The Sondes Tea House - Swale

A great lunch sitting on a comfy sofa in front of a well tended log fire. What more could you ask for? Food is vegetarian and truly excellent despite this ! Definitely slips into the Quirky category and I love it. My third visit and I hope very much to come again. Where else could you visit the loo and find yourself vying for space next to a huge model aeroplane?

Wonderfully cosy place, garden has cosy corners to sit and the main room has a log fire in the winter). All home made food, very good quality, healthy savoury options. The cakes I’m not a cake eater) looked delicious and home made.

Lovely chilled relaxing atmosphere great food friendly staff , but chaotic counter service. You are told , after queuing at a crowded counter , that you can’t order right away. They take your name , tell you to find a seat, and that you will be told to come to the counter when called. Bizarre. This is in spite of the venue not appearing to be particularly busy and despite there appearing to be plenty of staff. It took around 10 mins to be called The food behind the counter is displayed , and looks delicious, but is unlabelled and undescribed , presumably a pick and mix system, but it is unclear exactly what goes with what so to speak, or what comprises a portion or what it costs. No information posted at all. A menu at each table with a good description of the dishes , and table service would solve matters and improve things no end, reduce congestion at the cramped counter and make it easier for staff and customers alike and would probably increase turnover no end.

A friend took me to this lovely little gem of a place. The decor is so interesting and very comfortable. I took a peek at the garden too before we left and it looked beautiful and has plenty of different seating areas. We wanted to have lunch and were very lucky that they said if we were happy to wait and accept what was left on the menu they could fit us in. Not surprised really as they are so popular. We each had a pot of tea while we waited (I had Turkish apple and my friend had rhubarb spritzer) and then had the most delicious aubergine bake with salad. I hope I get the chance to go again as I loved it.

**** lovely as always, a super lunch and brilliant Tea menu! The cake selection was magnificent it would be rude not to indulge!