Lakeview Cafe — Restaurant in South Ribble

Went there today with a friend for coffee. I have been numerous times in the past and this place has always been bustling, especially at midday...but not today. Surprisingly, only 3 tables occupied when I entered.

My friend arrived soon after me. She was not acknowledged at the counter and left waiting for her order until eventually she was told it would be brought to the table. Christmas music playing through a speaker that was so loud we moved tables, as we couldn't hear each other speak. .

There was a smog in the air, which thickened the longer we were there. Not dissimilar to a smokey pub years ago. We assumed this was from the kitchen equipment. Eventually we left as it was hitting the backs of our throats and making us cough. The cafe was being run by two staff, one in particular was young. We sat and observed their work. Dirty dishes, cups etc being washed in dirty water. My teapot had not been sanitised and had dirty stains running down the front from the spout. The inside of the spout was also dark brown.

I'm afraid I was disappointed today and won't be rushing back. The cafe was is beginning to look tired and in need of a facelift and deep clean. Such a shame as previous visits here have been...

We opted for a luxury afternoon tea - which we were told is the standard plus soup and a coffee renoir. The soup was carrot water, so tasteless. The coffee renoir was in fact half a coffee renoir each. The scones were very good, and you got a generous enough slice of Victoria sponge too which was ok. The sandwiches were nice but nothing extraordinary (certainly not luxury) - cheese and pickle, (nice) ham, tuna and egg mayo. We booked 4 plus a toddler, that hadn't been communicated to the surly teen serving us who made it sound very inconvenient that they had to move a chair to our table (in an empty cafe). At £20.95 you'd expect more than one drink too. Their socials are lacking in detail and I suppose we wrongly assumed we would get good value for money. The setting is the only nice part, a lovely little fish pond - buy the fish food from the counter and feed the huge fish and friendly ducks. Don't go on a Sunday expecting the shops to be open in Charnock Farm, it was like a ghost town. The children's afternoon tea was pretty bland too - crisps, sandwichesx2, the carrot water soup, a scone, muffin and cake. Not...

My first visit. My Mum has been before. We had the luxury afternoon tea. It consisted of: Savouries: Sweet potato, butternut squash and leek soup. Egg mayonnaise, Roast chicken, Tuna and mayonnaise and ham sandwiches, crisps and a sausage roll. Sweets: Large coffee renoir (From "All you knead" in Chorley). Caramel shortcake a slice of chocolate cake and lemon cake as well as a scone, jam and cream. There is also a good choice of hot drinks. At £15 per person it was excellent value. We couldn't manage to finish it all and had to bring some home! The premises are rustic in decor and are wheelchair accessible, outside seating is also available. A great spot overlooking the pond and a great place to bring children. Booking is required for afternoon tea, however walk-ins are welcome. I would...