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Hours
Sun
9:00 - 16:00
Mon
9:00 - 16:00
Tue
9:00 - 16:00
Wed
9:00 - 16:00
Thu
9:00 - 16:00
Fri
9:00 - 16:00
Sat
9:00 - 16:00
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, British, Cafe, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Special Occasion Dining, View
Is this restaurant on the water, or waterfront?
Details
About
Waterside Cafe is situated at Hawkhurst Fish Farm, a complex set in the perfectly quiet location between the Kent and Sussex border. It is a landscaped venue which includes planted gardens, scenic waterfalls and hosts a wide variety of wildfowl from assorted parts of the world making it an oasis of tranquility and an abundance of picturesque features. Our terraced cafe which overlooks the lakes, offers a selection of homemade, locally sourced food and cakes, cream teas, breakfast, lunches & more! With beautiful surroundings, a relaxed atmosphere, free ample parking and open 7 days a week over the summer! Waterside Cafe is a favorite among locals and holiday makers alike.
PRICE RANGE
£0.00 – £15.00
CUISINES
Cafe, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Waterfront
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4.0
282 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
83
Average
30
Poor
17
Terrible
20
Sarah M
Romford438 contributions
Sept 2020 • family
We had visited Hawhurst Farm for the Kent Tackle shop and found beautiful grounds made up of several lakes ideal for the angler or families interested in introducing their children to fishing. Within the grounds is the waterside cafe, under new management from just before covid started. Lots of space both inside and out. Outside is on the watersedge but the railings make it safe. Various arbours and marquees made for different seating areas. Lovely menu of some homecooked food with good portions. A bit of a wait but everything is cooked to order so understandable. What was nice was it was lunchtime and my son and husband had the fishfinger sandwhich and welsh rarebit but I was able to get afternoon tea for one which was very filling tasty and reasonable at £11.
Toilets available, all very clean and covid protection aware. Nice happy friendly staff.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Phillips
4 contributions
May 2021 • none
I had breakfast there today and was very impressed with everything this wonderful place had to offer. It cannot be easy for the staff there to work with current covid restrictions but this restaurant has done well in my opinion. From the one-way system on arrival with all the doors open and excellent ventilation, the check-in process, the sanitiser stations, the seating, and ordering. The food arrived promptly and was excellent. Sadly for me, I picked a cold windy day, but the breakfast was hot and filling and worth every penny charged (£9.90) and was more food than I could eat. Luckily my dog helped out with the leftover sausage and bacon. Whilst I was there, somebody was complaining and being rather rude about the fact they had to go back indoors to pay, and I felt really sorry for the young lady they were giving a hard time to. She politely explained that their payment terminal did not work outside. It was no problem for me to have to go in to pay. Hospitality works both ways and it is not easy for restaurants at the current time and I think Waterside Café is doing well to the point I never normally leave reviews but credit where credit is due. My hat goes off to everyone in hospitality right now as it has been a long hard year for most of us, but even harder for a sector closed down for most of the year. Keep up the great work guys.
Written 4 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil
7 contributions
Oct 2020 • family
We’ve always stopped off at the Waterside whenever we go to visit my aunt and uncle near Hastings, and we’ve never been disappointed yet. Breakfasts are always great, and the location is incomparable with any other café I’ve been to. (All you need to do is look at the photos!) Really enjoyed the breakfast today, so felt compelled to write a review.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
notoftenenough
Hastings53 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
Was always our favourite breakfast place. Went back for the first time since lockdown and was really disappointed. Service was really slow and the amount of food you get is no longer worth the premium price. Won't be going back sadly.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kennykat
England45 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We always visit this wonderful cafe at the fish farm. it is set in beautiful surroundings and although not cheap has always delivered on not only quality but quantity. Not now though :( we visited recently and found the portion sizes to be less than half of what they used to be. A small breakfast costing £8.50 was the equivalent of a £3.50 breakfast elsewhere and their granola, where i used to struggle finishing it was served in a glass mug for £5.50! although ok it is now so overpriced that it is no longer on our places to stop. Shame, i wouldn't go here again now mainly for the principle in that it seems the new owners are trying to make money by cutting quality and quantity. (new owners took over in March 2020)
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J.Smith
1 contribution
My partner and I BOOKED a table at this café recently. We did this to ensure we were able to have an allocated seat and could therefore relax. As we arrived, we noticed a queue going out of the front door and into the car park! We had to queue for a very long time to simply reach the front and be able to be seated. Once seated, we were told that the food would be "40 minutes due to the walk-ins." We accepted and took our seats. 25 minutes later, a friendly waitress arrived to tell us the food would be even longer "due to the kitchen struggling with the walk-ins" and finally took our order. 40 minutes later, we walked out before our two cups of tea had even arrived... Over an hour just to make an order and receive a cup of tea. Now, what is the point of allowing customers to book tables and then not give a sh*t about them and focus on the walk-ins. Are they more important? Is it because you're making more money from them? More than likely. I'd visited many times over the years and recommended the place to friends within the biking community. Never again. Hire a manager who knows who to prioritise and is able to train staff to put a bag in a cup and take it 20 feet out to a customer. It really isn't difficult.
Written 22 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosemary D
1 contribution
Sept 2020 • none
4 of us met here for Mums 90th Birthday, I can recommend the afternoon tea, there was plenty to eat, and all was delicious, service was a little slow BUT as the staff are not used to doing table service I think they can be forgiven ! What a lovely setting right by the lake.
Very friendly and polite staff.
Will certainly be returning.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle C
Sutton259 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
This was my first time here. The location was amazing (by the side of a lake) so the view was awesome.
The service was good but I felt that the food was pricey for what you got! The breakfast was nice but I've had better and cheaper. The coffee was luke warm so wasn't that nice.
I would go back again but wouldn't eat.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Txstev
5 contributions
Jun 2022 • friends
This place is a lovely venue in a lovely setting, but be warned if you're a veggie or vegan.
I ordered the veggie breakfast, without the egg as eat a vegan diet, and a server came to advise that the veggie sausages had been cooked in the fish fryer so weren't suitable.
I received my breakfast of baked beans, mushroom and a tomato.
I asked why there were no hash browns, as advertised, to be told they also were cooked in the fish fryer.
The poor servers had to make the apology to me. I asked for a partial refund as the breakfast was not as advertised and told the manager would have to decide. I expected the manager to come and see me but, after a long wait, an embarassed server once again was left to apologise and give me some cash in my hand.
The poor servers were so embarassed and put into a difficult position that I believe the manager should have taken responsibility for, hence the 2 stars.
Written 4 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina D
Thanks for taking time to leave a review regarding you're visit with us this weekend. Firstly, our menu does not advertise the vegetarian breakfast as being a vegan option, many vegetarians eat fish therefore posing no issue with products being cooked in the same oil as our fish dishes. Many small, busy kitchens such as ours, unfortunately do not have the capacity or facilities to have separate equipment, such as fryers, allocated specifically for vegetarians and vegans. We do have a vegan breakfast on our menu, that may have been better suited to your needs, avocado on toast with roasted cherry tomatoes and grilled mushrooms.
All staff at the cafe are able to deal with any complaints compentently, and ensure our customers enjoy their visit with us. If staff feel they are unable to resolve the customers grievance, then they inform the manager on duty. If you wished to speak to the manager at the time, I would have been happy to talk to you.
Written 6 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mracw
Hastings44 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
Really good views over the fish farm, so relaxing watching the water birds and listening to the sounds of nature,we rang the restaurant to check that we could book the same table as we usually have because two of our guests are disabled and can’t sit in the sun. We were told that it was not a problem and the usual table would be reserved. However on arrival the young lady started to lead us to a table in direct sunlight. My wife explained that we had booked a table that was not in the sun, unfortunately even though we had booked,they had seated customers on our requested table. We were offered a table out of the sun but it was so close to the next table that the chairs actually touched those behind us. After about 15 mis a shaded table became vacant so we asked if we could move . All of the food was very nice, well cooked and hot,but the staff seemed to be very slow and everything took a long time to come. We could see that the dirty plates were being left on a. Number of the other tables.the coffee was very poor and served Luke warm,as was the HOT chocolate. Such a great place to eat,it’s a real shame that the staff/management seem not to be bothered that things could be so much better with just small changes,
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SUPERTRAMP70
Battle443 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
This is my second time eating out since lockdown and both times here. I feel safe and the food and settings are great. The prices are good and you get to look over the lake while you eat your delicious food I had breakfast this time will definatley return maybe lunch next time
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil
7 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Although I have left a positive review already for this place, I’m leaving another one, as this time, I booked it for a client’s barbecue and drinks.
Rather than add my comments, here are a selection of my clients:
“The food was delicious and the location was beautiful.”
“Just wanted to say thank you, lovely food, lovely location and met some lovely people.”
“Thank you very much for such a nice afternoon, much appreciated.”
All in all a huge success for building relationships with clients we haven’t seen for a long time, and with prospects who could turn into clients!
I would heartily recommend the Waterside to any business owner who wants to wow their clients in a relaxing environment with good food, amazing surroundings and A1 service.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan J
3 contributions
Jun 2021 • friends
We absolutely love going here, their afternoon tea is amazing and great for what you get!
Sitting outside is so lovely on a nice day, especially with the lake filled with fish.
The afternoon tea comes filled with so many yummy things, however served with a tea to which the tea pot is disgusting.
Ive been here 3 times over the last couple of months, and i love it, i love every part of it except the teapot which every time has been disgustingly unclean.
It needs to be scrubbed after every single use. Especially with COVID.
Written 10 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve C
2 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
A case of being a victim of its own success. They have a wonderful location and the staff are friendly.
The website advertises breakfast at 12 but doesn't tell you that last orders are 11:45.
I got there at 11:44 and the following day 11:35. Both days they couldn't take my order because they were "too busy". I would say they were busy, but in all not too busy to take my order. Having driven over 45 mins to get there on both occasions I was obviously pretty annoyed. Not sure I'll chance it again. I would recommend getting there by 11 to avoid disappointment.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina D
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review of your visit with us. Your disappointment is shared with many other customers, who don't realise behind the scenes we often have many orders to work through, to ensure breakfast is finished on time, to avoid a delay on our lunch service. If I remember correctly, we did provide you with a Waterside breakfast on the Saturday as a gesture of good will, knowing you had travelled a distance.
Written 29 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark W
3 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Having previously stopped by on a Sunday morning ride out for good coffee and excellent bacon sandwiches my wife and I thought we would call in for lunch on the 23rd anniversary of meeting each other.
We treated ourselves to an afternoon tea expecting it to be fairly nice. What came out was a beautiful platter of finger sandwiches each with good quality flavoursome fillings and a lovely fresh well presented salad garnish. That was WOW 1. The scone was a generous size, fresh baked with a perfect texture and just the right amount of sultanas. Strawberry jam and cream spot on. WOW2! And then to the mini cakes. We decided to share one and bring one home as we were getting full. Carrot cake, moist, perfectly flavoured and the icing was divine. Lemon drizzle cake with a similarly spectacular frosting. Sweet perfectly baked and flavoured modeling. Mini choc muffins. Macaron and almond tart made this another WOW. Wish we had discovered their afternoon tea a long time ago but I think now we will be very regular visitors. Staff were all very friendly too.
Written 25 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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