Thyme and Tides Deli in Test Valley

Went for a quick bite to eat Firsdown , always been a little expensive . Told when ordered would be 20 minutes after 25 could see no food was coming out of kitchen and people before me were still waiting . Even a family that had ordered a bacon roll were still sat with nothing … asked how long then left waiting for 5 minutes whilst lady checked to be told another 5 , which clearly was a guess . Asked for refund which was comical to watch as had paid with cash . Will not be going back to waste any our money or time

So I enjoy Thyme and Tides and have been many times before, from eating in, grabbing a coffee on the go and sometimes shopping in the deli but my experience today means I’m going to leave it a fair while before returning…if I ever do. My friend and I went for a quick lunch between work today and both chose the deli special sandwich. It was a chicken and bacon mayo baguette with baby gem and roasted tomatoes and fries. It arrived and looked inviting however my friend noticed that we had not been served any roasted tomatoes. I will also add that it was served with a crazy amount of fries for one person…an off putting amount. It was impossible for us to flag a staff member down as the restaurant area had become very busy and at no point did they come and check if our food was ok (I noted they did check others though.) When the lady came to clear our plate, we mentioned about the tomatoes and that we felt the sandwich was lacking as a result. She apologised and said she’d speak to her manager and let the kitchen know. We noted her telling her manager as they were both looking over (it felt a tad intimidating tbh.) We went up to pay quite quickly afterwards and the same lady took our payment with no further comment and no money taken off the bill despite the fact that we had not received all of the food we were promised. I did not mention anything as we were in a rush but at over £30 for two drinks and two sandwiches, I think for what T&T charge it is extremely poor customer service that their chefs don’t remember the contents of their specials and that no discount was taken off the bill. I’d rather spend my money elsewhere.

Visited for lunch today. Was busy and service was okay. Thought menu was expensive. I don’t mind paying for creativity however the menu here is fairly basic. Had toastie, bread was quite hard bread. Coffee quite small for price. Wouldn’t visit again

Sadly they stopped doing soya milk recently. If you have allergies the only option is oat which tastes metallic and doesn't froth. It'll be Kudos coffee down the road for me from now on.

A worthwhile stop on a journey south we enjoyed toasties which appeared to be hand-made rather than sandwich- machined. They were very tasty and interesting combinations of flavours. In addition, this places also has a high-end deli with plenty of fresh items too. Only downside was the chairs and tables being somewhat spartan and lacking comfort.

I was charged £5 for a portion of beans (no toast) for a one-year-old at their cafe between Salisbury and Stockbridge. Very disappointed as my family are regular customers.  Not any more.

Great selection of excellent coffee and tea, Chia Latte was lovely. Dog and cyclist friendly. Did not try the food this time but has been excellent before.

We popped in for coffee and elevenses and ordered two lattes (not unreasonable price at £3.20 each), two cheese scones and a mince pie (no prices on the menu). We were offered cream cheese and chutney with the scones but declined and were not told the cost would be the same, nor were we offered them heated and when they arrived there was no butter; the waitress appeared to ignore us and scurry away when she was at the table next to us and we politely asked "Excuse me" so we had to go to the counter and ask for butter which duly arrived. When we left we were presented with a bill for £22.80. It turns out a cheese scone with cream cheese and chutney is £6.95 and the charge is the same even if you do not want cream cheese and chutney - interesting that the item and that proviso is not shown on the menu, nor is the cost of a mince pie which must have been £2.50 unless of course we were charged for butter or indeed wrongly/overcharged. We know Stockbridge is expensive but given the poor service and rip off price for a cheese scone this is a place/indeed a chain (there is another at Firsdown) we shall NEVER return to.

I arrived at 09:00 am, this is when they opened, and there were 3 young bubbly girls in attendance running this part of the business. Within a short time, I was served with the most perfect English breakfast, with very tasty sausage, bacon and mushrooms. The back ground music was very nice. Sitting alone by the window, watching the brown leaves swirling around, with a superb full breakfast and hot pot of tea......I will not be needing lunch today. Clean, friendly and quality food - what more could anyone want. Strongly recommended.

Oh dear. All changed and not for the better. Lots to buy but very little choice to eat for tea. One cake, dry scones. Tea cake with insufficient butter. Our liquid tea came after our food…they were short of tea pots. How I used to enjoy this place but no longer. Whoever is in charge, get your act together and start with your dreadful scraps of paper acca menus.

Coffee was warm not hat as requested,sent back twice, poached egg on toast were rock hard and returned with no apology from staff. Staff were very laid back and not listening to what was being said,!

Excellent breakfast and coffee would definitely stop again. Ideal stop between Dorset and London. Highly recommend 👍

I ordered a bacon and Stilton toastie and have to say that I did not enjoy it at all. The toast was so hard that my tongue was sore for rest of the day. Also the bacon was not of good quality, being very streaky. It was also too hard, i.e. overcooked.

Visited for breakfast, pleasant little deli/bistro. Sat quickly & served promptly. Order taken reasonably quickly however they did get our order wrong when food arrived. Had to head up to counter to get another drink. As others say, food was very good. Service was ok; but then again it’s a bistro/cafe/deli so wouldn’t expect fine dining service. Would eat here again as the breakfast was very good.

We stopped here for a light lunch and found the restaurant pleasant. There was nice outdoor seating and the menu was simple but sufficient. The staff were busy and probably a bit stressed, but we got what we needed, although some diners who came after us were served before us. It didn't matter as we were not in a hurry, but some might have found this annoying. There is an interesting show on the same premises.

Having been to this cafe a couple of years ago we were disappointed that it had not kept up its very high standards. The service was slow and the food not as good as on our last visit.

We visited here in March and the owner welcomed us enthusiastically even with a young baby in pram. He seated us in outside and we had great coffee and snack. Blankets and heaters provided. We were looking forward to returning today for breakfast. It was packed at 9.30 and only 1 table outside. This had a large wet dog either side of this free table. No room for pram. We went to counter to see if they knew a table might vacate soon? There was plenty of staff but no one was bothered about us although we were keen. The staff were as described below. Not the same as when man we think was owner was there. He was behind the counter in front shop. Staff today obviously spoilt by their popularity. Tourists are only here short time, As regular visitors to the village it hurt. Won’t plan to return as there is plenty of other competitors.

We stopped in thyme and tides for a coffee whilst visiting stockbridge we choose the outdoor area, it was great, the heaters were lovely, we were served promptly, i had a bacon sandwich with my coffee which was tasty, ideal place to stop off whilst in stockbridge. The shop onsite also sells some tasty treats.

Popped in for lunch. Had a fantastic toasted sandwich which was sufficiently filled with ham and cheese. Delicious bread. Coffee was really good too.

Pleasant lunch, however when we asked for the outside (fire!) door to be closed, the staff made a bit of a fuss about 'needing to get in and out'. 1) we were very cold as the draught went straight through the restaurant to our table...

Popped in here for afternoon tea before checking in to Grosvenor Hotel across the road. Lovely cup of tea and the scones, clotted cream and jam were delicious. Friendly and attentive staff and would strongly recommend as a mid-High Street stop off when shopping.

We live locally and have often visited. It was too late to cook lunch at home so headed to T&T. The menu was limited but we both found what we wanted. My wife had the smoked salmon on sourdough; I had the fish cake with...

This place is doing something right , It’s very busy December day and we are sat in a tent, Warming off the heaters we ordered full breakfasts and our selection of coffees All came swift and very good quality Service is youthful but well trained

Menu is very limited, coffee is extremely bitter and some staff look like they would prefer you not to be there. Lady behind the counter didn't even acknowledge me...a simple 'hello, I'll be with you shortly' would have been appreciated. As a previous review commented...

Went in and thought they did breakfast like the Haven ( that should of stayed there) the staff are not friendly the coffee is too strong tue crossaints r burnt and the toast is over done. Sorry never again expensive for a ciabatta bread

What has happened to Thyme and Tides? The menu used to be so varied and interesting. Now, they mainly offer breakfast items and toasties. We waited ages to be served and were then provided with drinks but no food. Worse still - when we popped...

A great find as we travelled to Dorset. Stopped here for a lunch and had a lovely ploughman’s. Such a great little place with super food to take with you too.

Have been meaning to write this for ages but just not got around to it. After walking for sometime we stopped at the window to buy some cups of coffee. There were four staff inside serving, one young man making the drinks and young girls...

2 cans of drink and a Tupperware pot of nuts was £11.50!! How anyone can charge that much is beyond me. Drinks were average too. Nothing more to say.

Hot drive down to Dorset and perfect road side cafe Great coffee and lovely cake Menu looked excellent

I am in two minds. As a local it is nice to have a deli and a cafe on our doorstep. Great to have a browse around the deli for expensive treats. The food we had was fine but expensive for a sausage sarnie. It...

The best breed around!! We travelled thtough Great Brittain. We at a lot breed but nothing come near the quality of this bread. Great Coffee as well.

Really pleased to learn that T&T had taken over the old Hilltop Grill premises at Firsdown. What was a genuinely grim venue is now a light, airy coffee shop/deli with an interesting menu and friendly staff. Food and service were good, Excellent coffee. Prices were...

Coffee was good but £8 for a bacon/sausage bap seems crazy with no other good breakfast options. Also freezing cold.

Visited Firsdown branch and found the shop food to be very expensive. £9.50 for a mozzarella sandwich! Limited restaurant menu but was told the kitchen wasn’t quite finished.

Speak as you find, the food here is consistently good. I visited yesterday for brunch and it was superb. Staff are friendly and welcoming. There use to be a specials board before covid and I hope they bring this back.

Visited a few of months ago and was thoroughly disappointed. The food was nice but cold. I politely asked if I could have it heated up. The answer was a solid no way, from a woman who was much older than the rest of the...

Great food, service and ambiance. The fishmonger especially skilled with all fish sold from the wet counter, kicking fresh. The staff are attentive and the fish and chip takeway on Friday night not to be missed!

Surrounded while seated by every possible quality mustard variety on its well-stocked deli shelves but non-plussed at being tossed a couple of catering sachets of a particularly crappy version of the condiment for my bacon roll. Perhaps it’s a cunning plan to make you buy...

Used to love this place. But now they seem more interested in doing take away coffees, for which the large bi-fold doors need to be open. Just a few tables, and it was freezing cold at the table. So take a double layer of sweaters...

You really must make this a go to stop! Not only is the shop a foodie heaven but the cafe is fantastic. Met up with a friend and fellow head chef for coffee and a catch up, ened up with 3 coffees and a delish...

Stopped at Stockbridge to break our journey we stopped here for coffee and cake as we have many times before great service and wonderful cakes and coffee

It was 28 degrees C when we visited Stockbridge - thought we'd have a light lunch - the rear courtyard has a number of tables for outdoor dining, but no sun umbrellas, so nobody was sitting out because there was no shade - big mistake,...

Good deli. Lots of good stuff. Quite expensive. Tried their smoked trout pate and ice cream. Both good. Would return if in the area

We came here for breakfast last weekend. The rear courtyard was busy but we got a well-distanced table after a short wait. The staff were charming, the avacado on toast plus bacon was historic and the coffee in china cups was delicious. A great place....

The food was good, but why are the staff wearing gloves? Unless you are replacing your gloves between customers, you are just spreading germs around, Covid or otherwise. If you are wearing gloves you are not washing your hands, because you are wearing gloves! Ditch...

Expected a lovely breakfast, bill came to £20 so really thought it would be amazing. Came in cardboard boxes!! I guest they don’t think hot washing up or dishwashers disinfect corona!? So the breakfast came, Raw eggs, Raw sausages, awful!! Worst breakfast ever! I complained...

Told the staff there were flies crawling over the croissants and they just shrugged and carried on selling them.

This was the second time I've visited although this was the first post Covid. Food came in a box, deposited on a central table ( even on these times surely it could come to the table!) Plastic cutlery which snapped straight away.Food overpriced cold, goodness knows what you have you do to chips to get them so bad (cold, soggy and cooked hours before) I know that times are hard, but there is no excuse for such dire food and surroundings and paying such a high price

Having seen the deli from outside we decided to pop in for a lunch. We decided ( and told them ) we were going to share a fried chicken ciabatta sandwich. I can understand with Covid restrictions there may have to be some amendments but the only place to eat was outside, either on the pavement or in the back yard. That aside there is no excuse not to serve food on plates. We were surprised to awe served a cardboard box, the "burger not even split in 2 and served with what appeared rot be oven chips - or chips that weren't freshly cooked, soggy and had been kept warm in the oven. Whilst most of the chicken was cooked there was some at the periphery that was decidedly transparent. We were told the food is always checked by probe but we did not wish to try it further. Saving grace was the waitress (who's name I missed) who immediately offered a refund.

A friend and I stopped for lunch on our way to Salisbury. We both thoroughly enjoyed the atmsophere, friendliness and food. I had mixed wild mushroom in a creamy garlic sauce which was delicious. The shop too is full of unusual delights. We even stopped off on our way back home again, it was so inviting. Highly recommended.

We met a friend here for an early lunch. Despite being very busy, the service was friendly and efficient. The menu has a nice selection of things to suit every taste. I particularly enjoyed the smoked mackerel and coronation potato salad. Inexpensive food made using nice ingredients.

A friend and I meet here regularly, breakfast, lunch, coffee & cake or scones with Jam & cream (I dare not try the waffles! but they look and smell delicious!) LOVE the coffee (I like it strong & black). Creative specials on the board. Often a wait for a table, but worth it and have a browse in the deli while you're waiting. Excellent sheltered outside area in warmer weather.

Took a little time and stopped here for lunch which happened to be a nice surprise. It was very busy but service was punctual and the menu was a little bit different which intrigued us. We chose our food from the menu some items were sold out which was not surprising as we were quite late for lunch however an alternative was chosen and could not be faulted. i am not from Stockbridge but if anyone is passing I would highly recommend this restaurant which has seating inside and out.

Great staff and busy atmosphere, delicious lunch. All sourced locally Lots of items on the menu are sold in the adjoining deli.

No greeting or acknowledgement while waiting for a table. Overpriced food and very small main dishes. Many staff but none with service experience. Generally unhelpful and unfriendly. Will not be returning and cant recommend.

Agree with other reviewers about the rather narrow access between the deli and cafe, the rather trendy menu and not-exactly-cheap prices. However, our experience of the staff was a pleasant one: friendly, welcoming and concerned that we were enjoying the meal, so well done on the improvement there. Carrot cake (husband's choice) and mushrooms on toast (mine) were delicious. Could have spent a fortune in the deli, so much temptation! Not local but will hopefully be back.

This looks really enticing from the outside. Half is a fishery and deli the other a cafe. I stopped because I hadn't had breakfast on leaving Salisbury after an overnight stay and this was the first attractive place that was open. As you walk in you have to navigate a narrow space into the cafe part. A wheel chair probably could do it but it did seem too cluttered. The deli staff did not acknowledge me when I entered so I had to wait to ask how I got into the cafe as it wasn't immediately obvious.The service by a young lad was good, but the menu was a bit limited for a vegetarian with my tastes, so I had the Mushrooms on Sour Bread Toast from the lunch menu at £7.50. This would have been delicious except it had swirls of balsamic vinegar round it. It looked attractive and modern but REALLY spoiled the taste and was hard to avoid the vinegar getting onto the bread once I had discovered that. I have to wonder if the chef had tasted his/her own meal. Even for lunch it would have tasted unpleasant.By then I had finished my coffee and didn't want to get another one to wash the taste away. The counter was busy when I went to pay my bill and the staff slightly surly so I didn't tell them how I felt about the meal....and they didn't ask.... Not likely to return.

The food and service has significantly gone downhill! I counted ten members of staff, not one asked if everything was ok! Had they of done would have said the poached eggs were over cooked and the bread was stale, unfortunately this review is being Left due to the poor service.

Once you've found the entrance through the shop this seems a very pleasant place, with a young team of helpful servers. It is a little on the 'trendy' side, sourdough bread and chorizo with fish and could do with more traditional fare, plus they'd run out of our first choice of goujons! Prices are high for what you get. Lilly Langtree down the street is a better bet.

We really enjoyed a lovely relaxing evening at a recent Supper club, with delicious food and good service. The wine paring was a lovely surprise, and the restaurant warm and comfortable. My only suggestion would be, better quality table napkins to match the quality of the food. I look forward to your next event.

Has gone downhill and needs a shake-up. Unattentive service. No check-back during or after meal. Dirty cup and saucer had to be replaced. Fish finger sandwich overcooked and tasteless. Good coffee. Poor state of loo. Not what you expect at premium prices.

Lovely calm atmosphere here. Food is made fresh (avocado on sour dough exceptionally good!) and tasty. Coffee is good as were the wonderful waffles!

Two adults and two children took a short break on our way home from Poole to South Bucks. We enjoyed a most delightful lunch in the garden and can't wait to revisit in the near future.

Having eaten here before, decided to meet up with family for lunch but this time found it somewhat disappointing. The Moroccan couscous salad with lamb was the worst dish as the couscous had obviously been made some time before and was totally dehydrated and like eating dry grit. The lamb served shredded and cold was uninspiring with not a hint of any spice or seasoning. One of my party ordered the mushrooms on toast but the bread was so hard as to be inedible. Two chose fish and that apparently was fresh and good which is a relief given this deli sells fresh fish!! Coffee was good and service was efficient and friendly but all in all a bit disappointing.

Visited for lunch with a friend. The toilets are very dirty and the brush was a health hazard of its own! Thankfully what fell of the brush as I went to use it missed my new shoes! This is a disgrace and we will not be returning. The thought of the place makes me feel sick.

Visited for a quick breakfast on our way home from holiday. Great, fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection. Great service too. What more can you ask for? We will be back.

Promising start. But disappointing in the end.

Indoor and covered outdoor seating areas.Good menu selection and tasty coffee. Attractive location. Very clean. Friendly prompt service. Part of the premises is a shop selling high quality foods and sauces. Well worth a visit. Prices reasonable

Visited here to meet someone and had a Mocha coffee and a pain au chocolat whilst there.

A previous major total favourite but confess not to have visited for a couple of months. Visited yesterday - first stop loo - as you do! Oh my word? Really? It was filthy. The hand dryer not working and after navigating round the urine-spotted loo seat and hand towels wide of bin, this was seriously bad. No paper hands towels to compensate and this was minutes past 10 am.

This place surely survives only on its location and some kind of snob value...it is badly run with staff who have clearly had no training, the portions are dismal and the prices obscene...despite the fact that it is convenient for us, I refuse to ever return. Having given it several chances, I felt insulted as a customer on our last visit.

First experience of the supper club which is held once a month. It’s a celebration of the local produce, where you enjoy several courses, all of which are very well thought out by a clearly talented chef.

Delicious buckwheat pancakes, 10 out of 10 flat white and friendly service. A lovely way to start the weekend.

I love this place. I have eaten there loads of times and it's always good. Interesting menu , friendly staff and a good vibe.

Lovely team of friendly girls running a busy buzzy cafe/deli which is very family-friendly. Nice outdoor space when it's sunny. Good coffee etc etc, reasonable prices.

At a recent family Friday fish and chip evening it was unanimously agreed that the fish was as fresh and well cooked as one could have hoped for. They offer both large and small portions, even the lesser portions would satisfy the hungriest of diners. If fried is not to your fancy, there was a pan fried special - particularly delicious plaice - served with a salad. Simple, unfussy room, the staff charming and efficient.

I have visited this place a couple of times now with friends after a walk around the common. I tried this place due to the views I read on here, TripAdvisor, and I have not been disappointed. However, I have only tried the cream teas and the scones are always lovely and warm and fresh! The food that comes out to other tables always looks lovely and very well presented....... I must try this place for a proper lunch sometime!

I was strolling in the area when I decided to go into town for lunch. As I was by myself, I didn't want it to be a long sit down lunch, so I decided to go here. The menu has great variety. Service was great, and fast for me being alone. But I didn't feel rushed. The food was delicious. FYI for families, I have two young kids (8 and 5 yo), but I wouldn't necessarily bring them here. The menu seems to lean more towards adults. There were parents with kids there though. So it may just be my thoughts on it. Not saying to not go with kids, only recommending to check the menu and see if something is on the menu your kids will like.

How I wish I had this deli in our town. Lovely ingredients/produce. Seasonal and carefully chosen. We took some langouste, Jerusalem artichokes, smoked eel, Hoxton sourdough and some lovely cheese. Please open in Alresford!!!

We popped in for some cake and came out with amazing locally made cheese and a decision to return as soon as possible

My wife and I go on average once a month for breakfast on a Sunday. As a deli it’s not large in there, but the staff are always friendly and the food is great.

Whilst staying Stockbridge we popped in for a morning coffee, very pleasant and coffee very good, food looked very nice but quite expensive, which is what you would expect for the area.

This small gem right in the center of town is a haven on a cold morning after a long walk, to have good coffee and a warn toasty or breakfast , a reward worth waiting for.

The coffee is very good. The cooked breakfast is priced like a Winchester / rural Hampshire breakfast but it really is very very good. The black pudding is the best I've ever eaten and the bacon tastes of bacon .... Very good bacon. Service is good and you're not rushed.

Simple, well prepared food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Helpful staff and a good selection of healthy food make this a very good place for coffee and lunch. Located within the excellent deli where fresh fish has become a great strength.

We were looking for fresh fish and interesting cheeses. Found them both here with Salmon and a local tasty cheddar - the ingredients for a nice home cooked meal. Service was good and knowledgeable. Partly wheelchair friendly. Recommended as a Deli.

We loved the look of this deli from the outside & when we saw the freshness & quality of the fish, we decided to buy some salmon & take it home to cook. We also bought a tasty local cheese, which was just as flavoursome as it looked. Highly recommended.

Having been disappointed by another place in Stockbridge with dreadful service, we popped in here for a hot chocolate and snack. It was a delightful experience, the waitress was cheerful and polite, the service was quick, the tables clean and well spaced out and the atmosphere was friendly and "classy". Thank you all x

My partner took me here for a birthday brunch. It was very noisy from the coffee machine, we were unsure weather to sit down or wait to be seated, no clear instructions. Although it was a lovely day it was cold and full of flies. We tried to order the brunch from the specials board only to be told we couldn't for another 1/2hr but then after our coffee we were told we could. By then, we were so fed up with the flies, noise and cold we left. Would not ever come back.

I have enjoyed several visits here and also to their other venue in the village but recently have felt the standards have dropped. The portions seem to be getting smaller and the prices are those of a fine dining restaurant rather than a cafe/deli.

This is now a regular stopping off point for us when passing through Stockbridge. It is a well run little cafe serving good food with an attached deli which comes across as reasonably classy and, as you might expect, slightly pricey. However, they all seem to know their stuff and are proud of what is on offer.

So Hoomum, Hoodad and I were on a Friday waggy walkywalk around Stockbridge. We'd done the water meadows (for me) and now we were on the art trail (for the hoomans). Now I quite like modern art, especially the local stuff, but I'm not always allowed in (probably typical potential buyers don't have four paws and fuzzywuzzy bodies), and once I'd ogled the ducks on the stream outside the gallery and eaten some of their food - haha! - I was ready for a little rest, so we stopped at Thyme and Tide for lunch in the pretty garden.

Stumbled across this on a little Saturday drive and had the most amazing veggie breakfast here. The coffee is great too. Given 4 out of 5, as it's disappointing you can't book a table. With family elders that have mobility issues, I wouldn't be able to guarantee that we would get a table hence family outings not suitable.

Having purchased fresh trout here before, were again looking for another. They only had a Sea Trout. We did however buy some trout pate which was very nice.

We had an amazing lunch, delicious food from a good menu, an excellent glass of wine, and very reasonable. Great to have the deli to pick up a few bits from afterwards too. We will come back

Had the breakfast and a coffee. The coffee was good quality, i had issues with the meal. My single sausage was cut in half longways and made it dry, i personally do not like my sausages done that way. I had poached egg, fir me this is the purest form of an egg. However, the two i had were wierd, they were advertised as runny. The yolk was more of of a paste than runny and some of the white was not cooked. While i did enjoy the meal, the sausage and egg particularly affected my view. My conclusion was that the poached are pre cooked or sous vided. Either way not pleasant for my tastes.

Stopped by with husband for late breakfast. Great service in their delightful courtyard area well shaded from the sun. Perfect hot cappuccinos served with tasty pain au raisin. Will be back for more.

As usual crowded as most good foodies are!

Great coffee, fab fresh food. I enjoy breakfast/brunch/lunch here regularly .