we had was excellent quality. We've paid far more in other places for limp sandwiches, polystyrene cups and awful surroundings.We’d definitely recommend this place, and we'll certainly come back, both for the antiques centre AND the Café!!

My parents always come here and amazing food, delicious. Cakes and food never disappoint, 100% would recommend to another person

What a gem, First visit, will be returning. Had Staffordshire oat cake with cheese. Tuna sandwich enjoyed by OH. Good cup tea & Lucius choc cake.

We always enjoy the food at the loft cafe. The soups are all homemade. The pea and bacon soup we had on Thursday was delicious and our toasties were packed full of ham. Personally, I enquired as to the availability of something vegan to eat and the friendly proprietor very kindly specially prepared me a vegan sausage roll, chips and a side salad. Again, very tasty and much appreciated. The cafe has a lovely relaxed ambience and I would whole heartedly recommend a visit.

Hidden gem is an over used term, but this place really fits that description. Perched on the top floor of the Victoria Mill Antiques Centre it has an outstanding menu, with such unexpected things such as Whitebait and tartar sandwiches and good old standards like pea and bacon soup, lamb stew and a temptingly large selection of homemade cakes. What a find!

Was ok everything was home made but I had not been before so from reports was expecting more possibly

I have been here a few times and always had a good meal or snack but called in recently after looking around the antique centre and will say it's vastly changed..won't go into detail but could have taken my experience further but haven't. Won't be calling in again next time I'm in the centre.

Amazing food, we have gone here since around 1019-2020 and the food is always delicious! 100% recommend, everything on the menu is fantastic

Amazing food and amazing service as always! The best chips in town! We will be back again in the New Year!

Enjoyed a beautiful homemade Christmas Dinner today. It was perfectly cooked, seasoned and presented... plus with lots of wonderful gravy! Lovely cosy setting and amazing staff. Will definitely be returning

Xmas Sandwich Just WOW! This is one of the best meals I have ever had. Everything is homemade, and you can taste the love that has gone into the food. Highly recommend. The Chefs mince pies are something else. I don’t think it is possible that you will ever find such a high quality of mince pie, not from anywhere other than The Loft Cafe.

Have been to Victoria Mill a few times but never been into the Loft Restaurant before. Now I will go to The Loft and if I have time, look at the antiques store. Absolutely gobsmacked by the standard of food. Truly a pleasure to eat and so well prepared. I’ve paid 10 times more for food in Manchester and London and didn’t enjoy them half as much as in The Loft. The waitress was absolutely superb, attentive and friendly without being over-bearing and the chef/owner is a great guy too. I am absolutely delighted to have found this place and will be back as iften as possible. Superb!

We have visited here on a number of occasions and always had a wonderful time. The food is delicious and the chef is always really supportive in ensuring our requirement for gluten free dishes is not only varied, but incredibly tasty! It is great to eat out in a place where you have real confidence in the dishes being served when you have difficulties with allergies. Would highly recommend to anyone!!

Travelled here from chesterfield for lunch. Madness? Certainly not. Food is is always superb. Fish chowder outstanding...

Lovely Cafe that has Gluten Free and fantastic coffee, nice relaxed atmosphere and cosy

Superb food as ever. Open Thursday-Sunday GO THERE It’s GREAT. Friendly chef and staff. Highly recommended

Inside an old cotton mill, lots of antiques to browse on different floors and then a restaurant on the top floor.

Great food and a warm welcome....highly recommended 😊

Have just enjoyed a delicious Sunday Lunch at the Loft Restaurant. If you fancy a good honest, British, Sunday Pot Roast, then this is the place to go, but I suggest you book ahead. The food was delicious and the service excellent. There is a vegetarian option, but booking ahead gives the chef the chance to cater for your needs. Don’t miss this! We will certainly be returning!

Random decision to visit for the first time and will definately be returning, excellent food, great hospitality within great relaxed surroundings. Well worth a visit.

Visited the Loft Cafe today and was delighted by the engaging cafe area and by the dishes we chose. I went for the Pumpkin and vegetable soup which is probably the best soup I have ever had! Absolutely delicious. If you are anywhere near there or passing through it's certainly worth a visit.

Lovely lunch, Lobby and dumplings full of meat and flavour and I could not resist an Oatcake which was absolutely bursting with filling. We are not local so anyone looking at the reviews this cafe is at the top of the antique shops, well worth the climb and looking at the antiques on the way out made an enjoyable afternoon.

Catch up with friends at a central place for us all.We have met here before so knew it would be good. Great coffee and great selection of delicious food. Soups to be highly recommended. Everything is fairly priced and so tasty. We all chose different things with no complaints!! Gorgeous cakes too, loved the gingerbread.

The food is always excellent here and there’s always something new and interesting on the menu. The portions are hearty and it’s very reasonably priced.

The food here is fantastic. The chef is passionate about food and uses quality ingredients. Every time we visit here the food and service good.

First visit .... will not be the last Tremendous food and service Thank you Ian and staff for a great lunch See you soon Chas and Susan

Nice atmosphere and good decor. Been here a few times and the Oatcakes are always top notch.

This cafe came up as having good gluten free options. In reality it was chocolate cake and v little on the savoury side so not necessarily a good place to go if you need gluten free choices. Otherwise was a reasonable cafe.

Having read a previous review, we feel we have to disagree strongly with their comments.We have been "regulars" now for about three and a half years and have never had anything but 5*service from Ian (chef and owner) and his Sunday staff Claire and Abby. Customers are always made to feel welcome and the food is wonderful, especially his cheese and ham toasties!We visited yesterday (Sunday) and a couple came in for some lunch. It was their first visit but as we spoke to them they said it certainly wouldn't be their last.Well done Ian and the team, see you soon

The food is superb, quickly prepared and served by friendly staff.The decor is great and Mein Host is cordial and friendly.At our visit on 7 September, I had Welsh Rarebit and my partner, Sally, had French Onion Soup. The Rarebit was excellently prepared with ALL THE CORRECT INGREDIENTS (it isn’t always so in many cafe’s), and I had mushrooms added. It was hot and tasted great.Sally had the soup (which I tasted!), and it was just as French Onion soup should be!!!!I’d rate this cafe 10/10.GO THERE. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!Steve Kowalski and Sally Laithwaite

My husband and I went to Victoria Mill yesterday September 3rd 2019 and as always visited The Loft Cafe as it has always been excellent.On entering the server totally ignored us and appeared as if she didn't want to be there. The menu has changed totally with little to offer and very expensive. The menu bears no resemblance to the menu displayed on the main door of Victoria Mill.When we had finished I went to the bathroom and my husband was still seated in the cafe and heard a man in the kitchen area suggesting that we had left without paying. My husband went to the counter to pay and made it clear, so that the man heard, NO we had not left without paying!!We will not be returning and everyone should avoid at all costs as it appears to have changed hands.Ultimately Victoria Mill will lose business as we went there to have a bacon butty and a cup of tea, and not be treated in this awful way.

I was brought here by a friend when visiting the area. I enjoyed a hearty Mediterranean casserole with homemade focaccia - all delicious. The coffee was excellent too. A great place to eat whether you are into antiques or not!

I was shocked the first time I went to the Loft as I didn't expect to find food of that quality tucked away where it is Someone really knows what they are doing, food wise, and it's consistent. I always look forward to going there and sing it's praises to my friends. Whatever you have to eat never disappoints. Lately though it's as if the heart is going out of it. Please bring back menus and service at the table by staff with character who interact and smile and tell them to make sure the tables are sparkling clean like they used to be and all food is available all the time. If that happened the Loft could be just amazing. The food certainly is.

We go to the loft regularly,made to feel very welcome by the owner and the waitresses.Food is of excellent quality and prices very reasonable.The food is cooked to perfection ! The coffee is also in my opinion better than any of the well known cafe/coffee shops.Def finish off a meal with one of Ian’s homemade cakes,superb taste and good portion size.Gem of a cafe and an asset to congleton

The loft always has good food and the soups are excellent. Quite spacious and you don’t feel squashed in. Owner very pleasant and helpful

In my honest opinion I can’t say anything bad about the loft cafe.The french onion soup that I was served when I visited The Loft Cafe was to die for. The soup itself was rich, the onions were sweet and the cheese was deliciously flavourful, but what I particularly found delicious were the homemade croutons that floated around. I was also lucky to try a few other dishes and wasn’t disappointed at all. It maybe on the pricier side for certain people BUT the quality of the food and preparation by the amazing chef is absolutely worth the price in my opinion! To top it all off the restaurant is cozy with amazing and friendly people!It’s a hidden treasure! I truly can’t wait to eat there again :)

I use this cafe all the time because it has an award winning chef offering restaurant quality food in a beautiful cafe environment. The soups and stews are always my favourite and I usually end up having a cake too as they are difficult to resist. Strongly recommend you try it here as it is fabulous!

If your in the area this is a must. Such a quaint cafe and personal service from the chef owner. The food is home cooked and delicious. The portions are very large but they will give you a box to take any left overs homeDo try the scones they are amazingWe have been several times and intend to return soon

We recently went to the Loft on Saturday morning for a cooked oatcake brunch, but couldn't believe the prices. A single oatcake, with two fillings, was £4.50 - as a local lad I know that you really need two oatcakes for a good breakfast, so the inference would be that that would cost £9. Just to put things in perspective, you can buy 6 oatcakes for less than a pound, but I appreciate that you also need to pay for the fillings, cooking, and overheads - but really, £4.50 for one oatcake? I don't like writing negative reviews - the Loft is a nice cafe, the food we've had on previous visits was enjoyable, but I felt, in this instance, that the prices were a bit of a rip-off, sorry.

Lovely atmosphere. Fresh prepared food and scones to die for yummy

Very friendly service with excellent choice of home made food. I go about once a week. Great value !!!

Highly recommend the food here, and the best Sunday roast ever, but you need to book for Sunday roast

We went mid morning on a Saturday. Apparently too late for breakfast but too early for lunch? No menus, just a few things written on a chalk board, a good section of which we were told was not available. The table was covered in crumbs etc and the crockery was dirty. We ended up settling for some scones all of which were almost dried out. Didn't feel welcome, it seemed like having customers was a chore for them and we were spoiling their nice little cafe. We won't be going back.

This place is fabulous! The food is all home made. Soup was best we had ever had. Sandwiches and cakes were excellent . Prices very reasonable too. The chef was very friendly and the staff very good and service very good. The ambience was great. Several tables reserved so lots of people were coming in for lunch . There were three of us girls having lunch and we will defo be back. Choice of food was good as it is all fresh and home made. Very tasty!!!

Friendly atmosphere and a lovely warm cheese scone. Would visit again.

Great ambience, well worth a visit, tasty toastie and cake. Lovely chatty people. Would happily bring friends/family here.

Alas the venue no longer has a full breakfast option. However you can obtain sausage or bacon baps. There are teas coffees and cakes. It’s more now a tea room rather than a place to eat. Nice venue and location to have a small bite to eat with friends or family

Always friendly, always good food and CAKES. Enjoyable experience

Excellent food followed by a glass of Wibbly Wallaby.

A nice place for a wander and a cuppa

Great coffee shop serving home cooked style food that was delicious nothing mass produced here quality ingredients. Attentive staff great place to eat after having a mooch around the antiques and collectibles

Chips were amazing and toasted ham sandwich was to xx.

A pleasant surprise. Outstanding menu.

went out to the mill looking at Antiques ,on the top floor of this Mill is a right Gem ,its light and clean and very homely serving home made food.I had a Roast Pork Sandwich with Salad but there was a good Menu available the staff were very helpful and on my second visit equally amiablegood value quality food and in great surroundings

An excellent meal (as usual). The only place we go when we're in Congleton. And the antiques centre too.

Have now called in twice to the café at lunchtime. Interesting menu. Had an excellent lamb pie on the first occasion that was one of the best pies I had tasted. On the second occasion had a mac and cheese that was nearly as good. The service is quick if you are calling in for a quick lunch. Everyone in our party of six enjoyed it.

Went today with my husband for a rare child free lunch. Beautiful cafe, lovely Mediterranean music (felt like i was on holiday) lots of choices on menu. Plus a specials board. I went with the brisket croquettes with mac n cheese. My husband had the same and we ordered the greek salad to share. Service was quick, very friendly staff. Food was stunning. The salad was piled high with feta, green beans, tomatoes and pistachios. Tasted so fresh. I was very surprised that there was 4 brisket croquettes and a generous portion of mac and cheese for £7.50!! It was so delicious and so cheap! Will definitely be going again. Would highly recommend a visit.

We took my mother for some lunch 2 June. Ordered baked pot and tuna ... First issue no tuna. So asked for sausage and mash which was on the special board ... Waiter wasn't aware of the dish so had to go and ask.Ordered tea for 2 and a special t. This came and the t for 2 pot was only marginally bigger than the t for one and only half full ..... So had to ask for some hot water.Bangers and mash was very average and at 7.95 was a poor value, small plate of food.Then ordered 3 scones .... Asked for fruit scones but there weren't any so opted for plain ones which was rather crumbly ... Too much butter apparently.As for atmosphere again this was very basic/average ... No background music or anything you would remember.The lift to get to 4th floor was a service list and out of the way.The menu does identify vegetarian or vegan.Overall there was nothing positive to remember.

Following a lovely browse over three floors of antiques at the Victorian Mill Antiques we called into the Loft Cafe for a little brunch. The Loft Breakfast is outstanding value with high quality produce that you can really taste the difference in. Great setting quirky fixtures and fittings I think lol Drew Pritchard and Salvage Hunters would love it here! Will be returning for sure a real hidden gem in Congleton

I've visited this venue before and rated it highly. There is always a fear that with time standards will drop. However The Loft just keeps getting better. Imaginative food and a warm, friendly atmosphere combine to make this little gem a diamond. Ian's food is among the best in the country. This is real quality with unpretentious prices.

Called in for a quick bite to eat, we opted for two of the sandwiches off the specials board, there was loads of delicious options to choose from. The sandwiches were so fresh and the chips were even nicer. Definitely would call in again!

I've never felt compelled to write a review before but the food here was so good I felt I had to give compliments to the chef. I've been several times and had a different soup on each visit and all have been equally delicious! The chef clearly knows his flavours and is a true foody. A real hidden gem.

Service was brilliant and well worth a visit after all the antique hunting.

Something for all the family. Freshly home made food daily. We especially liked the vegetarian options and great variety of soups. Excellent value for money.

Blackberry scone with clotted cream and fresh strawberries, just gorgeous...Highly recommend! The home made plum and treacle tart looked good too, will just have to go back and try it!

A hidden gem in an unexpected venue. Michelin Star food at cafe prices. A foodies delight, everything is hand made from scratch and you can definitely tell the difference. This is not just another cafe.

If you want tasty, hot food made with fresh ingredients and generous portion sizes, then this is the place for you! Delicious vegetarian lasagne and hearty stew were served in a relaxed atmosphere. Friendly chef circulated amongst clients to ensure customer satisfaction. Highly recommended.

Called at the antique centre at Victoria mill, it's a real gem. Then went to cafe on the top floor for lunch fabulous food very friendly staff and atmosphere would recommend to anyone will be going back very soon

My friends and I had a wonderful Christmas Lunch in The Loft this week. 'We' included guests with special requirements, which were catered for admirably. The dishes served were gluten free, vegetarian and platters of meat for the meat eaters amongst us. Turkey and trimmings, with a choice of Tiramisu or traditional Christmas pudding and brandy sauce. Everything arrived on the table hot and fresh. The service was excellent, with dishes arriving in succession and plates cleared away calmly and quietly. A good time was had by all.... I even got to have a take out with the leftovers. That's tonight's dinner sorted... Thank you Ian and Vera...

I almost didn’t want to write this review, because this place is the kind of place where you want to be able to get a table whenever you wish without it being overrun by hungry visitors. But I decided I’m not quite that selfish. This place is a gem. An oft used term, but in this case it’s completely deserving. We had Sunday lunch the other week, four of us with varying sizes of appetite, and the food and experience was outstanding. Think of the best Sunday family roast dinner you could cook - that’s what’s on offer here. Superb roast potatoes, amazing Yorkshire puddings, tasty roast pork cooked to perfection - with as much gravy and vegetables as you could want. All placed in dishes centre of the table to allow you to take as much or little as you wanted. Apple pie (made with home grown apples from the owner’s orchard) with custard to follow. Such a great place to sit as well; homely, quirky and comfortable. We’re trying the cooked breakfast next; if it’s anywhere near as good as Sunday lunch we may never cook at the weekend again. Postscript: apparently, this place comes behind Bojangles as the best place to eat in Congleton. Having eaten at both, I can say this is an absolute travesty!

We’ve just tasted the best mince pies ever! Home made mince with cranberries & delicious home made pasty.

This place is a gem!. Certainly at the top of my list for lunch and snacks in the uk. The best gluten free cheese scone I have ever had - so good I went back a few days later for another and then tried the gluten free chocolate brownie, which was fantastic. Great setting in this classy but relaxed cafe , friendly staff and fab chef. Can't wait until our next trip to this cafe from our home in NZ.

We ate from the specials board and the food was fantastic, A real surprise to find such a great place in Congleton. So much more than just a cafe.

Had a really fantastic family lunch. Lovely homemade soup and tea. Simple but very well done. Very welcoming and relaxed environment. Friendly and attentive service. Highly recommended

Eclectic cafe, with great ambience food to die for especially the cheese scones with a flat whit coffee, heaven in food

Me and my family called in for breakfast,Wow Lovely food Definitely worth a visit in my opinion it's the best for breakfast in congleton,friendly staff

We regularly visit The Loft cafe for lunch. Always wonderful service and tasty food. All homemade, the chips are yummy and always a good choice of desserts.

A lovely traditional cafe Good food, Lovely room Friendly atmosphere Well worth a visit There is always a mid day meal choice Super for the and cake

Always visiting the mill to look around. Today my husband and l decided to pop in for tea and cake ad it was mothers day.We were so pleased we did l had tea and a scone can honestly say it is the best scone l have ever eaten. Warmed through and filled with delicious raspberry jam.My hubby had bakewell tart and coffee again he said the coffee and can were fantastic.As we were leaving we got chatting to the man who owns the cafe he told us he makes everything himself. I said in passing how l had enjoyed my scone and he insisted l take two homeNow that is truly customer service what a kind man. Relaxing tea room the young lady who served is was very sweet.Will be using the tea rooms again. Thank you.

Called for lunch, had a toastie which was very filling. The cakes looked delicious but we were to full to try them. Good value. The basic cup of coffee was lovely, nicer than I was expecting. Only disappointment was that they finished serving breakfast at around 11.30, it would have been nice to have the option of an all day breakfast but that is a personal preference not a criticism.

Great Apple pie, nice coffee, very friendly staff, welcomed our little baby....will be back next time in Congleton.

Every time I'm in the area I make sure to come in! Ideal for lunch with friends or family. Best food in the area by far, Can not be missed! Highly recommend Chef Ian Woodhouse's Boston fish Chowder!

Fantastic food, creative, knowledgable chef, all home cooking with fresh ingredients .. great vegi options and an ever changing variety of superb dishes to choose from. Award winning chef.. The most Amazing scones. The very best place to eat in congleton and beyond. Thank you!!

Had lunch at the Loft Cafe today. I had the pumpkin and bean soup and it was delicious! Very tasty and served with fresh wholemeal bread - great to have homemade veggie soup with flavour! Mike had ham and mustard sandwich and said it was great. Friendly service and a great atmosphere. We love our trip to Victorian Mill and will be back at The Loft Cafe

Best cafe in Congleton in my opinion! Great Italian coffee, all food made on the premises to a really high standard. Beautiful cakes and scones.The service is efficient and super friendly. Very spacious and comfortable, and a good place for groups to meet.

You won't find anywhere better for a great Sunday roast. Everything is cooked to perfection. We have previously visited with friends and they have all commented on how good the food is. This place is a real gem.

Great place for a bargain hunt, made even better by having a really good cafe. Tempted to not review at all as I don't want to have to book!

Visited here for Sunday lunch a week or two ago. It was absolutely delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection and the portion size was just right.The owner, a friendly guy, had a chat with us and told us that everything was locally sourced and that he cooked / baked everything himself. We had the roast beef dinner - fantastic and then a dessert each - I had a fruit scone with clotted cream and jam - to die for. He even recommended particular beers - which my partner appreciated and enjoyed.Would highly recommend a visit. :-) Enjoy!

With large portions and friendly service this place is an absolute treat for Sunday lunch The cafe is full of character and the food amazing value for the quality. A must place to go if your in congleton

Been a few times to The Loft and always met by friendly staff and Ian (the chef). My husband usually has a toasted teacake but today he had a scone which was to die for and I had the Mocha cake which was yummy! Mentioned to Ian how good the scone was and he insisted on giving us two to bring home. Where else would you get service like this? Highly recommend.