Patisserie Valerie - Northampton

We visited Patisserie Valerie today for afternoon tea having driven 45 minutes to finally use one of our Christmas gifts.
I had read previous reviews but went with an open mind.
The welcome was warm and genuine.
The place was perfectly clean as were all the tables .
The afternoon tea was lovely and included free tea or coffee refills which was a bonus.
We were impressed with Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre too, spacious and very suitable for disabled visitors.

I was given an afternoon tea voucher and after reading some poor reviews, I was a bit pessimistic! However, I needn’t have been. The staff were lovely and accommodating, working very hard, being pleasant and polite, the sandwiches were fresh and tasty, the cakes were delicious and the scones were light and fluffy. My cups of tea were just as I like them, hot and strong and my husband’s cappuccino was delicious and hot. Personally, I don’t think it’s overpriced for what you get and I’ve definitely paid a lot more at other places, for the same amount. Yes, the decor may be tired, but so what, if you get good service and value for money!! Will definitely be going back.

Popped in at the weekend for a post wedding dress shopping treat with the girls. 6 of us including a little one. Amazing cakes, fantastic service and lovely coffee!! Great atmosphere - so calm and serene watching the boats too. Cannot recommend enough 💜💜

Great place to meet up and have a chat overlooking the lake.
Nice selection of food and drink with quality staff.
Our server Jas was exceptionally pleasant.
We will be back 👍🏾

We visited last year and enjoyed afternoon tea in the sun. We brought one of the grandchildren and there were enough cakes left to take home.
Two visits this year and a different story. Slow service and poor service. Jams overpriced and drinks barely warm
Two complaints and two vouchers but will we return??

Came here mid wee fora coffee with the wife and to meet a friend. The first thing I noticed that the wrong pull)push was on the door. The selection of cakes was super limited and the upholstery on the furniture was in need of repair or the leather was warn out or peeling. The coffee and hot chocolate that was ordered was ok. There are better places to have coffee and meet up on the shopping estate.

Not the best afternoon tea we've had but also not the worst. Easy fixes could be done to sort it. Staff seemed friendly enough. Asked if any allergies or dietary requirements so I explained I didn't eat meat but I'm fine with anything else and my husband eats meat. They said there was both a choice of meat and non meat. My choice was two tiny finger sandwiches with cucumber and butter. Bread was badly cut and falling apart. A selection of two cakes so not great choice and felt like they'd been recently frozen. Scones were lovely however a tiny one portion of jam didn't fit for the two of us having two scones. Coffee was lovely and unlimited. Decor was very damaged and out dated like someone had ripped all the arms. Hope they improve in the future.

Needs some revamping...

- old furniture that looks like it’s falling apart
- gets too busy, so you’ll end up cleaning old tables from other customers to sit down

Coffee is alright though, compared to some of the other places