The Stables Coffee Shop

Always enjoy the food and coffee here. Lovely setting with tables set out well without feeling crowded. Outside seating available in courtyard too so ideal for those with dogs. I have the mezzi this time which was good and I always enjoy the cappuccino. Service is always good too.

Normally we find this place excellent, the food lovely and the timing reasonable. Yes, today was a little busy, but nothing out of the ordinary. However, 35 mins after I’d ordered and when we had drank our tea and coffee, still no food - it was only to be a sandwich and a toastie. So I asked - hmm, I don’t think your order has gone through- sorry, we’ll get it ready very soon for you, but there was a 30min delay on food. News to me , no one told me when I ordered. 45 mins after I’d ordered, nada, nothing. So I collared the owner- is there a problem sir she asked? Err, yes I said, we’ve been waiting for 50 mins now for food. Ok, what was it you’d ordered? Sigh 😔. I was, unsurprisingly, getting a bit fed off by now you understand. Ok, I’ll check for you, I’m very sorry but I can you offer have a complimentary cake. I didn’t want a cake, although a top-up of tea/coffee wouldn’t have gone amiss. The hour arrived, yes, that was a full 60 minutes after ordering and nothing, so I queued at the till to get a refund for the ‘lost’ sandwiches, when out of nowhere they arrived. To be honest I almost said forget it anyway, cos after 60 mins you wonder if you’re still hungry. We ate it , it was ordinary and the toastie was warm, we dare not send it back - who knows what would happen. Left after eating , didn’t pass go and didn’t grovel for a complimentary cake. Very sad really- we go there often and I’ll no doubt we’ll be back, because it is in fact a lovely place with good food - this was a blip, a large blip, but a blip nonetheless. If I’d have any advice it would be to get your ordering processes more robust and in order so things like this don’t happen, and offer a top up of drinks if you expect large delays. I would normally give this 5 stars, but sadly today only 1 as that was the minimum I could award. ☹️ 👎

The place holds such promise and I really want to give a better review, but I just can’t.

Let’s start with the good, the menu is a decent size for a tea room with plenty of options and food served was tasty, cakes have always been a staple, toasties are of a good sizing with a side salad to fill you. Prompt service was a bonus.

Now for the bad, the mess, not a single table outside was cleared, leaving rubbish being blown everywhere, spills, crumbs, leftovers all over the place, and with the bins overflowing with dog waste, the place left a lot to be desired. Especially in the current climate where cleanliness is very important, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

If you managed to stomach the mess of outside, you did get a warm, clean place to eat, but as dogs are a no go, this is not a pleasant venue for the hound hikers landing midway through a walk. Suffice to say, across the court was clean and busy and will be the first stop on the next round trip.

Food was good, service not so much.

I completely understand that it’s the festive period, New Year’s bank holiday, very busy today.
Ordered 3 slices of cake that were already baked and 3 hot chocolates. All to take away. Never payed attention what I payed for.
Half an hour later people that ordered ahead of me were having their hot cobs and sandwiches and meals served already.
I walked in to ask what is going on to be told to wait another 5 minutes. For 3 slices of cake to be put in a box? Absolutely disgusting.
And on top of that I was brought back only one hot chocolate not 3. And it wasn’t to take away either. The girl at the till never payed attention when I asked for 3 hot chocolates , not one.
When I said I have been waiting for half an hour and I have to go as my baby is crying I was told well that was your order.
Never again will walk in this coffee shop.

Have visited multiple times now and always had a great experience. Food is amazing and their coffee is beautiful, so much nicer than the big chains. Staff are always friendly and accommodating and it’s even better that it all gets delivered to your table so you can sit back down and carry on your conversation! Have recommended to all my friends and family and they agree that it’s spot on!

Came to visit with my parents and 4 year old daughter, very friendly staff and made the experience very welcoming for us all. Lovely food and relaxing environment.
Will visit again soon :) thank you

Excellent service, great selection of food, well presented . Great coffee ! Delicious selection of cakes. All the family members enjoyed our visit and will definitely be back.

The Stables Coffee Shop is s fantastic place to visit , beautiful place , great food and lovely friendly and helpful staff, Thank you Ella for your kindness today 💛,
Definitely worth a visit , you won't be disappointed.
Situated in the beautiful surroundings of Staunton Harold Hall 💛🙌