Vanstone Restaurant in North Hertfordshire

Earlier today I dropped my dog at the Groomer in Vanstone Parks Garden Centre, my car to the car wash guys then went into the cafe after a look around the garden centre. It was just after noon. I ordered an omelette with salad and crisps with a pot of tea. Paid for my order and sat outside with my plant pot which had my order number on. The waitress came out with a pot of tea, going well so far! When the waitress brought my order it was an omelette on a rather large plate! I asked where the salad was and was advised this it the breakfast menu, you don’t get anything with it then walked away. I thought I’d read the menu incorrectly until the lady who also sat outside was served an omelette with enough salad you could say it had its own garden! What a pity the service wasn’t a patch on it as when the previous owners/ managers ran the Orchard Cafe. The Groomer did a lovely job on my dog and the car valets made my car sparkle. Just been let down by the cafe’ won’t be going there again

I went with my family for afternoon tea on Mother’s Day and it was absolutely delightful; exceeding all expectations. Hugely generous tiers of scones, cakes and sandwiches which had been catered for all our varying dietary needs. Everything was delicious and clearly freshly homemade. The service was wonderful and we all intend to return and repeat the experience.

We went for Mother’s Day afternoon tea, it was exceptional. They provided an amazing selection for everyone, vegan and vegetarian included. The tea was loose leaf and the cakes were homemade. It was not only delicious but was served with a smile and impeccable service. We were then given a glass of Prosecco on the house. We have been for a lot of different afternoon tea's that have cost triple this price I cannot recommend enough. I hope they continue to offer afternoon tea on a regular basis, will definitely be back.

An off the cuff visit due to business in Codicote. In my opinion the menu was over priced for the food received. My gripe is that we sat outside, coffees were bought out and I asked for sugar and was told it was inside and I was clearly expected to go and get it myself. £38 for a jacket potato, 2 sandwiches and 3 hot drinks I would've thought the waitress could've got the sugar for us!! The lad who bought the food out was lovely though. I wouldn't return

Great for the little and big kids! Go for a ride on the train and meet Santa who gives out presents. At ticket hut get a free mince or apple pie when you buy your tickets. All for just £5 each under 1 goes free. Everyone I spoke to really enjoyed it and some said they had been coming back for years! Opens Saturday and Sunday 10am to 15.30pm and Xmas week Wednesday Thursday Friday same times Saturday 10 to 12.30 Well worth a visit 👍😘

Arrived here at 3.55pm. Sign says open to 4.30 pm. Walked in to be told "We are closed" When I said your sign says 4.30 just got a sorry. Now first I am making the assumption the staff here can read and write. If this is the case then surely it was not beyond the wit of one of them to grab a piece of paper and a pen, write closing at whatever time they closed and stick it on the board. My main moan is my passenger has a bad leg. I drove up and checked they were still open, you can see the sign from the car, before getting her out and up the steps. This could have been avoided if the staff just had a bit of foresight. It's not rocket science! Poor all round. We would not go back.

We were a group of 32 and the tea was excellent. All very fresh, selection of sandwiches, delicious scones and cakes with endless refills of tea. Even accommodated a last minute guest who was gluten free. Excellent service. Would thoroughly recommend!

Lovely afternoon tea for a group of 32. Garden centre setting with fresh sandwiches, scones and cakes. Endless refills for tea. Very good vale with exceservice

We had a wonderful afternoon tea for two today. We had a very friendly welcome and our tea, which we had prebooked, arrived very quickly on a three tiered plate. The table was set out with lovely Willow pattern china and proper cups and saucers. The matching tea pot was enough for at least 4 cups and the coffee also arrived in a China coffee pot. A really nice touch. The food was delicious and we couldn’t finish it all but were provided with a cardboard box to take the rest home for later. Would certainly recommend.

Booked afternoon tea for two. For the price did not know what to expect really. However: We were welcomed by Nikki who was our host for our time there, she immediately confirmed the food allergy and brought us our huge pot of tea. The table was already laid and ready with lovely old fashioned tea service. Then came the food, we had already said we may have something else at the end, but wow, when the food came you just knew you would not need anything for at least 24 hours. The food was excellent, beautiful fresh sandwiches, huge scones and clotted cream with a choice of jam all topped with beautiful little cakes. All on beautiful but oddly mismatched crockery which was very quaint and somehow made everything even more memorable. Nikki was very attentive and ensured anything you needed you got. I would HIGHLY recommend and well done everyone.

I booked a afternoon tea. It was amazing . Lovely fresh sandwiches and homemade cakes and scones. Cakes and sandwiches were served on a two tiered cake stand. Tea was drunk from China cups. A very tasty afternoon tea.

Full breakfast and eggs benedict perfectly prepared. An extensive menu with choices for everyone. Really helpful staff and very clean and comfortable environment.

A friend gave us a voucher for tea at The Orchard. Delicious sandwiches, beautifully made and fresh, chocolate brownies, lemon tart, cupcake, scones with jam and clotted cream. All served on vintage china. it was good too to talk to Becca who works there. Very good tea too!

Came for lunch as often come with the dog which is lovely to be able to bring him. What has happened to the food - gammon egg & chips GF - the gammon was dreadful, very poor quality, warm dry tasteless slices & the chips were slightly overcooked. So disappointing plus I was told you kept GF scones in the freezer as prefer them to cake so disappointed & won't bother eating there again. Very disappointed.

My friend and I had such a lovely Afternoon Tea here recently, beautifully presented sandwiches, cakes and scones, every single thing was really tasty. Emily our waitress was super attentive and spotted immediately that we needed a tea top up! Will definitely visit again for a little treat.

Delightful afternoon tea in the grounds of the cafe. Me and my friend thouroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Will defo tell everyone who knows me lol and thats alot of people 🤣

A brilliant afternoon tea. Delightful finger sandwiches . Gorgeous fruit scone with clotted cream and jam and bite size chocolate brownie and lemon tart. A good selection of teas to accompany . They are more than happy to deal with food allergies when you book.

Today we had afternoon tea which was amazing! Lovely selection of sandwiches and cakes, such good value for money and unlimited pots of tea included! Will definitely be returning again! Thank you!

I love coming here for a tea and scone but something must have happened, they were not big and tasty as usual, a very strange taste. Will have to find another option, such a shame

I don't know who the new chef is but they certainly cannot cook. I suppose it may have helped if the badly cooked food was at least tried to be presented well but no!! Was a loyal customer but will not be visiting again!!!

Thank goodness for The Orchard at Vanstone during Covid. I was able to meet with my girl friends on a few separate occasions (when allowed). There was always a wide selection of food and drinks. Covid Safety was of paramount importance and the staff were their usual friendly selves. The salads, jacket potatoes and paninis served all of our appetites. Well done to The Orchard at Vanstone Park.For those doubters out there, how about bearing in mind the extraordinary situations all food establishments are having to cope with and maybe a little more tolerance and support would help.

Me and two friends went to the Orchard on Saturday 17th for the first time since last year due to Covid. They have organised the venue very well, it felt safe and clean! The food as always was excellent - I had a breakfast bap which filled me up till dinner! Both girls enjoyed their meals too. The staff were awesome as always and we will be going back very soon.I highly recommend the Orchard.

Food and coffee was good but the staff didn’t clean down tables between sittings. They had signs on each table saying on one side sanitised and the other saying awaiting to be. We saw the staff clear 4 tables and just turn the sign over no cleaning at all. Surely this should be standard in these times. Won’t be going again.

I needed a boost and to look after myself, so went to The Orchard for lunch after having seen on FB a picture of their fish and chips.Although the presentation looked different from the picture, it was scruptious and with a choice of mushy or garden peas. And the chips were properly cooked!I then could not resist their cakes and had a slice of their carrot cake. WOW!! Absolutely amazing. I'll try to go back b4 my move.

Vanstone park garden centre is a lovely place to visit, however the cafe lets them down. The portions are so small and really the food is of very average quality, the cake slices are so thin it smacks of all profit no quality. It would also help if staff could raise a smile I found it unfriendly and unwelcoming. Just because they have a captive audience doesn’t mean they can rip everyone off.

Stopped for a quick bite to eat when visiting the centre and it was lovely. I had a sandwich which was full of flavour. The staff were lovely and working hard to please. All very safe and covid compliant

Had afternoon tea at The Orchard at Vanstone Park, and would definitely book again. Fantastic service from the minute we arrived. Our table was reserved and laid out with the most beautiful china tea cups and saucers. The three-tier cake stands arrived packed full of beautiful sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and cakes. We could have as many tea refills as we wanted and the staff were so attentive. We could have sat there all day as we didn't feel we had to rush out.Lots of safety measures in place regarding Covid, including hand sanitiser on arrival, perspex screen at the serving area and the staff were wearing masks and gloves. A very pleasant experience for the five of us. Thank you.

Good choice of food, ham / egg / chips was excellent. Very impressed with covid19 precautions. Protective screens at ordering station, table distancing was good / signs on table about sanitation / trace & track forms / tables cleaned after use. Throw away plates ( cardboard ) it would be even better if they could use / source disposable cutlery. Very impressed

Superb afternoon tea only booked the evening before. Very well organised with social distancing. The sandwiches were delicious so light and elegant great selections also made some especially vegetarian friendly for me. The range of cakes was perfect, and perfect sizes not forgetting the amazing scones jam and clotted cream. Had to take those home as we defeated! I would totally recommend The Orchard the staff were friendly and the food was beautifully presented in vintage crockery with a huge pot of tea. Such a treat for my mum as her first outing since lockdown. If your still shielding worth ordering a take away version. Fantastic value for money. Thank you we will definitely be back.

A smaller garden center then most in Herfordshire but welcoming, booked an afternoon tea for 2 the restaurant The Orchard, best to sit outside if the weather is good. Food was delicious, nicely presented by helpful staff,Finger sandwiches very tasty. Scone huge. Worth a trip and will visit again.

We have been twice since people are allowed to visit cafe's at Garden Centres. We have been today and mid July. I have to say that the staff were not at all welcoming wheras all staff everywhere else at Vanstones are super working under difficult circumstances. Each day we visited a Sunday afternoon and a Saturday afternoon August 1st no smile from sfaff they do not seem at all happy. if they want their former loyal customers back why cant they stamp our Loyalty cards, told not doing at the moment. Most worrying though is that the first visit we didnt see anyone wipe down a table just vacated from outside area and when we spoke to a member of staff she said that there were only two staff on. Not good they should have cordoned off the outside area then if they could not work to the rules. We saw three separate people at one table and no cleaning between. Today only one table was sprayed after the tray removed then this member of staff didnt return to do any further cleaning as tables became vacant. Goodness knows how many people use the tables outside under the trees. No not good and we will not be returning until lockdown has finished completely. If my hairdresser has to wipe down seats between clients then Vansones Cafe should be doing the same to tables and chairs, especially as they are serving food.

There has been a change to the menu since we last went, but not to the good. Had ham egg and chips - expensive for the portion size and the poor quality of the food. The ham was 3 small slices of ham? And a rock hard fried egg.

I visited the Orchard with my boyfriend a couple of Sundays ago. They've recently changed their menu, which has some amazing options on and looks a lot better than the blackboard they used to have. They have a massive range of food, and also offer a sunday roast which a couple of people had whilst we were eating and they looked amazing!Onto our experience though! My boyfriend had 'The Orchard Breakfast', which I think they serve all day. He doesnt like mushroom or tomato and we asked if he could swap these for something else, the waitress was very happy to do this so he got an extra hash brown and toast. They also offer a vegetarian breakfast, which is what I had. They swap out the sausage and bacon for a Quorn sausage, its lovely to have that option. It also looked like they cater for gluten free people too, as they had some lovely looking cakes which were marked as gluten free.The staff were lovely, I've worked in the industry before and know what it can be like. No one wants to be working on a sunday, however the staff had a smile on their faces and couldn't do enough for you and were happy to chat to us and our regulars.We will definitely be visiting again, a massive thanks for the team at the Orchard :)

Excellent family run business! Would always recommend to anyone that is local. Great fresh meals and a well-thought out menu ☺

Visited The Orchard for breakfast with my family and it was delicious! Service was amazing and all the staff were really happy to help. The food was cooked and served beautifully and nothing was too much trouble. Would definitely recommend.

A great place to meet for coffee/lunch. Great food, yummy coffee, friendly staff, and a small play area perfect for toddlers. I love meeting friends with small children here. After lunch you can also have a walk around the garden centre, stroll around the duck pond and go to the outdoor climbing frame. Such a lovely little place.A realhidden gem!

Always pop in and have a cup of tea and slice of cake when I visit this garden centre.clean tidy and nice atmosphere

Ordered veggie curry jacket and got the smallest portion of curry! Also was cold! Kids meals ridiculously small too

Very overpriced! The portions were so small, the food was cold and the service was poor. When mentioned that we wasn't satisfied nothing was done to redeem the situation. As we were so hungry after the tiny meal we ordered a scone only to be told that they didn't have any cream. Then handed a tea that she slopped everywhere and said nothing about it.

Lovely friendly staff Food and service excellent , the cake was excellent too. Great jug of Pimm’s O Will be returning

I’m a member of the Bannatyne’s gym & spa, and often drop into the orchard for a catch up. Yesterday me and friend visited for brunch, just excellent

We went for a coffee and cake on a miserable sunday afternoon. The cafe, at 2.30pm wasn't quite as busy as I had expected to be, which I was happy about.

Went to the Orchard on Saturday 28th September with my family. It was very busy but was served promptly. We had some toasties that were lovely. The perfect amount of filling and lovely and hot. Chatting to the staff I heard there was only one chef, how she managed to keep up with the orders and at such a high quality of food I don't know. Will definately be coming back

We visited for lunch today with my parents. Having been warned against the omelette, which they had had on a previous occasion and described as rubbery, 2 of us chose breakfasts, one chose a BLT hot sandwich and one chose a fish finger hot sandwich. We waited 45 minutes for our food to arrive. The breakfasts were fine but the sandwiches and fries they came with were lukewarm. Had we not waited such a long time we would have returned them but we did not want another long wait. Next time we need a stop for lunch in this area we will probably check out alternative options. I think if food is going to take a long time to arrive customers should be warned. Disappointing.

We come here a lot, usually for coffee and cake or a sandwich and it's always been pleasant. We had breakfast for the first time. I had scrambled egg on toast. The egg wasn't cooked fresh, it had obviously sat there for a while and was so dry it was chewy and had formed a crust. We won't bother with breakfast from now on, will still visit for a cuppa and cake!

Was dubious after reading the reviews on here, but glad I took the gamble!

Have visited this garden centre quite frequently and always been reasonably pleased with selection and quality of food available in the Orchard Cafe. Today was a sad reflection on the whole of the garden centre which looked tired and understocked on plants. Anyway that aside I plumped for the prawn Marie rose and salad sandwich which I had had on a previous occasion with no cause for complaint. Not a good move, the bread was wafer thin, so much so that it couldn’t contain the very wet prawn and Marie Rose sauce let alone the salad which leaked onto the plate causing the crisps to go soft. Oh and to cap it all the sandwich was served up on a warm plate (evidently straight out of the dishwasher) so the bread sat on the plate had dried out a bit !!! On the upside there were only a couple of the usually prolific and manic geese in attendance.

Went with my wife and sister in law for lunch. We had to wait ages for our order while others who ordered after us were served first. I ordered a toastie of mushroom Brie and spinach on brown. A ciabatta was served to me which I returned for my original choice. I was very disappointed with what was served up. A very plain sandwich with a few crisps. It was really overpriced. I definitely will not be returning!!

Went into the orchard cafe today and had jacket potato with cheese,this was served with some limp salad and greasy coleslaw. The potato was so dry with no butter and tasted as though it had been reheated a few times,my friend had the same and neither of us could eat the meal...This cafe food used to be really good.. Now it is not good as I saw another lady taking her jacket potato back...A place to be avoided !!

I have spoken to the manager previously and I suggested he try to get himself up the disabled ramp? Well they push their deliveries up it he said.iexplained it is impossible for anyone to wheel on their own he said to ask staff ,well there weren't any and I was sitting in the rain.

This is our local Garden Centre used the last ten years. As we walked in the place looked so much more inviting, GONE were those awful heavy chairs that were so heavy people scraped them along getting in and out, and gone the cane type seats with filthy cushions replaced by the kind of chairs you see in some up market garden centre cafes. Alas our pleasant surprise was short lived when the assistant told us that the chairs were only there until the horrid heavy noisy chairs were away being re-varnished! The new owners running the cafe have made improvements to food and the assistants are cheerful and helpful. A few more things needed to make the large room more inviting the awful wall murals for instance are very tired. We had lovely cup of tea and shared a delicious large chocolate muffin. Also it was so good to see people still coming in at 3.45, whereas the place was almost empty some weekend days.

Nice, but small, play area for little children (play kitchen, books, trainset and a playpen for real littlies). Decent coffee and snack options e.g. toast and jam, soup, cakes and biscuits.

A coffee recently on a Monday afternoon before Christmas. Lukewarm Americano heated on request in the microwave. Would not rush back.

pleasantly surprised when visited the Orchard at lunchtime. A nice relaxed ambiance, well frequented and with very helpful and friendly staff. lovely food and large portions

Little play area for the children and lots of high chairs. Big choice of hot and cold sandwiches served with lovely crisps. Cafe is very clean. Children’s lunchbox choice is ok could be healthier choices. All good value for your money, pleasant cafe.

We stopped by for a bite to eat and were not disappointed! A large selection of meal choices, freshly prepared. I was pleasantly surprised by the vast amount of gluten free options available for breakfast, lunch and cakes too! The children’s meals were good value and a free drink for the grown up. Inside is a children’s play area which kept my little ones entertained as well as a walk around the grounds where you can feed the geese. Outside is a seated area where you can take in the views of the beautiful grounds and watch the resident wildlife. The shop hosts an array of gifts and garden items. You can easily loose yourself here for a few hours enjoying good food, a friendly atmosphere and lots to look at. They are even dog friendly so all the family can enjoy this scenic venue. We will definitely be back!

One of the best places we have been to for a good cooked breakfast! We quite often go here and the food is always amazing!

Ok we went on a bank holiday, but having driven 2 hours from Derbyshire, hot & hungry we wanted somewhere cheap, chearful & seeing the garden centre had a camping show on, we thought we would combine it with eating.

Wanted a light snacks in the area and found this cafe, friendly staff even though it was busy had sandwiches, soup jacket potatoes and scones between us all very nicely presented and tasty.

I'd read on the website about the Orchard taking over this cafe and was eager to see what improvements had been made. I was disappointed - the train table had disappeared to be replaced with a smaller area with broken plastic toys. The food was in small portions and nothing out of the ordinary - same old garden centre offerings. I was hopeful that the children's menu would have improved and although there was more to choose from there were still poor quality drinks on offer - nothing low sugar. The sausages didn't look cooked properly to me and the chips were not good - mostly burnt and unappetising for a small person.

The Orchard at Vanstone park opened on 2nd October 2017 and is run by the same people that run” The Orchard Fairfield Park” and is a great improvement over the previous café in Vanstone Park.

We usually go to the garden cafe down the road at Wyedale but thought we would have a change. Our friends had fish and chips. Both looked like child portions and were not worth the money. My wife had scampi again small portion and i had meat pie veg and mash. The veg was a joke as only 4 small pieces of cauliflower were served and a piece of carrot about 4 inches long chopped into slices and a pot of gravy was served. The owners must realise that this is a garden centre and not an up market resturant.In future we will be going back down the road to eat where they give value and good portions.

Very pleased to discover that Vanstone's has handed over their cafe to The Orchard.

Called in thinking of an all day breakfast but in fact had a lunch of sausage and mash, with onion gravy, with coffee and a slice of chocolate cake. Freshly cooked and tasty and reasonably priced; pleasant and friendly service but overhead fans perhaps a little noisy.

Went for lunch with my daughter and little granddaughter after a browse of the festive decor in the garden centre

(We went before in winter so end of 2016 begin of 2017 and was quite dirty and disorganised. )Today was clean, organised, tasty food and tidy child area and clean toilets. I would give 5* but I personally felt a little expensive hence the 4*. The service was friendly, organised and efficient. The meals were hot and tasty. The child's area was much improved. When the lady behind the counter was free she was wiping down all the tables although they were spotless. I always wipe the child highchairs/boosters and table before sitting my son down and they were spotless. They have both booster seats and high chairs for children. The toilets were clean and tidy. Will visit again

I love stopping for lunch at the Orchard whilst I'm at the garden centre, the staff are incredibly friendly and attentive and the food is outstanding. Would highly recommend to anyone who fancies a relaxed day out, especially since the prices are so reasonable! Can't wait to come back next week!

Usually this place is very busy, but it was almost totally empty when we were there. We found out that...

A welcome freshly cooked full English breakfast while waiting for my car to be washed. At this family run garden centre

The café is attached to a garden centre area which sells most of the products needed for gardening, the plant area is in another building about 150 yards away. The café sells coffee tea soft drinks an d some excellent cakes and light lunches and sandwiches. They operate a loyalty card system for regulars who buy hot drinks.The food is always good as is the service.

Lots of the tables were dirty or very stained, tea was ridiculously priced. Had a slice of uncovered cake from the fridge unit. I got home an hour later and was very sick, I'm guessing from the cake! Will never go back again, it used to be lovely a couple of years ago but now all the staff are different and it's gone downhill.

Home made scotch eggs bought 2 ond was raw. Argued the point as they had probed it.......in the egg...sausage meat raw. Very expensive & risky

Poor service, food over priced cakes stale, tables and chairs hard and dirty. cutlery was also dirty and cup was cracked and old. I will not be going back and would not recommend visiting. Also a family was complaining at the till when we arrived, obviously not happy.

Went there with my husband for a quick bite to eat, the options for food are all expensive, I chose a mushroom and chicken pie and my husband, a baked potato with beans and cheese. The lady who took our order was yelling our number instead bothering to look at the wooden numbered spoon they had given us. We were sitting in the restaurant and we weren't hard to find! When the food arrived, I found a dead singed fly on my pie. It is disgusting that this level of food is presented. I would not recommend this place to eat, it's dirty and expensive. Not coming back.

Went there for a look around and went for a cup of tea, the choice of tea is good and there was a variety of cakes, but unfortunately only biscuits for me as I am coeliac so need to be gluten free, not much choice for me them, they advised strawberries and cream but had run out, I enjoyed the tea though, also it was clean

Haven't visited this place for years so decided to take my mother and elderly aunt for a browse around the garden centre and a treat out for lunch. We entered the bright, airy cafeteria at 1.15pm. There were 4 sandwiches left - cheese & onion or cheese & pesto! The hot food was sausage rolls or jacket potatoes unless you wanted a cooked breakfast. It wasn't busy and a sign stated they would stop serving food at 2.30pm. There was nothing tempting and the food is very expensive, never have I been charged £6.50 for a jacket potato!! I would not visit again, there was nothing special to offer and the staff were not friendly or very welcoming.The whole area outside appears scruffy and unkempt. There seems to be an air of apathy all over the entire place. Will give it a wide birth next time!

My family and I visited over the weekend, Saturday 4th June, we wanted to buy some plants for the garden from the plant area outside and decided to go for something to eat in the restaurant beforehand, as myself and the children enjoy having tea and cakes in a lovely atmosphere..not on this occasion!The restaurant was not busy at the time we visited, so we were very surprised to be told, quite rudely, that the hot cross buns we had chosen from the cake display were not able to be toasted because they had stopped all food? This is confusing for customers as the last time we were here you were serving food until 3 o'clock..like your signs say! Don't put the buns out if your staff are too lazy to put them in a toaster..You need to teach your staff to be more consistent in their routine and not be so rude!These are not the same people who gave us a relaxing experience on our previous visits, no friendly faces behind the counter..I can now understand why it's so quiet.

Vanstone's restaurant is a great place to come for tea and cake, with a fantastic range of cakes and hot/cold drinks. They also do a great selection of hot foods, the soup in particular was given in a greatly generous portion. All the food is beautifully presented and never fails to please both me and my boyfriend!

I visit this garden centre and buy food in the cafe every week. We also come in the school holidays to eat, ride on the train and buy things. I've usually found the members of staff to be really friendly. Unfortunately today I was in a hurry and my kids wanted a few empty boxes to do art and craft with. They also wanted to spend their pocket money in the toy section but we didn't have time so I said we'd come back tomorrow to do that.Anyway, I was choosing a couple of cardboard boxes they give away free and the woman at the till started making comments about me not buying any thing and how they were running out (even though there were at least 30 boxes there). Anyway, this lady has single handedly put me off coming back ever again. I mentioned to this lady that I shop at Vanstone's every week but that didn't put her off making comments. There are plenty of other garden centres around where I can eat and take my kids to ride on the train and shop in. We certainly won't be coming back tomorrow that's for sure, we'll go to Codicote Garden Centre down the road to eat and shop for toys. It's amazing how one bad penny can cost your business money.

If you want a late lunch or early afternoon tea, don't go to Van stones restaurant. My friend and myself visited there recently and decided to have a late lunch as we were getting hungry. We looked at the menu boards and discussed what we would order in ear shot of the woman serving, but she was too busy cleaning to notice us initially! When she eventually asked us what we wanted, she wasn't exactly friendly and welcoming. We gave our order only to be told there was no sausage for the sausage baps. We then asked about bacon baps only to be told there was no hot food left! It was only 2.50pm and they didn't close until 4.30pm!!! There were still a selection of cakes left so we ordered a cake with a latte coffee. While we were sitting eating, a member of staff sprayed chemicals at the tables around us to clean them! Didn't appreciate this as we were eating food! A few minutes later another member of staff came round and done exactly the same thing again!!! We were constantly being sprayed with chemicals while we were eating food!! These tables were being cleaned by everyone even although nobody had used them in between being cleaned! By 3pm they started stacking the chairs on the tables thus making it appear as if they were closing! Not very inviting for other customers coming in looking for afternoon tea! If the staff paid as much attention to customer care, serving food and appearing to stay open until nearer their closing time, as they do to their cleaning skills, it would be a far better place to visit! I won't be visiting there again in a hurry!

The Vanstone Park garden centre is situated in a lovely parkland setting with lakes, ducks (and loads of geese), children play area, a model railway ride (£1.40 children, £1.60 adults) and all together an excellent independent garden centre. The garden centre is split into two halves; it is the first halve that contains the restaurant.We visited the restaurant at 3pm and found just a single slice of cheesecake available. The rest of the cakes, and the hot food, was all sold out – the only other items to eat were pre-packaged biscuits and packets of crisps. My white coffee arrived with no milk (not obvious at the time due to the crema on the coffee) – the coffee was OK and so was the tea.The restaurant area is nice and bright with a small children’s play area. If the restaurant has been nicer I think that Vanstone Park garden centre could become a regular trip. However, until the restaurant improves, we may not visit so often (unless there are specific gardening items we are after).

Food was nice and hot and reasonable priced you have to order your own food at the checkout staff were very helpful and friendly and very busy there is a children's play area .there is plenty of seating and also a garden centre as you walk out

A favourite place to visit for a family gathering, food as usual very good and a good price. Good selection and good service.

Always a great breakfast here, especially after my 50th Birthday Party the night before. Plus as it was my birthday my breakfast was free, so thank you Vanstone. Quick, hot and not greasy.

it doesn't really cater for vegetarians here its all about the breakfast or lunch so morning coffee and cake is not really an option

Very poor selection of food and the food on display looked like it had been there quite a while. We where put off before we even sat down.

Have been here a number of times, but after today's visit will not be visiting as often. Queued for about twenty minutes before being served - only one person serving. When eventually it was our turn I ordered a jacket potatoe with prawns, sorry run out of prawns, okay will have cheese and coleslaw, no coleslaw. Ended up with cheese and ham toastie, as selection of sandwiches was poor. The staff should blank out things which are no longer available.

visited Vanstones resturant with a friend asked for 2 lattes and 2 breakfast baps, was asked if we would like our drinks large so we said yes but we were given standard and when given our baps i was disgusted the sausages were raw there was no colour inside or out the sausages were also mushy when i took back to the girl serving she was very un helpful and said they are supposed to be like that other people have complained too but thats how they are, my friend asked for the manager who was rude and dismissive would never visit this resturant again. So if you like your sausages still oinking vanstones is the place for you.

Early this year I organised an early morning walk for my ramblers group and usually we like to have a nice hearty breakfast after the early morning wake and walk. This year I choose to walk around Codicote and to end up our walk at the Vanstone restaurant. They welcome walkers and cyclists and have very large portions and great variety to choose from. We all had a more than abundant share of food and left truly stuffed and glad to had burned some calories beforehand.Looking forward to my Xmas dinner later this month!

Spotted the kids menu on one of an array of chalkboards propped up on a shelf behind the servers area. Relieved that a quick snack for my little one would only cost £2.25 for a cheese and ham toastie, we also ordered two cups of coffee which all came to just shy of £8. I was abruptly informed but the surly teenage Saturday girl with a rather questionable blue plaster that they don't accept debit cards for under £8Annoyed, but wanting to just get an easy and stress free lunch stop under way with tiresome little one, we ordered a cookie to boost the cost so that we could pay by card and save our cash for the exorbitant train ride afterwards (more of that in a sec)Despite the fact that there were about 8 members of staff stood chatting to each other behind the serving area, a number of the tables were left with dirty cups and plates. More to the the point, the high chairs were a health and safety hazard. Bits of food dried onto them, quite honestly disgusting. At nearly £10 for a kids toastie, two coffees and a cookie there are some tidy profits being made by someone here (low wages ~ high food prices.....tidy profits for Mr Vantstone)Not part of the restaurant but a part of the Vanstone 'experience' worth mentioning, the miniature train ride costs £1.60 per adult and £1.40 per child. That's nearly a fiver for 5 minutes ride past all the rubbish at the back of the garden centre, where you will inevitably disembark thinking - was that it? What a complete and utter rip-off!!

We have been here a number of times. Based on earlier visits I would have rated the cafe 3*. Whilst the overall service is excellent the food always seems overpriced - gastro prices but not gastro quality. Saying that the quality has always been acceptable althought he chips tend to be too thin and rather greasy.However when we visited last week the staff would not serve us coffee despite it being a quarter-of-an-hour before closing. When I mentioned this they said "we close at that time". We would have been happy with take away cups but this optiion was not offered. It will be a long time before we bother again. We brought the bulbs we were after elsewhere at the weekend.

When I arrived I was greeted very kindly and politely. I told them what I wanted and it came quickly and was very delicious. Everyone was very kind and the atomosphere was great and all staff very friendly! Would love to visit again next time I am in the area!

Have been here many times over the years. Came with elderly diabetic mother and 2 year old daughter. Ordered the shepherds pie. The meat was still pink and pale. Too many peas and swamped in gravy, We did not like the food and made a complaint to the Manager. She explained that meat was best quality and tested temperature with probe. Told her that we would have to get something else to eat. Ended up going back home! Price at £8.95 each. Way overpriced and not surprised cafe was almost empty. Very disappointing visit.

What could be a pleasant coffee shop is let down by the poor quality of food. I am afraid I echo other reviews listed. I took my parents for a snack lunch. Staff were pleasant but the cafe was poorly organised and the food of poor quality. The scones in particular were small and stale. It was the first time I have been for a number of years, since moving away from the immediate area and will not return again.

Have been here before with family, but had decided to come by myself as I was passing by. I settled for their 'Minted Shepherds Pie', although not a fan of mint, I must admit this is one of the better shepherds pies I've had! The atmosphere has improved dramatically, from being grotty to now being friendly, inviting and a nice place, since a new manager took over. I was greeted by two members of staffed who were happy to serve me, which makes a huge difference compared to going into some places and being served by miserable staff. The staff there are well dressed, smart and much happier than they were at one point. The childrens area is a very nice addition, making it easier for families to visit. Visited the rest of the Garden Center afterwards and found that the staff there were equally as friendly and helpful. Will most definitely be coming back with the family and the friends to have afternoon tea there at one point! I would very much so recommend the café!

Quite a large group of us called in to this reccomneded cafe/restaurant. There appeared to plenty of staff, the process of ordering / paying for your food and collecting was a shambles and did not make best use of the latter and could be very much streamlined and efficient to help staff/customers all round.However the food for all our large group was very good, hot, and enjoyed.From what we observed of the cakes and pastries on offer looked excellent and very attractive.

Have been to this restaurant many times before, surroundings have improved, but the quality of food has deteriorated. Food kept warm for many hours when it used to the freshly prepared, staff appear miserable and reluctant to help.Come on Vanstone we want to enjoy your restaurant, fantastic garden centre in wonderful parkland you have a fantastic package, sort the restaurant out.

I haven't visited Vanstone in years. But i remebred the cafe was rather good, so thought we'd make an afternoon of it and have lunch out. Well I wish we stuck with the usual sarnies at home. We looked at the hot food that was available, and it just didn't look that appetising, so we went for toasted sandwiches. Bacon and Brie, we each had a cake, and then tea for one and a MEDIUM Latte. Well I would say the bacon in the sandwiches was just cooked, and very salty. The brie was tasteless. I just couldnt eat it. The cakes were OK. The latte looked like a small rather than a medium. I did notice other people having jacket potatos, which again, although obviousley I could only see them, they looked just about cooked. They had chilled desserts like tarts etc. but these were pre sliced on plates and then covered in cling film, so I wouldnt have thought these were fresh. Tehy had a lemon meringue pie sitting with the ambient cakes, I would have thought this would need to be in the fridge. Overall I felt it was very poor quality, and as such was well overpriced. £20 for what we had, I dont mind paying that if I'm going to get good quality, but this just wasn't.

For the first time in a year I took my mum out for afternoon tea, as she's had a rough year with chemo and other stuff. Initially we went to Ware and had a lovely tea and cake, and as she was having such a nice time before we took her home I checked the internet to see what time Vanstones closed. It said 4.30pm. We got there at 3.45pm. She was delighted. Let's have a coffee, my treat she says. A member of the cafe staff was wiping tables so I asked if they were still open as it said 4.30pm on the sign outside. Yes they were open. Great, a latte, a tea and two black coffees please. The young girl started to serve us, then said something to an older lady, who said you can't have latte because we are cleaning the Machine. Oh, but you are open until 4.30, it's now 3.50pm and you are cleaning the machine? Yes. Ok, so can we have Americanos? No we are cleaning the machine. There is filter coffee.I appreciate it's Sunday, and the staff would like to go home, but they get paid to work a Sunday AND the coffee shop is supposed to be open until 4.30pm NOT 3.50pm! Mr Vanstones please sort your staff out. I didn't have a drink because the machine was being cleaned, the filter coffee was not good, therefore we will not be visiting again. We will go somewhere where the staff are more accommodating. Such a shame for my mum, although she said she'd had a nice afternoon!! Bless her.