The Orchards Cafe — Restaurant in Tonbridge and Malling

Rode past a few years ago on way to Labour at the new EMRC site being built and thought it was for employees only. Discovered today whilst looking for a local cafe to take the partner and son for a quick bite, that it is open to public too, so thought we'd give it a try. Turned out to be a fantastic decision. Lovely spot with the friendliest staff you'll find anywhere. Food top notch and reasonably priced and best of all it's HOT. Plenty of space for meetings or a quiet bite, the staff having meetings are barely audible and very respectful of the surroundings even when sat one table over. It is clear the owners and managers of this establishment care about what they do. It's a whole package breakfast/lunch experience, lovely landscaped surroundings, wonderful food, and a service to match. You can access it on foot or by car, and is only a short distance from the nearest bus stop and train station. 5*s isn't enough. Will be coming back again VERY soon and I can't wait to visit when the orchards...

An impromptu visit recently with my children but was unknowingly in the window between breakfast & lunch. The server was very helpful and made me a ham salad sandwich as after the walk from East Malling I didnt have much time.

The Fresh loaves of bread on sale were great value & the selection of cakes very tempting

Would recommend better signage on foot as I walked the whole way round following the road signs not realising it was in the middle of...

There is no getting away from the fact that this is the cafeteria for the Research Institute staff rather than a cafe where you might come for a cup of tea and cake. However the staff are very welcoming and the food of good quality and they are happy to see visitors from outside. Prices are on the lower than...