The Old Workshop Cafe in Horsham - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

This is my go to place for a Sunday afternoon visit ….ALWAYS excellent food and coffee…ALWAYS excellent and friendly service from Gail and Anna. I can’t recommend this place highly enough …great views of the South Downs too! K

GoTravelling123 Worthing, United Kingdom 1213 Reviewed June 10, 2023 Awful customer service Very rude owner approached our table asking us to pay for a mistake with our order which was their fault. I have never been asked to pay for an error that was make by the kitchen staff. We will never return. In response to my review from the owner, I wish to clarify that we ordered 2 large cafetières of coffee @ £10 each = £20 which we gave your member of staff when we ordered. Your member of staff advised us that this would be enough coffee for 6 people. When the cafetières of coffee arrived at the table there was 2 different sizes, not being sure of the size of the cafetières we presumed one was a medium size. We were taken by surprise when the owner approached the table telling us we had underpaid and owed another £4. It appears that someone preparing our order had made a mistake so the order that was delivered to our table was incorrect and the error was made in the kitchen. We feel that we should not have been asked to pay for a mistake in the kitchen. I wish to rectify that no one at the table was eating sandwiches, one lady ate a rich tea biscuit as you were unable to provide snacks that complement morning coffee. We left £4 on the table before we left!

We love this place. Tucked away in such a wonderful position and the barn itself is fascinating. The food served there is always good and the people who work here are dedicated to friendly service and great food. Thankyou to those who run this lovely place.

Very rude owner approached our table asking us to pay for a mistake with our order which was their fault. I have never been asked to pay for an error that was make by the kitchen staff. We will never return.

What a fantastic lunch, highly recommend the delicious sausage rolls and unique salads. Lovely staff that make you feel very welcome. Makes a ideal spot for refreshments after a lovely walk up the downs! A must for anyone who appreciates quality home cooked food.

What a find !!! Lovely menu , all homemade , hot and cold options today I had beetroot soup absolutely delicious. Previously had the amazing warm savoury scones . They really care here that you have a great visit ....and they deliver !!! Great place for a walk afterwards.

I visited this cafe with friends and inadvertently left my walking pole. When two days later I went to pick it up. The owner turned up with it, stuck it in the mud and walked off. He was so rude. They clearly don’t care about customers. This is not a place I would recommend to anyone. The food is overpriced but I get that, the heat on a December day was not on in the main dining area, ok, perhaps an oversight, but the off hand rudeness was wilful. Don’t use this cafe.

I have visited this cafe a few times and can’t recommend it enough. The owners are great and the cakes are phenomenal! I love trying the variety of cakes and love it when fruits from their own land make their way into the cakes! The lunch is always good and, although I’m not a salad person, I love the kale salad they have been doing! It’s so much better than your iceberg, tomatoes and onions! I really recommend this cafe as a great place to stop for after a walk around the Downs! And it’s dog friendly.

On our walk when we came to this cafe. As we hadn’t visited before went in to use the toilet to see what it was like. We were not welcomed at all and in fact the staff were very rude. No excuse as it was empty!! . So no, we didn’t stay for a bite to eat or drink! Staff obviously need customer training. We won’t be visiting again. Not sure how long this cafe will survive!

I visited with my brother last Sunday and really wanted to love this café. First impressions were good: the location at the foot of the Downs was beautiful and the venue was set in a lovely old restored barn. We entered and alas downhill from that point on. A greeting and ordering procedure would have been nice but we were ignored so we milled around feeling a bit foolish, then picked up a menu and found an (unwiped) table outside. The smell of frying bacon was enticing so we ordered bacon baps only to be told that the baps had run out! It was only 1.45pm. The reason given was that they "had been busy". On a popular walkers and cyclists route on a fine weekend the demand should have been predictable and catered for: after all this café has been running for four years. I then tried to order scones but they had all gone too. We finally settled for lime cheesecake with raspberries (sadly no raspberries, ran out of those too), tasty but topping was melting; banana cake (delicious) and coffee (lukewarm). The coffee was delivered after 20 minutes; 15 minutes later we'd drunk it and still no sign of the cakes. When I went into the café the owner was holding a bunch of tabs and it was clear the system such as it is had unravelled: the owner herself said it was chaos. I was assured the cake was coming so ordered another coffee. The cakes came but the coffee didn't (not written down) so I had to remind again. People had been arriving but were being turned away as the café was I believe closing early. Our bill for two cakes (no reduction for the missing raspberries!), three coffees and dreadful service came to £17.50 which I reckon is pricey for such a poor experience. Reading previous reviews going back four years a common thread reoccurs: the whole operation falls to pieces when a 'busy' period is encountered. Lessons should have been learnt by now - namely, experienced staff, efficient system and sufficient food stocks. This café has such potential (I know, I have worked in several) and with some effort it should reach it.

The most delicious cakes in the world! This cafe is such a gem, everything is homemade and totally delicious. Welcoming and kind staff to greet you! I had the spinach, feta and fennel roll with salad and it was exquisite - I wanted to eat it all over again! I then had a cup of tea and the tastiest brownie I think I’ve ever had (and I bought a slice of the chai cake to takeaway!). Such a gorgeous cafe in very beautiful restored barn and so much character. Lovely walks and countryside all around! Definitely a must-visit when you’re in the area!

Five of us visited for early afternoon snacks and drinks yesterday. One of our party visited the cafe while four of us walked to the top of the Downs before re-joining him for our snack. By the time we returned our colleague had enjoyed a bacon roll and coffee but did warn us service was 'not good'. The four of us ordered, including two sausage rolls (one pork and one pork/haggis), two more savouries, three slices of cake and four drinks, tea, coffee and two cold drinks. The order was finalised after a number of first choices were not available. Although the cafe was very busy when we first passed by, it was considerably quieter on return from our walk. More than half an hour passed and there was no sign of our food or even our drinks despite an apparent large number of staff being present. I informed one of the waitresses how long we had been waiting and she informed the kitchen. At the same time a couple at a nearby table was complaining to another member of staff they had been waiting an hour for their order. After a few more minutes our drinks arrived followed shortly by two sausage rolls (both pork/haggis, very nice too but not as ordered), bacon roll, and two slices of cake which were intended to be a 'pudding' yet one savoury had yet to arrive. At this point another coffee was ordered for our friend who had already eaten. Ten minutes later I spoke to a young lady who was serving another table and informed her we were still waiting for food and a coffee. She said that she would check with the kitchen yet proceeded to clear two tables which had been vacated. A colleague went to the counter to enquire and was informed the coffee hadn't been ordered! Some minutes later yet another lady came to our table with the outstanding savoury (the third slice of cake never arrived) apologising profusely for the delay (as all other staff members had) saying they had been busy. I did suggest it may have been courteous at the outset to notify a lengthy wait was inevitable in the knowledge that others had experienced unacceptable delays. All of the dishes were of very good quality and were most enjoyable although, as previously mentioned, a number of menu first choices were not available. However a medium/small sausage roll with small side salad at £7 was pretty pricey. As we departed passing the food preparation area there were five members of staff in a quite confined area all seemingly struggling with the job in hand as bacon was burning on the griddle immediately adjacent to them all. A most disappointing visit which will not be repeated, and sadly our friends too will not be returning as they were highly embarrassed throughout having recommended this cafe as an end of weekend treat before a two and a half hour journey home to Wiltshire.

I don’t see an hour’s wait for 2 salads is acceptable. Then to see other orders turning up before shows how poor the management is. Never coming back.

Avoid. Over an hour’s wait for a cup of tea (cake had sold out). Suggest training staff in customer care and keeping cake reserves in a freezer.

Always wanted to try this cafe and it didn't disappoint. Lovely venue, friendly staff and fellow customers. The cheese scones were the nicest I've ever tasted, they contained olives and onion, delicious. My friend tried the brownie with a dollop of fresh cream. We sat in the sunshine in the pretty courtyard at the back. Highly recommended.

Love this place, park the car, walk the dog and get delicious food afterwards. Had the spinach, feta and fennel seed roll and also the sausage and haggis roll, both absolultly delicious. Quite pricey but high quality and home made. Nice sitting area outside, could...

A lovely well-run cafe in a beautiful location right next to the church. The home-cooked food, particularly the cakes, are delicious served by efficient and very friendly staff. Would highly recommend.

We popped in for lunch as we had heard so many lovely comments about the cafe and the area. Gail and the team were welcoming, the service was prompt and the food was fresh, the portion size was perfect and the food was absolutely delicious....

My cousin and I visited St Marys church to see the 1500 yr yew tree. Then had light lunch at the nearby cafe. The lunch sandwich and the sweet foods were fresh and tasty. Also had a pot of tea. The host and servers were...

Beyond Terrible service Waited over an hour, yes an hour, & I only Ordered 1 tea & 1 coffe! It wasn’t even busy After waiting an hour when I chased my drinks up I was told my ticket had got lost apparently, we gave up...

We were driving past on the A283 near Storrington where we saw a sign for a cafe and just did a spur of the moment thing by driving down a country lane to find a lovely country barn converted into a cafe surrounded by some...

Lovely spot but don't go if your hungry, portions are miniscule and very expensive £7 for a sausage roll!!!

We both had cheese ploughmans and the portions were very small at £10 each. However, the pot of tea for one and the coffee were ok. We shall not be returning since only further up the road in Storrington the light lunches are better value!

We had a private event on 5th January in the Cafe. From the moment we stated to plan it, Gail was extremely helpful and flexible. Although it was at short notice and in a week when the cafe is normally closed she provided an excellent...

Food was absolutely delicious and the venue is stunning, such a gorgeous old barn and amazing views out the windows - perfect

Friendly, comfortable and upmarket cafe in a to-die-for location at the foot of the beautiful South Downs. Great range of homemade food….the freshly baked soda bread and soup combo was scrummy….and the cakes are just temptation on a plate! Lovely staff. Well done!

great service especailly by an employee called samuel he should get a raise. Best experience ever 10/10

Lovely setting, staff and food set-up a bit odd. No proper coffee, only filtered. A lot had run out on the menu, including no bacon, on a weekend mid-morning….plenty of staff, I’d send someone to get some bacon?! Staff were OK, but quite defensive and...

Having planned to visit for a while, we were very disappointed. We waited a long time to be served and then about 20 minutes for our order to arrive. 25 minutes to wait for a tepid hot chocolate that tasted like water. Not nice. Some...

My family stayed at the cottages for a week in July, we enjoyed being able to go over to the cafe for lunches and smoothies , or they would bring lunch to us. The menu is wonderful with everything homemade. Very creative salads. The bacon...

My husband and I enjoyed lime cheesecake and warm scones with plum jam, washed down with fresh hot coffee. Beautiful setting, prompt and attentive service. Thank you

Ferring Probus Club enjoyed a two course lunch prior to visiting the gardens and then enjoyed tea (or coffee) and homemade scones and cakes afterwards. Very pleasant staff, covid compliance maintained. Made the afternoon outing for 28 of us a most enjoyable time

We had checked the cafe was open (varies depending on time of year) and planned a 10k circular walk with a stop here for lunch. It's a lovely old barn cafe, very spacious and dogs allowed in the main barn. We had a nicely prepared...

First day of the latest (last!😊) lockdown easing of restrictions we planned a cycle ride from Cranleigh with the mid way point at the Old Workshop Cafe. We were not disappointed. The service was covid secure, a great range of cakes , a variety of...

My breakfast was lovely and the coffee really lovely. They do gluten free with out additional charge and and I really enjoyed the whole atmosphere. It is a beautiful barn conversion. Need to check their website for opening hours to avoid disappointment.

After a long walk on South Downs Way I visited Sullington cafe. Large tithe barn to sit indoors and outside courtyard seating. I had the roasted vegetable and goats cheese tart-lovely and Victoria sponge (portion on small side and the jam certainly not strawberry or...

We were lucky to find the cafe open today as it has very limited winter opening hours. We had a lovely lunch of 2 very unusual salads - sliced butternut squash flavoured with cardamom and tahini, and roasted red onion with goat cheese. Both full...

This cafe is in a wonderful location and seemed a perfect place to walk the dogs and then be rewarded with coffee and a delicious cake. Unfortunately we won’t be returning as the service was dreadful and we had to wait over an hour for...

We was recommended The Old Workshop at Sullington Manor, that we decided to look for ourselves as we were in the area. We found the art gallery with the cafe down the metal staircase. Opened Thursday, Friday and Saturday when the art gallery is open....

A fabulous cafe set in in a beautiful country location at the base of the South Downs. Ideal stop for walkers and cyclists. I had the homemade walnut and beetroot cake and coffee both of which were delicious. The service was great, friendly staff.

Not the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Nice setting though. Home made cakes on offer although I didn’t sample any.

Really very good. Had a wonderful bacon bap, cheesecake and hot chocolate. Service was excellent and the cost not excessive. The menu also offers many other delights. Thoroughly recommended.

Deliciously different salads. Quick, efficient service, lovely environment, dog friendly. Lots of information boards telling you the history of the place. Cakes looked good too

For a second time not impressed with service or quality. Arrived with a small group and was made to feel an inconvenience. Tepid tea and weak hot chocolate with very little choice of cakes (no tray bakes) and on top of slow difficult service it...

We chose to come here for lunch on our 50th wedding anniversary because this is the place where we feel most happy and contented with the food and everything that goes with it. Gail’s baking is superb and her lunch menu is full of exciting...

Lovely little barn and café in a farm location next to a lovely church with lots of artists painting. Food was OK..tasty but the baked potato my wife had was cold not hot. Small improvements would make this a lot better.

We have visited Gail and Grahams farm cafe in this idyllic location on a number of occasions and always look forward to a visit.. The welcome is warm and friendly and the food delicious. There is an excellent choice of menu whether you want lunch, a cream tea or just a cup of tea (a large selection) or freshly brewed excellent coffee. Do try the wonderful selection of homemade cakes too. Delicious. A great place to visit. Interesting and beautiful.

Fantastic venue. Beautiful countryside and church. Educational barn with things to do for the kids. Great walks. Really friendly staff with tasty well priced food.

**Do check the opening times before going as it's not open all the time** We planned a dog walk around the area on a day it was. Parking by the church is easy (but limited). Lovely area to walk in - we did a 1.5hr walk up Chantry Hill (steep but worth it for the views). Dogs welcome in the main large area of the cafe. Small menu and not cheap (some sandwiches were £7+) but the food we were given was homemade and very tasty, beautifully prepared side salad with the sausage roll (£3.70), tasybacon bap and nice cake choice including some gluten free. Lovely restored barn with tasteful decor, we'll return.

I have visited this wonderful Cafe multiple times, each visit has been a treat.

I don't how anyone could give this cafè a poor rating. Beautiful setting, great food, excellent coffee and lovely staff.

A great little coffee shop serving excellent home bakes and light lunches. Good coffee and freshly baked scones. Housed in a renovated 16th Century Tythe Barn with history tutorials and hands on experiences for both adults and children. Tucked very much off the beaten track next door to Sullington Church Saxon/Norman origins which was open to enjoy. Check opening times as open only on last 2 Fridays and weekends of month.

lovely setting against the Downs. good food and great coffee. only complaint.. tried to visit on two consecutive Saturdays. both times sign on main road said cafe open. wrong!! first time notice on cafe door said check website. did that next week and found wedding party in progress. sign at top of road said cafe open. waste of 2 Saturdays. pity

I ate lunch here recently with friends. The service was slow and rather haphazard. The portion sizes were very small indeed for the prices charged. A bowl of soup costing £4.95 was barely a third full, with one thin slice of bread on the side and one small pat of butter. The piece of cake I had to follow was again small and not cut properly so the slice tapered off at the bottom. The coffee was OK but was served in a ridiculously small cup. All this cost £10 which, considering the fact that I went home and had something further to eat 'cos I was still hungry, is a lot. The staff were friendly enough but inefficient.

Cycles up here on a very hot day and found way more then we were expecting. For first, this cafe sits within a barn that's serves as a local museum, on the grounds of a working farm, and right next door to a stunning church and holiday let bungalows. There is a beautiful little courtyard with spectacular views across the Downs, but bring CASH only, they don't have a card machine yet. They hold weddings here (just 6 a year) and oh my gosh, what a venue. The cafe serves a nice variety of food for lunch, and serves a spit for the holiday lets too. The staff are friendly, but I would say the price point is more towards the higher side than mid range. Lunch for two with a drink will easily come in at around £17 but forma treat and the views, it's worth it.

Lovely cafe in a converted barn with lots of character and history. Amazing choice of homemade cakes, scones, brownies etc as well as a lunch menu with daily specials. Perfectly situated for tea and cake after a walk on the South Downs!

Lovely little cafe in a beautiful farm courtyard. Food great, service friendly and professional. Prices are reasonable. Perfect before a walk on the gorgeous Sussex Downs or just drop in for lunch while visiting an historic and beautiful part of England.

Amazing little cafe which serves a good selection of fresh, homemade and delicious light lunch. The menu is fairly small which puts the emphasis on the quality and freshness of the food, for which the place should be given 5 Stars.

There is little that I can add to the three previous reviews of the excellent little cafe tucked away at the end of a lane in Sullington, just outside Storrington. The setting, the walks, the small church and the periods of absolute silence with no traffic (you can't hear that anyway) or aircraft. Nice, well presented snacks and cakes at reasonable prices make this a place to take time to find and then sit and contemplate your surroundings. There are several places to park but I think it best to pass the cafe, then past the church where you will find an area that will not intrude on anyone who is living or staying nearby. If it's busy you will have to be patient but it's well worth the wait. If you are unfamiliar with the area set your satnav to RH20 4AE and be sure to take your time driving along the narrow lane up to the cafe. We will be back!

Go via the big Washington Roundabout or from Storrington, on the busy A253, keep your eyes open for a tall sign indicating Sullington Parish Church, opposite Water Lane, turn onto the quiet Sullington Lane and keep going until you find the farm and church next door to one another. Parking is on the roadside opposite the church and feel free to use the Rector’s or Organist’s spaces if there is no service in the church when you visit. Sullington Church is always open and is a beautiful, peaceful place to spend a little time.

This little cafe is within a beautifully restored historic Sussex barn (thanks to help from the Heritage Lottery Fund). There is a really good info display and it’s simple to get up on to the South Downs Way within 20 Minutes and a number of good circular walks in the Sussex downland and valley landscape around. The cafe is only open weekends at the moment but serves good artisan snack and tea coffee and soft drinks in a lovely little restaurant with courtyard tables as well. Dogs welcome in the courtyard area which is great

We walked from Storrington town across the fields specifically to try out this cafe / tea shop. It is only open Fri, Sat and Sun and as it was a lovely day it was a great time to visit. The restoration work has resulted in a clean and quiet environment with seating inside and out. There was a good choice of food and drink on the menu and several home made cakes; made by one of the two lovely ladies who were working there at the time we visited. Our lunch was prepared for us when we ordered it; there seemed to be little pre-prepared which we liked as the ingredients were fresh and crisp. Our salad was presented beautifully and tasted great; it exceed my expectations in presentation and taste. I think the cafe/tea shop is definitely worth a visit both when out walking / cycling or just driving from the local area. We will definitely be returning with our two labs again soon.