The Hill Station

It’s a really good place for socialising and working. The only thing I would say is that indoors customers mainly come with laptops to work, and unfortunately there is really loud distracting music that suits a bar/club which is not what the indoors part of the cafe is mainly used for on an average day. I understand if it was on in the evening at that volume but it’s on during the day as well. Perhaps just a little quieter or a different genre of music that feels less like you’re out at a club?

Just discovered this place today and loved it! Despite a few beers not being on, the available ones were great. Tricky frothy taps but bar staff persevered. Fab pizzas and bigger than expected. Great carrot cake. Wished we lived closer- only 160 odd miles away! Will definitely be back when we come back to town.

Great place to come work from a laptop: lots of seating indoors and outdoors, some available plugs for charging, calm music. I'd happily come back here for these reasons, otherwise pretty disappointed by the service and lack of food options. Arrived shortly after 3pm and tried to order a sandwich only to be told the kitchen was closed. Seems a bit early, doesn't it? I'm also only asking for a sandwich, not a cooked meal or anything. Ended up settling for a slice of cake instead, which wasn't ideal really. Also the misery! The two people I interacted with seemed annoyed by the prospect of having to deal with a customer. When I asked about the cakes, the woman behind the counter spoke so quietly that I could barely hear her and seemed irritated to be taking my order, avoiding speaking to me as much as possible. Pretty weird and unpleasant to have to deal with. She also spent the majority of her time staying away from the till, using her phone instead. Oddly cold and unfriendly service, which contrasts with the otherwise nice atmosphere of the place. They need to train their staff as well as offer food that isn't limited to cake only outside of certain hours. Pity because this place is otherwise lovely.

An inclusive, creative, and communal establishment. It was my first time there (weekday afternoon), and I found the staff, the food, and the interior of this cafe delightful. The staff were attentive (cleared away dishes quickly), friendly, and professional. The food was seasoned well, and I felt the portion sizes were fair compared to London prices. It is an open kitchen concept, so delicious smells will waft through the cafe during the whole dining experience. And even if the smell lingers onto your clothing when you leave (if you decide to stay for a longer period of time), it's like a hug from the cafe you get to bring home with you.