The Pantry in Forest Heath

yummy food and friendly service, plenty of seating inside and out for busy lunchtimes

From the moment I rang and booked our meeting of three families coming from three separate directions, for my son’s 50th birthday, I knew everything would be top class - and it certainly was. With an aged range of 7-80, we were all well catered for. The food, service, and atmosphere were great. Topped off by the lovely Katie who sorted out our table arrangements and was so very helpful all round. Even arranging for the cake to be brought in with the youngest two accompanying her. Cannot wait for us all to do it again. Many thanks and well done

Only called in for a quick drink and a scone. The scones were amazing.

Super delicious food and great value with the midweek starter and main for £20 deal. Good sized portions and a great selection of dishes (especially with the specials too!). Service was really good too woth everyone being friendly and attentive. Definitely coming back here!

Sorry to leave a bad review but unfortunately I feel its needed,, came in with my daughter for mothers day lunch, lovely surroundings and atmosphere and very busy, service was good and polite staff everything about the place was good but was let down by the food it may have just been what we ordered and if so that's ashame but was very disappointed and not impressed at all not sure if we will return as not cheap to eat out these days I could have done a better meal at home for my mothers day treat.

High noise level but the food is great.

Fantastic surprise party organised by our lovely daughters at the Pantry on Saturday evening! The high quality food, drink, decorations and atmosphere were amazing, Everyone was looked after so well and made to feel so welcome by the amazing staff team. A big thank you to the team, Mat, Katie, Chloe, Vince, Mark, Darcey and Jazz the wonderful singer (I hope I didn’t leave anyone out). We would highly recommended you visit the Pantry.

Having recently moved to the area we looked for a nice place for breakfast and already it's becoming our regular place for it! This time I had the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs which was delicious with plenty of good salmon and nicely cooked eggs, and previously I've had the Pantry breakfast, which contrary to another review I think is all the better for the absence of beans and a hash brown - personal tastes I'm sure, but I prefer a reasonable plate of tasty and good quality items like this over one filled up with lesser things as is often served elsewhere. The atmosphere is good and the service has always been very welcoming and friendly, and so we're looking forward to going the for dinner sometime soon - the tapas night sounds great!

having been before my daughter @ i enjoyed the service was great the staff were friendly and we had a enjoyable time. how ever decided to come again with my family we sat in the new seating area was told two staff ill was seated by a grumpy women @ left @ forgotten the service went wrong it was the worse birthday meal my poor husband had. no i would not go again.

A fabulous meal beautifully cooked and presented. Excellent wine. Impeccable service. I don't know why it wasn't busier. Anyone in the area should go

You are welcomed the second you Walk in, and show to a table, and a menu with lots of delicious opinions to choose from so they caker for all, staff are very helpful and knowledgeable on all food on menu if you want to ask any questions if you have dietary needs, well happy to return again and Thank you for a Pleasant and welcoming time 🙂x

really unhappy with our meals this is 3rd visit we havnt been happy with its time to call it a day now

Was recommended The Pantry for dinner at my hotel and I am so glad they did. Food was fantastic and service excellent. Will definitely be back.

Fantastic atmosphere and food great service family feeling Chicken and mushroom pie

Went for lunch with friends here food was fantastic very family friendly

First class restaurant, great atmosphere excellent food and very friendly service.

Disappointing chicken club sandwich. Several Small bones found in mashed chicken filling and not that hot when came to table. Mentioned to waitress and she said she would let the chef know! Service a bit slow. Shame. Used to be a good restaurant. Will not be returning.

Really busy but staff very friendly. But my burger was totally cold and raw in the middle. Manager took burger off bill and offered to replace. But I couldn’t face the same dish again after eating raw mince. Pudding was excellent.

Lovely welcome. Food was delicious.

I really like coming to the pantry for breakfast on a weekend, but I would like to see them tighten up on their consistency. I appreciate that produce is not always available, but that shouldn't affect the manner in which food or beverages are served, or in the way tables are laid. Salt and pepper should be on every table, and if you're going to put sugar bowls out then they should be on every table too. I have ordered the same brunch cocktail on 3 occasions in under a month and had it prepared/served in 3 different ways. Same goes for the food. I have also experienced inconsistencies in portion sizes. Please, just tighten up the delivery a bit, and this will be a first class establishment.

Staff are brilliant. I had the deli picnic platter. It was a disappointment. The egg in the half a scotch egg was tastless, it definitely didn't taste free range. The sausage roll was a slice which was less than an inch wide and pretty bland. Nothing outstanding. Oh had fish and chips which he said was nice but value for money? We have been several times before hence the return visit today but I'm don't think we will rave it like we have previously. Was it value for money?? No It wasn't

Absolutely loved our visit to the Pantry! The food was fantastic quality and well priced, we were looked after by Helen who was an amazing server. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area.

Food was okay, cake was lovely, service was good too. I ordered the quiche, and it wasn’t great. Made me feel a bit sick. It was served lukewarm. I’d return but for just tea and cake. Very overpriced.

A wonderful place to come to eat a real highlight of Newmarket. Always feels special to eat here and always look forward to coming back. Can be very busy!

Highlight of the breakfast menu is the eggs and chorizo

Had dinner at The Pantry last night with friends. Lovely food and very good service as there were special dietary requirements. A special mention for Holly, who could not have been more helpful.

Popped in for a light bite whilst in the area as usual really hit the spot! The restaurant was busy however we were promptly and warmly greeted shown to a table. Feeling cold the waiter asked if we would like to order drinks now we absolutely did. Our coffee's arrived delicious. Even though they were busy food didn't take long to arrive I had soup, piping hot delicious bread. They always seem to just get it right here love this place and would strongly recommend it.

This was 2nd year in a row we had our works Xmas party here and 2nd year running, the food & atmosphere were perfect! The improvement this year was an in-house DJ so we didn’t need to move on after our meal for cocktails & a boogie! Would totally recommend this for a Xmas party night! Only negative was that with all that dancing, it was boiling inside the restaurant so we had to keep stepping outside to get some fresh December area to cool down.

Had the fish and chips, which was ok. My partner had the schnitzel but it was extremely oily and thick. Coffee was really good. So was the cake. Service was ok.

Waited a long time for our food to be served. Very expensive and small portions.

The food was great and the place was beautiful but crowded. I had breakfast and it was scrumptious and not so costly.

Nice venue and nice quality breakfast but VERY small portion for £10 - one tiny sausage, small black pudding segment, only single tomato and mushroom. No beans, no hash browns

Had a lovely lunch out here! I was spoilt for choice as what to have the menu is varied and all great options. My girlfriend had the cranberry and brie toastie, which was delightful! I had the vegan pasta, I could eat it endlessly!

It has fine foods but it wasn't in a pantry I should of complained. But the food was fine.

There was no signage, easily visable requesting we wait to be seated or advising reservations were required. The male member of staff gave us a telling off for having sat at an empty table and "advised" " next time you come to The Pantry, you will have to make a reservation, or wait to be seated." The light above the table was also flashing, possibly faulty. We left and will not be going back. However, we found a great welcome at The Bull, from Tasha and will definitely be going back there.

Fabulous food, friendly waitress. Nice environment. The cakes looked lovely and a great portion. We had the two platters, see pics. Mine was fish. Very tasty

Little slow welcoming to our seat and taking order but everything else was fab. We had the two platters, one sausage roll etc, the other fish. Very tasty and friendly waitress.

Celebrated my graduation here and I can’t praise it enough! From the beginning to the end we’re looked after, service was spot on and food was absolutely delicious! I keep coming back for the salmon pate, but the mains always hold a pleasant surprise for me. The pantry is definitely my new favourite spot to dine-out in Newmarket. Thank you!

Just been for a lunch at our usual cafe where I go to meet a friend several times a year when visiting Newmarket. I am on this occasion extremely disappointed! We were bought a menu and as there was nothing marked gluten free, we asked what was available. The lady who we have since discovered was the manager bought us a gluten free menu. Which my mum needed for dietary reasons. A different waitress came and took the order. Where my mum pointed and read out her choice of dish from the gluten free menu Once we were halfway through eating we enquired if they sold the gf bread as we wanted to purchase some to take home. It was only then that the waitress realised the gluten free requirement. If the manageress had communicated earlier that she had handed the gf menu out or if in fact the gf menu was a different colour this would never have happened. I tried to address this to Nicki the manageress and she was very flippant and dismissive and blaming the customer for the oversight. I’m assuming she is the owner and will take this onboard and ensure It doesn’t happen again. As this could have been a fatal error. Which needs to be avoided again. The waitress who served our food apologised profusely as she realised the potential consequences of this error. The manager on the other hand couldn’t have given a damn !

We visited the pantry to meet with a friend. Not seeing any gluten free options, we asked for advice and were "flung" a gluten free menu. A different waitress took my order, which I pointed to on this menu. I later indicated to our waitress, what I believed to be the delicious gluten free bread on my plate, having already eaten some. She was extremely apologetic and informed me it was not a gluten free meal I had been given, and said that I would not have to pay for my meal. I accepted her apology, and it would have been left there, but my daughter on paying the bill was asked was everything satisfactory. She started to explain the problem we encountered and was interrupted by Nicky, the person who had given us the menu, in a very abrupt and rude manner telling her it was my fault for not saying the menu I ordered from was the gluten free one- something of which I assumed the waitress had been aware! The waitress herself was extremely polite and concerned about the effects I would suffer from eating gluten. I would warn anyone with allergies to be aware of the "managers" attitude to food safety at this establishment, and recommend that she undertake some training in customer relations!

Coffee was great didn't like the Cinnamon buns the to doughy should have been made from pastry and not bread dough, felt like a ton weight in my stomach after eating one

Lovely food, nice quality produce. Only thing I could fault is not the biggest portions. Paid an extra £1.50 for 5 small bits of fried potato on our breakfast and £1.50 for beans!

Highly recommend this place for quality food. Good portion sizes and staff are always very welcoming.

My wife and I were visiting a Xmas fair at the racecourse and decided to drive into the town centre for lunch. After passing a few chain cafes and pubs we found ourselves in the shops behind the Main Street. There we came across The Pantry. What a gem , glad we did not stop at Greggs (which is still Ok) . We were shown to our table and given a menu by nice young lady. We both ordered BLT sandwiches and a tea. It was the nicest BLT I had tasted for ages. Two large pots of tea arrived and a very pleasant lunch we had . Good atmosphere and everything seemed to work like clockwork. Will definitely be coming again when we are in Newmarket again. Well done guys

Super friendly staff welcomed and served us. We had the deli boards which were tasty and came with gorgeous warm focaccia. Cakes looked amazing but sadly no room for them!

Great place to eat, staff are excellent

Food awful! Scone dry and not even warmed. Lunch was tasteless. Had to ask twice to pay bill. Was not very well at the time so could not hang around to discuss the issues. Would not even consider going again have eaten better at Mac Donald’s and I would hardly ever go there either.

Called in here whilst in the centre of town. We ordered drinks and cake. The coffee and walnut cake was dry and had hardly any coffee flavour, and the carrot cake was wet and highly flavoured. Neither were very nice. Once we were shown to a table we waited ages for a staff member to come to take our order. There were four members of staff standing together having a conversation and in fact we watched another customer come inside and stand for ages waiting for a table only to be ignored. She then sat herself down and still no one served her so she went to the counter and ordered herself. Customer service is important in this type of business and such a shame when staff can’t be bothered.

The best eating ever as good if not better than Ritz I live in welney a hour from them but worth it Alan and sally

Hey .. just popped in for a quick something during my long journey.. What a wonderful staff in there! Very helpful,kind and the lovely smile on their faces . I do believe they are well paid becouse they are worth every extra £+ for what they doing. Food so tasty, and fresh made ! Hey ho... worth to go !! Definitely will get back when around ;)

Amazing atmosphere and delicious bar food.

Second time I've been there and both times have been very high standard of food. Keep it up

Me and my husband visited yesterday for a breakfast, it was our first time here walking pass the breakfast looked nice so we thought we would stop. On arrival the waitress was lovely, we ordered our food which took about 20 minutes to come, but when it arrived it was lukewarm and the sausage was pink inside my husband was very unsure on whether to eat it or not, the eggs on toast if it was a little hotter wouldn’t have been perfect. Overall I do not think we would return unfortunately.

This was my first experience today at The Pantry, which spoilt our day to be honest. I can't rate the food as we had waited over 35 minutes for an order that never arrived. A Lady who I am assuming was the manager or supervisor took our order and she made a fuss with a trainee showing her how cutlery was laid on the table. The Manager told us about the Specials being Tomato and Basil soup, a Lobster dish and the Pork terrine dish. We was waiting for Pork terrine with Sour dough bread and pickles and a Steak burger and fries which shouldn't take long to make. A waitress noticed we was still waiting for food when other customers who had arrived after us had been served their food order. The Waitress went to find out what was taking so long and we was told that our food order ticket hadn't been passed on to the kitchen. The Manager who originally took our order who looked like she was training a young lady didn't bother to take responsibility for the mishap and didn't seem to look like she cared neither as I could see the other waitress speaking to her about it and the Manager who took our order didn't make the effort to approach us to apologise for her mistake. The Waitress after realising that we had been waiting for a long time started clearing up tables and we were waiting further for someone to speak to us about the food order mishap. Rather than wait another lengthy period for our food order, we asked for the bill for our drinks. Eventually after no direct apology from the Manager who originally took our order, our drinks were given on the house by the Waitress. The Manager made such a fuss about cutlery placement at the beginning but failed to give good customer service. The Service was extremely poor. Not what you'd expect from a business advertising themselves as a 'Fine food shop and eatery' as their shop sign. There was nothing fine about their service and I definitely will not be recommending them nor will I be visiting again.

This was my first experience today at The Pantry, which spoilt our day to be honest. I can't rate the food as we had waited over 35 minutes for an order that never arrived. A Lady who I am assuming was the manager or supervisor took our order and she made a fuss with a trainee showing her how cutlery was laid on the table. The Manager told us about the Specials being Tomato and Basil soup, a Lobster dish and the Pork terrine dish. We was waiting for Pork terrine with Sour dough bread and pickles and a Steak burger and fries which shouldn't take long to make. A waitress noticed we was still waiting for food when other customers who had arrived after us had been served their food order. The Waitress went to find out what was taking so long and we was told that our food order ticket hadn't been passed on to the kitchen. The Manager who originally took our order who looked like she was training a young lady didn't bother to take responsibility for the mishap and didn't seem to look like she cared neither as I could see the other waitress speaking to her about it and the Manager who took our order didn't make the effort to approach us to apologise for her mistake. The Waitress after realising that we had been waiting for a long time started clearing up tables and we were waiting further for someone to speak to us about the food order mishap. Rather than wait another lengthy period for our food order, we asked for the bill for our drinks. Eventually after no direct apology from the Manager who originally took our order, our drinks were given on the house by the Waitress. The Manager made such a fuss about cutlery placement at the beginning but failed to give good customer service. The Service was extremely poor. Not what you'd expect from a business advertising themselves as a 'Fine food shop and eatery' as their shop sign. There was nothing fine about their service and I definitely will not be recommending them nor will I be visiting again.

Good brunch place at a price that isn't going to break the bank entirely. Only con Is that the server took a while to come to us and the drinks took even longer to come.

We had a cooked breakfast which was ok but glad we didn't pay any more than £10. Service was good, staff were polite and friendly and it was as comfortable and clean.

Warmish welcome, staff shouting swear words, about something out the back of the restaurant. I had £16.00 burger and chips, which was nothing to write home about. It came first time undercooked for my taste, it was put right. Don't advise this place

Absolutely amazing service and fabulous cheesecake. Couldn't fault any of it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amazing cheesecake! Chocolate and honeycomb - homemade too. You can really tell as it was such a high quality. Would definitely come here again just for that. Coffee was lovely too.

We went for lunch on a Sunday. The food was really dreadful and unbelievably over priced. Would not recommend it to anyone.

We have been many times as it has good food great coffee and very pleasant staff it's nice to sit outside as inside can be very loud sometimes. Easy access

After 30 minutes I was scoring here a maximum of two stars but on exit they merit it. We ordered coffees which came quickly enough but our food was so slow that even after two cups each there was still no indication of food arrival. Eventually I enquired. There was an immediate full apology and told our coffees would be free but there had been a problem in the kitchen. The food then arrived with a further apology and invitation to more drinks. That impressed especially as I had been grumpy about something else that had happened that morning. The food was excellent. The something else? Trying to pay for Parking by phone. Efforts to download the Ringgo app resulted in two spam companies seeking payment so two cards compromised, one only briefly but the other I chose to cancel to be ultra safe. A pound coin was only needed. I must stop thinking I'm royalty and carry the odd coin.

What a hidden gem. Open in the evening for dinner. Had seabass with gnocchi and ratatouille- delicious! The brownie and vanilla ice cream also stars. All prices excellent value, much better food than many Cambridge restaurants at much better prices. Lovely people too. Take a trip and visit. Free car parking in the evening nearby too.

We had a delicious meal with a heavenly dessert. The staff were attentive and super lovely - thanks in particular to Helen! Great value for money…

It is such a warm and welcoming place, but the quality of food very low and similar to fast-food/low quality places around the area, the rest of the UK & EU. On the seabass dish, the fish was correctly cooked & correct temperature when served, but swimming in a very cold tomato sauce with no vegetables as described on menu, funny fact is we double checked with the manager who took the order if comes with the veg described. The soup of the day was absolutely horrible, it was a brownish onion-based sludge which tasted discusting. Feels like the prices don't really reflect. Not sure if we would come back to dine, maybe for a coffee/tea in the morning, breakfast is very basic too. Apologising for saying this, but not sure if except quality, chefs/cooks lack basic skills or following owners/managers orders or both. Sorry pantry you can do better 😞

We frequently come here for breakfast and can't recommend it enough. The ingredients they use are fantastic and the quality shines through in the food. This is our go to place for weekend brunch/breakfast!

the best place in newmarket to eat every thing you get is so good as is the staff would reccomend it to anyone

As it was busy we expected a wait for breakfast, however when it arrived after a half hour wait it was luke warm and in parts undercooked. Also asked for one regular and one large cappuccino both came as regular, also asked for water which never arrived. Definitely not impressed with either food or service and shall not return.

The cheese and red onion marmalade sandwich was delicious!

Delicious food. Service was a bit slow.

Waited for some time to be seated. The chair I sat on wants repair or removed from use until done. Does know one check them? The cover was cracked with top having some bits missing. ( see picture). Slow service from being given menu and when taken to to receive two scones and tea. The tea was nice in individual pot. Note some people got their tea in mugs with a tea bag being told not enough pots? Perhaps they should of gone to Greggs! The biggest disappointment was the scones they were both very heavy/dense consistency and made eating them hard work some even left. The fruit on tasted OK the cheese one tasted more of mustard and not cheese.

Have been coming here for years and always had lovely food and service, perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner or just a scone and cup of tea! Have taken many people here who also love it

Helpful staff, good coffee and cake. We will return

Came in for a coffee and scone but saw the roast beef lunch and couldn’t resist so ordered that instead. It was delicious and just like mum used to cook. Yorkshire puddings and beef were just right and the vegetables were so tasty. Staff were...

Cracking Breakfast, small but high quality and surprisingly filling.

A busy breakfast lunch eatery now doing dinner. Excellent food, good service, should have been busier.

Really nice place we sat outside couple times we visited and was lovely. Food good and nice to see they use local places for it too. Had breakfast 2 days and visited a lunchtime too for a scone. All was really nice and good service....

Popped along for breakfast, plenty of staff serving, order taken quickly and bought out quickly to! Food was hot and produce of excellent quality, The Pantry is clearly. Firm favourite of the locals and I can see why ! The breakfast was lovely and for...

Fantastic lunch there this afternoon for my birthday,with my family. The staff were lovely and the food great. We will be back.

Very noisy and waitress cleared my colleague's plates away while I was still eating. Very rude.

Very nice coffe in touwn centre.

Fabulous 100% Highly Recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Regularly meet friends here for lunch. It has a relaxed atmosphere and you are not rushed. There is a good menu selection (including vegetarian options) of light bites, sandwiches and bigger meals. There is also a decent selection of cakes/desserts. The staff are friendly and...

Brilliant food, friendly staff, cosy, recommended

Always great friendly service, good food.

Good food good atmosphere. Almost always busy and have to stand queue for table. Food is highly priced. Manager was very pleasant and explained why the long wait and took a bit off the bill to apologise.

Saturday Eve .. restaurant wasn’t busy which was a shame for them as food delicious- I had a special- seabass, added potato which wasn’t needed- crusty bread would have been nicer. My but was the ‘background’ music.. rather spoilt the evening alas can’t please everyone,...

Really lovely menu and friendly efficient staff. We had a delicious lunch. Highly recommend

Always a good dining experience at The Pantry. Food predictably good and a nice variety options to choose from. Have only ever visited for lunch but happily recommend, whether you're local or just visiting town.

We have now been to the pantry for brunches, tea/coffee and cake and have tried their evening meals on Valentine’s Day. Every single time we visit the food and drink is freshly prepared and always so tasty, the staff are so friendly and welcoming and always so accommodating. Price wise for the area they are very reasonable. Can’t go wrong 😊

The best burger I've eaten in the UK. All the dishes they serve are exquisite. The attention is first class. They make you feel at home, it is a very cozy place. Cleanliness and order 10 points. I recommend it 100%

Nice decor, friendly and engaging staff but the food wasn’t amazing for the price. £5 for a sausage sandwich that wouldn’t be out of place for £2 in a greasy spoon. Very little butter, thin and cheap supermarket bread and just not great for a ‘fine food’ establishment with high prices. The coffee wasn’t amazing either.

Possibly the best Club Sandwich I've had outside of the U.S.

Delicious food freshly prepared. Always busy.

Excellent food and great, friendly service. Very good value for money. Nice find.

Lovely picnic platters! Nice coffee and very attentive staff. Highly recommend

Brilliant atmosphere, good service and excellent food that didn’t cost the earth. It was a special menu for Valentines night and we each ordered different items which we cooked and presented perfectly. No matter whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner this establishment never fails to...

Went for afternoon tea. Coffee and walnut cake not as moist as I would have liked. Friend had scone cream and jam no issues. Will certainly go again

A real find in Newmarket - it gets very busy though! Breakfasts seem to be a big attraction.