The Hungry Guest — Restaurant in Tonbridge and Malling

We found The Hungry Guest after looking for a brunch somewhere in and around West Malling and decided to try it after hearing mixed reviews. On entrance the café is lovely and welcoming, big and very well stocked with artisan style breads and premium teas and sauces for sale. We were served by a very friendly member of the team who joked and laughed with us and was very happy and welcoming. Also to note regarding the service every member of staff asked how we were today, even the staff member who brought us our food and drinks, and little things like that do make a place memorable and special. We ordered and the first negative was the price. For a sausage sandwich, cheese twist (which in fairness was huge!), Caramel mocha and a cup of tea the total cost was £17. The tea was £2.75 (for a cup, not a pot!) And the mocha was £4.50! Thought that these prices were a bit extortionate but paid and tried to enjoy it nonetheless. When our food arrived it was presented in an okay manor, nothing spectacular, which was a shame because I expected something special for £6.50 for sausage sandwich... The food was okay, the bread was good quality and the sausages were very good but I still struggle to justify the prices! The atmosphere in the place to me felt like it was half full with people who were just victims of daylight robbery... I wonder why. If you're in the area and want a good quality yet small breakfast for a premium price this place is perfect for you. However I doubt I will return. I will reiterate though that the staff...

July 2024 update: went for some breakfast with the gf and we was seated on a table within 40 seconds (perfect timing I believe as everyone after was waiting or being jiggled about upstairs) the place gets very busy it seems.

The service is that you order at the counter this is ok but given the amount of staff I feel table service would be a nice touch you could still take payment at the table if they was to invest in something like a epos till this would also free up the downstairs which can seem overly crowded when people are queuing to order.

The food was nice salmon was fresh and delicious on the stack that I ordered. The bacon on my gf breakfast was somewhat burnt but being hungry she ate it regardless.

Only negative I have is that when ordering I couldn't help but notice the build up of "thick" dust on the top of the till screen and the hanging lights above the counter. The till especially I think needs a daily wipe as this is the thing people are seeing when ordering.

2023 The food is delicious and cooked very well indeed the price of it though is high £9 + for what they named " a mini English breakfast" we both added a hashbrowns which meant by the time you have a drink its a pricey meal. However we both enjoyed it overall and the staff were very friendly and helpful...

Me and my wife came here probably about a year ago and the breakfast was amazing, we used to live in west malling.....today we thought we would return for a breakfast as a treat before we carried out one of the local walks . It's not cheap ...two breakfasts and two hot drinks will set you back easily over £30 . Firstly the thing I don't agree with is the card machine asks you for gratuity before you have even received your drink never mind food ! . Then the food turned up , the fried eggs over cooked, no choice given as I prefer poached, the edges frilly and dry, toast was brown , didn't get a option , the bacon was the worst I've ever seen .....I mean it takes 3 /4 minutes to cook bacon , this looked and tasted like it was cooked yesterday, I couldn't even swallow it ,the sausages were tiny ....half the size I remember and they were cold and dry . I mean come on guys , we all know anyone can cook a decent breakfast at home , so why serve up this awful over cooked and pre cooked food at premium price ? Very poor quality, I've been annoyed all day and I'm £32 down ......I would have told you face but no one bothered to ask if our food was ok . What has happened to...