The Secret Garden Cafe — Restaurant in Borough of Swale

I’ve tried to give The Secret Garden Café the benefit of the doubt over the years, being a local who desperately wants to support businesses in Faversham. But after yet another abysmal experience, I’m done. This isn’t the first time we’ve encountered issues here, and frankly, it’s beyond frustrating at this point.

The staff are, without exaggeration, some of the rudest I’ve ever encountered in a café setting. From the moment we walked in, we were met with dismissive attitudes, eye-rolls, and curt responses that made us feel like an inconvenience rather than valued customers. It’s as if they couldn’t care less whether we were there or not. This isn’t a one-off; we’ve experienced this same hostility on multiple visits, and it’s clear there’s no effort to improve. A simple smile or a shred of basic courtesy seems to be too much to ask.

As for the food and cakes, they’re just as disappointing. The meals are subpar at best bland, poorly presented, and honestly not worth the price. The cakes, which should be a highlight in a place like this, are dry, uninspired, and taste like they’ve been sitting out for days. There’s no passion or quality in anything they serve, and it’s a real shame.

I would love nothing more than to see this place change hands. New ownership with a vision for decent customer service and better food could turn this café into something special, because right now it’s a complete letdown. Until then, I won’t be returning, and I’d strongly advise others to steer clear unless you enjoy being treated poorly and served mediocre fare. Faversham...

Poor inexperienced staff. Lacked organisation. Had to wait for several minutes whilst 3 younger members of staff were chin wagging at the far end of the service counter. Below par sandwich (poor quality bread, sliced boiled egg dabbed with mayo, no seasoning - this was their egg mayo). No serviettes or cutlery provided. Small plastic glass for large beer. Only had a wine glass for prosecco - had to request the glasses then for the beer to be opened. Staff didn’t know where the tables in the courtyard were situated so consequently stood on the steps shouting out for table numbers. One member of staff was particularly miserable. Overall what could be a lovely venue left much to be desired. Proper staffing, training and customer liaison is required. Faversham is one of our favourite places and I really don’t like writing reviews of this nature in these tough times but hopefully it will have the desired result in the long term. On a plus note the ice...

Wasn't particularly overwhelmed. We stopped here for a bite to eat and some drinks. Initially service was very good with drinks being brought out swiftly. However our 3 toasties took considerably longer. With one needing us to ask if it was being brought out or had been forgotten. For near £7 the toasties were lacking. The price was steep. Atmosphere was nice until a local lady came in and sat near the serving hatch. She had her two dogs with her and she couldn't keep them under control and the dogs were seen taking food off of plates that had been returned. With this, the lady started calling the dogs a lot of expletives at considerable volume. Finally she left but was clearly a friend of staff and they didn't seem to mind her language and how other customers may feel about this.

It's a shame really as does have potential, but currently it's not somewhere that I would be seeking to return...