Highdown Tea Rooms — Restaurant in Worthing

For such a nice establishment I was incredibly disappointed with the selection of afternoon tea and also the service. When we arrived we was told to sit in the pub rather than the actual tea room which i’m not sure if its the quality and service was effected but then that shouldn’t be the case if you’re going to sit people in the pub who booked afternoon tea. I chose to visit this place for my birthday as when I called and asked the selection of tea they had quite a large variety. When I asked what teas they have I was given an incomplete uncertain list off the top of the waitressess head that I know wasnt the full variety and when I asked for a menu I was told they didn’t have one. So the “tea room” that I booked for afternoon tea doesnt have a menu with its variety of tea and the staff serving are unsure on what they have to offer. This seems ridiculous and ludicrous when visiting a tea room at any level let alone the level of prestige that the highdown presents itself as. Then moving on to the food, the salmon had been left out for hours and you could tell instantly as it was discoloured, dried out and stodgy. The sandwich which contained chicken may aswell of just been mayonnaise as not much chicken was present at all and again could tell it had been left out all day as the mayo was bitter. The Sausage rolls served where so greasy no batter stuck to them at all and the selection of sweet treats provided was absymal. We was given one tiny profiterole and what looked like toe nail of lemon tart. Again absolutely ridiculous when visiting a tea room, you expect freshly prepared sandwiches/ingredients, for the staff to at least know their main thing they’re selling (tea) if not have a menu for it or if not dont sell yourself as a “tea room”, and at least a slice of cake that is the equivalent to one mouth full. I could of honestly eaten the profiterole and the lemon tart in one bite. I’ve been to most afternoon teas available in Worthing and many outside Worthing, and sorry to say but it is pathetic to even call this afternoon tea. If you go to the cafe in morrisons they do an afternoon tea set for £6, despite not having a variety of tea, the sandwiches are fresher, the cakes are larger and fresher, the only thing it doesnt beat is the scone (but it isnt far off). So moral of the story if you want a decent afternoon tea go to morrisons cafe cause they have fresher ingredients and tastier items than the highdown establishment in regards to afternoon tea at more than...

Disappointing visit yesterday. Lots of dirty tables. No cakes. I've been here once only since it was taken over a year or so ago. Pitched up at 1430. No cakes left on the counter and was told it was because they were shutting soon. Wasn't sure how to order so stood at counter. Asked to sit for table service, no problem. I asked where we should sit as every table outside was dirty (round about 5/6 I looked at, the rest were taken). This particluar waitress looked at me like I was a piece of dirt on her shoe. She did clear our table but made it clear by blanking me she didn't like my comment. Order taken by a different waitress, very friendly. I felt the menu was limited and expernsive. Not great, and it was a week day. I can imagine at the weekends its even worse. Next visit to the gardens will follow with a pub visit (although I think they now belong to same owner so I don't think it makes a difference to them where I...

Having spent many years using this establishment, service is reasonable enough. But the quality of the food has declined emensly and having to pay £7 for a cheese sandwich, that wasn't even a thick slice of fresh bread or any decent dressing or presentation. Consisted of two pieces of what appeared supermarket thin sliced bread and processed cheap cheese, bread was curling up on edges as appeared to have been left sitting for some time. I was very disappointed. Historically the older ladies that used to run the business created a lovely atmosphere and took pride in producing homemade quality and quantity of food, that made the experience enjoyable and value for money. However appears now just the usual quick turn around business that is profit oriented rather than quality. Such a shame. I'm sad to say I won't be using the place again and can not recommend the...