Forty Hall Estate — Attraction in London

This review is for the café only.

Forty Hall was exquisite as were the grounds.

This café is set in beautiful surroundings and decorated by someone who took great care to get it looking like a great meeting point, a place you can go to unwind and relax ... Exposed brickwork and high ceilings - check. Different tables with polka dot table cloths - check. Random chairs - check. Grand piano in the corner - check. Books for kids - check. Quirky items dotted around - the obligatory singer sewing machine and dolls house - check. Random chintz plates and saucers - check. And obviously the most important thing.. A great selection of quality healthy food, lots of great tasting coffee and teas from around the world and a magnificent children's menu?..... Err. No.

It was a shame because up until that point I had been wowed. It doesn't take a lot to make a café great. The British are great at it in fact. From the traditional greasy spoon to the artsy type café selling paintings and coffee with beans you never heard of but taste delicious. But then there was this. The shelves were bare. The menu was either a cream tea at £12, or soup - pea, kale and something else. Something my wife would have ordered but would have secretly hated the taste.

Actually I lied. there was more.. There were platters at £7. Pork pie etc etc. One was duly ordered. Nicely presented and the pork pie was as far as I could tell - home made. But it was tiny. A tiny pork pie on a bed of random salad leaves. £7. "I'll have a pot of tea for 1 please" I declared after despairing at the choice. "We only do tea for 2" the young lady replied. "Oh..." Said I. "That'll be £4" said she.

We had four children in tow.. "May I see your children's menu please?" Said I. "We don't have a children's menu" said she. "Oh.." Said I.

"Perhaps a sandwich then?" (They were £5.50). "Do they come with some crisps perhaps?" "No.. But we can do half sandwiches at £2!" Me doing the maths... "Excellent. We will have four half ham sandwiches!" I said in triumph.

So each child received the equivalent of one slice of buttered brown tasteless ("Tescos Own" if I wasn't mistaken) bread. With a slice of the finest watery ham available to humankind. No garnish. No crisps. (They don't have crisps).

Compare this to another café (the Cha Cafe Cassiobury Park in Watford I had recently visited). On the children's menu : £3.50 got you a fresh bread sandwich, with a drink and on the plate was a chocolate brownie, crisps, vegetables and fresh watermelon. Can you see the difference?

The staff however were nice. Perhaps we came on a bad day. Maybe they had simply ran out of food. There were three cakes - the lemon drizzle was nice. But there was no coffee machine (I would have had a coffee - but lack of a decent sloshing frothing machine made that not an option and other reviews regarding the coffee makes me think I made the right decision).

There were no crisps, carton drinks and the only other snack was a small bar of muesli. There was no fruit. There was nothing else. It was bizarre.

I don't mean this to be negative, but this could and should be an awesome café, but at the moment I'm afraid it needs a major menu makeover. And until that time comes I'm afraid I will be bringing a picnic next time I come to...

The Forty Hall Estate is a captivating historical site that seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich heritage. Nestled in the heart of Enfield, London, this 17th-century manor house and its surrounding estate offer visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The estate is a testament to the grandeur of Jacobean architecture, with its striking red-brick façade, ornate interiors, and meticulously preserved period features. Stepping inside the hall feels like travelling back in time, as the rooms are adorned with antique furniture, intricate woodwork, and stunning artworks that reflect the opulence of its past.

Beyond the hall itself, the estate boasts sprawling grounds that are a haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and serene water features, provide a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls or peaceful reflection. The estate also includes a working organic farm, which not only adds to its charm but also serves as an educational resource for visitors interested in sustainable agriculture and local produce.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Forty Hall Estate is its commitment to community engagement and preservation. The estate regularly hosts a variety of events, from historical reenactments and art exhibitions to workshops and seasonal festivals, ensuring that there is always something new to discover. The dedicated team of volunteers and staff work tirelessly to maintain the estate’s authenticity while making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

In summary, Forty Hall Estate is a true gem that offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture. Whether you’re exploring the grandeur of the hall, wandering through the lush gardens, or participating in one of the many events, the estate leaves a lasting impression. It’s a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, inviting visitors to connect with history and appreciate the beauty of the...

A very lovely area to visit with your family. Large open space, spectacular plants in different shapes & heights, Circular Pond, Fishing Lakes, Woodland, Historic Building, Beautiful Garden - amazing! Ample free car parking bays make it very much accessible. Lots of Benches or open space to do a picnic or just relax and enjoy the view. Circle Pond has diverse birds to feed or just observe them playing in the Pond or surrounding areas.

Forty Hall has a Farm in partnership with Capel Manor College and it has their own Farm Shop - you can buy fresh organic produce from here directly from the farm 👌

The Estate has a cafe and gift shop. The estate showcased the history of the Forty Hall and its residents - it was brilliant to see some of the original items in particular the kitchen items - wow!

There is a public toilets and baby changing facilities.

The Forty Hall has toilets inside it and also a lift for those can't use the stairs. These are very good additions to the historic graded building while keeping its originality intact!

Disappointing was the Children's Play Area. It could have been a magic addition to already brilliant landscapes and history. The Estate should look into this and make this Play Area same standard as the Estate and add more play equipments to...