The Watering Place Cafe — Restaurant in Babergh

UPDATE: The cafe has now been taken over because the company which previously ran it went out of business. The new company has been running the cafe for a few months now and so I thought that it was time to update the review. There is a much smaller menu now that concentrates on cakes and small bites; a good selection of tasty cakes but a very limited savoury and cooked selection. Prices seem to have increased quite a lot which may explain why it doesn’t seem to get as busy as it did. All in all still a lovely place to eat, especially when the weather is good and the doors to the garden can be opened. Food is great; a pretty good selection for such a small cafe. It is part of Gainsborough’s House but you don’t have to go in to the exhibition if you just want to eat or drink. Café overlooks a lovely, well cared for garden. More staff at busier times...

I recently visited this restaurant and had mixed feelings about the experience. The outdoor seating area offers a nice atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. The food was enjoyable, but the portions were disappointingly small, especially considering the price.

Unfortunately, the service left much to be desired. The staff seemed inflexible with food orders, and we waited far too long to place a second order for cakes and coffee. After waiting with no attention, we went inside to order ourselves but were sent back to our table, where we were again ignored. Frustrated, we eventually just asked for the bill and left.

Overall, while the setting was pleasant and the food was good, the poor service really detracted from the experience. There’s definite room for improvement in accommodating guests and being...

Visited with an elderly friend for lunch who has mobility issues. Walked in and sat down - two other tables came in and sat down after us and were offered menus but we weren’t - no big deal I went up to the counter and asked for one. The service was ok and the soup delicious. But I was shocked when it came to pay - my friend insisted lunch was on her - when I requested the bill and asked if my friend could pay at the table I was told very bluntly, no, she had to come to the counter. My friend was embarrassed so she asked me to take her card to the counter to pay. When I did so I discreetly spoke to the young lady behind the counter to explain why my friend had asked to pay at the table. No apology or explanation just a blank look. Please be disability friendly it really doesn’t take...