The Old Thatch Tearooms in Isle of Wight

We have been here many times over the years and looked forward to our visit again this year. What a disappointment. We had a cream tea which consisted of a pot of tea, 2 scones, butter, cream and jam. The jam and cream pots were half the size they used to be and the butter was barely there, adequate enough for one scone but certainly not two. The jug of milk supplied did not have enough milk for one cup of tea and we had to ask for extra. I do not drink tea and asked for my tea to be substituted with coffee, big mistake, it was undrinkable. Went we went to pay we were told 'cash only' and I was lucky to find some cash in the bottom of my bag. This should be made clear when you enter and before you order as a lot of people do not carry cash. Our experience was so different to every other visit we wondered if there were 'new owners' but overheard the owner telling other visitors that she had been there 17 years. Sadly will not be returning.

Lovely tea shop and staff we thought your food was excellent plus the garden was lovely to sit in most magical. I would recommend this place to anyone if you travel to the Isle of wright well done lady's

Oh my word, this place is totally beautiful. The tearooms are so clean, the gardens are amazing and so very peaceful. I think weve just found our new number one place. And its dog friendly.

We ate here twice and loved it having previously visited before! The garden is magical, the service is friendly, and the food is beautifully made. There are always little touches added to the food/drinks to make them feel as though they are made especially for you, and we would definitely visit again. The old thatch teashop is such a magical place that any fairy lover should visit. They have a vast menu and the garden gets lots of sun in the afternoon too. Would recommend for families, couples, or anyone who loves a pretty place to eat.

A really pretty building. Our little one unfortunately wasn’t fussed with the fairy garden, but we thought it was cute. A good selection of sandwiches, jackets and scones. We all enjoyed our food which was fresh and quick. Will visit again.

We have visited the Tea Rooms every time we visit the IOW either on our own or with family We always get a very warm welcome and the food is always excellent, I normally have a all white meat crab sandwich but whatever you decide it’s definitely the best sandwich you will ever get, the staff are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble. I have a saying give it a try and see if you like it, if you don’t like it then you don’t go back, it’s simple but we have visited the same place over and over again and we always have lunch at the Tea Rooms every time we visit, lovely place lovely food great prices for lovely food Thank you the Shanklin Tea Rooms

The staff are lovely here, but I found the cakes and scones were overpriced, fairly average and also I was really disappointed that the grass in their garden was artificial plastic! I went in because it said it was an award winning tea place with a wonderful garden but it would be so much lovelier if there was real grass, and so much better for the wild life too!

What a shame my mother wanted to come here, but we sat down & it smelt Damp food was just horrible ploughmans Lu ch over priced No salad no Branston pickle but strawberries? Apple was tiny slice dessert of Victoria sponge inedible , Stale on the side was squirt cream , and raspberry sauce that you put on ice cream? 🙄 my husband had soup which was very peppery Not nice very overpriced ! Been coming to the island for 15 years the worst food we have had such a shame

Called into The Old Thatch for a snack. My friend and I both decided on scones and sat in the pretty garden thoroughly enjoying them. The scones were very fresh and very tasty - I had the savoury cheese ones. It was so pleasant in the garden we ordered a further drink before heading to the area where payment is taken. My friend and I both live on the Island and love trying out the restaurants and tearooms but we have never before encountered such a rude and obnoxious woman as the one taking our payment. Whether it was because neither of us had actual cash (large notices saying cash preferred) or whether she was just in a bad mood, her whole attitude has ensured that we will not be returning.

What a lovely visit we had today. Beautiful place, lovely staff who couldn’t have been more friendly and the food was wonderful well worth a visit. Thank you

The concept is cute but badly executed. Everything is done cheaply including spray painting foliage with bright neon colours (badly!). Very cheap plastic tables and chairs with tacky plastic table clothes are rammed into the garden, leaving not even an inch between you and the guests at the next table, this makes it very hard if you want to get up to use the toilet. The women owner seems incredibly unhinged and the man who works alongside her seems absolutely petrified of both her and customers. We sat in the garden with our friends and our dogs. My dog is a nervous elderly rescue who has hip issues, meaning if he sits on a hard floor he quickly becomes in pain and will let everyone know about it. As I typically do in dog friendly places, I sat slightly back from the table with him on my lap, the woman owner scorned me and said he can't be there due to 'health and safety', if this was the case then most establishments on the island would be shut down as everyone allows well-behaved dogs to sit on laps, especially outside. I explained my dog's issues and still she said no, my dog was on the floor barking, at which she then complained about. These people shouldn't advertise themselves as dog friendly when they clearly don't like or understand dogs at all. I ordered an afternoon tea and asked to have green tea instead of English breakfast, the woman told me with a very snide look that it would be extra, I told her I was fine with paying extra and she looked angry that I was willing to provide more money to her business with this change. I said if it was a problem I would happily take the English breakfast and have a green tea on the side at an extra cost and she just walked away in a huff. When my tea arrived, my cup was dirty, no big deal as I understand dishwashers aren't fool proof, I asked the gentleman server for a new cup and he practically exploded with nerves at the idea and couldn't handle the request well. The food is average at best

Such a lovely cafe, very quaint. Pretty tea pots & China all around. Lovely cakes & nice meals. Good service. Garden full of fairies. So much to look at. Would highly recommend.

What a charming place. Staff cannot do enough for you. Tea in pots using great quality tea. Old fashioned great traditional red shop food. A lovely experience

A lovely afternoon tea in a beautiful spot. Staff couldn't have been more helpful as my partner was recovering from an operation, and the egg mayonnaise sandwiches outstanding. The thatch cottage itself is a charming place of great age with flagstone floor, and well maintained secluded garden with a fairy dell. Hope to visit again soon.

Lovely tearoom, clean and quirky. Excellent food and service. We chose jacket potatoes for their variety of fillings - delicious.

Having seen reviews for this place, we were determined to visit whilst on holiday. It was busy but we were shown to a table in the pink room, which is cute & cosy. My husband had the cream tea & I had the savoury tea which was various cheese scones…it was delicious & all served with a pot of tea. Definitely recommend

We popped in after a wet day out to find a very warm welcome we had some tea and the most amazing apple and cinnamon scones and jam and cream and the tea. My partner went out the back to the fairy garden and said it was amazing. Such a great place we'll worth the visit

Visited the tea rooms for lunch. Staff were very friendly and the tea for one was lovely. I had the egg mayonnaise sandwiches with scone and Victoria sponge. One friend had the pancakes which they also enjoyed. The sponge cake was as tasty as it looks.

What a lovely find this quaint tearoom on visit to Shanklin with my daughter. We sat in the garden which had nice umbrellas to provide shade on a hot day. We decided to have sandwiches followed by a cream scone. The sandwiches ( egg mayonnaise, and brie, grape and cranberry) came with salad and crisps and were delicious. The two fruit scones which we shared came with butter, clotted cream and jam and a pot of tea. The food was nicely presented and fresh. Food was reasonably priced. A lovely find and would recommend trying.

Popped in during our holiday on the island & we were delighted that the quaint tea rooms lived up to our expectations - exceeding them in fact. Lovely cream teas & great fun for the kids with themed cake dishes. The picturesque setting featuring a hidden fairy garden was also a lovely bonus. Thoroughly recommended for both the quality & friendly staff. Thank you!

The only cup of coffee I've ever had - and left - in my life. After two sips I decided I wouldn't finish it. It was bitter, watery, instant coffee with some sort of white froth and a chocolate powder design on the top. No stars. Not recommended. Not going back.

A lovely place for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Plenty of gluten free options for me and my coeliac son which made choosing very difficult! Fairy garden is lovely for children too.

Perfect rainy day tea shop. It was busy but they still found us a table for seven. It was so tasty and good value too. Every member of staff was friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend!

Visited with our 2 coeliac teenagers who love a cream tea. The gluten free scones were lovely and presented very nicely. Myself and my husband had regular sandwiches which were also very nice. We sat outside and the fairy garden was beautiful. The owner was lovely with great service. There was also a full cabinet of cakes inside which were all gluten free. Perfect for those requiring a gluten free diet. I would highly recommend eating here

We visited the tea room at the start of July 2023, obviously attracted by the pink exterior! I was with my husband, in laws and nearly 5 year old son. The cream tea was absolutely amazing, who doesn’t love heart shaped scones!? Very reasonably priced and in the most beautiful setting! The interior is stunning, so many knickknacks to look at, attention to detail is this tea shops forte! My son Reuben ordered chocolate cake and the staff even wrote his name in chocolate sauce on the plate, it was such a nice touch! Staff are brilliant, friendly and nothing is too much for them. The fairy garden is lovely, as well as the hand made gifts they have. Wouldn’t hesitate to go back, it met all our expectations of a traditional afternoon tea!

Lovely afternoon tea with good service and enjoyable food Dropped in on a quiet day and enjoyed the full experience every part of the tea was pretty good Reason for 4 not 5 was thought the sandwiches were made with a little bit thick bread but would definitely visit again

We had a late lunch here. Food was good and portions generous with the exception of the strawberries with the cream tea which I think might have been two strawberries sliced up - which for an extra £1 seemed a bit poor. Baguettes were lovely...

My sister wanted to have her birthday (a Special Age Birthday) here at her favourite teashop. We invited friends and family to a Victorian Afternoon Tea. Well all I can say is that Pat and her team were outstanding, service was great, food was great...

Lovely, quaint place. Great atmosphere for a get together. Food was most delicious and fresh. Great variety on the menu. Gardens were quirky. Staff very friendly.

My friend and I thought this tea shop looked nice and we wanted to see the garden. On entering the tea room a very surly woman asked us how many people? We said we wanted to have a look at the garden as our husbands...

Had lunch here with the grandchildren and their parents. We ate a mixture of ploughman's, pizza, sandwiches, sharing platter, quiche. Everything was very tasty and enjoyable with wonderful touches such as strawberries and grapes. The service was friendly and helpful. All served in a delightful...

Victorian tea was tiny. Four triangle sandwiches, only one choice of filling. Victoria sponge and tiny scone with one tiny pot of jam for two. Only one choice of tea. Very expensive for what we received. Don’t even bother with the kids afternoon tea. Definitely...

We came here for lunch after getting off the ferry with our two children. My oldest is autistic and little one is a toddler. The staff were absolutely lovely and really accommodated us! They made sure our children were happy and settled and were very...

A variety of afternoon tea menus - two of us shared the savoury option and a standard cream tea. The cheese scones were delightful, served with cream cheese and salad garnish and the scones with cream and jam were delicious. All the scones are served...

Afternoon tea was lovly in the thatched cottage, we had a table in the garden with was on a sunny day wonderfull, the food was tassty and the tea a joy to drink

We went here on our anniversary for afternoon tea. Very popular and very busy too. Lovely staff and great service. Lucky we booked it as we sat outside in the gardens under the parasol. The gardens are cleverly divided up so as you feel like...

The BEST afternoon tea on the Isle of Wight - it certainly is and still is!! We arrived and were quickly seen to our table, all pre-booked, for our family including grandparents and our 3yr old. All very happy and welcoming as soon as we...

My sister and a friend went for a cream tea, we were greeted by the owner who was unfriendly and was not keen for us to sit outside even though there were tables free and people all ready outside.The table was wiped for us as...

This was our second visit to the tea rooms. Sat inside due to the weather. Good customer service and the food was good.

Such lovely setting at the end of the Old Town Shanklin with a fairy garden. Have been three times over the past 2 years and every time the food and service is excellent. Try the bread pudding with clotted cream! Just like my gran used...

We were attracted here by the good reviews and the extensive gluten free menu. For some starnge reason we were kept waiting for five minutes outside the door, but once inside we were shown quickly to a table, menus brought and orders were placed. There...

Amazing setting with lovely friendly staff. Nice to see cream tea with different scones and jams for a change. I had rhubarb and apple scone with rhubarb and ginger jam. Really good flavours on the jam but struggled to pick up flavours in the scone...

Had to visit twice for their delicious gluten free cream teas, beautiful little place , with lovely staff and great cakes. Will be back again!

As recent islanders we booked a table here for afternoon tea to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We ordered the Victorian Afternoon Tea for two. We were seated in the beautiful garden and a lovely lady took our order promptly. Our order arrived after a short...

We went for a little birthday treat. I had the cream tea which came with two warm scones, clotted cream, fresh strawberries and jam - it was really nice and the tea blend they use is lovely. My son had a kids meal with nuggets,...

The first thing that should be a warning sign is the smell... A mixture of Damp/Cat pee. You get the feeling Mr Ramsey would have a tough time here. Then the somewhat snobbish owner, who seems to treat you differently depending on how she views...

What an incredibly beautiful place, so beautiful that we visited two days in a row! We had lunch once inside and once outside (highly recommend booking a table in the garden). The service was impeccable and all our needs were met, the food was gorgeous...

Whilst on holiday in Shanklin we visited the Old Village whch is absolutely beautiful. On Sunday 31st July, 2022, we called in at the Old Thatch Tearooms. They seated us in the gardens at the rear. What a splendid setting it is. We had lovely...

Nice setting but order was brought wrong to the table. Also requested a small top up of milk but we never saw the waitress again.

Our visit to the tearoom in the old village of Shanklin was a truly magical experience. The beautiful old building is only surpassed by the magical "fairy gardens " at the rear, which we had lovely views of from our table on a small raised...

We visited The Old Thatch Tearooms twice whilst we were on holiday and the food was very good. We had the Victorian Tea for two with tuna sandwiches which were nice but there were thick chunks of cucumber in them and they really would have...

Although the food was good the service was poor. They were busy but we had to wait sometime to be seated although we had a reservation.We felt the staff were not the staff were not trained to a standard to meet the public and often...

This was a find in that it has quaint garden dining areas. The Old Thatch serves a wide range of food but the bonus is, it must be one of the few restaurants selling a huge gluten free option. Well done and thank you.

Unfortunately we got out timings wrong and arrived 30 mins late but this was not a problem with the staff who made us feel welcome. We had a wonderful lunch and the puddings are out of this world. Will definitely be back.

Fresh scones which were amazing. The sandwiches were lovely and little garden out back was perfect for a summers day. Just as I remember when I visited as a child. Nice to see this place is still going.

Visited shanklin June 2022. And saw a beautiful thatched cottage advertising cream tea. Got seated straight away. Asked to sit outside. Outside was amazing. Love the fresh strawberry patch and the layout. Asked for 2 cream tea with strawberries. The tea was amazing. The strawberry...

Called in for lunch and were greeted with friendly staff. Had table in the garden, which had plenty of shade. Extensive menu, with plenty of gluten free options (nearly the whole menu). We decided to push the boat out and have the Victorian Afternoon tea...

Lovely place, traditional tea shop with garden, dog friendly. Group of eight, plus two dogs, accommodated on few tables hastily put together. Very friendly staff, good quality food. Would recommend.

We had tea. My wife had a toasted tea cake and I had a scone. Everything was brilliant, especially the staff. The garden is a wonder and can only stimulate a child's imagination.

We had very high hopes of a traditional cream tea with home made scones and loads of clotted cream and jam. However despite the banners claiming this to be the best tea rooms on the Island, we were very disappointed The scones were dry, appeared...

As expected this was beautiful tea shop with amazing decor. Each area is decorated in different colours and we were seated in the blue area. We both opted for the apple and ginger scones with rhubarb and ginger jam, clotted cream and the Thatch speciality...

Went on Sunday 29 May 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Booked again for yesterday (31 May 2022) but unfortunately we did not get the same experience - the scones (both fruit and savoury) were a bit hit and miss (not all were warm). Large...

Fabulous little place! Staff brilliant service just as brilliant food second to none! Couldn’t fault the place. A little gem! Came here for afternoon tea for my sisters 60th birthday. We were not disappointed everything was just fab. They even sung happy birthday to her(thanks)!...

Lovely garden and whilst the service was good and the staff were really pleasant, the afternoon tea was disappointing. Scone was ok - not enough cream, but cake tasted shop made. Surprised it gets voted best afternoon tea on Island.

We spent a lovely hour or so in this beautiful garden. Even though officially stopped serving food they happily took our order. We wish we had arrived a little earlier so we could have enjoyed a slice of cake too. Would recommend but give yourself...

Absolutely a Must to visit, the atmosphere is like the clock has stopped back in time, beautiful gardens including fairy's, in side is quaint and charming, all comes with great food and friendly service

We have stayed in Shanklin many times over the last few years, but this was the first time we have visited the Old Thatch Tearooms. We were not disappointed. We opted for a table inside, it’s a quaint little place with a charming atmosphere. The...

Old fashioned and lovely relaxed lunch, cream teas and fabulous sandwiches. Licensed as well choice of beers wine and Prosecco- what’s not to like!

Was a great delight to visit this place. Having frequented Shanklin it wasn't until the last few days ago that got around to going for afternoon tea at this venue as a friend I was meeting was a great fan of the place. Their best...

Every time we visit the Island, we head straight for The Old Thatch Tearooms. The staff are so friendly. Patricia, the owner came over to say hello to us, The service was again friendly and extremely quick. The food is wonderful. I had the cream...

We had a lovely tea in the garden of the Old Thatch. Shanklin old town is a charming place to visit and the Old Thatch Tearooms a perfect spot for a traditional English afternoon tea.

Stopped in here after a long day's cycling as I was charmed by outside of the building. It's even more charming inside, the staff were lovely, and it was only £6 for a big pot of tea and two massive, warm scones with clotted cream...

We wanted a light meal on Sunday lunchtime after a walk along the coast. We chose the Old Thatch Tearooms as it looked very inviting and the menu has plenty of choice to suit everyone. Our meals were nicely presented and the staff were very...

While staying in Shanklin and coming to the end of our holiday we decided to go round the shops in old town and then get some food before walking down to the beach. We were drawn to the tea room as it advertised lots of...

After waiting ages to be seated and kept being told will be with you in a minute we were seated in the rear if the tea room. I ordered a crab sandwich and was I disappointed. If you are going to charge £ 9 plus...

We googled this place and couldn’t wait to visit the ‘best tearoom in the Isle of Wight’ with the added bonus of a fairy garden. The place looked lovely with such potential but we were disappointed with our experience. There is a theme here of...

Such a cute relaxed place to go, staff are so kind and welcoming and went above and beyond for us to feel welcome. The scones were second to none.. rhubarb and ginger jam was phenomenal. And odviously the tea was perfect to follow my crab...

Phoned up at 11 to book for 12:30 and no problem. Went in and sat down, order taken and within 10 minutes was on the table. Tasted lovely.

What a wonderful differant place, you have so much to look at whilst you are waiting for your tea and cakes etc. Don't miss going into the outside garden, and both the food and tea were excellant.

Fantastic little fairy garden, with outdoor tables, for an absolutely wonderful afternoon tea! The owner, daughter, and staff are all excellent and so friendly. The afternoon tea was delicious. Definitely a place to visit and enjoy!!

Googled “best tea room on the Isle of Wight” and this one came up. We had to wait some twenty minutes for our order to be taken. It was another good 30-40 minutes before our order arrived - just tea and cake - not a...

After quite a break from the island due to covid and personal issues, we were so pleased to see that the Old Thatched Tearooms in Shanklin was not only open but very busy as well..! Pat and Charles do an amazing job here and not...

Unfortunately visited today and there was no disability access told to leave scooter outside and walk in left scooter outside and out of everyone’s way went in sat down to be then told “oh we are cash only” who in this day and age doesn’t...

We looked for a nice afternoon tea deal whilst staying in Shanklin and, having seen lots of good reviews and having had a previous visit just for a cake and cuppa, we decided to book here. In all honesty, we have to say that we...

Lovely experience. Delicious food and quick service. Seems like they take pride in what they do. A very quirky place for overseas visitors to come. Lovely garden setting as well if the weather is nice.

We Purchased the Food Sharer Plater, didn't realise how much food was on it , enough for 4 people, very, very tastyand enjoyed as much as we could eat. They were strictly adhering to social distancing. Very nice place for a cuppa and food.We were...

What a rare pleasure to have a straightforward, traditional tea! The fillings of the fresh sandwiches included cucumber. The plain scones were warm. The Victoria sponge was feather-light. The tea was made with a good blend. And service was prompt and friendly. Well done!

The quaint tea room. Beautifully decorated. Amazing food with great choices, The garden is lovely and very pretty. Great service and pleasant staff

We visited with our two children for a cream tea. We had been a few years ago whilst on holiday and the food was good so thought we’d return. We were a little disappointed as waiting 30 mins for someone to take our order after...

We had an amazing cream tea here yesterday. The staff were really friendly and the owner in particular is a really lovely lady. The building is beautiful and also the fairy gardens! The food was first class, I can still taste my warm fruit scones...

We hadn't booked a table but didn't realise we would have to at the time, they were accommodating and managed to find us a table in the garden room. We then waited ages for our order to be taken. I understand they could have been...

Visited with my husband, daughter. Son in law and two grandsons. This place is truly magical and the food is amazing and plentiful - but best of all is the service and truly delightful staff - especially Liz who is just charming and nothing was...

We visited this team room while on a weeks holiday to the Isle of Wight. It was very busy but the staff seated us very quickly. Due to them being busy we did wait a little while for our food but this was understandable. We...

First of all…. Do not believe reviews…. The owner reports the bad ones and so they disappear -__- The place smells of damp, cat urine and dirt and really hits you when you first sit down. The staff are useless and the customer is a...

The wonderful (and patient) ladies at the Old Thatch helped me to surprise my best friend during her honeymoon on the IOW. After arriving earlier than planned they helped us to make sure everything went well and we had the most yummiest of Victorian afternoon...

Visited the Tearooms this afternoon it is an absolutely charming place full of character and lots of lovely things on the menu. We chose a round of Crab sandwiches and Brie, Crisp Apple, Grape and Cranberry Sauce Sandwiches They were absolutely delicious to follow we...

This kind of tea room isn't our usual thing - a bit too frilly and fussy for our taste. But we stopped in for a cup of tea on a day when Shanklin was so crowded we coudn't get in anywhere else and were pleasantly...

Visited on a busy Saturday afternoon fabulous setting we had a Cream Tea and Crab Sandwiches both delicious, good friendly staff

What a great way to end my visitj to the Isle of wight amazing cream tea best on island having sampled cream teas at various locations on the Isle of wight the staff were so friendly so helpful and a joy. Truly a beautiful tea...

We had to have a Cream Tea as part of our holiday. It was beautiful; fresh scones, Fresh Strawberries, jam and clotted cream. Nicely served the only thing was; they were so very busy that we waited at least 45mins for service. I would definitely...