The Garden Cafe - Cambridge

This cafe is vastly improved since last visit. Drinks are served in China mugs and the whole ambiance is much better than previously. Maybe new owners? Cakes are well covered, still only cards, but it’s so popular cash would take too long. The Botanic gardens are so wonderful to visit, and a great place for meeting friends. There is an entry fee. There are other toilets near the glasshouses. the toilets by the cafe are rather few and queue variety. Push the doors as they are apt to look closed when they are free. Handwashing facilities are inside each cubicle. On a bus routes, near the rail station, or Trumpington P&R Seating Inside and outside with shades.

Although there weren 't a lot of choices for the fridge foods, we really enjoyed the cakes that are unique flavours and organic. Even the lavender ice cream was a surprise...my daughter laughed when I described it as tastes pretty . She liked it but I am keen on having it as a candle or air freshener. Still, I am glad I have tried something different that spells out Botanical. The cakes were amazing too, although some can do with less sugar. Overall, we enjoyed our little snack after the tour as it was a sunny, not crowded afternoon and the icing on the cake was a lovely young lady manning the till. I should have taken her name but she is very friendly, welcoming and helpful in making us choose from the unfamiliar cakes explaining what each one is. All cafes should have a delightful staff like her that even if food is quite pricey, you get really good service! My daughter and I really enjoyed our afternoon. Well done!

Toilet facilities were a row of self-contained, unisex cubicles. With a queue. With one man in the queue pushing at the doors to see if anyone was inside. And another man deciding he couldn't be bothered waiting and pushing his way past to the disabled facilities. And inside.... splashes on the toilet seat, and large puddles on the floor. Grim.

A really disappointing experience today. The cafe set up is confusing with two tills and very cramped fridge area so you can't get to anything. There are no food options for children. Most of the visitors were families so I just don't understand this. Missing a trick, will bring a picnic next time. My halloumi wrap was nice, but soggy. Lots of outdoor seating which was very pleasant. Could be so much better with very little effort.

Not a bad cafe when well staffed but can be frustrating at busy times. A pleasant area to sit outside on a sunny day.