Tuckton Tea Gardens Bournemouth in Bournemouth

I have been here a couple of times over the past few weeks. The first time I had lunch which was lovely. I then had a coffee and cake on my second visit but the coffee was probably the worst I had experienced in a while. Today will be my last visit to the tea gardens for food. The service is always good but today the food was not satisfactory. I ordered a prawn sandwich in marie rose sauce, which was what I ordered the previous time. There was no sauce so to speak and what there was made the bread too soggy pick up or eat. I was in a rush so just ate the prawns and salad and mentioned it to the waitress who was lovely. She came back and said that her manager said it was because the sauce was watery. Who says that to a customer? The manager did not come out to apologise but left it to her young waitress to deal with. Shocking customer service. Why would you serve something knowing full well it would make the bread soggy. Poor inferior products are being used as I have never experienced this before. The tea gardens are in a lovely setting but I would only visit for ice cream.

Nice staff, nice location, but unfortunately awful coffee. Need to serve proper batista coffee if you want to charge batista prices. Didn't try the food so I can't comment on that.

I had an allergy against tomatoes so requested to change the tomato for a sausage which the waitress said was okay, when the breakfast arrived the 2 sausages were there as requested, we then paid, left and looked at our receipt and saw we were charged an extra £2.50 for the 1 sausage we swapped for the tomato. We weren’t told we’d be charged and were told the request was fine.

Lovely food attentive and friendly staff

I normally like this place. It is a lovely location and always busy. I went for breakfast, which was luke warm. Unfortunately, we had our plates cleared whilst I still had toast hanging out my mouth. I didn't find it value for money as the price has gone up, and the portion is smaller.

Great place, nice ice cream and boats for hire

It is what it is. I feel overpriced for the quality of service and friendliness

We had not been here for years and thought we stop over for a coffee and cake. Well, it has greatly modernised but also declined in quality. The carrot cake I had was dry and ready made which I could've bought at a supermarket for half the price of £3.80. We won't be back in a hurry. Go elsewhere if you want quality food and a good coffee. The view onto the water near Christchurch is lovely and that's what you pay for.

Stopped off here for some lunch whilst we were out on a Mother’s Day walk and wish we hadn’t bothered. The first two meals we tried to order they didn’t have, so we settled on two fish finger sandwiches and a ham and cheese ciabatta. The ciabatta came out a little while later and the girl serving said the rest of the order was coming, although it never showed up. Over 30 mins passed and we had to ask 3 times where the rest of our order was only to then be told ‘oh we don’t have any fish fingers.’ Staff seemed to have no idea what was going on and the place is poorly organised. You would think a business might have anticipated being busy on a sunny Mother’s Day and ensured they had ordered enough food in. Would not recommend or go back here.

Friendly staff but would not recommend for drinks. We stopped in after a walk for an iced coffee and I was given a Jimmys can. This was fine but for £3 it would’ve been nice to have at least a glass as we were eating in. My partner chose a hot chocolate which was clearly made from a cheap sachet and hot water for £3 ?! Complete rip off. Best option if you are in the area is going to Tuckton High Street, the first cafe on the left next to Tesco express is lovely and much better quality of drinks and food there.

Very quaint. I love their ginger ice cream! The best.

I have been here a few times whilst out with my dog. Normally I will have the sponge cake however this time I decided to have the fishfinger sandwich, I was happily munching away when my friend said to me stop eating an look at your bread, well to my horror it was mouldy completely turned my stomach. If I could give 0 stars that's what would have been pls check your bread before serving 🤢

We were there numerous times before and today we were served by lovely girl in take away hutch. She was really polite, friendly and helpful. We definitely will be back. Wife loves their cakes 🎂. And they are Dog friendly 🐶too

The afternoon tea was pitifully small for the price and definitely not as per the pictures they have posted on their Facebook page. There was no cake, just some very tiny petit fours that I believe were defrosted. If it had been cheaper I wouldn’t be complaining, but it’s important people know it’s not value for money.

Had afternoon tea for £25 pp and was not worth the money. Barely any sandwiches, not much filling and didn’t taste fresh. One cold scone and around 4/5 TINY from the freezer desserts. The scenery and company was the best part but should have gone with a lunch instead - or else where!

Booked a table for 6 for breakfast, and the pancakes with fruit were very good. However, we were informed that they didn't have any brown bread, and the bacon sandwiches came made with cheap, white sliced bread. The Cappucino was watery and weak. It was disappointing as we had booked and use this Cafe fairly regularly.

Mal servicio. La señal en la puerta decía que esperara a sentarse, pero claramente nadie estaba tan interesado. Sin embargo, otros lugareños / habituales parecían vagar y sentarse. Cuando decidimos sentarnos en una mesa no había menús disponibles y todavía no había señales de que el personal nos diera la bienvenida. Esta no ha sido nuestra primera mala experiencia aquí y sospecho que no volveremos con prisa.

Lovely spot for a meal or coffee and a lovely walk along christchurch harbour

Better when it was shabby, a little pricey for so-so fayre. Lovely seating outside across from the river

A nice place to have lunch with friends. A number of things were not available, but what we did have was quite tasty.

Highly recommended! Great service, lovely sandwiches, and a wide selection of cakes - delicious.

Very good nice food and ice creams

Live local, nice quiet place to have a coffee and sit, no golf or ferry rides anymore sadly

Brilliant food, great service and friendly atmosphere

Visited on a trip out from Bournemouth. Appeared to be a family run concern with staff having knowledge of a number of the patrons. Although it was getting close to closing time we were treated to a lovely cream tea with a decent sized pot of tea. Weather on the day was not condusive to being outside, however there was plenty of outside eating space with views of the river. I would expect plenty of activity on the river in the warmer months.

Just had a latte but very pleasant, staff were brilliant and view was amazing

An excellent breakfast, good service and lovely location, what more can I ask for!

Lovely little place right next to the river. Super friendly staff too. Seating inside and out under a canopy. Clearly a decent place as it was busy with walkers, dog walkers, cyclists coming and going while we were there.

Is a nice place,with a nice view. We had just a lovely coffee, but for sure, I will be back for a meal also. I really appreciate the staff helped and been very friendly and helpful with our residents with difficulties,well done guys!

Sadly our third visit and the most of the staff don’t know what’s on the ingredients and we were told that you not a loud to swap items from the menu, only add items so then you’ll be charged extra. £79 for for four adults and two children for breakfast is far too expensive to pay for the service and cold food!!

Asistí al evento de la noche benéfica Light Up the Sky para Macmillan. Pedí un perrito caliente con cebolla. Me dieron un frijol sin cebolla y un bollo. Me cobraron 6 libras. 50 . Hacía frío y era horrible. Estoy tan triste como la comida era horrible. Nunca más iré allí por comida.

Delicious cakes. Attentive and friendly service.

Este restaurante está al lado del río, una ubicación maravillosa. Tiene asientos interiores y exteriores. Tenía jamón, huevo y patatas fritas, que era muy agradable. Buen café. Fue muy agradable.

Odio dejar comentarios negativos, como refleja mi cuenta. Me había emocionado experimentar este lugar, con su encantador entorno junto al río y promesa de té crema. Sin embargo, a nuestra llegada, nos informaron que la cocina cerró a las 14: 00 y que ni siquiera había bocadillos disponibles. Nos entregaron un menú de comida con opciones de bebidas en la parte posterior, y después de tomar asiento, esperamos el servicio. Lamentablemente, un funcionario estaba ocupado limpiando sillas (en el restaurante vacío) mientras que el otro desapareció afuera. El ambiente era incómodo, casi obligándonos a susurrar el uno al otro, tan incómodo! Después de esperar sin ninguna interacción (de nuevo .. considerando que éramos los únicos clientes) , decidimos tranquilamente salir y dirigirnos al pub cercano a la orilla del río en su lugar. Con 13 años de experiencia en hostelería, creo que el reconocimiento básico de los clientes es mínimo. Para mi sorpresa, el miembro del personal ni siquiera reconoció que nos fuimos, pero se apresuró a limpiar nuestra mesa de los menús. Me fui sintiéndome decepcionada, inoportuna y como una carga. Es una pena, dada la ubicación impresionante. Do better. .

I hate leaving negative reviews, as my account reflects. I had been excited to experience this place, with its lovely riverside setting and promise of cream tea. However, upon our arrival, we were informed that the kitchen closed at 14:00 and that even sandwiches weren't available. We were handed a food menu with drink options on the back, and after taking our seats, we waited for service. Unfortunately, one staff member was busy cleaning chairs (in the empty restaurant) while the other vanished outside. The atmosphere was uncomfortable, almost forcing us to whisper to each other, so awkward! After waiting without any interaction (again.. considering we were the only customers), we quietly decided to leave and head to the nearby riverside pub instead. With 13 years of experience in hospitality, I believe that basic acknowledgment of customers is bare minimum. To my surprise, the staff member didn’t even acknowledge us leaving but was quick to clear our table of the menus. I left feeling disappointed, unwelcome, and like a burden. It’s such a shame, given the stunning location. Do better..

This place is in a very attractive location.

It was okay but serving cold coffee was not good and they forgot my drink.

Mal servicio, pre-reservado un té crema, sobre precio, promedio, camarera obviamente no sabe cómo servir, tuvo que pedir cucharas de té, tuvo que conseguir nuestras propias servilletas, luego después de pagar, uno de los empleados al salir, la camarera vino corriendo y nos acusó de no pagar, obtener un poco de capacitación para su personal por favor! ¡No volveré a ir allí!

Lovely food as always. We both had bacon and brie sandwiches, lovely fresh granary bread. Service very friendly, no wait for food. Excellent

Lovely lunch, have ordered skewers veggies with halumi cheese and salad

Sat in the garden and purchased ice creams. Lovely day and very refreshing.

Scones very hard, no toilets no hand wash, apart from that very nice on hot day.

I always enjoy sitting on the beach drinking my herbal tea while admiring the views.. I have not tried their food but just their hot beverage. It is really a lovely place. The staff are friendly.

Down to earth. Great location, however, it can be very busy at times. Shame there is now a TV screen for the Olympics - if I had wanted TV I could have stayed at home.

Very friendly staff, well kept pretty gardens, good choice of food and snacks. Well worth taking the vintage ferry to Mudeford Spit. We really enjoyed the 90th anniversary of the Headland Boats and had a delicious breakfast. We love both the people and dog watching as well as the beautiful views across the River Stour.

Food was good, had sandwiches with a nice salad. Fish finger sandwich particularly good. Coffee was unfortunately very weak and not nice so we left it.

Nice location by the water. Friendly staff and quick service

Lovely experience on the bank of the Stour

Lovely tearoom situated in a fantastic spot right by the river, food delicious

Not the first time we have been to Tuckton tea Gardens. But definitely the most disappointing. Order taken at the table coffee arrived okay. But we the had to wait some time for the food that did not arrive. Had been given to somebody else apparently. No apology . An offer of another coffee would have been nice to have with our 15 minute late arrival of food. Not your usual standard. Hope better next time.

Waited 20 mins after being seated with a menu.......still nobody came to us.. it wasn't busy......so we left....🙄

1st time back since before lockdown. Has been revamped since then. Food seemed good quality but strange taste, terrible coffee. Put it back to how it used to be.

My daughter decided to buy breakfast from them on father's day. She went and ask for full English breakfast. What I have got is not even close to full breakfast. No bacon. No black pudding. See picture. And they changed her £13.50 for it. Disgusting. How can those people do that.

You can't beat sitting outside on a nice day in a beautiful well established garden

Should probably learn to use the mute function on the phone or at least cover the microphone. Told that booking afternoon tea this Sunday, Father’s Day would be a faff for them What a joke

Shared a wonderful afternoon tea here with friends.......served in beautiful china with delicious sandwiches,cakes and scones! Excellent service and a happy relaxed atmosphere.Thank you very much indeed!😊

Breakfast . Pancakes where delicious.

Love this place, very friendly staff and great food

Super friendly staff!!! Really good quality tasty food. All wrapped up in a bow with a fantastic view and atmosphere!

The food was ok, but the 3 BURNT SAUSAGES was CHARCOAL BLACK! Asked for a new one but if came back the same! The kitchen is ruled by the burning sausage queen, nothing can be changed! The breakfast was overpriced for the food and quality, the staff was nice though.

Good food. Great location. Exemplary service- staff were lovely, especially Liz.

A lovely place to unwind, refresh and catch up. Lovely, reasonably priced food and friendly staff.

A little over priced but the setting by the river is lovely. Staff all friendly but sometimes a bit slow to attend tables for orders.

The best hot, Hot Chocolate I have had so far. Do try with the works

Always looks after my lovely Carol....

Lovely service, I ll be coming back again

Lovely views over River with great service and food

The staff here are lovely, and very helpful. Will make sure you have everything exactly to your liking and always a smile on their face. Stunning views of the river and outside seating in the summer

Lovely home made soup. Super spot looking across to the river

Fantastic service alongside Christchurch Harbour...efficient and friendly staff. Highly recommend.. especially the fish finger sandwiches 😁

Great food and staff, best location 😍

Really tasty gluten free and dairy free beef and horseradish sandwich, the bread was so soft! The staff were kind and helpful too 😊

Had a fantastic eggs Royal breakfast

Very pretty garden. Good quality, tasty food, excellent service. A very pleasant experience.

nice hot chocolate and good view

Nice & relaxed, plenty of outdoor seating with a lovely view

Nice food, very nice atmosphere and welcoming staff who enjoy a bit of banter. Definitely worth visiting. Oh and milkshake was great (a non-little-one writes).

Absolutely amazing! Food was outstanding and reasonably priced. Staff were rushed off their feet when we got there but once our order was placed the services was very quick. Look forward to returning very soon!

Beautiful friendly and relaxing place recommended it to all,dog friendly and after our coffee's we went on a self drive boat which was a fantastic experience and so much fun .love this place 😁

It opens about 9am for breakfast, serves food all day until about 4-5 ( Check their times on website). You can eat inside or out in the lovely gardens, some tables covered by marquees for those who want to keep out of the sun, and look over the river. They sell ice-creams from a kiosk. You can walk for as long as you like as this is a massive park that goes all the way to Mudeford Spit through greenery, no cars, bird-hide, AOONB and Historical park, about 3 miles if you take the short-cut. Or you can take a ferry there instead or hire a small motorboat for an hour ( 30 mins also available) but 4knot speed limit so you can only do about 5 miles for an hour depending on tide - coming on or going out ot slack. Car park down on Wick Lane, cheap for 6 months of the year and free for the rest! There are free spaces on the left down Wick Lane but it's hit or miss. Tesco/Co-op, coffee-shops, brewery bar, all take-aways and Tapas bar in Tuckton village too. And if you want a restaurant and pub then The Riverside pub is next to the bridge. Alternatively, the Athelstan Pub which does food also but less pricey is about 900 metres along Tuckton High St and turn right once you get onto the tree-lined avenue and just up there.

I really enjoy the location and the sandwiches we ordered were great. However the cappuccino and lattes we ordered were TOO hot. I'm sure you'll know how to correct this but just wanted to make you aware.

Nice toasted ham and cheese sandwich and a coffee sat in the garden lovely settling. Good service.

Lovely food surroundings staff very friendly

Lovely gardens for summertime afternoon tea. Great cakes 🎂 🥮

Lovely gluten free carrot cake and a dorset apple cake.

Great place even do gluten free.

I ordered a cream tea for one .... Scone, cream, jam and a pot of tea for one well..... I got my scone etc but no tea. I waited, my scone jam and cream went warm and soggy. I then had to ask staff where my 'pot' of tea was to be looked at like I was dumb. Then to be brought a take away cup of boiling water (can't even call it tea) without them bringing sugars etc with a 'oh sorry ' I had to then go get my sugar leaving my dogs tied up a second time because jobs weren't being done efficiently Ruined completey wasn't enjoyable. Go for the scenery only.

Really fantastic excellent staff & food outstanding. We did a boat trip linked to this place. Very much like the National Trust places we visit. Nice middle class people who have pleasant well behave children

Pleasant position, open all the year round. We had ice creams on a warm day in February. Food ok but not special. It can smell of rancid fat sometimes. 2023 visit. The indoor seating area has been upgraded and it's much pleasanter now. Well behaved dogs are allowed inside. There is a small terrace area, and a marquee on the grass.

Great to see another dog friendly place.

First time visit today whilst on holiday with my partner. Absolutely amazing place. We sat for a couple of hours by the river just watching the endless water craft going by. The weather was warm and sunny plenty of people doing same as us. Had lunch at Tuckton tea gardens cafe and it was superb. Lovely friendly staff that couldn't do enough for us. Recommend that this is a corner of heaven that should be experienced if you want good food, in a clean safe environment and by a beautiful river bristling with all types of water craft ranging from paddle boards to million pound yachts and cruisers.

Make sure you get on the right ferry back here we were told the wrong one and it cost us

Nice place for breakfast. Avocado and eggs were lovely. Good service from friendly staff. Thnx.

Lovely location plus nice inside and outside areas. Staff are friendly, but most are young and inexperienced. Unfortunately the food and drink were disappointing. We ordered a coffee, tea, breakfast bap with extra mushroom and a vegan breakfast. Coffee had to go back as it was wrong, the tea was only just warm. The breakfast bap came without the extra mushrooms and the vegan breakfast was without the toast. Worst of all the vegan breakfast had bits of bacon in the mushrooms. Obviously the kitchen do not cook vegan food separately from meat!! Overall I wanted to like it, but I was somewhat disappointed.

Called in for a drink after hiring a boat with grandaughter, but decided to try the food as well. Very pleased with all our meals, would definitely return again.

First and last time ever going there. Apparently parked in a 'wrong' place, was told to leave to move my car, no other parking spaces. Woman was very rude. Ordered cream tea for my partner and myself. I was of course unable to have any of it, but still charged full price even though we was told to leave. Would not recommend. Staff are very rude. Didn't offer takeaway or anything like that. Just told me to leave and pay full price for something I barely got to even smell, let alone taste!!! Pregnant disabled woman with blue badge, absolutely appalling.

Again, the service and atmosphere are spot on. Food is delicious! A special mention for the coffee - yummy.

Excellent place to have a pit stop

Only called in for an ice cream. We come down to the river many times for a picnic but walked up to the cafe which we hadn’t visited for a while. The girl behind serving, forgot to give us our change and we had to embarrassingly ask her for it. Also what has happened to the gardens. They used to be lovely but now very scruffy. Hardly any benches or chairs (although chairs were chained up to a tree so guess it may have been because of the gales of late). Admittedly haven’t been inside the cafe since it’s refurb. Just sad to see the outside area not looking it’s best.

Disappointed that the only non dairy coffee option is an americano (I’m breastfeeding my baby who has a dairy allergy). Staff didn’t seem overly friendly or welcoming. It is a beautiful location but the atmosphere spoiled it for me. We actually went to the riverside pub for a coffee on the way back rather than stopping again here.