The Olive Tree cafe and Restaurant in Mole Valley

We were booked in for a birthday tea specially, even though they weren't doing teas that week. When we arrived a lovely big table with white tablecloth and napkins was ready for us. We were offered coffee and tea, which came promptly, followed by a plate of hot snacks and a cake stand containing a mouth-watering selection, including egg mayonnaise, coronation chicken and cheese and ham sandwiches. The bread was beautifully soft, with the crusts cut off. In addition were warm scones with jam and clotted cream, topped off by a selection of mini cakes. We were so full we had to take the cakes home! Thank you to Penny, who took such good care of us, and the other members of staff who made us feel very special.

Hardly any choice on menu as said it was holiday period and lack of staff, l questioned why it said holiday and they said no it’s lack of staff , so why say holidays!! I saw a lot of staff so how they can say that , l don’t know , I was in a party over 6 and had phoned to book a table and they said the new manager does not let you book How shortsighted is that Have been coming to The olive Tree for many years After today we will not be returning , overpriced and lack of choice I asked to have some tomato in my ham sandwich instead of cheese and ham and they couldn’t do it again lack of staff !!!! Also asked for a portion of chips again couldn’t do it lack of staff

**1 Star Review: Utterly Disappointing Experience and Unacceptable Customer Service** This review reflects my personal experience and opinion based on my visit to The Olive Tree. Our visit to The Olive Tree at Ashtead Park Garden Centre on 28th July 2024, intended to celebrate my mother's birthday, was nothing short of a disaster. We paid £74.95 for an afternoon tea that failed to meet even the most basic expectations. The food was simply unacceptable—stale bread, hard scones, and a poor selection of sandwiches. These were not consumed in full. Despite the advertised options, we were only offered a single cup of tea or coffee, with no mention of additional beverages such as prosecco or soft drinks, which we would have gladly paid for if they had been offered. The hot starters were equally unappealing, further adding to the disappointment. I initially raised these concerns via email with the server, as I did not want to disrupt our celebration at the time. However, my request for a refund was flatly denied on the grounds that no complaints were made during our visit. The implication that I should have made a scene during the celebration is absurd—I chose to handle the matter respectfully afterward. My follow-up emails were met with delays and inadequate responses, which only compounded my frustration. The Olive Tree did offer a replacement meal free of charge, but when I raised practical concerns—such as not living nearby and the difficulty of coordinating schedules for three people—there was no further attempt to provide a reasonable alternative solution. When I attempted to escalate my complaint, I was instructed—after a month of waiting—to contact the Olive Tree manager directly. On 20th August 2024, I spoke with the manager, who responded in a shockingly unprofessional and aggressive manner. She dismissed my concerns outright, insisting that I should have complained on the day, despite the fact that I wanted to avoid causing a scene during my mother's birthday celebration. Her suggestion that I should travel back to the restaurant for a replacement meal, incurring additional expenses, was entirely impractical and out of touch with reality. During our call, the owner repeatedly interrupted me, raised her voice, and even went so far as to call me "ridiculous" multiple times. Her extremely aggressive behaviour was not only unprofessional and immature but alarming, making it clear that she had no intention of addressing my concerns. When I requested to escalate the matter further, she claimed to be the sole owner of The Olive Tree and that there was no one else I could speak to. She then abruptly ended the call and blocked any further attempts to contact her, demonstrating a complete lack of respect for customer feedback. I later contacted the garden centre directly, where a helpful staff member provided me with owners contact details that the manager had claimed did not exist. In my opinion, this deceitful behaviour raises serious concerns about the integrity of the management at The Olive Tree. Despite my efforts to resolve this matter amicably and professionally, I have been met with hostility, dismissiveness, and a total disregard for the principles of good customer service. The suggestion that I should have refused to pay the bill on the day and walked out, which would have been illegal, further demonstrates the lack of understanding of basic consumer rights. Additionally, the managers claim that this was an isolated incident is contradicted by numerous recent reviews highlighting similar issues with food quality and customer service. This experience was deeply disappointing, with poor food and even worse customer service. The Olive Tree showed a clear disregard for its customers, and I strongly urge others to avoid this establishment. You would have expected the owner to be more receptive and helpful, but instead, they jumped to conclusions without taking the time to consult or discuss the issue with me directly. Save yourself the trouble and find somewhere that actually values its customers.

Brought my parents for a birthday afternoon tea and it was first class, i have had it before but once again it was outstanding, so fresh, plenty of food and varieties and attention to detail you expect at the Ritz. Penny made the experience so special by welcoming us, being so friendly and accomodating with wheelchairs and buggies, she welcomed my toddler and the atmosphere was just lovely. I look forward to returning soon. Thank you so much. The kind of service you deliver every time deserves complimenting.

I visited with my parents and baby girl for afternoon tea. We were looked after by Penny who was lovely and very attentive. The afternoon tea had a lovely variety of savoury and sweet treats which we all enjoyed. The atmosphere was very nice and overall I would say it is very good value for money. Looking forward to visiting again.

The afternoon tea was plentiful and the staff were extremely efficient and helpful . What was more they smiled all the time and were obviously happy to work there .

Disappointing food which is a shame as the venue & staff are good. Aromatic duck panini was packed with duck in an overly spiced sauce, far too sloppy for a panini. The brie & bacon panini had very little bacon or brie & far too much cranberry which I had to scrape out as it tasted more like a jam sandwich. Drinks were fine. Floor needs a good clean, crumbs & debris which looked quite old under our table. It won't stop us returning to the garden centre but next time it'll just be for plants & coffee instead of lunch.

Called by Saturday for some lunch. Of the four people behind the counter no ne wanted to serve us,much to the amusement of the young boy serving. The filthy look I received from one of the girls serving completely shocked me and we left immediately. We will never return and will advise others not to. This will also have an effect on the garden centre,even tho this is not a reflection of them,we generally go these places to browse the garden centre and always stop for food

Have been here before and it was very average. With limited other options we came again recently and was very disappointed. The menu is pretty basic and uninspiring. And the food is very expensive (£9.95 for a jacket potato with cheese and beans!). I went for the sausage panini with cheese and tomato chutney. The sausages must have been the most basic, budget sausages they could find. Probably from the Tesco value range. No texture, grey, processed to within an inch of their lives. Took one bite and left them. For a £10 sandwich, the least I'd expect is decent ingredients! My son had the kids pizza. Was ok. My wife enjoyed her sandwich and that did look good to be fair, but was still overpriced. £3.50 for a coffee and £2.75 for a can of drink, came to around £35 in total. I don't mind paying a premium for food, if the food itself and the ingredients are good. But this really wasn't. Also, the cafe/restaurant area was filthy. We sat towards the back where the tables have bench seats up against the wall. My young son dropped his pencil so had to get down on the floor to retrieve it. There was old food, napkins, dust, and all sorts under the chair. Hadn't had a proper clean for weeks and weeks. Not acceptable. This place feels like it's resting on it's laurels - in a nice part of Surrey with a constant flow of people, they can charge what they like and people will pay it. Poor quality, expensive prices, and poor cleanliness means we won't be returning. There's hundreds of alternatives around where £35 will get your a great lunch. Visit those instead.

The service was very good and food was delicious, more food available if needed. Penny was checking regularly on us to see if we needed anything.

Booked private room for baby shower, they were so lovely, they managed to get us the right food for our dietary requirements. Lovely Poppy made sure we had everything we needed. Thank you so much

We went to the Olive Tree for lunch. I ordered the cheese sandwich at an extortionate price of £8.50. When it arrived I had to search for the cheese. The presentation was to be desired. In fact I had to take it back and ask for more cheese which was brought to me in a separate bowl. See photo attached.

We held my Mums wake here on Wednesday 13th December. Without exception the service, food and attention to every detail was exceptional. We were able to access though the side doors and were greeted by a professional and attentive team. They catered for 55 - we probably had 40 - delicious hot & cold buffet, individual cakes and warm scones with jam and cream and constant supply of tea coffee & juice. Exceptional ‘send off’ for my mum that the Poppy and her team played a major part of. Thank you

My Daughter and I recently visited Ashtead Garden Centre for the Christmas Shopping Evening. We decided to make a night of it, and have dinner in the cafe afterwards. The cafe was very quiet, considering it was a special evening. Maybe this should have warned us of what was to come. My Daughter went up to order. She was kept waiting a while, although there were numerous young girls standing doing nothing. She ordered a Brie, cranberry and bacon panini for me,with sweet potato fries. She ordered the same panini minus the bacon for herself, with normal chips. When the food came out, my panini had been left out, so I had to go and re order this. There was no cutlery in the containers at the counter. After a few moments I asked a member of staff for some,who brought out just a few knives and forks. The lady in front of me took those, so I had to wait again for more to be brought. When the food arrived, our paninis were greasy and soggy and had so much cranberry sauce that there were inedible. Both the chips and sweet potato fries had been cooked in old fat, so they tasted horrible. No amount of mayonnaise could make these edible. I am not particularly fussy with food, but I left pretty much all my dinner that evening, and so did my Daughter. Our experience in the cafe spoiled our whole evening, and we won’t be returning.

The customer service experienced in the cafe today was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond their remit to look after us in unusual circumstances and particular thanks to Fiona for her solicitousness and care. The coffee is delicious! Highly recommended.

This is a go-to local cafe when walking with friends. It's very chilled and whilst the cafe itself is quite cavernous and feels a bit canteeny, it does mean it's always possible to find a table (which one needs to do before ordering at the counter)

Very nice lunch sat outside and had a very good panini Staff were helpful and friendly No chips on this occasion as there was a problem in the kitchen but this didn’t spoil our lunch

I have been to the Olive Tree on a number of occasions previously and always been impressed with the service and food and found the staff very friendly. I fancied a civilised afternoon tea with friends and family and was so impressed with Ben the manager who arranged everything from start to finish and is so professional and organised. We had a private room and despite the restaurant being so busy, were looked after really well and the service was smashing, helpful and food scrumptious with a plentiful supply of hot drinks throughout. Different dietary requirements were easily managed and that was a relief as you never quite know. The table layout was perfect for us. Ben and his staff went above and beyond looking after us, comments were all positive from those that came and it made for a really special afternoon, it really was the icing on the cake.

Large, pleasant cafe with yumny looking cakes. We had a good scone which they warmed for us. We were charged a pound extra for each tiny pot of jam. Staff were quite friendly.

We are regular customer to this place and we love going there. The food is really good, the service is pleasant and the atmosphere is lovely. I celebrated my daughter 1st year in the lounge next to the main restaurant and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The staff has been amazing, lots and lots of food and very tasty! Needless to say we will keep going there and recommend visiting this place to everyone! Thanks a lot Ben and colleagues ☺️

Only popped in for coffees. You have to order and pay then wait for eternity for a waitress to stroll over with it. Coffee in mugs with a saucer. Slopped all down side of cups. £3.25 for a weak cappuccino. Don't bother

We ordered a range of paninis, baked potatoes, 2 flat whites and 2 hot chocolates. The coffees were tasteless and luke warm , although the hot chocolates nice. The paninis were stone cold inside and lightly toasted on the outside and the halloumi cheese one was shaved so thin and dried out with cold roasted veg bits. The baked potato with prawns which were watery and seemingly without any Marie Rose sauce. Chips were nice as were onion rings. £76 for five light lunch. Very poor value. Come on Olive Tree we want a positive dining experience which offers good value for money. Look to Handleys in the High Street as a model and food quality. Once upon a time this used to be a lovely cafe with fresh quiches and ranges of interesting salads …..sadly no longer

Ugh. If you want to pay £12.95 for a burnt pizza and £10.95 for a jacket potato, this is the place for you. I had a brie and crispy bacon panini. It had been microwaved to within an inch of its life and was flat and greasy. Also arrived about 15mins after everyone else. Never again!

Just popped in for a browse around the garden centre and a light lunch in the Olive Tree. The service was excellent, speedy and unobtrusive. The food was deliciously fresh and tasty. We had the duck wrap and the cheese and fig and apple chutney sandwich, both served with a crisp and very fresh salad accompaniment. A little pricey but on reflection, worth every penny!!!

Lovely friendly young man served us. Scone and cakes chosen were quickly eaten . Tea hot and strong and very good. Good place to bring the grandchildren who were torn between cake and ice cream. Good choice of ice creams and smoothies to choose from.

We had been walking on The Downs (to see The Soldiers) and were peckish, so this was an obvious place to choose for lunch. Being still in the tail end of the pandemic the spaciousness was very welcome and our paninis and wraps were delicious

Have been there twice in last couple of weeks on the first trip we had Cherry and chocolate sundae .Should not really have too much sweet things but it was great.Very tasty and lots of it..I had a London Pride beer which was good and my wife had coffee which she really liked.On the second trip We ordered a pizza .My wife made a mistake and ordered 2 instead of 1 and got the name of the pizza wrong .luckily we were able to quickly change the order before they had started it.The Meditteranean Pizza,s tasted great and we got box to take home the pieces that we could not finish.The second time I had mainly gone to order some stones to be delivered as we do not drive .We had the stones delivered same afternoon .All in all a very successful day.

Dry sausage bap. No bacon and eggs. The only other cooked breakfast was freezing cold avocardo with a tiny boiled egg on top and teo sundried bits of tomato that frankly looked and tasted terrible. Teapots tiny. You have to go find a table, then leave the table to go order your food, then rush back and hope your table hasnt been taken by someone else and then you have to get up again to sourve your own cutlary and little sachets of salt and pepper. The cakes and coffees looked good, parking is no problem and the toilets are nice although on the day i was there only one tap in the washroom actually worked. Gardens and garden centre superb and very restful. This used to be a great place to go for breakfast but not anymore.

Superb value. Excellent afternoon tea and the staff very attentive and helpful. Also very clean with good hygiene levels.

If you want variety, good value and great tasting food then this place ticks all the boxes. Family friendly and my boys love the ice cream bar!

Very nice gingerbread lattes and hot chocolate, cannot comment on the food. Service was also fairly quick. Overall would recommend.

Friendly, helpful and very polite staff. Great range of very tasty sandwiches and cakes. Good pots of tea. A very good tea time treat. The only negative was the rather cool room, but a heater was provided to try and address this.

This is a great place for meeting with friends, especially in pandemic times, because it's so spacious and airy. We had a lovely lunch (sandwich and panini) while seated in a window table in one corner, oblivious to other diners. There's plenty of choice, and...

Wonderful afternoon tea. Amazing food and service. We had a wake there after a funeral. The stuff was so nice, and the select we had for afternoon tea could not be faulted. They did use and themselves proud

Firstly let me remark on a beautiful garden centre. Starting to set up for the Christmas shoppers, but still well laid out, with lovely and unusual things, and a great selection of cards. After a good look around and items added to the trolley we...

Ordered a gluten free pizza. Looked lovely as thin & crispy, but was lukewarm and cheese not melted properly, undercooked and needed to be hotter. Big disappointment. W hippy ice cream was also too watery. Only thing they got right was a banana milkshake

I booked afternoon tea for two the day before. We were shown to a lovely table in a separate seating area. The food came very quickly and it was really delicious. The selection also included very tasty warm savoury bites which are not shown in...

Visited today with friends for lunch which went onto coffee and cake. Tasty prawn sandwich on delicious multi grain bread. Service very friendly and very quick. One of the better garden centre cafes around the area.

Thanks for a wonderful afternoon tea. Ben our waiter and all the other staff were really kind and helpful to my family. The cakes and sandwiches were presented beautifully and tasted as good as they looked. There was a good range of choice and they...

Visited the olive tree with my children. The milkshakes where delicious (would highly recommend) The stuff were very friendly and helpful. The pizzas are so good!!! We will definitely be returning

Very friendly staff and environment. Value for money and generous amount of food. Also very nice ice creams (comments from my son 😀). Highly Recommend!!!

We had lovey meals as a family, everyone found something they enjoyed. Very friendly service and food was excellent. We will be back soon for afternoon tea.

We quite often visit the garden centre and with the unpredictable weather, heavy downpour... we headed for the restaurant for lunch. Though fewer tables, a majority were filled. Ordered at the counter, paid for the meal and sat down. Plenty of staff around and several...

I’ve visited this really quiet place for a second time after a horrible experience on my first visit and nothing has change, at least nothing for better. Second visit and last one for me! I’ve ordered this morning a Chai Tea Late which is OBVIOUSLY...

We went in for coffee and Standard Breakfast after a hospital appointment last Friday. Front of house fine. After 30 mins waiting for Breakfast, I asked when we could expect to eat, the waitress said "coming soon" - (coming soon, isn't good enough - give an approximate time). After another 10 mins and having drunk our coffee we'd had enough. My companion asked for a refund and to be fair the Manageress gave us a total refund (after having problems opening the till!), apologised and said the plates were waiting on the pass (why not bring them out?) There was obviously a big problem in the kitchen, so it might be an idea to get the kitchen organised - certainly before I revisit!

So glad the Olive Tree has been re-opened with a new Manager and new staff. The food has much improved and the staff team are friendly, welcoming and efficient. It’s been quite a while coming after some years of declining standards but now it will soon regain its popularity. Definitely worthy of repeat visits, you will not be disappointed.

WOW. What a mistake to have brought my 96yr old Dad out for lunch here after a hospital appointment. Two rashers of fatty bacon with the gristly floppy rind still attached ~ disgusting! The final insult was the two tiny slices of brie that were almost transparent as they were no thicker than the credit card we used to pay the outrageous £35 bill. Never ever again.

Been going here for a while.. had a break but went back last week and was shocked by the self service yet prices stayed the same. Having been served it was nice as you get a repour with staff this way it feels cold. If i want self sevice i will go to mcdonalds.

Self service doesn't work. Can't carry trays all round/no shelf. Not what customers want anyway- just due to lack of staff.Very sorry for poor girl there on her own trying to put orders on the computer/make coffee /take money and toast teacakes.You have lost a lot of customers/locals who used to go there regularly as I do- purely for convenience- and I know the owners of the nursery well and it must effect their trade,

We have been going to The Olive Tree ever since it first opened. We have watched it change hands more times than I can remember. Original staff, who were AMAZING, have now all dwindled away sadly and now the current management, in their infinite wisdom, changed it all again. The staff who are now there are obviously struggling, and the sign on the door advertising vacancies is not surprising. It is now a ‘queue up, place your order and pay’ set up. No ‘waiter/ess’ service any longer, and a notice on the table says that this is ‘by popular demand’ !! I don’t think so! Come on Olive Tree....up your game. You’ve got a great venue in a great location and you have totally spoilt the experience sadly. Also, no dog friendly area, unless you want to sit out on the patio!

We visited as a group of 7 at lunch time on Christmas Eve. Our drinks were delivered to another table and the food order was one short. Not good enough.

Have always enjoyed the food here, unfortunately since taking away the staff offering a lovely service, it has gone down hill. We ordered our drinks, the young lad did the hot chocolate, then went on to serve another customer forgetting we had also ordered two coffees, the breakfasts came out Luke warm, never had that before, the scrambled egg was very runny, just not up to their usual standard. This is a real shame, I probably won't go again.

It always adds a treat to have lunch at the restaurant when visiting the Garden Centre. We always go there to buy interesting and unusual presents. Then choosing from their extensive menu finishes the experience with enjoyment.

Popped in for an egg and bacon sandwich and a drink. The sandwich was ok although I expected better for the price. The can of coke was £2.50 !!!! I had to check that I hadn’t walked into Ritz in error.

Well I have been a user since the cafe opened many years ago. It's defo taken a nose dive. Now self service apparently due to the owner not prepared to have enough staff to facilitate table service. This came from a staff member. Not great!! Sad as you can see and feel the change of atmosphere. Dont think I will go back!! Shame to say goodbye but for the price there are better places.

Board telling you to find table and we would be served. 15 mins later went to the counter and ordered. No apology. Scone and tea for two £11.60. On the table it said cake and tea £5 each. When we queried it was told we were 6 mins too early. Poor service all round.

We had breakfast here last week and it was lovely. Two of us had the full English, and the other had a bacon sandwich, all of which were really nice. The breakfast wasn’t greasy at all and just the right amount. My only negative would be that it is a bit in the expensive side for what it is - you can get a full English, tea and a juice elsewhere for £10, whereas the breakfast alone here was I think £8. Wouldn’t stop me going back though every now and then.

Very much enjoyed brunch at the restaurant today, we arrived before 11.30 so had to choose from the breakfast menu. Two of us went for the full english and one went for a bacon sandwich. Mum really likes her bacon crispy so we asked our waiter if it could be well cooked and it arrived exactly as mum wanted and the full english was cooked to perfection. The service as quick and efficient out waiter was polite and keen to ensure we enjoyed our breakfast. The restaurant is clean and comfortable. We would visit again. Following breakfast we then had a little wonder round the garden centre where Christmas has arrived with avengence with some really stunningly decorated trees, great place to pick up ideas for this years tree.

Service was terrible. We waited an hour for our food and when it arrived one person was left out. When we asked for the other meal, they said they had run out of jacket potatoes and asked him to order something else! He had to leave to go back to work (hungry!). Plus his food was on bill!

as this café used to be really good but that was before the refurbishment. While the cafe is comfortable and attractive unfortunately the quality of the food has taken a nose dive. The service is slow, while the young staff are polite and friendly, they do need to pay more attention to the customers needs. It may be an organisational issue.

We really wanted to like this place, having had four disasters in a row we’ve finally given up trying. The service every time has been shockingly slow I’m sure we were forgotten each time. The first time I waited an hour after ordering to then be given (a vegetarian) something I couldn’t eat, they tried to force it on me and I finally left without paying or eating anything as what I’d actually ordered wasn’t available (nor were any other veggie options). Another time I turned up and no staff had made it in so they shut the cafe (wasted journey), another time I spent time queuing at the till to order only to be told later to sit down for table service to then be forgotten and then finally have my order taken then be told there was actually no food and only cake was available (whilst waiting with a hungry toddler.) The last time was painfully slow service despite asking several times to order, we were given ‘just coming’ then they would disappear and forget and there is always a technical difficulty of sorts that means customers get ignored. Again, we left without eating. I don’t ever write reviews but place is ridiculous. More fool me I guess for having kept trying. Needless to say we won’t be back.

What has happened to this once lovely place? Myself and 3 others have been going there one day a week, for a long time, for mid morning coffee and cake etc Unless something changes - never again!! It has definitely been going down hill in the last 4-5 months.

We have been to this "cafe/restaurant" many times in the past, when it was bustling, good food, good service. We've tried a few times since and each time it seems to get worse. The staff seem to change every time, the place is never busy. If you want a nice relaxing coffee in a peaceful surrounding then this is for you. For anything else.....forget it. Why they persist with table service when every other successful garden centre restuarant does not, confuses me.

We booked to take a lady of 92 for afternoon tea. When we arrived we were told to sit anywhere, I asked if we were going to have a table cloth at which stage a creased stained cloth was put on the table. Tea was brought out and then the sandwiches etc. We sat for about five minutes until we could get a member of staff to bring us plates. At no time did anyone approach us to see if we needed more tea or if it was to our satisfaction. On complaining I was told they had been very busy at lunch time and were not very organised to which I said that was not our problem. I was also told that they had given us extra food to compensate which we had not asked for. I asked to see the Manager but she/he never appeared. A very unsatisfactory afternoon tea which lacked good customer service!!

We live on Epsom Downs and used to LOVE coming here for family lunches, particularly the pizzas. Several months ago lots of items were off the menu when we came in, and the waitress admitted that the entire kitchen staff had walked out without notice earlier in the week. Must have been some disagreement!

The quality of the pizza was disappointing. Friendly service with a smile. But the food was not very good.

We went for an afternoon tea, the wait was long but we could see the young girls and boy rushing around trying to serve everyone and be as quick as possible. However, the man in the shirt (assuming manager?) just barked aggressive orders at them whilst he did little. The food was overpriced. The staff were lovely but the manager needs to check himself and stop shouting at the young, overworked staff.

The cafe itself is nicely laid out and decorated but.........We had 1 Americano coffee, 1 elderflower drink and 1 tuna/mayo sandwich amounting to £13.50. The sandwich was an insult - thin filling on two slices of ‘supermarket’ thin sliced whole meal bread garnished with a few rocket leaves and cherry tomato, for which they had the nerve to charge over £6:00!! In my opinion this is profiteering and the owners should be ashamed of such poor value for money. No wonder The Olive Tree is getting so many poor reviews. Suggest they visit the Pret A Manger in Epsom to see what you get for half the price and for inspiration. It’s a shame because so much more could be made of this place - maybe complacency has crept in?

Food ok, paid £2.75 x2 =£5.50 for one pot of tea that only gave 3 cups.

The cafe at Ashtead Garden Centre is one that I have frequented for many years and I have seen several changes. Sadly following a recent visit I have to agree with previous reviewers, the quality of the food is not as good and the service and attitude of some of its waiting staff is poor. If you wish to enjoy the good weather and sit outside now, there is no longer waitress service taking the order instead you have to order yourself inside after first going outside to identify a table number. Previously you paid for the bill with the waitress or at the till when you had finished. Now you are expected to pay on order, this is totally different to eating inside where it is full waitress service. Staff attitude when discussing the changes was not great. Will be seeking out alternative garden centres to enjoy morning coffee or afternoon tea.

When arriving into the restaurant we weren’t welcomed by any staff and with a table of 4 there were only 2 menus available. Ordered the food in good time and it finally arrived. On arrival it was noted that the portions have got suddenly a lot smaller and the kitchen could do with a lesson on learning recipes. Such as how to make a quiche Lorraine and how to made a tartar sauce (not mayo mixed with chives...). When placing the food down the waitress very quickly said “can I get you anything else, no, okay” and then walked away very quickly. So quickly someone didn’t even hear her say it. The quiche had clearly been heated up in a microwave because it wasn’t hot on the outside and then stone cold in the middle. Sent it back and then revived it back piping hot. Once again shoved in the microwave.

Been there twice recently, and both times took almost half an hour to be served!! Had to go up to the counter to get the menus myself. Hot drinks are never hot either. Food is generally good.

We used to be regulars at the Ashtead Park Garden centre cafe but have been disappointed with the quality and speed of service as well as the cleanliness of the restaurant in the last few years.

Absolute rubbish.Looked good at the start, a quiet Tuesday afternoon in the sunshine , waited a couple of minutes to order 2 drinks and 2 sandwiches waited about 25 minutes for the drinks to finally arrived. After another 25mins I thought I’d order another couple of drinks while we waited for the food to arrive ,the waiter said he would be back , he came back with the bill for the 2 drinks and the food we hadn’t even received , this has to be the worst place I’ve ever been to for service, the manager was not even that apologetic as he charged us for the 2 drinks we’d had , left after a waisted hour to get lunch somewhere else ! I’d hate to go there when they we busy.

Sat down and waited 10 minutes to be served. Just in time as we were about to leave. The coffees took another 10 minutes to arrive and the soup was Luke warm. The coronation chicken with jacket potato was reasonable though. The restaurant was not that busy so very dissappointed

Nice location and venue. But patchy service, it was quiet as first thing for breakfast on a Sunday and still we were looking around for service. Food quality not great, two floppy bits of thin sliced bread and a lukewarm not very nice sausage did not make for great value at £4.50. Not great value for money, simple breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids at £40.00, both kids left the food half eaten. Sorry not one for us.

I stayed in the area and was recommended to visit the Olive Tree for its great food. Upon arrival large notices stated that it was table service only. I took a few moments to study the large menu but no staff would even make eye contact with me. There seemed to be a manager around but he was busy serving drinks to another table and then he preceded to sit down with the customers and engage in conversation.

Went here today with my family,

Like Alain C, I emailed about the very poor service after a visit in Summer 2018 and got no reply. A friend has just suggested The Olive Tree as an option for a place to meet up, but unsurprisingly I have chosen another venue. It's a pity. I've always found the garden centre staff and service very good. I can't comment on the coffee or food because after a long wait, I left before I got anything!

Unfortunately we had a disappointing lunch. Lots of items on menu not available, the service was very poor - slow and inaccurate, various things we asked for weren’t bought. We were served dirty water glasses with lipstick and fingerprint marks on so they had to be replaced. We had a few roasts which weren’t nice - dry/floury tasting potatoes, oily gravy and frozen Yorkshire puddings - the portions were also small. The pizza we were served was undercooked.

We arrived at 1:00pm, 5 adults 4 children ages 2 - 6. When we arrived we were told where our table was so we made ourselves comfortable, then it started.

Had afternoon tea for my friends 60th birthday in the private hire room. The food was ok but the service was appalling. What has happened it used to be really good.

First impressions were really good in the car park with lots of space and easy parking making the visit really pleasant. Was served straight away by friendly staff. Food was great, lovely sandwiches and pizzas and the hot chocolate for the grandchildren with cream and marshmallows was a hit. Will definitely visit again.

We ordered our lunch here, and after sometime we asked where our drinks were. We then had our order taken, which seem to take ages, and all the customers around us, who had come in after us were all being served. Eventually half the order arrived, no chips and a bigger Pizza to the ones that we had ordered, and no cutlery, condiments or serviettes.

Lots of staff floating around but were ignored as we came in. Had to go and ask for menus and then go up again to order food. Service was much better when the Greek contingent were there!

Sent below email to restaurant and have yet to get a reply. Very disappointed. Such potential to be a great restaurant.

Visited at Christmas for our usual shop to get Christmas crackers and trinkets, garden centre it’s self still lovely, however the olive tree restaurant has been taken over by rude staff and is certainly poorly managed. Rude manager, lazy staff, quality of goods poor. Number of people unhappy with the staff that day.

A friend and I needed a quick coffee and a bun. We went to help ourselves but was told it was waitress service, thought this most odd for a cafe at a garden centre.

Ordered 3 vegetarian afternoon teas which came on one cake stand

Sunday Feb 17 at 1.30pm ABYSMAL service from staff who couldn't care less. And the floor was filthy. This place used to be good - what happened?

We call in quite often and it wasn’t busy today. Called in for coffee. Ignored for 10 minutes then served after a group that came in after us.

Just a perfect place to chill, chat, enjoy good food, good service and feel cherished, Comfortable, well furnished, excellent bathrooms.... Something Special.

its great, always lots to look at and the waiting staff are lovely and food is good. the ONLY THING i dont like is the cheapy bread. i mean the eggs are free range. why cant they bake their own bread or buy nice stuff not economy? but other wise.......its bliss.

We last visited a few years back. We were pleasantly surprised by the complete refurb and change to table service. Much more professional than before. We had cream teas - drink with scones with cream and jam, sandwiches plus mince pies for a steal at under 6 quid! Amazing value. Will be back to try the food for lunch.

This well placed restaurant inside Ashtead garden centre,has certainly been lifted up with a new management team at the helm.

Having been very ill on the run up to Christmas I took the opportunity when I was feeling well enough today to meet up with my family for breakfast.

My rating above is generous. I had heard this place had gone downhill and from my visit yesterday and reading other reviews this definitely seems to be the case.

I visited this restaurant today, not only was the staff rushed off their feet, cause of the x-mas event, people were being ignored, and some ended up leaving before their order was taken, and when i got my order taken, the staff taking the order misunderstood what i ordered and i ended up paying more than i should have done, i was seriously unimpressed and feel like i've been ripped. I will not use the restaurant again, so i hope that makes you feel good that you've now lost my custom.

Worst food and service I have had in years. I ordered ham, egg and chips: grey sweaty ham that looked like it had been at the back of the fridge for a month, over cooked oven chips. Really awful and £11. My children’s food was little better - peas order - beans delivered. And the food took 50 mins to arrive. Don’t eat here.

Have always visited this restaurant but after todays visit will find somewhere else. The crockery and cutlery were filthy, tea like dishwater, breakfast not pleasant with uncooked eggs and rest of food barely warm , not a good experience sadly.