The Friars Tea Room and Gift Shop — Restaurant in Tonbridge and Malling

Went for lunch with a friend i really could not believe that people working in such an environment that is considered spiritual and peaceful could be so ignorant and unfriendly The lady serving in the teashop never made eye contact or responded to our friendly requests everything seemed to be too much trouble and the prices were extortionate my friends bread pudding could have been used as a doorstop it was so hard and indigestable The lady in the gift shop never communicated had the most miserable face going and watched us like we were shop lifters couldnt wait to get out it was so negative Up until approx 6 years ago i regularly delivered courses for KCC in the event rooms so for nostalgias sake we took a walk around the grounds i could not believe the dilapidation of the buildings everything looked shabby unkempt and run down I for one will not visit the tearoom again and probably will not visit the...

This tea room should be a joy to visit as the venue and grounds are beautiful. However, everytime we have visited there has been a problem. The Jacket potatoes are Allways sold out and yet the menu for them is on display. Two reflections if you are planning a busy day put more potatoes to cook. If you then do run out do not advertise food you do not have. This is not rocket science ! The Panini were under cooked!!! Read that sentance again the panini were under cooked !!! Come on guys its not as if we were asking for water to be turned into wine . Finally why are your staff for the most part grumpy and surley ? The next time we come we shall bring our own picnic. Suggestions to improve this situation. 1. Get a manager who understands how good this tea room could be. 2. Be nice to your staff so they start smiling again. 3 improve your menu and...

Came today to celebrate the annual Polish community from all round England and Wales holy vigil. This tea room was the only facility on site there and hence had exclusivity. The organisation and service leaves a lot to be desired. Just to get a basic cup of tea and pre sealed sandwich took 40 minutes in an orderly queue with no sense of awareness or motivation of staff to intervene with ‘doubling up’ at the counter. Many elderly people were distressed having to stand in such a slow and unexplained stagnant queue.Clearly poor management and training in place and when politely pointed out above, was subjected to verbal abuse which was shocking as if it’s acceptable for customers to tolerate this. Such a shame the Friars don’t react to this as it undermines the otherwise spiritually fulfilling experience...