Lavender Lodge Tea Room & Bistro

There was a notice saying aplogising stating they were understaffed so a full menu may not be available. But all the staff were clearly working extremely hard and were attentive. You wouldn't have known. Very busy and there was a small wait to be seated. You could have a light bite or lunch. We opted for lunch. Our meals were very reasonably priced and perfectly acceptable. However, sadly my friend didn't enjoy her main at all (pesto, quinoa salad) and she isn't a fussy eater at all and felt something tasted odd. Normally I would have mentioned it but the staff were working so hard and were so kind, I didn't have the heart. I do feel that £2.30 for a small bottle of water is unreasonable; which my friend had. I opted for tap water.

Absolutely love their smoked salmon and anchovy Caesar Salad, but find the croutons a bit hard going after a while ... though saying this, it's not a problem just to leave them to one side ... it doesn't deflect from the dish itself. Their Charlotte May Rose wine is extremely good, especially with the above meal. Finishing off with a latte and a decent slice of coffee and walnut cake and you leave feeling suitably satiated!

Lovely place to sit and watch the world go by ..... Good food and charming staff, all within a great garden centre......My only comment is that they do not serve real chips and these tiny little twigs that end up being cold and mushy.....and please make the full English breakfast and all day item rather than finishing at 11 am