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About
The Departure Lounge Cafe is a lovely cafe/restaurant situated on the outskirts of Alton in Hampshire on the A339 to Basingstoke. Our unique setting offers beautiful countryside views.
PRICE RANGE
US$5 - US$13
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks
CUISINES
Cafe, British
FEATURES
Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards
Reviews (230)
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Traveller rating
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago

We recently hired The Departure Lounge for a private event - I can honestly say we couldn’t have chosen better. The staff were amazing and the venue were so flexible with my crazy requests and constant communication. My emails were answered within the hour, leaving...me with so much confidence and total relaxation for the day. We were given ample time and help with the set up and was allowed to decorate however we wanted. I received so many compliments on the day about our choice of venue. I can’t thank Simon and his team enough. We will definitely be using them again and returning for some food. Thank you again everyone, my daughter had the best day at her 1st birthday and christening celebration. I would absolutely recommend for food and party hire.More

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 20 September 2023

Where do I start……We had the most incredible wedding party at the Departure Lounge last weekend. From our first meeting with Simon (who owns and manages the Departure Lounge) we knew it was the right venue for us. We were able to personalise our celebration,...safe in the knowledge that Simon and his team would pull off our dream day. From the start of the process nothing was too much trouble. Simon’s suggestions were excellent – his responses to our questions/concerns were prompt and based on our requests he was able to help us design our perfect event. A few days prior we were able to decorate the marquee – on the day itself we had the entire site to ourselves allowing privacy and ease of final setup. The day/evening was a huge success and simon and his team worked so hard to ensure our request were met – with many smiles and laughs along the way! From playing our ceremony play list to setting up the Lawn Games, to making sure our glasses were full, every detail was attended to. Infact his team are so friendly we even invited them to dance with the DJ in the closing section. The food (hog roast) was exceptional, our guests commenting it was the best they had ever had. We have absolutely no doubts about recommending the Departure Lounge as a stunning wedding venue or party venue – and you will have no regrets for making that choice for such a special occasion. Hurry, before it gets booked up…..Several of our guests have already expressed their interest in the venue.More

Date of visit: September 2023
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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.
Reviewed 15 August 2023

We got married here at the beginning of July and had the most amazing experience. Simon and his fabulous team so were so friendly and made the day exactly how we wanted it to go. Everyone raved about the food, especially the cheesecakes that we...chose instead of wedding cake. I would highly recommend this venue if you want a wedding that is highly personal and very memorable!More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 8 August 2023

I'd attended a Car Meet at Kings Arms in Bagshot, whilst there, I was informed of another Car Meet being held near the Café

Date of visit: April 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 9 July 2023

We had our wedding here in June and we couldn’t wish for a better venue it’s incredible, Simon and all of the staff were so helpful throughout the whole day and the lead up to the wedding and saved us so much stress I couldn’t...recommend them enough we had the hog roast for our food and it was delicious. The whole day was just perfect. Thanks so much to Simon and all of the staff at the Departure lounge. Natalie and joeMore

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 25 June 2023

We couldn't be happier to have spent our wedding day at The Departure Lounge. If we were to do it all over again, we'd be back in a heartbeat. Absolutely everything was perfect. The communication, help and advice from the moment we approached Simon for...a quote was tip top. Nothing was ever too much of an ask and he made a busy (and potentially stressful) time so easy for us. Simon and his team are genuinely nothing short of wonderful. Sophie and Tina were so lovely and helpful during the week we set up (and on the day!), and Jess and the lady behind the bar (whose name we sadly didn't get) went above and beyond in the evening to make sure everything went smoothly and that our guests (and us) had the very best time. This was not lost on our friends and family (or our photographer)... so many people have commented on how great the team were. The food was also absolutely amazing too. We had the Ploughman's spread and the hog roast. Both were fantastic and everything was of a very high quality. Our guests have not stopped talking about the brie or the pork! The wine was also delicious, and the bar very well stocked. So many of our friends have been nervous in the run up to their weddings. We never, ever had that and that genuinely comes down to knowing that The Departure Lounge would do the most amazing job. It's safe to say the team went on to exceed our expectations beyond measure! We really did have the best day, and we will forever be grateful to The Departure Lounge for that.More

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 26 May 2023

My Husband and I had the pleasure of working with Simon and his fantastic team to host our wedding reception. Simon and the team could not be anymore helpful if they tried. A pleasure to plan and work alongside, no request too much. Not only...are they a great bunch of people but the cost is fair. Such a beautiful and private location with fantastic opportunities for photos. A beautiful space to bring all our family and friends together. We used vendors for our event which all reported the ease of the venue and communication to be on sight and plan in advance. We would recommend the food at the venue and would 100% be back for future events to the departure lounge as well as the odd cheeky yummy breakfast. @simon and the team we thank you so much for making our day perfect.More

Date of visit: May 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 20 May 2023

This just might be the greatest venue in the world. Tribute. The bar staff - Elina, Tina. Charlie, Ellie, Claire, Simon and Sophie and steph have been exsquisit hosts and catered for every need. I cannot recommend this epic venue enough. Get married here It's...banging Yours truly Damian CarruthersMore

Date of visit: May 2023
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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.
Reviewed 10 April 2023

Found this little gem on way to our grandchild birthday we stopped for a light lunch and were very impressed with food staff and ambiance,we will be returning again soon.

Date of visit: April 2023
Helpful?
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Reviewed 25 February 2023 via mobile

I am currently planning my wedding with The Departure Lounge and thought I would leave a review incase anyone else is thinking about this venue. All I can say is if you are thinking about it then stop thinking and just go for it! Simon...and his team have been amazing so far in helping us plan ours! Nothing seems too much for them and he has been so helpful with ideas and answering all my questions. I have to say all my questions because he has received quite a few emails! His response time is also amazing which is exactly what you need when planning a wedding. I visited the cafe today for ideas and inspiration and overheard him with another couple and they were also very pleased with everything so far! I didn't prewarn Simon I was popping in today but he took the time out of his day to come and talk to my on multiple occasions in the time I was there to make sure all my questions were answered! I am so very excited to have my wedding at The Departure Lounge in September! I'll definitely be back multiple times before and after! Amazing cafe and venue as a whole! Thanks so much! April ❤More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 2 February 2023

I like this place, and it was a happy surprise when I first found it by chance. I've looked in a few time now, usually for the full breakfast but also for their cheesecake with a tea or a coffee. I've always been greeted with...a smile and a friendly welcome, and the meals I've ordered are prepared to a high standard and nicely presented. As a venue the Departure Lounge is intriguing to see but also offers a comfortable, relaxing visit and can cater for the individual or larger groups too. The surrounding countryside is a joy to look at, with ample parking right there as well. They can arrange bigger functions also, so have a chat with them if that's what you have in mind. Do check them out ~ as someone else here has said the place is a gem, and I for one am pleased to have found it.More

Date of visit: February 2023
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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.
Reviewed 1 February 2023 via mobile

Every time we visit here we are never disappointed whether its for a full English breakfast (so good) or for a jacket potatoe or a sandwich with so many fillings to choose from, my favorite is the coronation chicken but my husband always has the...prawn then complains because there is too much!!! On a very rare occasion I've had room to squeeze in a homemade millionaire shortcake but more often than not end up taking it home because even though they are delish they are a big portion , there are lots of other homemade cakes to choose from as well.why have I titled this our little piece of heaven? We so enjoy going here because the staff are lovely we always get greeted warmly by them. The cafe is cosy and very clean and we love the food, so heaven !!More

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 25 January 2023 via mobile

Tried to have lunch with my elderly mum but although we waited 40 minutes in a very cold part of the premises, we were not served. Lady who told us which table to sit at was dismissive and nobody cared that we finally gave up...and left. Don’t waste your time or money here. I’d rather give my money to a business who cares and acknowledges it’s clients. Maybe we didn’t fit the bill.More

Date of visit: January 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Simon F, Owner at The Departure Lounge Cafe, responded to this reviewResponded 1 February 2023

Hello Catherine, Thank you very much for your review and am truly sorry that it was because of a bad experience. I have been here since 2006 and try very hard to make sure everybody has a pleasant visit, whether it be for just a...More

Reviewed 27 October 2022

Fascinating nicnacs adorn the cafe interior and, with excellent food and real friendly staff, makes for a very pleasant visit. Tables are well-spaced apart although the wooden floor and spacious interior make for a somewhat noisy atmosphere as sounds echo throughout the cafe. Parking: Plenty...of parking space. Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access in and out of the cafe.More

Date of visit: October 2022
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 14 September 2022 via mobile

We loved our wedding day and it was all down to the staff of the departure lounge. The food, service, decor was amazing and we will always go back for the events and tea and cake! Wonderful place to spend with the family and a...great stop off for breakfast or lunch! Always be sure to check their social media to know what events are on! Love the departure lounge!! Will be back soon!!More

Date of visit: September 2022
Helpful?
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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THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE CAFE, Alton - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Departure Lounge Cafe

The Departure Lounge Cafe is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Atmosphere: 4.5