Waitrose Cafe - Ashford

Service could be quicker but food iin the cafe good was always full with customers claiming free coffee better now that Waitrose have put a stop to this. Servic... read more Service could be quicker but food iin the cafe good was always full with customers claiming free coffee better now that Waitrose have put a stop to this. Service could be quicker if the staff did not have to multi-task

The Waitrose food store offers a high-end, exclusive experience that differentiates it from other options. However, the cafe does not quite live up to this stan... read more The Waitrose food store offers a high-end, exclusive experience that differentiates it from other options. However, the cafe does not quite live up to this standard. It is on par with other food store cafes in terms of quality, but lacks space, comfort, and variety in its menu. It could benefit from being expanded, refurbished, and offering a wider range of options, or alternatively focus solely on serving drinks.

Refurbished since the pandemic, the range of snacks and drinks is now pleasingly wide. There are some great special offers on our visit we had the toasted panne... read more Refurbished since the pandemic, the range of snacks and drinks is now pleasingly wide. There are some great special offers on our visit we had the toasted pannetone cake with our drinks. We enjoy reading the cafe newspapers as well, but wish other people wouldn't start filling in the crosswords!

I previously reviewed Waitrose cafe in 2018 and unfortunately, not much has changed in terms of catering to different dietary requirements. During a recent visi... read more I previously reviewed Waitrose cafe in 2018 and unfortunately, not much has changed in terms of catering to different dietary requirements. During a recent visit with my family, we were told to go buy something vegan from the main supermarket and bring it back to eat in the cafe. This lack of options is disappointing, especially when we are just looking for a coffee and cake before or after shopping. It would make more sense to skip the cafe altogether if we have to leave to find suitable food. I hope Waitrose recognizes the growing demand for vegan options in 2022, as these items would likely sell well and appeal to non-vegans looking for healthier or new options. On a positive note, they now offer Oat milk, which is a small improvement since my last visit in 2018.

I stopped by for some shopping and decided to treat myself to tea and cake. As a 'John Lewis' cardholder with the voucher in the mail, I enjoyed a complimentary... read more I stopped by for some shopping and decided to treat myself to tea and cake. As a 'John Lewis' cardholder with the voucher in the mail, I enjoyed a complimentary treat. The experience was pleasant enough and the cake was very good. The only downside was that the tables could have been cleared more promptly. Overall, it was a pretty good experience!