Olive Tree Coffee House — Restaurant in East Suffolk

My daughter in law, granddaughter and I enjoy going out for a cream tea. Usually this means attentive staff, nice food and extra tea or coffee if wanted. Also a nice quiet chat together. None of this happened here. My daughter had booked an outside pod but was unsure if it would be for three or four people. When she rang to confirm there would be three bookings, she was told the pod was no longer available as there had to be four people to have a pod. She requested a table outside. We walked in to find we'd been given a table inside. Not as requested. The noise inside was absolutely terrible. We were given two teapots of tea to share amongst the three of us and a stand of cake and sandwiches. Being a veggie I can only say my four tiny finger sandwiches were bland and uninteresting. I gave up after eating two. My meat eating companions were luckier. There was also what appeared to be chickpea curry rolled in filo pastry. I like both but this looked unappetising so my daughter tried a piece first. She declared it heavy and stodgy so I left it. The small scone was dry and hard. It's the part of cream tea that we enjoy the most and look forward to. Even smothered in jam and cream I could only take a couple of bites and left it. My daughter and granddaughter ate theirs but couldn't touch anything else so we put the cakes into a box to take home for my grandson and left. We could see the pods from our table and one clearly only contained 3 people in spite of what my daughter was told. I would have given one star but gave 2 star as my daughter and granddaughter said, it was 'alright but we've had better'. Somebody asking if all is ok is part of the service that makes you feel special and makes you want to return. Not here though. A feeling of indifference as to whether you were fine or not. We'll not go back. Once was enough. I'm glad that others have had a better experience. It certainly wasn't a pleasant experience for us. Sorry Olive Tree, we all have 'off' days but I believe in being truthful in my reviews and saying exactly how it was for me. This incidentally, is the first negative review I've ever...

Accessibility Focused Review: Situated on an attractive Care Home grounds, making it widely accessible inside and out, with a pond and plenty of greenery outside. Outside seating all the way around the café, accessible by the front or back door with a singular accessible toilet as you enter the building. Counters are low so you don't have to lean up to speak to the cashier and they're considerate of individuals with accessibility needs. Parking is close to the venue and the distance between is smooth tarmac. Patio slabs lead to the entrance of this lovely, light building with welcoming decor, music and staff. Food and drinks are good value and taste very good, with an added pre-book option for afternoon tea! The wooden tea huts outside may not fit a wheelchair inside so if you're to book afternoon tea let them know you're in a chair so they won't put you outside. If you'd prefer to ring and let them know you'd like to reserve a table and explain your accessibility needs they will be more than happy to cater for you and make your experience pleasant. Surrounded by windows on 3 of the walls the café is light and airy, with a comfortable view across the grounds, full of trees, roses, flowers and even ducks in the pond! Always a really enjoyable visit, whether just for a cuppa, a special birthday celebration with afternoon tea or a tasty lunch, The Olive Tree is highly recommended. P.S., spot the Olive...

I have been eating here for several years and always had good service and good food, UNTIL TODAY! Tried the Grease themed afternoon tea, a good idea very poorly executed, to add salt to wound the fondant on the biscuit had a huge human hair wrapped through it, when I complained I requested something else instead of a biscuit as this had put me off , got totally ignored and given another biscuit ! when challenged ged advised we only swap like for like with no apology! I then spoke with the assistant Manager whose attitude was disgraceful, poorest level of service I have ever experienced, very defensive, argumentative and sarcastic. Asked for a box to take my buttercream topped cakes home, got paper bags, when highlighting to Assistant Manager advised we don't give out boxes for afternoon tea! joke I was hear last week and we were given boxes for a bacon roll. I won't be returning as when spending £60 for 3 people to have a relaxing afternoon in todays difficult financial times , my day was spoilt and not relaxing in any shape or form. Really disappointed as I live close by and enjoyed popping In here on a regular basis, will have to find somewhere else. Afternoon Tea with a side of attitude is the best way I can describe my experience. See my hairy rock and roll biscuit...