Smeaton Nursery Gardens And Tea Shop

After enjoying a nice time exercising our dogs in the secure and beautiful 'Smeaton Dogwood', we were craving a cup of tea. However, when we heard about the Caulifower and Mature Cheddar soup served with a cheese scone, we couldn't resist. And we're glad we didn't, because they were a perfect pairing! The service was great, and this place is truly a gem. We are cheese scone enthusiasts and these definitely earned an A+ rating with plenty of cheese both on top and inside. They were served warm with a pat of butter for each half. Other establishments should take notes from this place!

The scones at this restaurant are very large and delicious, available in fruit, plain, or cheese. The service was a bit slow, but the cafe also features an interesting gallery.

While Smeaton is known for its great plants, the cafe experience was disappointing. We arrived for a light lunch and had to wait for 30 minutes before a table became available. Despite requesting extra seats for our group of five (three adults and two children), we were told they didn't have additional chairs. To our surprise, we were later informed that we couldn't sit at a table that could only accommodate 3-4 people, even though there were larger picnic benches nearby with fewer occupants. The service was lacking, the management was poor, and the staff were rude. We will not be returning and cannot recommend this cafe.

We 've been here several times and the service has usually been erratic but the food/drinks good quality so we go back. However, no longer! The service were waiting 40 minutes for simple sandwiches! When we had asked the server (young and pleasant but clearly inexperienced) where our food was we heard a tirade from the open kitchen. Our food arrived eventually and the order was wrong we had had enough by then and decided that it was time to leave. So be aware that apparently customers are not allowed to expect service on busy days and the 'cook ' let us know that very loudly and unpleasantly as we left! We are both well aware of the challenges of running a smallish business plus how important customer care is and always allow an element of flexibility before making a judgment. However to be treated so rudely and almost shouted at is a step too far we won 't be back so be warned if you do go to Smeaton to be prepared and eat beforehand! Probably best to wear your thick skin too in case you get told off for placing an order...

Honest home made food by hard working people .great service and super nice to be away from your busy Found this place by chance and so glad I did