A no-frills, cash-only park cafe that does exactly what it says on the tin — simple, hearty food in a green setting. You'll find sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, and a proper cream tea, all at prices that won't make you wince. It's the kind of spot locals pop into after a walk, and the staff are genuinely friendly, even when your dog bolts through the door.
Cash-only park cafe where friendly staff, £5 sandwiches, and a proper cream tea make it the perfect post-walk pit stop.
Bring cash — they don't take card payments, and there's no ATM on site.
Honest park-side cafe with proper cream tea and friendly faces
Cafe in the Park is the kind of place that doesn't try too hard, and that's exactly why it works. Tucked away in a park setting in the Gidea Park area, it's a cash-only spot serving up straightforward cafe fare — sandwiches from £5, paninis from £6, jacket potatoes from £6.50, and cupcakes at £2.50 a pop. The tea is £2.50, a latte will set you back £3.10, and there's a proper cream tea on the menu too. Nothing fancy, nothing overpriced, just honest food.
What makes this place worth knowing is the atmosphere. Reviewers consistently mention how friendly and welcoming the staff are — one visitor noted that when their dog ran inside, the staff were fantastic about it rather than making a fuss. There's indoor and outdoor seating, so on a decent day you can sit outside and enjoy the park views. It's a popular stop after a walk, and the breakfast options get a mention too.
Don't come expecting artisanal anything or a trendy aesthetic. This is a proper old-school park cafe, and that's its charm. Bring cash — they don't take cards — and keep your expectations grounded. If you want a decent sandwich, a cup of tea, and a friendly face after a stroll, you're in the right place.