The Terrace in New Forest

Before I start this review, I will make two promises. The first promise is that I guarantee a vitriolic, unnecessarily rude response from the owner will follow this. Because the truth is painful to hear, and easy to deny. A belated Mother’s Day trip to the New Forest and we decided that a bite to eat was needed. The Buttery on the opposite side of the road was busy, queuing out the door - I know why now. When we entered the building, we were asked by the waitress if we wanted to eat, which we did, and were told that there was about a 30 minute wait. After a bit of deliberation about the timescale, we decided to stay. The temperature was really cold, enough to need to keep our coats on - not a good start. Admittedly, not helped by the front door often being left open by other customers and then not shut by the staff. (I felt particularly sorry for the two elderly ladies sat right by the door.) We asked the waitress what the soup of the day was. She didn’t know, so went off to ask. When she came back she told us what it was. My wife then asked what the quiche of the day was. The waitress didn’t know. She went off again, came back, and told us that there wasn’t any. Maybe there were some early warning signs that we should have noticed. The place was not busy. However, dirty cups and plates were piled up on the bar stools by the bar. Not particularly nice to have to look at. Other tables were asking where their food was by this point, as they had been waiting some time. There really wasn’t much in the way of reassuring them - none of the food is complicated, by the way - take a look at the menu. We ordered two paninis and an omelette. Not exactly the most difficult to cook. We waited, and waited, and waited. 50 minutes of waiting and the owner’s wife (I’m going to assume) came to our table. Now, I was expecting a, “I’m ever so sorry that you’ve had to wait for so long. Your food is just coming out now.” That would have been enough to reassure us. However, what she actually said was, “Your food is on its way, and that’s all I can say.” (Sorry? What on earth was that in the way of customer service or an apology?) Almost an hour later (I’m sure the owners will disagree with this, along with everything else) we decided enough was enough. So…I informed the owners that we had waited more than long enough and that we would happily pay for the drinks but we no longer wanted the food - an unreasonably long time to wait and we also had the 1 hour on the car to consider. I was told I should have used the car park behind. (I’m a visitor - I didn’t know there was a car park - why would I?) Absolutely no apologies or any attempt to engage with me as a customer. The male owner then became aggressively rude (again, there will undoubtedly be a denial about this and I will be portrayed as the villain, which is simply a deflection of his exceptionally low skill set in customer service. Read more one star reviews which will show that this is a common theme.) After some limited discussion (as in, him being incredibly rude to me) I was shouted at by the owner, told to forget about paying for the drinks (not an act of kindness… because of what happened next.) Then, again, being shouted at, I was told to get out and to never come back. Which brings me to my second promise, which I intend to 100% honour. I will never come back to your cafe - the most unpleasant experience I have ever had. Oh, and thank you for making a belated Mother’s Day lunchtime meal really upsetting. (Readers, get ready for a lengthy response which will show the owner, once again, in his true light.)

Popped in for a quick lunch, waited over 5 minutes to be served in a less than 30% full establishment. When we got up to leave and said very politely that we had a dog in the car and couldn’t wait, we were told very rudely that if we wanted quick service we should go to McDoMcDonalds. Couldn’t see any reason for such rudeness We’d have popped back again , but with that attitude Sadly a £30+ lost unnecessarily by the team Sadly

The food was cooked to perfection. I wish I had taken photos but honestly I ate it too fast to think about that. I've eaten a lot of full English breakfasts over the years and this was easily close to the top of the list. I also had a billionaires shortbread and it was also amazing, a bit sickly, but I would expect nothing less. The older couple that served me were very accommodating and friendly. Although there was nothing wrong with the atmosphere at all, it didn't feel right giving 5 stars in comparison to how brilliant the food, and pleasant the service was. Not in the area often, but will have to come more often now when if just for the food here.

Giving this place 5 stars because a random donkey joined me for a hot chocolate. Made my day. Staff were also very sweet and chatty.

100% worth several visits brill little cafe

Nice breakfast, friendly staff.

Really friendly owners who made me feel like I'd known them for years. Great food.

Absolutely amazing food and great service, we all loved it, all for a good price too. We had English breakfasts it was amazing

Best cafe in Brockenhurst by a county mile.

Back in my college days, this was such a lovely place and one day I will have to go back.

Handy cafe with a wide range of breakfast and lunch options. We had a couple of veggie breakfasts which were large and well priced. Also had fun smoothies. Also coffee and a good coffee and walnut cake.

Amazing black americano on a lovely sunny terrace 👍

Sadly my salad was half mouldy rotten lettuce. The burger altho tasty was solid as a rock and came out in just a few mins piping hot (microwave) I enjoyed my chips and didn't want to make a big complaint, as I informed the owner about the food, he became quite aggressive and took my plate wile I was still eating my chips, I asked if I could finish my chips and he said no. Absolutely terrible behaviour, I wouldn't even expect that from a teenager. Eat somewhere else, anywhere

Nice cafe with a drinks licence. Some tables outside. Staff were polite but rather laid back and service was a little slow Food was very nice when it came excepting the omelette which was overcooked Panini delicious as was the chicken burger.

I made the mistake of stopping here for coffee with a friend this morning. We ordered a flat white and a cappuccino. When Mrs Proprietress read the order back, she said ‘white coffee and a cappuccino’. I explained I’d ordered a flat white, only to be informed in a splendidly smug manner “there’s actually no such thing as a flat white”. I explained there was, and I believed they originated in Australia, to be told by Mr Proprietor that we’re not in Australia. I went outside to avoid losing my temper, went back in less than a minute later to hear the owners cancelling our order and telling my friend (who’d barely said a word) to leave. I’ve only ever seen a display like this on tv comedy shows ( (think Fawlty Towers meets League of Gentleman). Just to clarify, “sorry we don’t do flat whites” would have been fine.

Closed at 4:15 despite saying 5pm on website.

I had a nice panini. The staff were friendly.

Friendly staff and nice, reasonably priced drinks

Couple (owners) publicly bickering in front of customers. Filthy inside with an array of old glasses/ plates all over. Ordered 4 drinks and got told to leave the second we said no further items were wanted at that time. Speak to their younger staff in an awful way. Shame to the great New Forest.

This was our third visit here. Once again, superb breakfast, friendly and welcoming staff. Couldn't do enough for us. Also, very reasonably priced. Would recommend and will always come back when in the area. Keep up the good work.

Extremely rude and very grumpy staff… I’ve been twice and been disappointed on both occasions by how rude they are and the chef clearly has anger issues!! It’s such a shame as brockenhurst is so lovely… they should sell up and get a restaurant/cafe owner to take over. Customer service is everything. I’ll never go back there. The food was mediocre at best. Would not recommend!!

Top quality ingredients on the full English breakfast, priced to reflect this. Sachets of sauce let the experience down. Really nice coffee.

Really friendly and caring. They stayed open specially for me despite me being the only customer at the end of their normal working day. Very kind service

We always stop at this cafe for lunch, and it is always a good experience. The staff are efficient and friendly, the place is clean, but most importantly the food is delicious and reasonably priced. We had English breakfasts and they were very tasty indeed. The coffees were good too.

A lovely cafe/bistro, and always good food! My go to for good coffee in Brockenhurst, ever friendly staff. Highly recommend.

Very good food here although the service was a little slow. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Rude staff, expensive, served raw chicken, and put ice in drinks when we said not to. Don’t go. Save yourselves

Ordered drinks while we looked at the menu but left before ordering food as a female member of staff was having a very heated argument with another customer over their payment. Felt very uncomfortable & watched several potential customers leave because of the chaos.

Called in mid bike ride. They were a bit rushed off their feet with breakfast to lunch changeover. Once ordered the drinks were great. Seating ideal with bike up against metal fence. Don't put bikes up against novelty shop window they get understandably upset.

Very little to say other than to have a laugh at the jaw dropping pomposity of charging £3.50 for a takeaway coffee. It’s a sliver above instant and it’s service through dentures. Very much the Del Boy outfit of Brockenhurst - get a grip!

The coffee is weak make sure you ask for a double shot. My Latte I asked for a large they call a small a large. They are not very flexible with breakfast I wanted the smaller breakfast with two sausage and one bacon the menu is two rashers of bacon and one sausage my request was two sausage and o e bacon they could not do that. The bacon and sausage is excellent the fried eggs perfect.the tomatoes not ripe field mushrooms I would change to chestnut mushrooms. It would not take a lot to get five star just a little tweak such as improving coffee.

Went in mid morning for coffee and snack. They do breakfasts. I asked for coffee and toast...but, they wouldn't do just toast. Never been to a place that serves breakfast but won't give me toast

Popped in for breakfast. Very friendly staff. They made us very welcome. The breakfast was cooked to perfection. All very tasty. The terrace is a must if you're in Brockenhurst.

Dogs allowed outside only . Lovely service and tasty lunch

We had breakfast here and had lovely and attentive service. The eggs were cooked well and coffee was nice.

Came here for breakfast yesterday - sat in the sunshine on the lovely terrace and had 2 full english. Took a little while but when it arrived, the food was lovely. No grease at all! Very good value, and run by a lovely older couple!...

very good coffee and very friendly staff

Never left a negative review, coffee fine, but the service was poor. Unfriendly staff, DEFINITELY not bike friendly!

Coffee and cake was decent today, but as cyclists we were made to feel unwelcome and a bit of an annoyance. Asked us to take water bottles elsewhere to fill. Would not visit again unfortunately.

Ask for tomato sauce but was given HP brown, no sugar on table, no salt, we had to ask everytime. This was also the only place we've visited that wanted to charge us an additional £1 to substitute 2 fried eggs for scrambled!!!! Also served the smallest, small cappuccino I've ever experienced! These far better establishments in Brockenhurst.

Coffee bitter and not much in the way of GF cake unless you like choc brownies

Went in to buy 3 takeaway coffees and cakes. Was met rudely by an older man who didn’t even look at us, he just spat “We’re too short staffed for coffee!” This was odd as we just watched people walk out with takeaway cups. Had...

The old boy who runs the place clearly needs to improve the way he speaks to customers - the abrupt and rude manner that he spoke to my partner was unacceptable, however it soon changed when speaking to the locals. Awful man and place…..go to the Buttery across the road for a better experience.

The service is fast and they are nice people. Though the coffee and hot chocolate aren't that good but the food is nice. 🙂

Just had a latte & hot chocolate but very good

Friendly staff, nice prices, good food.

Stopped for a coffee and hot choc. Very friendly place and quick service whilst other tea shops in the village were busy and slow. Had a nice muffin too.

Lovely little coffee shop. Delicious lemon and poppy seed muffin. Friendly staff. Definitely worth it to visit while exploring local area.

Absolutely excellent. Food cooked to perfection and very helpful and polite service. Will be coming back.

We stopped for a glass of wine on a Saturday afternoon. The owner was very pleasant but the wine could have been better,

Good lunch sat out on the terrace. Really nice spot to stop. Food good enough but not spectacular. Decent cafe food I guess - but not one of those ‘you must try…’ moments

Expected it to be busy Saturday lunchtime but plenty of empty tables indoors, possibly due to staff being very offhand, not al all welcoming, great pity as food was delicious.

I can honestly say that the gent serving us (the owner?) must have been a founder member of that 90’s band ‘The Odd Squad’! It was just a bizarre outburst from asking for some toast - apparently we were being difficult and awkward 😂 some lovely cafes in Brock, this one is just weird!!!!

Popped in twice over the weekend for lunches with my family. It seems that whatever we order we get high quality food served very well We had plenty of disappointing meals in Brockenhurst but the Terrace never disappoints! I would especially highlight the service which...

Food and coffee were okay but blimey the service was poor. So grumpy! And don't get me started on the state of the ladies loo. Plenty of other options in Brockenhurst so don't bother with this one.

It’s was amazing me and my family went here on Tuesday and it was lovely the man running the cafe was so lovely and he let us join our tables together and the food was the best ! Amazing vegy and meat options are available and has a great menu and the kids get free ice cream with the kids meal

The older manager treats people with utter contempt almost as though customers attend his restaurant to adhere to his rule of law and ethics. He can't accept criticism, clearly is overly aggressive; probably ex military.. He attempts to rule with an iron fist but belongs in a wooden rocking chair with an electric blanket and colostomy bag. If this man is an advert for the locals in Brockenhurst thank god for the tourists.

Drive 15mins to grab a coffee as they state on Google that do takeaway up to 5pm, arrived 4:35 to have the manager shout we are closed as I walked passed the gate. He was boasting to his friends that people don’t like him because he’s the manager while hovering over the park bench out the front. Think this place needs a new manager and someone that knows how to treat potential customers. Will not go back and definitely would not recommend- manners go along way and he has none. Keep going and find a nice cafe with a nice manager that’s all I can say - very upsetting to shouted out for now reason.

Looked like a really nice place to stop and ask for two hot chocolates and two slices of cake!! It turns out they are not! Apparently the staff were too busy to offer any service as they has customers to serve and counter tops and tables to clear. I thought I was a customer. Very rude staff if they can't cope on a Sunday in March how will they cope in summer!!!

Non-personable staff. I clearly made the mistake of asking for takeaway coffees as the staff acted like I requested for something unreasonable. The only thing stopping me giving a one-star review was the coffee as it nice if not on the expensive side. Large drinks only available for takeaway.

My husband and I had a lovely lunch here on Saturday! Amazing drinks, food and the staff were so wonderful! We had two soups which we ended up laughing over a classic sketch! An absolute gem in Brockenhurst 🙏🏻

I have visisted this cafe on a number of occations the food is good and reasonable value but the older male member of staff is abrupt, rude and at times bordering on agressive particularly to female customers. Having seen this on a number of occations it is suprising that he keeps his job.

Coped well with 20 cyclists descending, Marilyn the waitress obliged with quick service and split bills, coffee good and nice cakes. Warm welcome and farewell.

Nice coffees and hot drinks, food average (scrambled eggs and salmon was OK), Service very prompt but recently, the friendliness and welcome as cycling customers has not been there. It's not that we mind leaving our bikes outside the railings as many bikes would restrict...

My wife and I stopped here for brunch during a walk through the New Forest. Certainly cannot fault the food which seemed to be of good quality and well prepared. The only negative points (and admittedly would not necessarily prevent us from going back) were...

Been visiting this cafe regularly for a few months. Today we turned up on cold wet December day to be rudely told he didn’t want cyclists in his cafe. We were a bit wet but not muddy at all. Needless to say we won’t be...

Had the most amazing well done bacon, perfect poached eggs, and brown toast. Hubby had eggs royale. The tea was a good strong blend, and 2 cups per pot. Lovely elderly couple running the cafe. Will definitely return if back in the area. Best breakfast we've had in a while, and done to my very fussy request.

Nice breakfast and coffee thus morning. Friendly staff

Love going here for lunch and have never had a bad meal. Definitely worth a visit

We stopped here for a cuppa after a long walk in the cold and rain, and we received a really warm welcome and a wonderful service =)

Visited today and went to order a coffee greeted by an abrupt and blunt member of staff. In the end we went and got our money back. I don’t treat people like that and don’t expect to be talked to and treated this way as...

Had coffee, cakes etc cake was so small that it wasn't worth having, not worth the money, café across the road much better.

Superb food (see pics of cheese quiche and salad attched) attentive service. Lovely place in the centre of the village. I loved the pictures in the restaurant of the local wildlife; it was a lovely touch. Will definitely be back!

Excellent! Good service and good food.

Very helpful staff. Breakfast was fantastic.

We were recommended The Terrace by a passerby on our morning walk in the New Forest around Brockenhurst and it didn’t disappoint. Thank you so much.

A lovely cafe with lovely staff. Breakfastwasbestwehave had in a long time. Good quality ingredients, cooked well. Yummy !

Good food, friendly staff. Price is okay. They have a terrace, which may be nice in the summer. Pet friendly, outside we saw a couple with two dogs having a drink a table

My baguette was very fresh and ample brie and cranberry. My mango smoothie was so thick the straw stood up in the middle on its own. So tasty too. Good service Lovely sitting in the sunshine.

We stopped for lunch and the waiter was very rude. Complained when we asked nicely to sit at a table in the sun near our bikes. Accusing us of trying to get preferential service and listing all the other things he had to do. We...

We had a wonderful experience at The Terrace on the last day of our family holiday.The waitress was really friendly to our tired and grumpy toddler and there is a nice atmosphere of regulars to the cafe. The owner came out and got a raised chair for her with no fuss and was also friendly to us.I'm a picky eater and didn't like every part of the full breakfast but the owner was accommodating and said he'd throw in extra hash brown as an exchange (unlike the "no swaps" cafe opposite), which is always a nice touch.. He also had no concerns about us sharing our breakfasts with our toddler rather than ordering her own and even brought out a small plate and toddler cutlery.Locals were all chatty to us and the covid policies were as you'd expect.

I live in central Southampton and travel to the Terrace cafe every Saturday for breakfast which is a 26 mile round trip.The food is quality using butchers sausage and bacon with the breakfasts. The staff are very professional and friendly. The way they went about keeping their customers and them selves safe throughout the pandemic was outstanding. Can't recommend the Terrace cafe enough for locals and tourist.

Whenever my husband and I are in the area we always pop in to the Terrace for their fantastic English breakfast and a coffee. It has a wonderful welcoming atmosphere and the staff are very cheerful and accommodating. It is a must to visit if you are in the area.

Part of a group that witnessed the rude and shocking behaviour of the owner/manager.Having refused to serve one of the people at our table he then verbally abused another customer who was trying to order food not on menu. This all turned rather nasty and is not the experience you would want or expect in a rural cafe.Shall it be goi g here again. There are so many other lovely cafes in this village that are appreciative of customers who choose to spend their money there - my advise would be to avoid this place and try one of these.

The most miserable, grumpy manager/owner you will meet. Avoid.

Really shocked at the aggressive attitude of the chef and unfortunately the owner too! I asked for beans on toast and was immediately told I was being awkward and they couldn’t do it. I asked instead for the vegetarian breakfast and I will remove what I don’t want myself, which I had no problem doing and paying for if his computer wouldn’t let him put through beans on toast. It quickly escalated beyond all reason! We were ordered to leave and when we tried to leave the chef blocked our path and said to go round him. He then continued to make some childlike remarks about my friends tattoos? He was definitely looking for a physical altercation which we had no interest in having any part of. I have never been in a situation like that and never wish to again, the owner then grabbed my arm and tried to push me out m, when all I was doing was trying to leave. Very aggressive and strange behaviour!!!Reading past reviews I don’t seem to be the first victim of his behaviour. Also reading his responses to reviews on here seems to prove the point that customer service is not his forte.

I would absolutely stay clear of this place, what a let down for brockenhurst and the New forest. The staff are unhelpful and even aggressive ...which shocked us and resulted in us just leaving to avoid any upset...without our breakfast. I've never experienced service like that ...

Had a nice day planned to go cycling and have some lunch out. My visit here completely ruined the day. Food was disappointing but even more disappointing was the service. The chef was beyond rude and confrontational. Two very awkward encounters with seperate customers in the short period of time I was there. All stemming from what sounded like a simple request. Very poor customer service.

Waiting almost an hour for coffees is just not good!!Your food arrived 15 minutes before your drinksAnd when raised with the owner he was nothing short of rudeIf you can’t cope with the number of customers then reduce the number of tables

Bit of a mixed bag. We were told that they were busy and would have to wait. Which we were happy to do. I don't think this was communicated to other customers as three groups left whilst we were there, obviously upset at the wait. This wasn't helped by an older gentleman staff member who was rude and didn't really have any customer service skills. He walked away whilst answering another customer who had to chase after him to hear his reply. We were told the wait was because they were really busy. Outside was full, about 6 different groups but, there was noone inside and two serving staff. So, not that busy even though both staff members appeared very flustered. We were lucky to have the female waiter who was lovely and very apologetic for the wait. The food was really good and worth the wait. There were a couple of weird points on the menu. A full breakfast with two eggs, sausage, bacon, has brown toast etc. was ~£8, pretty decent value. But, a 3 egg omelette was also ~£8 with additional charges if you wanted cheese, ham or mushroom. Seems a bit unbalanced compared to other items.

Very disappointed with my visit last week, stayed in the area, food was nice but service was slow and rushed but I feel they like others are working within an industry suffering with short staffed, but didn’t expect to be spoken to rudely. I’m sure if I had gone again I would have had a better experience

The staff were very friendly and well organised, they ensured distance was kept the food and drinks were all lovely and generous portions really enjoyed it

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and found it faultless. The food was well cooked and tasty with lots of breakfast and light lunch options. The coffee was excellent as was the friendly and efficient service considering how popular the place us. We were particularly impressed with the Covid hygiene measures, noting that after every customer tables and chairs were sanitised. Breakfasts are also served all day with many options, which is a bonus. We'll certainly be back!

Very nice place for breakfast and meals , Good friendly service.

Great cake / coffee and spot to watch the world go by.

Well staffed, attentive, nice menu, eat inside and out. We only stopped for a cake and a drink but the Victoria sponge was delicious and the pot of tea was great. The only thing it needs to do is Cream Teas. Missing a great opportunity here.

Lovely cafe and brilliant service as always. Perfect location in the centre of town. Always clean and lovely staff. Highly recommended

Nice Cafe, good location and lovely staff. Keeps the tables spotless and service is always brilliant. Highly recommended

So glad to be back after the wait, this our favourite place to drop in to after a walk, food is very good, staff very pleasant. A proper new forest tea room.

We were looking for a drink and maybe a cake to eat - we were asked how many in our group, we said 3 and the man pointed to two tables which one still had old plates and cutlery on etc. So I started to walk towards the clean table which rude man then said ‘I told you they were dirty’ in a an unnecessary aggressive tone, I was surprised to be spoken to like that by someone, my husband told him to calm down and we were told to leave! We happily did - really shouldn’t of been spoken to like that! We only wanted to have a drink and a sit down on a Sunday afternoon, I hate any confrontation and didn’t say a word but really wished I had! The said rude man might of been having a bad day but not sure he’s going the right way about giving good customer service! The past year has been tough on everyone and I feel that we should all be happy that life is getting back to normal and treating each other with kindness!