The Hideaway Cafe

I really wanted to like the Hideaway Café but I've marked it down for a couple of reasons. Firstly the coffee is awful. Both bitter and weak at the same time. It was early in the morning and it didn't taste fresh. Better attention to detail and a better brand of coffee would save the day. My other concern is purely subjective. When I was there it felt very cliquey and I didn't feel inclined to linger. That's nothing to do with the staff, by the way, who were friendly and courteous but it seems to attract the sort of clientele who regard themselves as "regulars" that view anyone new with suspicion. They really need to get more passing trade - a hard thing to do given the admittedly tranquil location. So overall a good effort in a pleasant location but I can't see it lasting, sadly.

Guildford’s best kept secret. This truly wonderful cafe is a real hidden gem, even in the pouring rain, one can sit inside, and enjoy the peace of a large green area, with a view right to the north downs ridge, and a well tended walled garden. On a dry day there is a wooden deck, with the same view. Friendly staff, small but delicious menu, quiet, and above all, its an NFP enterprise, with all profits going to community social enterprise. Good coffee, good people, friendly and welcoming, with good prices too. What’s not to like? Definitely highly recommended.