ZSL Base Camp Restaurant- Whipsnade Zoo in Central Bedfordshire

Very expensive and food is very low quality.

Very limited vegetarian range, and the restaurant itself is pretty cold and over priced for the food you get. Staff were absolutely lovely!

Awful place to eat considering it’s the only restaurant on offer, you think they would put more effort in! Food is dry, staff miserable and restaurant dirty. You better off sticking to pack lunches.

Food is pricey and really not good here. I think they're trying their best but please go in with low expectations to this restaurant when you're visiting the zoo.

We came here as a party of four on a cold autumn day. We had a very good meal of chicken ceasar salad, two soups and chicken burger. Drinks also. The service was fast, pleasant and the portions generous. Thank you.

Lovely day out let down by awful, awful base camp meal. We spent over £50 for three of us and the food was inedible. It's a complete scam. Order by qr code, no manager in sight. Horrendous microwaved meals that we burned and hard from overcooking. Never had a microwaved scotch egg before and I never will again. Cheese tastes off. Absolutely gutted we wasted all our money and left hungry. Shame on you whipsnade.

The chicken was very dry in the burger and pasta. The kids meal was so hard my 2 year old couldn't even bite into it. £50 for 3 meals is not acceptable especially when the food is below standards. I had to ask for the manager to make a complaint and get a refund. The manager Dan was very apologetic and instantly issued a refund.

The food is really dry and it tastes very bland, I had a burger for £15 and it tasted like it had been microwaved for 30 seconds. The burger came with chips as a side and they tasted very stale. My server, someone who looked like a 16 year old male, dropped my chips and just picked it up off the dirty serving tray and served it to me rather than giving me a new pot of chips. The actual zoo is very good though!

The Zoo itself is great but the food and service is the worst i’ve ever experienced

Probably the worst meal I’ve ever had in my life. service was shocking, waited to be seated for about 30 minutes with staff walking past and completely ignoring us, when we got finally got seated we paid £40 for one burger and a pesto pasta! Burger was the worse I’ve ever had, dry rubber chicken with absolutely no taste whatsoever, completely inedible. The pasta was overcooked and swimming in oil, took a couple of bites and had to end up leaving it, would give 0 stars if possible!

One if the worst chicken BBQ wrap in my life, chicken taste like been storage for several days in freezer and after defrosted, wasn't even cook properly and no BBQ taste at all

Took 3 grandkids to Whipsnade for the day. Had lunch in the Base Camp. Disappointing. As several people have stated, very limited menu, especially for youngsters. Had to buy adult meals for them, and at £15 a time not value for money as they couldn’t manage it all. Very expensive overall. Chicken in the burgers was very dry. Meal delivery time was good. Hard working staff but generally a poor experience.

Cappuccino and hot chocolate are discusting.

Great food (chicken burger and chunky chips) couple with friendly efficient service.

Ok food reasonably priced, no real customer service tho, you order and pay at your table l, then someone brings your food and drink out to you,

Menu online is completely different to what they actually serve in the restaurant. No options for burgers, or anything simple. Fancy food only ( soup, in June/July?). Was a real let down.

You have to wait to be seatted and we were seatted quicker than expected (1330 on a Sunday)You have to order on the app which is on the tables. Service was quick and excellent. Would visit again.

When you enter, it’s as if no one works there. A mass of empty tables waiting to be cleared and we waited 10 minutes for anyone to notice we were waiting to be seated. Food was gross, “chargrilled chicken burger” more like boiled chicken. The kids food tasted like plastic. So disappointing after a lovely zoo experience.

It was strange that you had to order everything through an app. If you don't have a phone on you, you can't eat or drink anything!

A great location for fueling up on your zoo adventure.

Was ok not much option and very expensive for what you get

*Disclaimer* went during a very busy period, weekend and during half term holiday. Restaurant was packed, which was expected, didn't take long to get a table luckily but I'd try and go just before or after the lunch rush to ensure you're not stuck waiting outside as many were that day Ordering was only via QR code, and the system isn't great to use, had to keep going back and forth between all the tabs - very annoying. The menu isn't big but appreciate the variety of cuisines, things like Thai meatballs, vegan options, wings etc. Not many items were available when we visited which was disappointing. Ordered some coffees, carrot cakes, chips and their chargrilled burger. I was extremely disappointed in the burger, it was barely seasoned ans extremely dry. Considering the price, I expected much better. The carrot cakes I'm told were nice, and staff were quite friendly too, but I suggest packing your own lunches or finding all the restaurants in advance to find one best suited to your tastes.

Visited during half term time. There was a qué out the door, only due to a delay in cleaning empty tables. There was a lack of staff as the person seating people was also cleaning tables . Food availability was poor. Many times were unavailable. It's easy to order which was via a qr code on the table. Cleanliness: The two glasses brought to us have bad water stains on them all over them and one a a bit of dried food on it. The food came out quick but some of it was warm, such as the halloumi fries and pasta.

Truly Dreadful Really. It’s a big shed with musak blasting out, complicated ordering through an app with no human interaction, plastic unhealthy food. If it’s a nice day bring your own picnic.

I am older ,glad my daughter was with me or I wouldn't have eaten.

Food was OK. Expensive but to be expected when your captive audience. Had burger and chips which was about £13.00 Burger wasn't great. Mass produced and a bit rubbery. Expected a hand made burger for that price. Have had far better via local take aways. Others had fish and chips which was OK. Fish wasn't huge and wasn't fully battered but they said it was nice. Cost was around £15.00. Also 1 had pulled pork burger and chips. Said it was OK but had a large lump of gristle in it. Cost was around £14.50. Adult Orange juice was in small plastic tumbler as if for a child. Tea was OK but only a single cup for about £2.50. Service was quick but you have to order via smartphone. So those without your going to struggle to order.

Food took over an hour to come. Nice location and atmosphere but understaffed.

Nice environment to have lunch, however very understaffed and service took ages. Food took over an 1hr to come.

Really bad experience spent over £50 on 2 adults meals and 2 kids meals and when the food arrived was cold as if it had been sat on the side for 20mins or so

No problem wigh the staff. All was great except for the ordering system via the QR code. Despite being on the Whipsnade Wifi I couldnt get enough signal to get an authorisation code from my bank. I eventually got a staff member to take our order. Very expensive small portion of chips.

Only able to order via app, items missing. Not cheap and very basic food. Disappointing.

Their pizzas are so delicious and freshly made. The staff was so helpful with a family member who is disabled.

Under staffed. Food came well before the drinks. Food got cold very quickly. Wedges were cold under all the jalapenos. Almost felt like it was to hide the weges under the jalapenos as a distraction

Not even able to make a burger, couldn't eat it, was disgusting. Will eat something when I'm back home..... total waste

We went during October when they are quiet so maybe it's the reason the food was similar to what we got at school in the 90s.

Staff friendly Appropriate facilities for baby changing Real shame the food was so incredibly dry, it was mostly inedible. Our two young boys wouldn't even eat the chips! Disappointing for the cost Will not be returning

Very expensive & very little options.

Lovely staff helped out we don't all use apps and pay on our phones

Lovely place to sit and have lunch and watch some of the animals (birds) next to the restaurant. The staff is always helpful. I did wish they would be a bit more accommodating when i had a new born (sleeping) in my buggy and they wanted me to leave it outside.

Ok but chicken was over cooked so dried out

Horrific app ordering at the table when there were 10 staff standing idle. We ordered chips with skins but just had cold chips brought to the table. Complained asked to speak to a manager eventually someone came over armed with a chop and pin machine and issued a refund. No a great experience.

Really impressed by the quality, price and portions of the food. Loved it

For the cost of the food it was not up to standard.

It's a great day out for families

I visited Whipsnade Zoo recently and had a wonderful time. The variety of animals was impressive, and I particularly enjoyed observing them. While I missed seeing the lions, I learned that they tend to sleep for most of the day. It's definitely a family-friendly destination, and I can imagine the train ride around the zoo would have added to the experience. Overall, a great place to visit and connect with wildlife.

Don't bother if you just want a sandwich because you won't get it from there. Over priced and not family friendly with food selection

Service is slow and disorganised.

Good food, very friendly staff. Good coffee ☕

Best place to eat, plenty of seats, large range of normal food, reasonability priced. You can order on your phone or at the kiosk.

Food was good, the service from Craig was amazing! He really made our time when we had a little break from walking around and ate here.

Nice personel, clean place, prices ok

Decent cafe that youd expect to find at a tourist resort. Food choices are a little limited and expensive for what it is. I'd recommend taking a picnic if you're going in a large group.

Very relaxed atmosphere, especially on a hot day, and they even had additional fans to ensure customers were cool enough on a very hot day.

Unfortunately we had a bad experience in this restaurant. Burger was terrible and onion rings were soo burn that it was not possible to eat them! Prices are quiet high. It was clean and the staff were nice.

Asked if they do takeaway drinks at the bar. They were very confused by this. I explained that I'm sitting outside with the kids. They told me to scan bar code on the table and order via app. Problem is outside table do not have bar codes.. Thanks you. Well trained and informed staff.

It's really bad service, actually because it's all automated and it's really annoying and expensive 😒 will not be going back to it !!!

Standard fare for a place like this. It's nothing exciting, but it's not inedible! Good accessibility for wheelchair users. I can imagine that it is very noisy at busy periods which could be overwhelming for those with sensory difficulties.

Food was very expensive for what it was like all tourists attractions. If I went again I would take own lunch.

The atmosphere is nice, the staff are smiling and welcoming. The food does the job of hungry kids and adults after a long walk in the Zoo.

Not really much service as you essentially do it all yourself. Wish the prices would reflect this,I understand it'll always be expensive as you are eating in the zoo but atleat a hi or smile would be great! Menu is basic,basic & underwhelming. The ploughman's lunch is literally a boxing day buffet on a plate,strange food combinations thrown together. I'd miss next time & go for a warm rucksack sandwich.

The restaurant was under staffed, longish wait for a table. Menu limited and food was not appetising. This may have been due to the lack of staff.

Avoid this place. Tables are sticky and dirty, high chairs are filthy and smeared with food from previous users and the food is shocking. We ordered southern fried chicken with chips and beans for the kids - the chicken was quite spicy, way beyond what a 2 year old can eat, and as hard as rock. Their mozzarella and tomato panini was just bread smeared with pesto and barely heated and their jalapeño potato wedges were so overcooked they were burnt empty skins with a foul red stuff on them (they call it tomato salsa) and a sweet whipped cream (they call it sour cream). Take a packed lunch or eat the grass on the lawn outside - far more nutritious.

We love the zoo but will always go with a packed lunch instead! Food was awful, I sent some potatoes wedges back which were so over cooked and reheated they were inedible. The kids southern fried chicken (which I don’t class child friendly due to the spice) were rock hard, and the mozzarella, pesto panini was basically just the bread. No problem with the service, because there basically isn’t any, you order via a code from your table, but I think the young staff members selected the music playlist as it was dance music. Not exactly suitable for a family friendly environment. Oh and also the high chairs are disgusting, clearly never been wiped down they were so sticky and dirty. I actually can’t remember the last time I felt so uncomfortable eating food. Sorry Whipsnade, but you really need to sort Base Camp cafe out. Imagine how great it could be!

Sorry but this place needs help!! Kids running it and literally running around. Can only order online, which that was painful in itself due to Internet sucking. Too busy, dirty and just awful!! Potentially could be a lovely place to meet up with pack lunch friends but nope stressful and won't do it again!!

Has food and drink available for all budgets whether snack or main meal. Just had very good Caesar Salad not cheap but filling. Offers bar service also. Make sure you still have battery on your phone as Order by app at table.

Gave food 3* only because they had beer. Can't really blame the staff for lack of enthusiasm, but it was lacking. Atmosphere 🤷‍♂️

A little expensive but nice simple food .

Pretty pricey for fairly average junk type lunch food. Quick service though.

Stay away, everything is wrong about this place, best pack a picnic basket and take it with you.

Great for a snack, ordering & payment done online using QR code on tables

Had to order using QR code phone did not accept WiFi had to find help food expensive not very good

Absolutely disappointed! We got to the restaurant at about half 12, took over 20 minutes to be seated which would of been fine but food took 40 minutes to come to out. We even saw them having to redo some of our food as it had just been left waiting. We did ask staff why it was taking so long and after checking instead of coming to the table to let us know, they called my mum over to them to tell her. Also £7 worth of tax for such rubbish service is unbelievable. Defo recommend bringing your own food!

This resturant is situated at the centre of whipsnade Zoo. It's easily accessible, with a good amount of seating. Ordering is by an app on your phone, which I usually get frustrated with, but from the moment I placed my order, It seemed like I was served almost instantaneously. (Although we did manage to make it in minutes before a mad rush at 11.30am) The food was delicious, well presented and served fresh. The service was great and although I had pressed the wrong button, for the wrong cake, they changed it out immediately, no questions asked. The toilets are outside, buy close by. There is a large buggy park by the entrance, where you can also park a mobility scooter. Plenty of space around the outer (inside) seating area for wheel chairs access. Overall rating 9/10.

Food is a bit pricey in restaurant but nice when recieved.

Lovely weather for February. Plenty of walking. The food at the Base Camp was really good, I had fish & chips, fish had nice crispy batter and the chips were very good. My family also said what they had was good, well there was four empty plates on the table, so I think that says a lot. Staff are friendly and we didn't have to wait long after we ordered and the food was brought to us

The staff member that greeted us was busy cleaning the tables but stopped to let us know how to order the food, made sure our table was clean and even told us about the free WiFi, very professional and very friendly. We had a Caesar salad each and it was really nice we really enjoyed it.

Ordering food through their stupid app was an absolute nightmare, best avoided

Crowded, noisy and cold. Food is not great - think school dinner ish - and expensive. Staff are friendly and helpful. Decent access and buggy parking provided.

Unorganised restaurant, understaff, slow as ever. Bring your own food, would take 1hour min to get a table.

Nice place to grab a sit down meal. The food choices available are fairly standard but there is something for everyone which is just what you want. It can be quite a busy place so the wait can be long if you get your arrival timing wrong.

A convenient & comfortable restaurant in lovely surroundings. The lunch order for your group is taken over free wi- fi where you can choose from the menu. The prices are reasonable and the food/ drink order was served within 15 minutes even though it was very busy.

Really good. Base camp restaurant was very cold inside, ended up eating in my coat and hat as I was that cold but everything else was really good.

This café is set up for families, the staff are very helpful but some gluten and lactose free options would have been nice.

The food was very plane very little choice and over price. Around the place was not clean and a lot Of rubbish around. The atmosphere was nice because of nation around.

The revamp of this restaurant has made it even worse. The app was not easy to use and the fact that you can't see the choices possibly is not helpful with smaller children. The menu is also very limited. When the food arrived my chips and burger were lukewarm and I had to ask for the chips to be replaced. My daughters fish and chips was at least hot but the portion of fish (this was a full size meal) was tiny. Not good value at £13+ The cup of tea was excellent, but that is hard to mess up. The staff were pleasant but in all it was a disheartening and soulless experience on what should be a joyful place.

Could do with a bit more choice

Good was ok. Nothing to write home about. Service was ok

Extremely over priced and unfortunately our experience was we were seated next to the entrance which wasn't an issue. However we then got to hear the two waitresses just stood moaning the entire time lol

The food was good. You have to order by app only.

chips were raw. The price I paid was ridiculous especially the fact the chips were raw.

We had a couple of meals here for our experience with the overnight lodge. Breakfast was fantastic, plenty of options and very good quality of food. Dinner was quite tasty however limited in options and might of been better doing a buffet style rather than a la carte

Very poor and very expensive. Had a very untasty, pink chicken burger. Never again

Sadly the food is really not good quality. The burgers couldn't have looked less appetising if they tried and the pasta sauce was so watery it didn't really qualify as sauce. Have fed this back before to ZSL but nothing has changed. Its a shame because everything else at Whipsnade is top notch.

The food here is really nice, the only downside was it didn't feel like their was any air con which wasn't nice on a really hot day.

Prices are ridiculous, cold options non existent, which on a hot day isn't ideal. Fight with wasps and flys whilst you eat your meal. Which you have to order via their website rather than deal with an actual person. There is staff, whom are very young and seem only to be there to bring your food and tidy the tables away. Options are limited so I'd advise to.. * Bring A Picnic *

Food was dry and disgusting the whole experience a let down

Stopped for a quick bite, Nachos were quite nice but the chips were a bit dehydrated and dry. Service came with a smile and was nice and tidy.. Even got to sit next to a window which had some livestock on show which was a nice bonus.

Seriously underwhelming food. If you like school dinner then this is the place for you. Chickens nuggets, chips and baked beans taste exactly like what I had at the school canteen. The casears salad chicken breast cooked to overcooked cardboard and the pasta sauce was all cream and no flavour. Do yourself a favour bring a packed lunch from home.

We had brunch and sat outside, nice food with prompt service but not cheap like most of these kind of establishments

School dinners come to mind. Wasnt great quality but edible still and drinks overpriced