The Old Vicarage Tearooms — Restaurant in England

I booked a holiday cottage near Tosside, and decided to stop in for lunch. If this bistro was good, I would go back again with a friend during the week.

My experience was that the food was nice - a cheese and ham toastie and salad that was fresh and nicely prepared, but the customer service needs a big improvement.

When I arrived and asked the man serving for a table for one he said I should sit at one of the small tables. There were only 3 couples in the whole cafe, and the small tables were in hot sun, so I sat at an empty 4 person table in the shade. When he came to take my order he tersely said, "I did say to sit at one of the small tables!" I explained that I wanted to sit in the shade, and offered to move if a large party arrived. He responded, "Yes, because we do get groups of cyclists in here." I responded that it's nice when cafes welcome solo travellers! I would have left, but there is no other eating place around. When he came to take my order I tried to engage him in conversation about the lovely view, to which he was quite pleasant.

However, during my meal two couples at the other tables were engaged in a loud conversation espousing extreme rightwing views. Instead of the server asking them to quieten down he joined in, with the same views!

When I went to pay for my meal he, again tersely, told me that they don't accept card payments, only cash or bank transfer. I paid by bank transfer, but felt unhappy about him knowing my bank details given his politics and behaviour.

It was a very uncomfortable lunch, and I won't return. Suggest a more moderate, welcoming service in future because this bistro/cafe does have spectacular views and...

What a little gem! Managed to visit on last day of our hols, as it had been closed for their own holidays. Booked table hoping for a good old Sunday roast, but had sold out - and I'm not surprised! Luckily, all other options tickled our taste buds and struggled to make a choice. Went with pan fried salmon with new potatoes and veg. My little mumsy went for slow roast BBQ ribs with salad and potatoes. The decor is old cottage English, which some may find a tad twee, but it's fitting, warm, cosy, friendly and clean. Lovely touches such as quizzes and games on each table to entertain you, whilst food cooked. I was already impressed with the large and extremely tasty cafetiere of coffee and pot of tea with extra pot of hot water, and then the food arrived!! My, what a scrumptious array!! My salmon was served with new potatoes, with separate serving of 7 varieties of veg! I was in heaven. Too many times, vegetables are served as though more precious than gold, the odd baton or floret artfully arranged. Not here, proper home cooking at its best. Mum couldn't manage all her ribs, and unusually I was unable to help out! After few games, drinks and catch our breath, we risked ordering a pudding - sticky toffee with ice-cream. Just the one between us, as despite being stuffed, couldn't leave without one! As with everything else, delish. The staff were absolutely brilliant too, taking time to chat and not hurrying us, despite being late booking. In fairness, the only complaint was we were only able to squeeze in one visit!! Thank you...

Let’s clear some things up. Firstly, this is an EXCEPTIONAL cafe. Food is great with reasonable prices and awesome views. Please also note the following 1) there is also a bistro inside which I never found any marketing for but apparently gets booked up quickly so must be good. 2) they don’t take cards but do take bank transfers which is bonkers as they seem to operate on an honesty policy and you might not have signal on your phone.. this seems crazy to me. There is no reason in 2023 not to accept cards - none. 3) the elephant in the room and why I came to the Google reviews the service from the main man. I can appreciate why other reviewers have found him rude. He was somewhat standoffish and gruff when I enquired about swapping to the bistro. But by the end of the meal we were on the best of terms. It may be a cultural thing. Some people appear rude but are friendly where as others, especially in the south of England, can appear polite but are unfriendly. I suspect this chap might appear gruff to start with but if you were sick he would have you in his house looking after you.

In short go to this restaurant,...