windmill Orchard Farm Shop & Tea Rooms in Rother

Lovely welcome, the cream tea is delicious here, scones are warm and moist served with lots of cream and homemade jam, good service in a lovely surrounding.

Nice venue from the outside and very unique inside. It would have helped if there were more staff as it was busy. The tea , hot cross bun and cookie was good. However hot cross bun came without butter, no napkin or knife. Just the extra touches are missing and a bit of TLC. We did not have the breakfast but it looked good!

Whilst this may look like a fairly ordinary cafe from the outside, the inside is interesting and the brunch was really good and great vfm. The lady running it, (on her own), when we visited could not have been more helpful and served us all something diferent. As the food / drink options are limited in nearby Winchelsea, I would recommend travelling up the road to Icklesham for a mile or so to get there. Unfortunately, as it was Feb the Orchard farm was shut, but when open it would make a nice family trip if you are already in Winchelsea.

Assuming (from the photos) that this is the same place we just visited called Tea Beside the Orchard I must say we had a first class experience. Really welcoming, lovely food and the service couldn’t have been nicer. It cheered up a wet morning.

Having been here numerous times before this occasion, we have loved the food, service and atmosphere. However ai think its now under new management and its AWFUL!! Arrived for Mother’s Day, to be told no heat/electricity due to back up generator issues (you’d think they would have put a sign up up warning incoming customers!) . Ordered the full afternoon tea for 2 and a sandwich. Only hot drinks were tea and coffee and cold drinks. The Afternoon tea sandwiches were awful, just rushed and no effort made , mismatched cut and just messy, hardly any fillings! The sausage rolls were cold due to unable to heat as were the scones- which were just falling apart. We were given no side plates, serviettes or cutlery. The cakes, well Aldi were better and to be honest these were just laughable It was just really bad and the price of £16:95 per person is a just offensive! However heard a few people whispering saying the same thing , so glad it wasn’t just us. The owners should have been clear and said certain things not available and avoid such comments like these . I don’t think we will be returning here again which is a shame as we did like this place. I do hope the owners take note as they could have either shut shop or just be truthful and offer limited menu! They need to fox up before the summer otherwise I can’t see them lasting! I gave it a 2 as the tea was ok’ish!

Lovely surroundings, very tasty eggs benedict, dog friendly, quick service, will definately be returning.

Unfortunately the quality of this tea was poor. The chocolate cake was like sawdust, egg sandwiches had no seasoning but I could taste a cheap fat spread inside. I didn’t even bother trying the other sandwiches Yuk. The scones dry. The lemon shortbread tasted like cheap fat was used in the shortbread. Our drinks were cold by the time the food arrived as it took ages. An all round no thanks. I won’t be back. It must have been obvious it was well below par as we left at least half of our substandard food. I have never written such a review but there was nothing nice on the plate!

We were looking for somewhere that was dog friendly for a cream tea, and after struggling to find anywhere in Rye drove to windmill orchards after finding it via Google. Such a good find!! We all had the cream tea, lovely scones, jam and plenty of clotted cream, and good pots of tea. On a hot day it was lovely to sit in the shade under their newly constructed outside area. Really friendly people, who also offered water and a doggy sausage for our dog.

We took my elderly mum along to Tea Beside the Orchard for lunch. Outside is a little tatty but not unclean. I ordered three cream teas, the waitress seemed flustered even though it was very quiet, we sat outside, We waited sometime and eventually I went back inside to see if I was supposed to have waited to take the food myself. The waitress said she was doing the drinks but wasn't sure if we wanted the food and drinks at the same time (I thought that was a cream tea?) She said she would bring it out. We waited again and she eventually came out with half the food order and no drinks. She then came back with the rest of the food but still no drinks. We watched her serve the one other table. We finished our food and I again went back to ask about the hot drinks. The waitress was just starting to make a coffee we'd requested about 45 minutes prior. I admit that by this point I was a little terse but what is a very simple order was overly complicated with no explanation or apology. The member of kitchen staff tried to excuse the waitress because she had just got back from Italy???? I went back outside and she came out and slammed £2.50 on the table saying I was bloody rude. The waitress finally appeared with a stewed pot of tea and said the the other woman said we couldn't have the coffee. The cafe has a very simple menu but is doing itself no favours with inefficient staff. We won't be returning.

I went for an afternoon tea with my mum and elderly grandmother. We ordered 3 cream teas and waited an abnormally and unnecessarily long time for them to arrive. After enquiring multiple times as to where our food and drinks were, items started to arrive in dribs and drabs despite the waitress stating that food and drinks would arrive together as you would expect from a cream tea. After some confusion among the unapologetic staff, our food finally arrived and we began eating, the food was nice but definitely should not have taken half an hour to prepare and the cafe was not busy. Finally, when we had eaten all the food whilst waiting, and around 45 minutes had passed since ordering, we enquired again as to where our drinks were. The order was not complex, 2 teas and one coffee. This simple enquiry resulted in a waitress shouting at us aggressively and slamming the money for one drink back on our table. This behaviour was entirely unjustified, rude and unacceptable. We finally received the two teas that had clearly been sat there since we ordered them from an unapologetic waitress but were refused the coffee. We had heard other tables complaining amongst themselves about the disorganisation of the staff and I hope they did not receive the same treatment. I will not be visiting tea by the orchard again and would not recommend it to others. The food was fine but the nature of the staff entirely ruined what should’ve been a simple yet nice lunch.

Stopped at Tea Beside the Orchard for a quick lunch today. I had a very nice freshly made sandwich and my partner the ploughman’s, consisting of generous wedges of cheddar and Stilton and a thick slice of home cooked ham, all served up with home made piccalilli and chutney, salad and a warm Stilton scone. It was delicious and very good value, in fact the best Ploughman’s he’s ever had (and there have been many). Sadly we didn’t have any room left for cake as they looked lovely. The lady who served us was very pleasant, so all in all a very good experience. We will definitely return

We visited for coffee and cake on Sunday morning having read the reviews we were expecting great things....however how wrong were we!! When we arrived it was so hot, we decided to sit inside, as there was no shade or umberellas over the tables outside. We sat at the table and watched while three members of staff just ignored us. I finally went to the desk and ordered two coffees and two slices of cake....we waited and waited, BTW there was only two other people there. The staff behind the counter looked miserable and just kept disappearing. Finally a young lady asked us if we were waiting for coffee, we said yes, she served us, but then had to be reminded we also ordered cake (she wasn't working, had popped in on her day off). Other people came in and were also greeted by miserable and unhelpful lady behind the counter... or some just left without even being spoken too. We won't be back and won't recommend this place, there are much nicer and more amiable places to spend your money!!

We were told about this tea shop and decided to give it a try. It was a bit out of the way but is surrounded by an orchard. We ordered the full afternoon tea and sat outside on a pleasant day. The lady serving made sandwiches for us which were fresh and plentiful, along with warm sausage rolls. The scones had some sort of fruit pieces in and were delicious. The cakes however were a little on the dry side. A lot of effort went into presenting the tea well. There was far too much to eat. We asked about buying some apples from the orchard but we were told we could take whatever we wanted for nothing. It’s a shame they shut and left us in the garden as I wanted to buy some plants but didn’t want to take anything without paying as there was nowhere to leave any money. I would definitely recommend it.

Our order from a young assistant in a charming traditional style wood hut: Hastings crab sandwich with side salad (£6.95), tuna mayo sandwich (£3.95), a pot of tea and a soft drink (not sure how much but the whole order came to about £14 something which was fair enough). So far so good. Then we sat down on the rather weather-worn outdoor benches and started waiting. At first we just ignored the view of the shipping containers out back and the bad smell emanating from the not sure where (drains?? septic tank?)..but the longer we sat, with not even any drinks, watching a confused array of young people bringing various items to various tables at worrying angles, then going to the next one...and the next...then taking them away...the more oppressive became our environment and the less amusing this Fawlty Towers style set up. It was not even busy, there cannot have been more than 15 customers in the place. As further folk arrived, I managed to curtail my cries of 'don't come here...really....'. One customer disappeared back into the order shed, and came out with her own food on a tray. Some time later an additional item turned up for her and her husband...either their starter or a cup of coffee, I forget now. When our sandwiches eventually arrived, it was obvious that either the bread was being stored in direct sunlight or three days old. Mean fillings too. The dog enjoyed the crusts though. You cannot blame poorly supervised teenagers for providing bad service....but I eventually ascertained that there were also two adult women involved in running the place. To be fair, the cake looked nice, even though we didn't have any. Let's hope it was a summer holiday covid blip.

We received a delivery from Tea Beside The Orchard, (whilst in isolation) full of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses and sauces, plus the most amazing freshly baked brownies. If I could give the company 11 out of 10 - I would. Impeccable service from the most amazing team. Highly recommended!!

A charming cafe with excellent home made fresh food! - I didn't try the coffee the soup with bread and butter, followed by avocado on toast with lime was delicious. I just wish I had left room for cake!!!

This is a great little café with a separate, extensive vegan café menu. So nice to sit out on a warm day. Situated between Rye and Ickenham. I was spoilt for choice! No cake today but they usually have it. Lots of hot and cold savoury breakfast and lunch items.

When it rains and you just need somwhere to stop off, having driven around. This is the place, there is plenty of parking. The quirky decor, personable friendly staff and a proper pot of tea make it.

We stopped here on a Sunday hoping to get a bite to eat and saw a number of people eating roast dinners which looked and smelt good. We put our order in and waited and waited - unfortunately there were young girls and a man behind the counter who didn’t seem to be coping well at all with just a few orders and after a long wait we decided to leave and go to a pub instead as couldn’t wait any longer Such as shame as it smelt and looked good

I love this place! I managed to miss the rush hour and sat outside in the sunshine. I would highly recommend their all-day breakfast, which was delicious. I was tempted to have some cake, but I was too full. Excellent service and a beautiful setting.

Lovely warm welcome, exquisite homemade cakes using local produce. Great coffee, quirky little place with handmade gifts too. Dog friendly Lots of parking available

Great little find. Ample parking. A varied menu including an extensive selection of vegan and gluten-free options. Dogs are also welcome.

We stopped off here today after a walk at rye harbour, we sat in the lovely garden area with our dog Monty, we enjoyed a cappuccino and a hot Chocolate and a millionaires shortbread which was very tasty, a lovely spot in sun ☀️ would recommend

After a long walk on Rye Harbour, we drove along the south coast seeking comfort in a brunch snack. At Icklesham we spotted the sign for a tea room and luckily happened on this small and cosy venue. Inside, the seating is attractive with a sofa and an eclectic mix of soft and hard chairs. The cakes on display looked gorgeous, but we needed something warm and comforting; so it was that my wife chose the carrot and coriander soup served with granary bread and a side salad, while I opted for the jacket potato filled with tuna mayonnaise, and a side salad. I also had a pot of tea that was served in a lovely decorated teapot and matching bone china cup and saucer. The servers were friendly, caring and cheery; very clearly having a passion for their business that saw them also sell local cider by the quart to take away. Outside, for summer use, are tables and a children’s play area, and we gather they also sell local, seasonal produce. A lovely find and with change from £20, very reasonably priced too.

We called twice in one day. First for coffee and a cake and later in the day for a snack on our way back to Eastbourne. In the morning the welcome was very warm, the cakes were beautiful and we were extremely happy. Coming back, we thought it might be closed, but when we walked in, the lady said she was about to close but now we'd arrived she was very happy to serve us. That reaction is a very welcome change in most areas these days. This time the sandwiches came quickly and were superb. Everything is good and I would recommend anyone to try it even if they only want to buy some cider!

Lovely little tea shop / cafe in a barn tucked in an orchard. Our friend is a vegan and wasn’t expecting much but no problem there was even a vegan menu! We’ll definitely be returning great sandwiches and lovely scones and cake. Fabulous apple juice from the orchard too.

So much better. The young man serving was polite and helpful. The food was good and prices reasonable. I am so pleased to see the improvement and will definitely return this summer. It was si different with polite and helpful service.

Came to tea rooms as been here before. But oh dear very disappointed in this visit. The ladies working didn’t seem to know what they were doing all a bit flustered with too many customers at one time. The food was average unlike previous visit last year which was 100% better .

Passing by and had the urge for a piece of cake. Very glad I stopped and although I managed to leave with just the aforementioned piece of delicious coffee and walnut cake, there were lots of other goodies - edible and otherwise, Next time I will stay for longer to test them.

The cake was nice. That's the positive. The lady serving didn't want to be there and wanted everyone to know. Please and thank you cost nothing and service consisted of plonking a tray on our table leaving us to sort it out. The couple behind us had their tray deposited from a greater height. This is the second time we have visited since the change of ownership and at least the cutlery was clean this time. The chairs are fragile not rustic. No serviettes were provided. The lady serving wasn't the only one unhappy to be there!

Stopped here on the way through from Rye for a quick bite to eat but wasn't too impressed.

We have been meaning to pop in for a while since the re-opening as 'Tea beside the orchard' and what better excuse than for a birthday treat. We decided to go for afternoon tea which included sandwiches, tea, scones with all the trimmings including homemade jam & cakes. One word to sum it up DELICIOUS!!! The service was fantastic and the man on duty could not have been more friendly and accommodating. Excellent value for money too. A very impressive first visit which I'm sure will be the first of many and It's especially lovely to have a shop in the village that stocks essentials too and all local produce. An easy 5* for tea beside the orchard.

Sind zufällig um die Mittagszeit dort vorbei gefahren. Essen sehr gut und auch sehr gemütlich. Empfehlenswert

We stopped for a cuppa and a rest stop following our exhausting journey searching the South East for a car. There are not many places to stop along this road but this provided a decent cup of tea and warm greetings by the lovely staff member. Although there were lots of lovely cakes it was a little too early for such indulgence. It was clean and service great. Our only feedback that (hopefully will be taken in the true spirit it is given, is that it would have been nice to have some savoury options such as croissant or pain au chocolat to purchase with our tea.

Had looked the tea shop up before we travelled to the area as we like our tea shops! and looked forward to our visit here, lovely setting great China cups, not busy. The first 2 meals I ordered were not in stock, ( dressed crab sandwich, salmon on bagels) so a little disappointed, but we did receive lovely food an asparagus tart and salmon in toast. The bill was a little on the high side but a lovely little stop off in an isolated location

This is now 'Tea Beside The Orchard' and is a lovely little oasis. The farm shop has some nice goodies, plus delicious artisan bread from the lighthouse bakery. The cafe is in the farm shop and there are seats outside too adjacent to the Orchard, so you have a choice of places to sit.

This cafe and farm shop is definitely worth a visit as the food and service are excellent. It's by far the best and friendliest tea shop I've frequented in a long time. The staff far exceed the level of service you would expect and the homemade food is delicious and second to none.

Having driven past a few times during our short break in Icklesham, decided to stop for a snack and some tea at the same time as feeding our baby.

What a beautiful little place. The welcome was warm and the tea and scones very good quality. The tea was served in proper china cups making a very English country afternoon. The produce looked good too and it is in an area with no opposition so should do well. I hope so. I will certainly use it again.

Good service with a smile, interesting and local things to buy, but the café was clean and bright with a good choice of food and drink. The scones were very good as was the almond cake. Worth the stop.;

Stopped here as we often pass it when we are out and about

We stopped three times in our week away. We had sandwiches, pasties and sausage rolls, all of which had been freshly made that day. We also stopped for a cream tea on our way home. Excellent service/food and was all reasonably priced. Thank you.

We went to the farm shop and tea rooms in May 2016 and were so impressed we returned a few days later. On a sunny day, it is delightful to sit outside at the tables which are set off by exquisite flowers. The fare is excellent with a great choice of drinks and snacks. Mirroring the owner's attention to detail is the excellent stock of flowers and plants for sale. These were obviously top quality, excellent blooms ready for the garden or patio. Just a really nice place to go with no faults.