Merritts Coffee Lounge — Restaurant in New Forest

This is a lovely place to come. When it isn’t busy. I have been here a few times. Food and coffee is lovely and delicious, can’t fault it.

However, to note, I have never seen more than 1 person serving, weekdays and even on a weekend taking orders and doing all the plating up of pastries plus making the coffee. Today, I came in with my partner, we took the last available table, there were 3 tables ahead of us that hadn’t even had their drinks order taken.

We sat patiently for about 20minutes. At this point we hadn’t even been acknowledged with a hello, nor any of the other tables. A lady walks in on her own and orders a coffee to sit outside. The person behind the coffee bar takes the order ahead of mine and the other tables…..

From a customer service standpoint this unacceptable and incredibly frustrating. I also hadn’t realised at the bottom of the menu there is a mandatory 10% service charge added to the bill (there was no “optional” wording that clarified it, so would be classed as mandatory under government guidelines). The lack of customer service doesn’t warrant this charge, along with the very high prices. A flavoured latte is almost a fiver. Hot Chocolate at £6.50.

I am happy to pay higher prices for food when it deserves it, this place does. The extremely long wait times are manageable when it’s not busy. I have decided not to come back here, as it is so hit and miss and...

Just to be clear my scoring system: 1/ Don't go, just don't. 2/ I can't recommend going 3/ I enjoyed it but probably won't go back 4/ I enjoyed it, would go back especially if invited 5/ I enjoyed it, would invite others there myself

Had a lovely bacon and egg sandwich and was well hosted while I had a number of meetings both online and with an old colleague.

Coffee was good, atmosphere was very chilled almost a bit hippie in a very nice way.

As the rating says... If I'm looking for a coffee shop out that way I'd happily go back here. I might try other places just 'to see' rather than 'I absolutely must go back'...

Tucked away on Lyndhurst Road, this charming little spot is everything I needed and more. The moment you step in, you’re wrapped in a warm, homey atmosphere, vintage chairs, lush plants, and the perfect window seat for people-watching or simply enjoying a rainy day. Every single thing is homemade, and trust me, the cinnamon-glazed cake? Easily the best I’ve ever had. Moist, rich, and dripping with creamy glaze… just look at the size of that slice! (Yes, that’s my hand for scale!!). I could honestly spend hours here just soaking in the peaceful vibes. A place where time slows down. Can’t wait...