Quite Contrary...

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#3 of 15 Coffee & Tea in Whitstable££ - £££, Dessert, Cafe, British

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5.0

36 reviews

#3 of 15 Coffee & Tea in Whitstable

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Service

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CUISINES

Cafe, British

FEATURES

Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi

Location and contact

150 Tankerton Road Tankerton, Whitstable CT5 2AW England

+44 1227 634202

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Does this restaurant offer outdoor seating?

Yes

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About

Family run Tea room and gift shop which is extremely child friendly. Dedicated Children's party room for cupcake baking, art and craft and bath bomb making parties.

CUISINES

Cafe, British

FEATURES

Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi

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5.0

36 reviews

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Heather H

Egham587 contributions

Amazing husband and wife team

Jun 2021 • couples

Not being local and having a day trip to Whitstable for my birthday I wanted to have a typical day by the sea with tea and scones and didn't fancy brining them and all the gubbins with me so I found this cafe close to the beach hut we rented. I phoned in advance to place an order for several scones etc and boy they didn't disappoint. I had ordered a custom birthday cake from a baker in my town which was very disappointing and 3/4 of it was thrown away and these scones saved the day! Sue kindly delivered them directly to our beach hut along with a great iced coffee (scones still warm) with plenty of great jam and cream. I have to say the chocolate and cherry one is the best I've ever had and I was stuffed so had my second for breakfast the next day. If I was local I don't think I could stop myself from going there every day! We will be back and I will spend more time looking around their cute shop. The food and service is top notch and I'd highly recommend visiting.

Written 9 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.

suechiu128

Thank you for such a kind review. It was a pleasure to deliver these to you, we are glad that you enjoyed them. Our new Cherry and Choc Scones are my favourite too!! Best wishes Sue and Kim

Written 10 June 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

emno49

26 contributions

Like coming home to a warm , friendly farmhouse kitchen .

Jun 2022 • family

I have now been here twice and the title sums up how this little cafe makes me feel . Nothing is too much trouble . The first time I was served by a gentleman who asked me what strength I preferred my coffee , wiped down the tables and lifted all of the cake trays for my 6 year old to choose . This week a lady was baking as we arrived to add to the homeliness . My fussy 6 year old was delighted with a still warm chocolate cupcake and the orange juice is good quality . I had a delicious, warm homemade apricot scone with butter and fantastic coffee. Again , nothing was too much trouble as the lady helped my son take a play box into the patio and push tables together to make him space . Already planning to try the cheese and marmite scone next time I am in Tankerton!

Written 5 June 2022

sue c

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your visit and that we were able to make you feel both at home. We look forward to seeing you again soon - scones at the ready! Sue and Kim x

Written 12 June 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Freya D

5 contributions

Delicious scones

Oct 2021 • family

This is a delightful cafe with fantastic service and delicious scones. We had cheese scones which were warm and came with butter. The owner kindly wiped done the seats for us and brought out cushions. He was very attentive and made sure everything was to our liking. Lovely place! Will be going back.

Written 25 October 2021

sue c

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We take huge pride in all our homemade scones and cakes, so it's important to us to get feedback to ensure that our customers are enjoying them. I'm glad that you felt welcomed and looked after during your visit, we look forward to seeing you again soon! Many Thanks Sue and Kim

Written 27 December 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rebecca

Whitstable21 contributions

100% recommend !

Aug 2024 • friends

Really lovely, accommodating place Went with my friend for a scone, while he had a brownie and we both had milkshakes Milkshake was fresh tasting and nice (not like the sickly artificial ones) and the scone was the best i’ve had ! Definitely recommend this place, we felt very welcomed and was the perfect place to enjoy a treat while catching up

Written 29 August 2024

sue chiu

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really do appreciate it. We're very glad that you enjoyed your visit with us and we hope to see you again soon! Sue and Kim

Written 30 August 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

RabHaErr

Ayr39 contributions

Best scones by a mile!

Jul 2024 • couples

Home made lime juice and freshly-baked scones…what’s not to like? Chilli scone was delightful and the walnut version was glorious. This must be Tankerton’s best kept secret, otherwise it would be queued for miles! Delightful gentleman served us. Well worth the walk from Whitstable.

Written 18 July 2024

sue chiu

Thank you so much! I might keep your comment about my husband to myself though- don't want him getting too big headed! We really do appreciate you taking the time to write such a fantastic review. Thank you so much Sue and Kim

Written 30 August 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jane0607

Whitstable7 contributions

Simply the best

Oct 2024 • friends

Quite Contrary is my favourite local cafe. Scrumptious cakes and scones baked in the cafe . Today I choose the delicious Chocolate and Orange Cake . Kim and Sue are always polite and cheerful.

Written 16 October 2024

julie l

Orpington14 contributions

Lovely little tearoom

Feb 2022 • couples

What a lovely little place. Really friendly man, Kim served us. Great hospitality and purchased a lovely smelling candle xx

Written 8 February 2022

sue c

Thank you for taking the time to put such a kind review on here. We really do appreciate it. My husband, Kim, will be very chuffed that you mentioned him! We hope to see you again soon, enjoy your candle! Sue x

Written 13 February 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Helen C

Herne Bay4 contributions

Hidden Gem tearoom and gift shop

Oct 2021 • solo

I made an impromptu visit to this lovely little place for refreshments while my dog was at the groomers. Always friendly and great service. Home made cakes and scones. I had cheese and walnut scone and bake well tart with a pot of tea. All homemade and fresh - even asked if wanted more hot water for teapot. Lovely shop too full of gifts. Have visited several times and would highly recommend

Written 13 October 2021

sue c

Thank you so much for your lovely kind review. It really does mean a lot to us, as we put our heart and soul into our shop, so appreciate you taking the time to write it. Next time that you are in, please make yourself known, so that we can thank you personally. Best Wishes Sue and Kim. X

Written 17 October 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DawnLeicester

Oadby101 contributions

A great find, just perfect.

Sept 2021 • couples

Found this place by accident and what a find it was. We were looking for coffee and cake, the coffee was really nice the gentleman that served us asked how strong we wanted it and it was perfect, as for the cake WOW my husband opted for the passion fruit and raspberry cake which was delicious, so moist and I had Bakewell Tart which must be the best I’ve ever had, the gentleman said his wife baked all the cakes, she definitely needs to be on the Great British Bake Off ! We are in Whitstable for a week and will definitely be going back before we go home.

Written 3 September 2021

sue c

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We're so glad that you enjoyed your experience and especially loved the cakes. Yes all homemade! We really appreciate you taking the time to write this. Hope to see you again soon! Sue and Kim x

Written 27 September 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mrs-turner-1986

18 contributions

Lovely

Feb 2019 • family

I came here with my 2 children on Friday in the half term as my daughter really wanted to. My daughter an son wanted to paint a money box, an the man got all the lovely craft bits out an loads of paint. So much stuff, My kids absolutely loved doing it. The man was so Accommodating an sooo nice, Anything we wanted he got. An the coffee was the best coffee Iv had! Would highly recommend this place, they do amazing things for children. An by the looks of it they do lovely cake to. Will definitely be coming back! Big 👍👍👍. Thank u sooo much guys. Sorry I said man but I didn’t get his name ha ha. Thank you.

Written 22 February 2019

suechiu128

Thank you so much for your very kind review. Not many people know that we do this as we don’t advertise it so it’s nice to make people aware. I’m glad you all felt looked after by my husband, Kim. We hope you will visit us again soon! Many Thanks Sue and Kim

Written 25 February 2019

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

J0d78

Kent3 contributions

Excellent cup cake party venue

Jul 2018 • friends

We held our daughters 8th birthday party here. It couldn’t have been better.. 9 party attendees well looked after, kept entertained for 2 hours with a lovely set of 6 cup cakes each to take home. The children made the cakes, decorated boxes and then after a quick tutorial they each decorated their cakes - resulting in 9 very different but equally beautiful set of cup cakes. The staff couldn’t do enough and were attentive to each child which allowed parents to catch up by sitting outside in the sunshine with excellent barista coffees. Thank you to you all - much appreciated. 😃

Written 28 July 2018

suechiu128

Thank you, Jo, for your lovely review. It is really appreciated. We were honoured to have such a lovely group of friends they were an absolute credit to you all and should be very proud of themselves for not only making beautiful cakes but for the way they all behave throughout. Thank you all for coming! Sue

Written 29 July 2018

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alex@25

3 contributions

A really friendly cafe

May 2018 • family

Lovely little place with generous portions and lots of quirky cards and gifts for sale. Owner is a lovely obliging man who cannot do enough and provides toys and craft activities for children. A friendly and relaxed experience.p

Written 24 May 2018

suechiu128

Thank you very much for your kind review, we are glad that you had a really positive experience with us. Hopefully we will see you again! Best Wishes Sue and Kim Chiu

Written 25 May 2018

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

G S

Milton Keynes9 contributions

What a find!

Aug 2017 • family

My two teenage children and family friend happened upon the 'Quite Contrary' yesterday. We were warmly welcomed and the owner couldn't have been more pleasant. He even brought a fan over for us as we were a bit hot! We ate toasted cheese and ham sandwiches and my daughter enjoyed s slice of the coffee cake. Portions were good and we got a generous serving of free salad too. Nothing was too much trouble. A beautiful shop with gorgeous products to look at. Very relaxed atmosphere and really friendly. Family friendly and fun. The party area for children to bake and be creative looked so sweet. We will return one day.

Written 26 August 2017

suechiu128

Thank you very much for writing such a thoughtful and kind review. we are glad that you enjoyed your visit! Best Wishes Sue and Kim Chiu

Written 27 August 2017

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Celestine65

Kent321 contributions

Lovely Cake

Jul 2017 • solo

Took a friend's child after school for milkshake & cake. Yummy cakes for kids & adults too. One of the best coffees I have had locally so will definitely be going back for a return visit.

Written 6 July 2017

suechiu128

Thank you for your great review, we're so glad that you like our coffee too. Its locally roasted by Nick at The Micro Roastery in Canterbury, where he also has a coffee shop, well worth visiting if you are over that way! We look forward to seeing you again. Best Wishes Sue and Kim

Written 7 July 2017

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

susiewKent

Hastings695 contributions

Consistently Deliciously Perfect

Mar 2017 • solo

My first visit of the 'season'- it's becoming a bit of a tradition; return to Whitstable for the spring and celebrate the return to seaside living with a visit to Quite Contrary. Kim and Sue have got the perfect formula: small menu, home made, great coffee, top notch baking and always, always service with a warm welcome and genuine smile. Add to that, their little retail shop (a veritable cornucopia of delights) and quite simply you're in heaven. Quite contrary is a 'kick back' kind of place. Linger, peruse, chat, read....or just soak up the warmth of the ambience. It's one of those places where you never quite want to leave (it's also one of those places that makes your waist line groan in protest, as you find yourself contemplating whether you could possibly cram in just one more delicious morsel!!) The price point is ridiculously reasonable. This year Sue has extended her retail range to include some rather lovely largenlook tunics and ponchos-my wallet was twitching in anticipation!!! Visit, enjoy, treat yourself to an unusual gift, take some of Sue's baking home for tea......I promise you, you will be back again and again and... PS my latest acquisition; oyster shell with beautiful words.....the perfect whitstable memory! See you after your Malaysian trip guys X

Written 26 March 2017

suechiu128

It was lovely to see you again, Susie, we are so glad that you continue to visit us when you are in the area and still enjoy coming to our little shop! Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. Hopefully see you again soon Best Wishes Sue and Kim x

Written 27 March 2017

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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