Whitlingham Barn Cafe in South Norfolk

Myself and my two daughters came for lunch i can say enough about the staff out of this world ....brilliant customer service and the food was just brilliant....i was so impressed with everything i asked who served and she said her name was cecily ....i will definitely be coming back to this little gem.....

Went for coffee and a cake after a nice walk. We were served the flatest brownie I have ever seen in my life and when telling the waitress, she responded badly questioning whether we had ever seen a brownie. So so rude....😡

Left with empty bellies. Took a family trip to the cafe for brunch before a walk round the lake only to be told that the breakfasts had been stopped so the kitchen could make sandwiches for lunch. The cafe was pretty empty and it was 10:30am. Don’t advertise an all day breakfast if only over priced scones and pastries are on offer. The staff member who ‘serviced’ was unapologetic to say the least.

Surprised by the harsh reviews. I’m a regular and have always enjoyed visiting the cafe after a walk around this beautiful park which is so well maintained, mostly by volunteers. The cafe has had a contemporary revamp and as expected the menu changed, still lovely stuff there, plus there are quality brands on sale many of which are local suppliers so it may cost a bit more here and there but I don’t mind paying extra to support the local economy. Staff are always nice and polite, you can see they do their best, even when the queues are long on busy days and they’re under pressure. It’s in demand so expect waits if you join a queue, or don’t join it! Parking charges are nothing unusual (National Trust sets you back a fiver just entering a car park) and all the proceeds go to the upkeep of the park, I consider it a donation to a beautiful location. Enjoy it and appreciate those who contribute to keeping it going. PS. Read a recent review about the beans on toast, the cafe doesn’t do beans in toast so think you may have been somewhere else or dreamt it!!

Stopped off here after walking round the broad. Really good americano and excellent decaf flat white. We had 2 sausage rolls which were also excellent. Friendly staff.

We eat here regularly after a nice stroll. Will not be doing it again! To be charged £15 odd for 2 sausage rolls and 2 half filled paper cups of coffee, ridiculous. Since revamp has gone down hill and too expensive.

This used to be a nice little cafe but all seems to have changed. The building itself is beautiful but to be honest the service is a shambles. There is little choice apart from a lot of sweet cakes and pastries. The few poor looking baps on show were uninviting, The one vegetarian choice was two plain slices of processed cheese. The staff all seemed to look harassed and not a smile between them. We noticed people who had ordered soup and got it after a very long wait had to have it as takeaway as it was served steaming hot. There seems to be a lot of staff there but for some reason the business is not working as it should.

Very poor , you can see the staff are trying there best but this place could be a gold mine , we visited at approximately 2pm and wasn’t even busy but you could see staff were struggling to keep up

Popped in after a lovely walk around the lake for a quick bite. Asked if they did a tuna sandwich or panini and staff pointed to an A frame and said there on there. Had to get out of q to check it out, and yes it was listed. She didn’t call me back into the q, so I had to q again. When I pointed out that she could have just said yes to my question, rather than make me q again, I got shrugged shoulders. She then came back and waved a bottle in my face, and gruffly said here. Your table number. Shouldn’t be in the service industry if that’s how you deal with customers. Awful. Wouldn’t recommend.

Cafe worker was hoovering ice cream cart roof without removing the ice creams so dust was falling on them, which they were still serving. Absolutely appalled.

Today we went to The café at whitlingham! Been a few times before and always good ! Today what a complete shambles ! The staff were not working as a team , nobody new what they were doing it was an utter shambles .. the customer I front of me had to tell the staff who had ordered food and drinks and if they were inside or out ! It was ridiculous to say the least .. I waited and waited and waited watching the shambles unfolding minute by minute..I then got mine a piece of chocolate Swiss roll snd cream I have never eaten any thing sore dry and tasteless in my life I can only assume it was vegan !!!! The cappuccino was like hot milky water ! I assume the coffee must have missed the cup … I left the cake and coffee as did my friend who had what was supposed to be lemon cake ! On my return home I checked and I thought the girl said £5.50 for the coffee and cake !!! But no Iv been charged £9.50 and to top it there is no longer a contact number to speak to anyone.. my mums nursing home often visit this place with several residents I shall most definitely be letting them no just what a dreadful place it now is ! Like so many prices up poor quality and GREED

Nearly avoided because of so many bad reviews.....however very pleased with decision to visit. friendly staff. Amazingly delicate savoury scone. Managed to grab a table with view out to the water.

Best carrot cake in Norfolk! Very friendly staff as well. Perfect way to start or finish a walk around the lake. Clean and lots of high chairs available.

Stopped with the dogs after a 1 hour walk around the broad. The young lady that served me was very pleasant and made me feel welcome with my dogs!

Looking at the views outside and location,I thought the same would be inside. Not at all. It looks like a school canteen.Lots of staff. Didn't feel welcome at all. 4 adults and 2 children and tables of 4 is all that we could see. No one offered to help or direct or even ask if we needed high chairs. We arranged our tables ourselves.Had to ask if table service,the answer was a sturn no. You have to que. Menue just on wall stating what was available with no description. So I asked for a large breakfast. £7.50. My fault for not asking what's I comes with as that may have been to much trouble for them to explain.So breakfast turns up. Well 2 sausages 2 bacon a ramican of beans, toast plastered in butter. So was soaked.The staff member was holding the plates with her dirty aprin. Shocking.To me a large breakfast would be the above with tomatoes mushroom and hash brown for that money.No way will I be returning. Shame because this could be a nice place.

We camped this week at Whitlingham campsite. We asked for a veggie breakfast only to be told they didn’t do it. They had no veggie sausage or anything other they could offer us. We then asked for a poached egg with our beans on toast or scrambled, only to be told they did not do either only fried. Surely if you can do fried you could do the other two. Everything else was over priced. Bring your own food if you camp and avoid this place at all costs.

I always enjoy good service and a good coffee and cake. The cakes are really delicious and I always look forward to popping in the cafe if I'm taking a walk round the lake with the dog. Well done to the staff for continuing to work through the pandemic under what has been a very hard 18 months or so. p.s. I'd like to suggest a decent size canopy for those wet days so I and other dog walkers could sit and have a drink in the dry.

Not sure what these reviews saying, but we had a nice walk around the lake and went for a coffee with a home made cake! Staff are nice and clearly trying their best in a pandemic?

Cake/Coffee was ok, same as you would get at any average cafe. However it was rediculously overpriced! Come prepared with your own food and drink.

Dreadful place- avoid the cafe at all costs. Rude staff and stale cakes. Staff forget that the customers pay their wages, why are you so rude and obnoxious? Won’t be back

the americano was weak and over-priced: poor value. Remember to pack a flask if you are visiting the park, and save your money for a much better cup of coffee elsewhere.

Ordered a drink. Not the first time.the hot drinks are from a machine totally overpriced and underwhelming. Ordered a filter coffee it was cold and bland. Overpriced and quit disappointed. Best to take your own lunch and drink.

Me and my friend visited this café on the morning of 7th December for a takeaway order. When we had just put on our masks to go into their usual entrance, we were stopped by a man who works at the café. From the moment he saw us, he did not greet us in any way, let alone smile. The first thing he said was “this is outdoor”. He was very rude in his manner and was telling us off. We didn’t quite understand what he meant by it being outdoor, because it was obvious that we were outdoors. Before we could say anything, he kept repeating himself that “this is outdoor” and said “o-u-t d-o-o-r” in a very slow and patronising manner as though we were complete idiots. I finally got a word in to ask what he meant by “this is outdoor” and he said that this is not the entrance. I said “oh, so you mean to say that this is the exit?”. Suddenly, he turned extremely aggressive and had a pretty nasty look in his eye toward me. He repeated that it was the exit, mocking me as he did so. I’ve had a few negative experiences in various places but this man was on another level. From the moment he saw my friend and I, he was the most vile-behaved person. He was looking for an argument from the very beginning and the way in which he turned very aggressive toward me was quite concerning, especially as we are young women in our late 20s/30s. This is not the type of person that should be dealing with members of the public. I’m still in disbelief now as to what happened.

Visited on a loved sunny day during lock down two. Staff were extremely rude and obnoxious. Please and thank you doesn’t happen. Nor do you get service with a smile. Will not visit again.

Estaba disfrutando de una bebida / refrigerio después de un paseo por el parque, con mi esposo, mi hija y mis 3 nietos, el más joven tenía 2 años. Desafortunadamente, los cielos decidieron abrirse y se desató una tormenta eléctrica. Nos dirigimos al refugio en el café junto con otros clientes, incluida una anciana y un caballero. El personal fue extremadamente grosero y exigió que todos se pusieran las máscaras, lo cual todos estábamos tratando de hacer. La señora consiguió una silla para el anciano, ya que era obvio que no podría permanecer de pie mucho tiempo. El personal fue grosero y le dijeron que no podía sentarse porque no estaba permitido, finalmente lo dejaron, pero su actitud fue hosca, grosera y completamente inútil, considerando las circunstancias. había varios otros clientes refugiándose y era obvio que querían que nos fuéramos para poder cerrar. Tomaremos nuestra propia comida en el futuro.

Solo como decir en estas circunstancias actuales con el calor adicional, qué tan bien el personal de la cafetería trataba a los clientes sobrecalentados y groseros. Merece la pena una visita por las impresionantes vistas y los fabulosos paseos, que se completa con un delicioso bollo de queso casero.

Hoy, mientras estaba sentada bajo un árbol con mis hijas y mi pareja, esta encantadora señorita se acercó para agradecerle a mi pareja por ayudarla con las cajas y pedir perdón y explicar un problema que sucedió en el café mientras mi menor y yo. estaban allí tratando de tomar un café. Yo, siendo mi yo habitual, tenía muy claro lo mal que se manejó este problema (no por ella) y ella estaba tratando de explicar con qué tienen que lidiar de una manera muy educada. En lugar de escucharla, estaba más interesado en que ella me escuchara. ¡Por eso me disculpo! En las condiciones actuales, es difícil tratar con los clientes y ejecutar las cosas de forma segura y no lo pensé antes de subirme a mi caja de jabón. ¡No era mi intención empeorar un día ya duro! Si ustedes no estuvieran allí para que pudiéramos aprovechar las comodidades y tomar bebidas calientes, no podríamos venir y disfrutar de la belleza que es Whitlingham. ¡Gracias por ser amable y simpático! !

Bought two takeout coffees today, cartons half full for the cost of £5.90. What a rip off would certainly never go back, they will put off customers when things are back to normal Margaret H

We have just had the worst experience at The Barn Cafe at Whitlingham Country Park. The staff were rude and obnoxious and repeatedly messed up our order which somehow they managed to blame us for. The food was mediocre at best and over priced for what it was. Really, our main problem with the place is the absolutely appalling behaviour from the staff and the “Manager”. After reading some of the reviews on here it’s very clear that the staff are an ongoing problem. What a shame that such a gorgeous park is so let down by such a disappointing cafe. We say... enjoy your walk and take a picnic and avoid The Barn Cafe at all costs!

Nos encanta venir los lunes por la mañana para tomar una cerveza caliente después de completar nuestras sesiones de Nordic Walking en el parque. Independientemente del clima, siempre hay una cálida bienvenida, y después de golpear las colinas, ¡generalmente nos quedamos sin aliento por una taza! Nos gusta especialmente el sistema de tarjetas de fidelización. El staff es muy amigable. ¿Que es no gustar? No puedes mantenernos alejados. . . .

Lovely local produce. Beautiful and tranquil environment. Staff are so lovely, talk and communicate with you, especially a younger girl, very bubbly....will be back soon x

Las mesas por dentro y por fuera, no había sombrillas afuera cuando estuvimos allí y fue un día muy caluroso. Alrededor de 7 u 8 mesas en el interior con bonitas vistas sobre el amplio. La comida y la bebida parecían caras, pero hay muchas áreas para hacer un picnic, por lo que siempre es una opción. La cafetería está al lado del aparcamiento principal.

Wow what a place to spend an afternoon. Beautiful location. We spent a good 2 hours walking the area. Then we had coffee and cake. Decent coffee and delicious home made cakes. Staff were good too.

Visited over Easter after walking around the lake. It was very busy with most tables full inside and outside. Despite the long queue we were soon served and the food was hot and tasty. I find it hard to believe some of the earlier reviews as the staff were so friendly despite being so busy. We will certainly return.

The food was cold and tasteless after waiting ages to get it served I will not be going there again. The staff where not that bothered

This is an amazing location and brilliant opportunity for a really well run cafe. Unfortunately I feel this is let down by a few things. I’ve visited on a few occasions now and every time I have felt a little bit like an intruder. The staff are not very welcoming or helpful. My brother asked if he could have the cooked breakfast. He was abruptly told breakfast is not available. When he pointed out that the sign behind said breakfast was available at the time he was asking (it was the big sign behind their heads) they didn’t apologise or say sorry we have run out they really did make him feel that he had inconvenienced them for asking?? Maybe consider putting a notice up or offering an apology or an alternative if something is unavailable rather than making the customer feel uncomfortable for asking for what’s on the menu. Its just the overall vibe. It’s uncomfortable like you are an inconvenience and they aren’t even busy on the times I’ve visted. Food is standard and not great- could be so much better for the prices that’s being asked. I bought a lunch box for my child and the bread was dry with no spread. I pointed this out hoping it was a mistake and maybe we could swap it but I was told they do have spread and however swapped for another one that was also dry with no spread. I didn’t dare ask again! Maybe it’s turning over enough profit that these things aren’t of importance to the owner but if it was my place I would want it to be raved about. It’s a shame to see trip advisor have more terrible than fantastic reviews for this place. Customer service training and more thought to the food would go a long way. My experience is if people are paying a bit more it makes it worth it if the quality is there! Otherwise great location and wonderful opportunity to do offer something fantastic! Sorry if I upset staff by this review as I’m sure it isn’t everyone and maybe you are unaware of how the service is coming across.

This was my first visit and I found staff very un welcoming, it all seemed too much trouble, and as for the man who brings the food he has no people skills at all, I received gluten free eggs on toast, well the toast was black the eggs where raw and looked disgusting, I returned my meal and asked if the eggs could be turned over at least, they where all slimy and obviously still raw. I won't be returning their in a hurry.

nice place great location near to the broad they do drinks snacks basic meals very nice location ample parking would recommend

We often go there to walk around the breathtaking Whitlingham Broad. When we finish a visit to the Barn Café is a must for Beth's cakes and pastries. The food always looks very appetising and it is difficult to resist. My favourites are the sausage rolls in flaky pastry and the iced Bakewell tart. I must mention the other staff who are friendly and hard working, ensuring the café is clean and all the customers are happy. Thank you.

Order your food after queueing for quite a while and then wait for it to be served. Wait... and wait... and wait !

Ordered drinks, 2 coffees, then waited with crowd of other people for over 10 minutes. Always under staffed, and some staff seem to be doing a lot less than others. Food is nice but you have to wait so long, no good if you are in a hurry.

Very bitter in deed yep coffee service great but the service charge of £50 to pay the parking charge fee as system down. Suggest just park up road and walk their

Our mixed party of adults and children sat outside at lunch time today and ordered a variety of light meals. We wanted sausage rolls but they weren’t ready, so we had a couple of other meals and waited for them to be cooked. When the meals arrived they were mixed up using the wrong bread, and the sausage rolls were mediocre to be generous. All greasy flaky pastry and tasteless stodgy meat.

I think the quality and friendliness of staff must have improved because I found the food tasty and the service was good. My only complaint would be that the large and tasty home made fruit scone was rather dry. Otherwise, good.

I visited here Wednesday after a walk around the lake ,which incidentally is beautiful, I was surprised at how run down it is now,the soft chairs are ripped and worn,the table cloths are stained and dirty and the floor was dirty. The young lady behind the counter was busy making cakes and totally ignored the customers (I later found out she is apparently the manageress) when she eventually came over she spoke so fast we had a job understanding her and she was abrupt and discourteous. Another older lady came to take our money whilst the ' manageress' was making the drinks and she apologised for the wait ,the service and was lovely even helping us carry our tray out. The toffee cake was lovely as was the scone but the coffee was badly made as was the hot chocolate but these were made by the young lady who would clearly have rather been making her cakes ,she constantly was muttering and seemed like we totally inconvenienced her by being there. We won't be going back .

We popped in mid-week with children before walking around the lake.

Great location with excellent service particularly after a long walk. I like the seating area upstairs and also very clean. Seating is available outside. Recommend the scones, drinks and the icecream.

We visit this lovely cafe a few times a week after a lovely walk round the stunning lake - the staff are always so lovely and helpful, nothing too much trouble. Lovely coffee and the homemade cakes and scones are amazing! Def worth a visit!!

Fantastic cafe with amazing cakes and enormous scones! The best place to have a peaceful meal/coffee in Norwich and then walk round the lake - highly recommended - easy access/parking too.

Very, very slow service and disorganised. Cakes were ok but nothing special. We were given glasses for our bottled drinks but didn't use them as they were dirty. The woman on the till also almost threw the card machine towards customers! It's such a shame as the cafe could be very good - we live close enough that we often visit Whitlingham - but even the kids asked us to take our own drinks and snacks next time.

Called in for a late snack and drink on a wet cold bank holiday. Staff very friendly and helpfull and although near the end of the day our hot snacks and sandwiches were fresh and tasty. Bonus was the excellent coffee too. So many places serve overpriced weak coffee.. Only two members of staff seemed to be on duty but they were quick to clear tables and found time to ask how our food was. Have read several poor reviews about this place but we found it first class and would recommend it to anyone visiting the lovely broad.

Beautiful setting opposite a stunning hillside meadow and Broads walk (lake to those of us from Kent!). The Cornish Pasty was delicious, the coffee available with Soya Milk, always a favourite for me and the Chocolate Flapjack was divine, a taste of chocolate from childhood, extra special!! Lots of other healthy choices as well!! Even in March, we could sit outside having warmed up on our walk, watching the sailing boats. Something for everyone on a Sunday!

Myself and 3 other friends visited the cafe after a lovely walk around the lake in the sun. We all had a pushchair each and it became apparent on entering the cafe that our presence was not particularly welcome. One female member of staff in particular (with blonde hair)was extremely rude and we could all clearly hear her muttering to herself and other colleagues at her dissatisfaction that we had chosen to take a seat and she continued to glare at us whilst offering zero assistance. Her attitude was extremely off putting and if it wasn't for the fact that we all needed to rehydrate ourselves as nursing mums we would have left. Two of us queued for at least 15 minutes to purchase drinks for our group and these were not particularly reasonable at £2.60 for a standard latte, £2.00 for a bottle of Pepsi. They were clearly understaffed and hadn't been prepared for a busy lunchtime during half term as many food options had sold out and were not to be replenished. Whilst getting our things together and leaving the said female member of staff already mentioned started loudly scraping chairs around us and at our table, she then interrupted and rudely thrust an orange at us asking 'is this yours?' to which we replied 'no' and then she pushed past one the buggies without a word. Also to add the baby wall mounted changing table is extremely low and having the nappy bin directly underneath makes it very difficult to use whilst the baby is on the table. Overall a disappointing experience, Whitlingham is such a great place for families with children, totally let down today by this experience.

We visited today as a group of mums with our babies - we had a couple of buggies. We were made to feel really unwelcome, particularly by one member of staff who was impolite and bad mouthing us to other people. Completely uncalled for as we were paying customers. Will be thinking twice about visiting again, a shame as it’s such a lovely walk around the broad.

We walk our dog every weekend and love this place. We have a coffee in the coffee shop and a cake and sometimes a sausage roll. Always delicious, yes you do have to que at the weekend but it’s a small place, we don’t mind as it’s a very special place just outside of norwich ! Love the gluten free chocolate brownies

We used to use this place quite regularly after walking our dog around the lake but now only go when it is warm enough to sit outside as you can no longer take dogs inside.

We visited the barn cafe over the bank holiday weekend, it was very busy but thought the staff were very friendly and accommodating to our children's needs. We had a panini and jacket potato, both were hot and delicious. Loved the scones and the carrot cake. Had a walk around the lake, fed the ducks, all in all a lovely afternoon. We shall be back

Called relatively early, viewed menu and went to order. Told quite abruptly that they did not do baguettes, pointed out menu clearly states that they did with the advice that they were made to order. Told then that the only food was what was on the menu board which on inspection was exaclty the same as the table version. No explanation or apologies just the reiteration the only sandwiches and baguettes (none, even at this early point) were in the cooler cabinet. Very rude. We had to find our own cutlery, condiments and plastic drinks holders. By this time a large queue had formed. The female serving, probably the manageress, then promptly left two hard pressed staff to take, we suppose a job applicant, to an interview on the mezzanine. Even more rude. These people are poorly trained, lack direction and leadership, moreover they are clearly not customer focused. To emphasise this, as we were about to leave the same female dropped a large cardboard box containing I think paper material onto the tiled floor waking our clearly sleeping 9 week old granddaughter. Extremely rude. The barn was dingy and needs some renovation and repair. It was not clean and fly infested. The food was not too bad but we agree, it is over priced. My advice, bring a picnic.

Staff are very rude and sarcastic and the cafe is very overpriced. The cakes are also not homemade and are frozen. Will not return.

Café is in a pleasant enough position and there is outside seating as well as indoor. I had a ham and cheese sandwich and my friend had a scone. The sandwich bread was hard and tasted as if it had been baked last week. My friends scone was stale. How difficult is it to serve fresh food?

There was a vegan festival camping at Whitlingham this weekend, and I thought the cafe might have prepared for vegans visiting. No!

Spent the afternoon with the family on bank holiday Monday at Whitlingham park. It was very busy but a wonderful place to go just out side the city. Enjoyed a late lunch that I hVe to say was delicious, especially the home made cake. We had to queue for a long time but it is bank holiday !! Beautiful surroundings and love the restored Barn, we will be back

had two cappucinos and one piece of cake which was expensive for what it was ...about £7.50+ the carrot cake was poor and the coffee was luke warm. the cups are thick stoneware and just absorb all the heat, as other reviewers have said lots of foam not so much coffee. the picnic table outside we sat on was wobbly and petty shabby. our servers were not rude just indifferent. it seemed like a council run place. this is the only place around so does quite well, its ok but i wouldnt bother going back.

Spend last Sunday at Whitlingham broad, we had a wonderful time. The children enjoyed nice creams and adults had home made sausage rolls, cake and coffee which I have to say was delicious !!!!! Service with a smile, helpful staff. Thankyou for a lovely day

After a lovely walk round the lake we decided to have some lunch at the cafe - I can honestly say I was shocked by the rudeness of the women who served us - no smile or please was bad enough but when asked where the food we ordered was she blanked us turned her back on us and spoke to a colleague. She then turned away without a word and started serving someone else. I was speechless at her rudeness. This women should not be in a customer facing roll.

Currently sitting in the cafe. Just had a cappuccino and a hot chocolate which comes to £5. Coffee was great tasting, but with the froth taken off the top was barely half full. Both were half cold. Worst fiver I've spent in my life.

This is a fascinating barn refurbishment, which as well as the cafe includes a Broads information centre and shop. The cafe people are lovely and have a good food offer, mainly snacks. It's an excellent place to follow a good walk, especially in colder weather, with a hot drink. Do try the sausage rolls. In warmer weather, sit outside.

I am sick of getting grumpy attitude from the staff here. We come to Whitlingham quite regularly and often stop for coffee after. The Broads Authority need to train their staff in customer service an general politeness. Enough is enough.

Went to the Barn today, very busy but slow service and very expensive.

We are regular visitors to the park, cafe cheese scone very dry, also they need to put some CHEESE in them, bland taste, with the price they charge for home made it is a rip off. The fruit scone had a good amount of fruit but also very dry. Next time will call in at Aldiss cafe, wonderful scones.

Had a lovely walk around the lake with my girlfriend ..Decided to have a meal at the cafe,the women severing me was extremely rude,talked down to me like I was some kind of idiot,the food was cold,my girlfriend didn't have the nerve to complain, will not be going to the cafe again.

Cafe has gone down hill since last visit. My son's hot chocolate had to go back as it was awful, my latte was poor as was my wifes cappuccino. Won't be going back again.

This used to be a lovely cafe, the interior was ruined in the redevelopment when boards were put up around the kitchen, blocking off views through the historic barn. But the service in there has been terrible over the last couple of months. The people behind the counter are miserable. Twice now I have had to go back to ask for a glass for my bottle of posh lemonade - to be given a small, while, plastic cup in a very ungracious way. When I asked for a proper glass (which they have) was given a very stony look. It's not just me, my friends have had the same experience. Sort it out guys - we like going here, it's convenient for us. Get some training, or something, for goodness sake.