Waterside Cafe in Tunbridge Wells

A lovely lunch today … tasty shepherds pie my partner had the lamb shank, which was beautifully cooked. I would highly recommend a visit to Waterside cafe, great food at a reasonable price, welcoming staff and all in a great setting overlooking beautiful lake! Will be back again!

We visited the Waterside Cafe for a most enjoyable breakfast. The breakfast is fantastic value compared to other local establishments. The ingredients are fresh and cooked to perfection. Whilst being fairly busy, the service was very friendly and the food arrived hot and quickly. In all the service was friendly and expedient. Also try the lunchtime specials, they are the chef's speciality, who takes great pride in preparation. Ingrediants are fresh and sourced locally, excellent value and very enjoyable. A fabulous location to enjoy good food and relax. Get down to the Waterside Cafe, highly recommended.

Lovely venue, if the weather is nice sitting outside feels like a dream! Delicious coffee, and wonderful food - the fish finger butty is a must try! If there's a chance to chat with the staff they are also a delight. THE place to go for lunch in Hawkhurst. 👍

I went to this cafe today for lunch and took friends we had fish and chips it was superb . The best I’ve had in a long time in beautiful surroundings and friendly staff . Thank you we will be back

Got arrived to take the kids fishing and decided to give the cafe a go. Fish was burnt and tasted watery, the pea's must have been sitting for hours, chips were good. My wife's ham, egg and chips, the ham was taken out of a tesco packet and was cold and slimy. My son's brisket burger was cold in the middle. Not sure what happened here, but it was not just one dish, we all tasted the food and left straight away.

A very scenic location with friendly and helpful staff. I popped in for a catch up with friends and a bite to eat and enjoyed all that the cafe had to offer. The staff were all extremely welcoming and we will definitely be visiting again. I would recommend to anyone looking for reasonably priced and extremely good quality food.

We bring my elderly father here every year for his birthday and have always found it excellent......until this year. Luckliy we had reserved a table which was in a lovely position outside, but we then spent 20 minutes in a queue just to order out food, then to be informed it would be a 45 minute wait. It eventually turned up an hour later, with people who had arrived and ordered after us being served their food ahead of us! We wouldn't have minded if it had been worth the wait but the food was very poor and barely warm. We considered complaining but really couldn't face standing in a queue again for another 20 minutes just to get to the counter, which also put us off having another drink. Think next year we will find somewhere else to go as sadly this cafe seems to have gone downhill.

The staff were as ever excellent. Would recommend this place and good value for money. The setting is excellent espec ially on a sunny afternoon on the terrace

This cafe is situated in such a beautiful location and the food is very nice. What lets it down is the moody staff who are unfriendly and unapproachable. I've been twice now and experienced this each time. Just because you have a beautiful location and lovely food doesn't give you the right to be off with customers!

This was the first time I'd eaten at this café. My hubby eats here regularly. As he is very particular about his food, I trusted his recommendation to eat here. There wasn't anything I fancied on the menu, but I did see omelettes were included. I asked if I might have a two egg cheese omelette and two hash browns. No problem apparently. Oh my goodness! This is the first omelette I've eaten that goes beyond being a mere omelette. It was incredibly light and fluffy. Think soufflé in texture rather than flat omelette. How the chef managed to make it this light I don't know. It was heavenly. Nor was this the only delight. The hash brawns were gorgeous too. Crispy and brown with fluffy insides. Perfection in potato form. I can see why my hubby loves this place. The interior is lovely, the staff welcoming and the views stunning. I'd always thought, why would I want to sit in the middle of nowhere eating food. I can now see this isn't nowhere, its somewhere beautiful with great food.

The cafe is in a lovely setting with great views over the fishing ponds. Staff are very friendly and helpful and the food is good - well worth dropping in if you are in the neighbourhood - we will certainly return!

Called in for a coffee right on the lunch time rush. This made no difference and the friendly staff were more than happy to supply us with just our coffee. The coffee was tasty and the seating had good views across the fishing pools. Free parking and clean toilets.

We're regular visitors as it is one of the only relatively local cafes who always offer cream with their coffee, which is also very good and not at all bitter. I'm low carb and again, they're always happy to replace something on the menu with salad. This time I tried the egg and bacon benedict, with a salad instead of the muffin and it was delicious.

Brilliant service as always and the big breakfast excellent quality. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Service efficient.

Unfortunately the drinks we were served were tepid not hot and the scones were stale though we were told they were baked that morning

I took my son and father hear today as a late father's day gift for my dad,I had booked a table,we were told 40 minute wait for the food,fine,when the meals did arrive,my sons fish finger butty was fine,my dad said afterwards the fish was only just cooked,my eggs benedict wasn't cooked properly so had to be re done from scratch,the waitress apologised about it,but I wasn't offered any sort of refund for the inconvenience..properly wouldn't go back, The 1st we went everything went fine,maybe a off day

Lovely cafe inside and out ,beautiful setting ,fabulous cakes and beverages ,cooked food looks fantastic just a gamble weather you would make it through the night with a chef who seriously needs a food hygiene lesson , chucked our food in the bin after watching the chef make chicken skewers and wipe his hands down his front and then handle wet fish and do the same without a wash of hands before making our rolls .just not going to return and that's a shame as it looked so nice .

Today was my 1st visit here friends treated myself and my son for lunch,the service was great and the food was excellent,my son throughly enjoyed the Coronation Pie..and my cesar salad was very tasty..thank you. Will be revisiting

The stafff is very very very very rude and not welcoming at all. I love the place but shame due to rude stafff don’t feel like visiting this place and may not visit it again.

Very friendly staff and a great breakfast menu and cakes! Had a lovely view and the food was excellent. Would recommend to anyone for a peaceful breakfast

Car club meet for breakfast. Around 0900 and I could not believe how many staff were on hand and the number of early patrons. I anticipated a lengthy delivery but it minutes, well impressed. Served by nice staff as well and I thought good value . A delightful setting outside , pity i dont fish. We have been before which tells a tale , so thanks and we will be back again

Absolutely loved our Afternoon tea. It was beautifully presented and a lovely selection of sandwiches and sweet treats. The scones were homemade and excellent.

Lovely setting. Menu is fine and food well presented. Unfortunately the coffee was lukewarm at best and a little lacking in flavour. Would be nice to be able to purchase a biscuit or shortbread to finish with as opposed to the usual cakes

Love coming out here for breakfast, so relaxing with great views and free parking Breakfast is gorgeous, we had in our party the full english, sausage baps and scrambled eggs- all were delicious and not greasy. Reasonable price, great service and decent coffee

This place is a lovely venue in a lovely setting, but be warned if you're a veggie or vegan. I ordered the veggie breakfast, without the egg as eat a vegan diet, and a server came to advise that the veggie sausages had been cooked in the fish fryer so weren't suitable. I received my breakfast of baked beans, mushroom and a tomato. I asked why there were no hash browns, as advertised, to be told they also were cooked in the fish fryer. The poor servers had to make the apology to me. I asked for a partial refund as the breakfast was not as advertised and told the manager would have to decide. I expected the manager to come and see me but, after a long wait, an embarassed server once again was left to apologise and give me some cash in my hand. The poor servers were so embarassed and put into a difficult position that I believe the manager should have taken responsibility for, hence the 2 stars.

We were in the area and visited as reviews were good. The setting is stunning, the food was wonderful and clearly cooked fresh from scratch. The menu was varied and interesting. We both opted for the fish finger butty and weren’t disappointed. The cakes were also delicious. We found the staff to be friendly and attentive. We’ll certainly make a point of returning if we’re nearby again.

Been a couple of times since my last review. I'm glad to report that they still offer cream with their coffee and always happy to go off the menu slightly to accommodate my low carb options. I choose a pannini filling served up with extra salad. Always served with a smile and sitting by the lakes in the sun is just beautiful.

We stopped for breakfast here on the way down to Rye, and it was a great find! A great selection of breakfast options, lovely views across the fishing lakes and friendly service

Had afternoon tea very reasonably priced. Even with our fussy request it was no trouble for them. Believe me we were fussy. Other items on the menu were vast. The fish and chips looked especially appetising, maybe next time. Very clean facilities staff were exceptional....

All year round this would boast fantastic views. Food and coffee perfectly acceptable and service friendly and fast. Bangers and mash were a firm favourite.

Fantastic coffee and lovely cake! Popped in for afternoon tea and I ordered an oat flat white. It was excellent! The lemon olive oil cake was also divine. Beautiful view and lovely staff.

Had Fish and chips here - was quite simply delicious, lovely setting, good service. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the fish farm or anyone just in the area!

Having previously stopped by on a Sunday morning ride out for good coffee and excellent bacon sandwiches my wife and I thought we would call in for lunch on the 23rd anniversary of meeting each other. We treated ourselves to an afternoon tea expecting it...

A case of being a victim of its own success. They have a wonderful location and the staff are friendly. The website advertises breakfast at 12 but doesn't tell you that last orders are 11:45. I got there at 11:44 and the following day 11:35....

In the late afternoon, we called in for a cup of coffee. It was obvious that it was near to closing time (as they were clearing everything away) but they were still happy to make us some drinks. The coffee was very good and it...

Great value for a waterside lunch with sandwiches, 6 small cakes, crisps, scone and tea. Staff very friendly

It was a raining Saturday morning, but still we sat outside under the shed.. breakfast was not that great, but the view and surroundings are fantastic and relaxing

Really good views over the fish farm, so relaxing watching the water birds and listening to the sounds of nature,we rang the restaurant to check that we could book the same table as we usually have because two of our guests are disabled and can’t...

Although I have left a positive review already for this place, I’m leaving another one, as this time, I booked it for a client’s barbecue and drinks. Rather than add my comments, here are a selection of my clients: “The food was delicious and the...

My husband and I dropped in for a bite to eat, and as I'm low carb, finding suitable things in cafes, is often difficult. I'm pleased to say that they were very accommodating, providing double pouring cream for my Americano and happily making me a...

My partner and I BOOKED a table at this café recently. We did this to ensure we were able to have an allocated seat and could therefore relax. As we arrived, we noticed a queue going out of the front door and into the car...

We absolutely love going here, their afternoon tea is amazing and great for what you get! Sitting outside is so lovely on a nice day, especially with the lake filled with fish. The afternoon tea comes filled with so many yummy things, however served with...

Stopped by for breakfast last weekend, we enjoyed our morning so much! I had the avocado breakfast and it was amazing, perfect set up for the day. The views of the lake are gorgeous and the staff were so friendly and approachable, I highly recommend...

Has potential! This cafe is in a fantastic location with plentiful parking and beautiful ambience. The service is friendly and the food /drinks tasty. The mains are ok value, the cake good value. I would like to see a much greater & more interesting selection...

Stopped by on our motorbikes today for some lunch and was greeted at the entrance with a lovely member of staff. She took us to our table, it was all very covid safe with a one way system. I had a burger and chips and...

I had breakfast there today and was very impressed with everything this wonderful place had to offer. It cannot be easy for the staff there to work with current covid restrictions but this restaurant has done well in my opinion. From the one-way system on...

Although reservation for breakfast was made on the day before our name was not to be found. There were however empty tables and we were eventually seated. Breakfast was OK just poor quality coffee which let it down. Service was friendly but paying seemed tricky...

The Christmas Hamper was like having my own foodie Christmas pressie. Beautifully presented with lots of yummy homemade food and local produce. The mince pies were delicious- not too sweet so perfect for me. The cheeses and salmon were fabulous too. Still working my way...

A little gem in a lovely location, run by lovely people serving lovely food and always with a smile. I have missed being able to pop in during CV19 lockdowns but was so glad to see them offer an equisite Christmas Hamper. They put so...

We live in St Leonards next to Hastings and we have some excellent places to have fish and chips, the Waterside cafe competes with the best of them, I can recommend all their food but especially the fish and chips.

We’ve always stopped off at the Waterside whenever we go to visit my aunt and uncle near Hastings, and we’ve never been disappointed yet. Breakfasts are always great, and the location is incomparable with any other café I’ve been to. (All you need to do...

4 of us met here for Mums 90th Birthday, I can recommend the afternoon tea, there was plenty to eat, and all was delicious, service was a little slow BUT as the staff are not used to doing table service I think they can be...

Was always our favourite breakfast place. Went back for the first time since lockdown and was really disappointed. Service was really slow and the amount of food you get is no longer worth the premium price. Won't be going back sadly.

I had breakfast here with my wife today as it had been quite good in the past but definitely not today. Very slow disorganised service, luke warm breakfast. Sadly I won’t ever go back.

The food was cold, tasted horrible and was the worst breakfast I ever had, the coffee was also cold and watery and was over priced at £28. Will not be recommending to friends.

We had visited Hawhurst Farm for the Kent Tackle shop and found beautiful grounds made up of several lakes ideal for the angler or families interested in introducing their children to fishing. Within the grounds is the waterside cafe, under new management from just before...

This is my second time eating out since lockdown and both times here. I feel safe and the food and settings are great. The prices are good and you get to look over the lake while you eat your delicious food I had breakfast this...

AMAZING!!!!The quality absolutely meets the price, the food is tantalisingly delicious and the setting is beautiful the staff were brilliant and on hand with any questions we had.I will be coming back and recomending to all my friends and family.Thank you for a truly fantastic lunch.

Visited with my family on Sunday over the bank holiday weekend. It was very busy, but we had a friendly greeting and were given a lakeside table with lovely views.Lunch was great and can recommend the chicken souvlaki and the huge beer battered fish with great chips. We’ll definitely be back soon!

We always visit this wonderful cafe at the fish farm. it is set in beautiful surroundings and although not cheap has always delivered on not only quality but quantity. Not now though :( we visited recently and found the portion sizes to be less than half of what they used to be. A small breakfast costing £8.50 was the equivalent of a £3.50 breakfast elsewhere and their granola, where i used to struggle finishing it was served in a glass mug for £5.50! although ok it is now so overpriced that it is no longer on our places to stop. Shame, i wouldn't go here again now mainly for the principle in that it seems the new owners are trying to make money by cutting quality and quantity. (new owners took over in March 2020)

This was my first time here. The location was amazing (by the side of a lake) so the view was awesome. The service was good but I felt that the food was pricey for what you got! The breakfast was nice but I've had better and cheaper. The coffee was luke warm so wasn't that nice. I would go back again but wouldn't eat.

We visited the Waterside Cafe today for lunch & had a lovely time. The welcome was warm & the menu offered plenty of variety & gluten free options too. We sat outside overlooking the beautiful lake & found it to be peaceful & the food was absolutely delicious. We will definitely be going back soon.

I had beans on toast cost £7:25 for 1 slice of toast and beans don't know what sort of mark up but a complete joke !!!!!!! it's only just over £1 more and you could have a full English breakfast with 2 toast and a free tea or coffee need to get there prices sorted out

Having visited several times before we decided to pop in for afternoon tea. Over three tiers we had sandwiches made fresh to order, fresh salad with a tasty dressing and the crisps are a nice added touch. The large fresh scone with cream and jam followed by Raspberry and coconut slice. My only criticism is, there was only a couple of cake options and the display looked bare. It’s a lovely setting but lacks that tea room feel. Always plenty of parking and a friendly welcome from staff.

Dropped in with a few friends from the bike club. Superb big breakfast and coffee. Will definitely go again on our rotation around Kent.

Six friends met here for breakfast. I pre-booked a table and when we arrived it was rammed and our table waiting. The food is freshly cooked to order and piping hot. Good value for a big breakfast at £9.75 as it was a high standard and perfectly cooked. Nice place friendly and clean. Thank you ladies.

Parking is plentiful here. The staff are so helpful and efficient and genuinely seem to be pleased to see you. Nothing is too much trouble. The afternoon tea is excellent because you choose your own sandwich and your own cake. The portion sizes are large and you get a delicious side salad (not a sprig of limp lettuce) and crisps which is a nice touch. The price is fantastic. The river view and gift shop are wonderful . It has great potential for a proper, cosy tearoom as oppose to the current ‘canteen’ feel because the food and service standard is really a cut-above most places. I have thoroughly enjoyed both my visits and am so pleased my friend recommended this venue to me.

If you have a nice sunny morning having breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lakes and the fish frequently jumping there is no where better. We will be going again next spring, well recommended. The quality of the breakfasts are very too.

Stopped here on our walk from Bodiam. The cafe is set at the lakeside of the fish farm with good views across the lake. Staff were friendly, coffee good but the gluten free lemon cake was excellent. They also had gluten free macaroons. Breakfast looked excellent as well. Worth a visit if in the area between Wednesday to Sunday.

Stopped here on the way elsewhere. Fabulous setting, lovely staff and food is served quickly and cooked perfectly.Unfortunately for my diet, the banoffee was too nice and I had it for my pudding ...., at breakfast!I make awesome banoffee and this matched mine!The poached eggs were properly done and soft. Yum!

What a lovely find. We met with friends for coffee en route to an overnight stay in Sussex. The coffee and cake were both very good. Sitting outside in autumn sunshine was a bonus. Staff were friendly and helpful and we will definitely return.

Having visited before and passing at lunchtime, we decided to pop in and weren’t disappointed. The food on offer had a good mixture for all palettes, the specials board had the best offering, the breaded chicken with sweet corn purée, lime mayonnaise, salad and sweet potato fries. On commenting in the queue that it sounded good, only to have it verified from the kitchen. We weren’t disappointed at all. It was the best meal we’ve had out. Thank you

Very beautiful scenery but unfortunately was let down by the staff. The older women who served me was quite rude and unhelpful. This was my first time at this restaurant and i feel like I do not want to return as the service was terrible. I asked if it would be possible to have poached eggs instead of fried as I do not like fried egg and I asked if instead of tomato’s or beans could I possibly have e extra mushrooms instead ( I know I’m that awkward customer). The lady rudely answered me by saying no we are “Too” busy. And it already comes with mushrooms so I will just take off the beans and tomatoes. I was extremely shocked I had just been told they were too busy to swap a simple thing on my order but were quick enough to charge my bank card. The food was lovely just very unsatisfied and disappointed with how rude the staff were.

A beautiful place to relax, amid lakes intersected with bridges. Either to spend the day fishing, or just to enjoy the pretty, well kept surroundings with lunch in the cafe.

Came on the busy hot bank holiday and sat outside by the water, had the Scotch egg ploughman’s and a curry, both were very tasty and home cooked, followed by a cream tea and the cheesecake, which were also yummy, good service and friendly staff.

When you have had your walk round the fish farm, the Waterside Cafe is a good place for a drink or a meal. The staff are friendly and helpful. There's a good choice on the menu and some specials, and it's all freshly cooked. The cakes look delicious. On top of all this, in good weather, there some great tables overlooking the lake

The food here is OK the food my aunt had was good but mine was just OK. The building looks good. May give it another try.

Most enjoyable lunch at this scenic location. Great friendly service and lovely food. Nice sitting next to the water. At Hawksbury Fishing pond. Loved my Gammon and eggs with peas. Ice cream - Strawberry 🍓 with clotted cream was great. Recommended.

Well what can I say what a beautiful place to visit, the staff were really helpful and friendly, the food was just amazing and all freshly prepared and cooked. The desserts were home made and very tasty!! So much to see sitting outside by he lakes, the fish swimming g and the ducks, geese and swans either lazing around or swimming. A beautiful place, we will be back. Thank you xx

As we were served our meals it was obvious here were people who took pride in their work.

Stopped here for lunch and was not disappointed. A lovely setting, friendly staff and delicious food. The avocado and poached eggs were to die for!

Easy to find and park. What the cafe lacks in coziness and ambience it makes up for in friendly, efficient service , beautiful outside view, low prices and fantastic fayre! Can’t wait to revisit.

Found this just by chance through a recommendation. Took my mum who is very elderly and frail. Excellent disabled access with parking close by. Covered dining area as well as outside seating so great for poor weather. Overlooks the water so we could watch the birds - could see the swans nesting! Really calm and serene setting. Food was lovely too. Yummy cakes! Only negative thing is not much choice in small portions and my mum found the normal portion sizes a bit off putting. Also no table ordering, you have to go up to counter- but not a great problem. Really pleasant lunch out! Staff very friendly and helpful.

Met friends for lunch. We just wanted a sandwich really but I would say it is more of a full meal place now with a limited snack menu. I did have a sandwich which was good. It was very busy but we weren’t rushed off and the staff were very pleasant. It is nice looking out at the lake with all the ducks etc.

Found the cafe today and will definitely be going back. Had the Traditional Welsh Rarebit which was absolutely delicious, slightly on the expensive side but high quality ingredients and generous portion. It’s a lovely spot and am looking forward to visiting in the summer and sitting outside.

Work just down the road and this always looks such a fab place and some of the girls rave about the macaroons so decided to give it a go

Waterside cafe is in a lovely setting, we had booked for afternoon tea and asked for our reserved table to be outside. The food is lovely and fresh especially the scones. But I feel that something is a miss here. We gave our order to the waitress and were told that tea would be served straight away. 20 minutes later our sandwiches etc arrived but no sign of any tea!! After asking several times and our food nearly eaten the tea arrives but minus milk. I feel that the staff are not trained. We had to ask for plates, and tea cups with no saucers!!

A Friend and I having a long over due catch up yesterday popped in for a light lunch and it was Brilliant! We were made to feel welcome nothing was too much trouble all the staff were lovely we both had the Advacado and Poached eggs Delicious! We all know customer service is sometimes challenging but these Ladies have it Spot on!! Thank you Girls keep up the good work We will return!!x

Never been here before but will be back. What a lovely place to sit and eat. We were lucky to be able to sit outside and have our lunch.

Great food from a very comfortable waterside cafe that has proper home cooked food and amazing cakes just like nan used to make.....yummy

Booked a table of 8 for Xmas lunch/ Dinner, some had Delicious Pork Belly with crackling on black pudding mash, some had Lamb and all the trimmings whilst the rest had the maple roast Turkey dinner.

Excellant staff very friendly, food freshly cooked and always presented very nice. Alway enjoy breakfast here and come at least once a month if not more.

Loved the painted pumpkins in the restaurant, we had the pumpkin Soup which was delicious, full of flavour and very seasonal! Other autumn specials were available, we sat outside on the patio as the sun was shining!

Went today to the waterside cafe for a treat,

Enjoyed a lovely cooked breakfast with my family (6 in total) in a perfect setting outside. Plenty of choice to cater for the vegetarians amongst us.

It’s a lovely setting and food perfectly ok but the service is so slow

Good as always. Good service nicely cooked. Fair selection of standard set breakfasts and options to add or change.

The husband and I decided to go to Waterside Cafe as it was recommended to us and wow, we loved it. My husband is gluten free & they also catered for this. We felt that the breakfast was very well priced too & they had the best hash browns I've ever had. We will defiantly be coming back

Very popular lake side cafe food good standard.

Nice selection of food and drinks (order inside the cafe) and a lovely view of the fish farm grounds and it’s many birds. Friendly service.