I used to love dropping into the River Cottage Kitchen in Axminster for a takeaway coffee and cake. Having moved premises - we were excited to attend the open day and even based our day around this. Having arrived with our daughter, simply wanting some takeaway coffees and cakes, we spent ten minutes waiting whilst the head waiter / front of house fumbled around with a card machine. He could see we were with a young child (18 months) and then proceeded to ignore us for a further duration, before I simply asked a server if we could have takeaway coffee and cake. The head waiter / front of house, was suddenly quick to respond after I had dared to ask such a question (!!) 'no we are not doing takeaways'. I was extremely disappointed by the rude service and can see from further reviews that there is clearly a poor management / culture issue at play. I was hoping the Kitchen would be a new place to enjoy a casual weekend coffee and cake visit or to dine with friends. But it is clear to me that the new premises do not reflect the standard experienced historically in Axminster. I even complained via their email addresses and they didn't even have the courtesy to respond or apologise. I would give a wide berth and stick to the friendlier and more accommodating 'informal' eateries in the area!
F6206UUnikkis
I have just enjoyed a lovely lunch in the New Kitchen Store, the RC sparkling wine was amazing but expensive. My friend enjoyed the Elderflower cider which was excellent. My main was sausages bubble and squeak with a poached egg and onion gravy, this was beautifully presented and very taste. My friend enjoyed fresh mackerel on sourdough toast drizzled in a pesto dressing and salad leaves and sugar snap peas, also delicious. The only let down was both cakes were very dry. the vegan choc orange and star anise was very tasty but the honey almond was tasteless and so dry it was not edible. The staff were lovely and very accommodating but when we noted that the cake was poor, the staff member just said “yes you’re 4th person to say that” not quite the response I wanted to hear or expected. However I will visit again hopefully when the sun is shining and sample some wine but maybe skip the cake! ??
nicolarD4841QX
We had been looking forward to visiting river cottage kitchen since we found out we’d be staying nearby (now I wish I’d looked on trip advisor first). Sadly we were really disappointed with the service and atmosphere in the cafe/restaurant. We were told to go in and pick a table and they would be with us to take our order ….. 20 minutes later and no sign of menu/waiter (despite not being busy) so we decided to move inside so that they might see us …sadly this didn’t work either. We were ignored for a while longer whilst the staff sorted out cutlery, cleared other tables and talked amongst themselves. When we prompted them to take our order (we only wanted a coffee) they looked at us like we were an inconvenience and took a further 10 minutes to bring over 2 hot drinks. The atmosphere was drab, the service was pretty awful and as a result I would not recommend this place to anyone. Sad to report, but service really is everything and this place does not meet the standards set by other local places. The coffee and cake was expensive too which was the final nail in the coffin. One generally does not mind paying a bit more when a good time has been had, but this was the opposite of a good time. Avoid this place if you want to feel like your custom is worth something to them.
sarahbR5125XE
River cottage cafe used to be AMAZING. It makes me so sad to leave this review.n Every year on my Muma's birthday we could come to Dorset for a few days and always, always eat at the River cottage cafe. I had never had a bad meal here - a courgette soup that tasted so good I asked for the recipe, a crab and lemon linguini that is still one of the best things I've ever eaten. We had kedgeree but made with barley not rice, delicious. We must have been for about 6 dinners and breakfasts over six years and been delighted every time. It was the kind of place you looked forward to visit. That you would miss lunch so not to spoil dinner. I went with a friend recently - a curry night. I had obviously told her how amazing this place was etc. It was awful. It was cold and pouring with rain outside but no one had put the heating on. People were sat at tables in puffer coats! But the food. The food. It was bad. Some sort of dahl curry that tasted like a new aged wannabe student had made it. It was lumpy, the lentils weren't cooked and it had no flavour (but large over sweets carrot chunks). If you are going to rip of Indian food that show it some respect. The soup was as thick as mayonnaise and cold. The whole thing was just horrible. I didn't eat it and when I looked at the table next to us they hadn't eaten it either. I wrote to hidden cottage. I told them how much we loved them and their cafe. What our experience had been and what it was now. The response was - well other people like it. From the number of untouched meals that could not have been true. Management have made a bad decision and risk ruining a real gem of a place. I really really hope that up their game and get back what they once were.
Renaissancegirl1
At first thought we though we had arrived at the wrong restaurant as it was empty, but the front restaurant led into a back dining area and thankfully we were not the only ones there. The ambiance was rather flat, there was only background music when we went to leave and it was in a big room which felt a school dinner vibesy. Whilst the menu was appealing, the food did not have much finesse. It was tasty but some of the plates a little heavy. The Saturday evening taster was £35 and there was a lot of food, there was also a good selection of organic and biodynamic beverages. The experience was ok, but not a raving recommendation.
230claireg
We had the 2 course festive lunch. I was unsure about what the starter was and the chap explained it was some sort of curd cheese. I ordered that but when it came it was mainly beetroot (which wasn't listed on the board) and I don't like beetroot! So I barely ate any of it. The main was braised beef which was nice enough but overall, I was rather disappointed.
gerryc979
We went on Nov 27th for the Saturday evening taster menu, helpful staff juggled the menu for my wife's gf issues. The menu was interesting and for the most part enjoyable. My barley rissotto with smoked fish was not great either not enough fish or too much dill to taste the fish. The wine was very good. Was dissapointed that fo£95 for two there was no atmosphere or music the room was too large for the number of customers and it was cold. Which probably affected the food which was not warm, served on cold plates. The worst thing is not being able to book by phone, but email where no discussion of availability is to be had. The attitude seemed to be aren't you lucky to be here.
mickworcs
Walked up on a Friday lunchtime and were welcomed as was the dog. Lovely lunchtime atmosphere at the back. Food was very good (fish pie/sausage casserole) at a price cheaper than pub food these days. Service was exemplary. My wife’s idea and I thought likely to be pointless just for carrot soup with H F-W’s name attached but I was very impressed. They even brought a bowl of water for the dog. I’d happily go back if we were in the vicinity again.
Ebidebslim
Midweek lunch - shown to the large sitting area at the back. Not much atmosphere - not enough staff - the food took 25 minutes - when asked where our lunch would be ready we were told we had 7 more minutes to wait. Shallot and beetroot sourdough sandwich with curried parsnips …. Ok but not worth the wait. Would not return.
Cassie186338
Disappointed doesn't describe it. Waited weeks to get to a dinner booking (Thursday curry night), had it confirmed in an email, turned up on the night to be told there was no record of a booking and we couldn't get in. I wrote the next day with a copy of the email confirmation, no response. I posted a letter to Hugh at the farm, no response. I know times are tough but this establishment doesn't know the meaning of customer service, and as locals, we are now put off for life. Cannot rate the food or value, as we never got that far.
Restaurantji Recommends
358jemmad
I could not recommend the Axminster Kitchen highly enough. I tried to book for any evening at the start of our holiday and it was unfortunately, but not surprisingly, fully booked. The email response politely suggested we try for the lunch service as they do not take bookings for this. As with many of the restaurants in the area, they have reduced their opening days and so we patiently waited until the last day of our holiday to go for lunch. We were warmly greeted with our dog and offered a seat in the cafe whilst we waited for a table to become available. We thoroughly enjoyed our early lunch, all of the dishes were outstanding, so much so, that we decided, after our day out that we would try our luck and see if they had any cancellations for that evening. Once again we were accommodated, this time it was for the curry event. Living in Birmingham, we have had our fair share of great curry, we all agreed that what we received here was utterly fabulous, and such incredible vale, we couldn’t have asked for more! Like so many in the hospitality industry they have been hit by staffing issues in these strange times, however the level of service we received on both of our visits was not compromised in the slightest. Our visits were the foodie highlight of our entire holiday. Thank you to all involved.
Ann B
This was the first time we had eaten here and we definitely go again and again. This was for the Saturday Feast experience. From start to end we were there for almost 3 hours. Each course was perfectly timed in its delivery, allowing for savouring the food and giving adequate time in between. Service was excellent in timing and attentiveness - not too much, not too little. There was a taste explosion for every mouthful, the best food we have eaten. Value for money was also exceptional. The wine also not overly expensive.
bendavidrowberry
Yeah so, at Lyme Regis we met this couple who really really liked that River Cottage guy. Even though we were going to go after talking to that couple we were like "ahhhh yeah, we gotta go now! I'm well hyped" then we went.... Then we ordered some food, all these older sophisticattdkkekfkwnjde people surrounded us. We then ate and it was very flavourful. Then we left satisfied. Peace out. Ptfr.
395barbarap
Things are so difficult in South west England currently due to staff shortages and supply challenges so booking ahead for meals is critical, but that does not compensate for sheer incompetence. We emailed for a booking as required specifying the curry night on the Thursday. The response informed us that Thursday was fully booked but there were vacancies for the vegetarian night on Wednesday. We took the reservation but asked that if there was a cancellation for the curry night could we be informed. They responded by assuring us that they would. We duly arrived for our reservation to find the restaurant shut up. We ambled across the road expecting the establishment to open at any minute, our reservation was 7pm. We then found a notice in the window saying the restaurant was only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Considering the emails that had gone backwards and forwards to make this reservation only two days previously, this can only be gross incompetence and doesn’t bode well for the quality of the food. Definitely a place resting on its laurels. The bright side is that we managed to get a reservation at the Hunters Lodge Inn which was outstanding
LeicesterLad1969
Absolutely Disgusted. Booked a curry night for 6 of us at the start of our holiday 3 months ago to then be cancelled with 24 hours notice ?? Bloody disgraceful Hugh! Don’t give this establishment the time of day. Holiday spoilt before we have begun.
I used to love dropping into the River Cottage Kitchen in Axminster for a takeaway coffee and cake. Having moved premises - we were excited to attend the open day and even based our day around this. Having arrived with our daughter, simply wanting some takeaway coffees and cakes, we spent ten minutes waiting whilst the head waiter / front of house fumbled around with a card machine. He could see we were with a young child (18 months) and then proceeded to ignore us for a further duration, before I simply asked a server if we could have takeaway coffee and cake. The head waiter / front of house, was suddenly quick to respond after I had dared to ask such a question (!!) 'no we are not doing takeaways'. I was extremely disappointed by the rude service and can see from further reviews that there is clearly a poor management / culture issue at play. I was hoping the Kitchen would be a new place to enjoy a casual weekend coffee and cake visit or to dine with friends. But it is clear to me that the new premises do not reflect the standard experienced historically in Axminster. I even complained via their email addresses and they didn't even have the courtesy to respond or apologise. I would give a wide berth and stick to the friendlier and more accommodating 'informal' eateries in the area!
I have just enjoyed a lovely lunch in the New Kitchen Store, the RC sparkling wine was amazing but expensive. My friend enjoyed the Elderflower cider which was excellent. My main was sausages bubble and squeak with a poached egg and onion gravy, this was beautifully presented and very taste. My friend enjoyed fresh mackerel on sourdough toast drizzled in a pesto dressing and salad leaves and sugar snap peas, also delicious. The only let down was both cakes were very dry. the vegan choc orange and star anise was very tasty but the honey almond was tasteless and so dry it was not edible. The staff were lovely and very accommodating but when we noted that the cake was poor, the staff member just said “yes you’re 4th person to say that” not quite the response I wanted to hear or expected. However I will visit again hopefully when the sun is shining and sample some wine but maybe skip the cake! ??
We had been looking forward to visiting river cottage kitchen since we found out we’d be staying nearby (now I wish I’d looked on trip advisor first). Sadly we were really disappointed with the service and atmosphere in the cafe/restaurant. We were told to go in and pick a table and they would be with us to take our order ….. 20 minutes later and no sign of menu/waiter (despite not being busy) so we decided to move inside so that they might see us …sadly this didn’t work either. We were ignored for a while longer whilst the staff sorted out cutlery, cleared other tables and talked amongst themselves. When we prompted them to take our order (we only wanted a coffee) they looked at us like we were an inconvenience and took a further 10 minutes to bring over 2 hot drinks. The atmosphere was drab, the service was pretty awful and as a result I would not recommend this place to anyone. Sad to report, but service really is everything and this place does not meet the standards set by other local places. The coffee and cake was expensive too which was the final nail in the coffin. One generally does not mind paying a bit more when a good time has been had, but this was the opposite of a good time. Avoid this place if you want to feel like your custom is worth something to them.
River cottage cafe used to be AMAZING. It makes me so sad to leave this review.n Every year on my Muma's birthday we could come to Dorset for a few days and always, always eat at the River cottage cafe. I had never had a bad meal here - a courgette soup that tasted so good I asked for the recipe, a crab and lemon linguini that is still one of the best things I've ever eaten. We had kedgeree but made with barley not rice, delicious. We must have been for about 6 dinners and breakfasts over six years and been delighted every time. It was the kind of place you looked forward to visit. That you would miss lunch so not to spoil dinner. I went with a friend recently - a curry night. I had obviously told her how amazing this place was etc. It was awful. It was cold and pouring with rain outside but no one had put the heating on. People were sat at tables in puffer coats! But the food. The food. It was bad. Some sort of dahl curry that tasted like a new aged wannabe student had made it. It was lumpy, the lentils weren't cooked and it had no flavour (but large over sweets carrot chunks). If you are going to rip of Indian food that show it some respect. The soup was as thick as mayonnaise and cold. The whole thing was just horrible. I didn't eat it and when I looked at the table next to us they hadn't eaten it either. I wrote to hidden cottage. I told them how much we loved them and their cafe. What our experience had been and what it was now. The response was - well other people like it. From the number of untouched meals that could not have been true. Management have made a bad decision and risk ruining a real gem of a place. I really really hope that up their game and get back what they once were.
At first thought we though we had arrived at the wrong restaurant as it was empty, but the front restaurant led into a back dining area and thankfully we were not the only ones there. The ambiance was rather flat, there was only background music when we went to leave and it was in a big room which felt a school dinner vibesy. Whilst the menu was appealing, the food did not have much finesse. It was tasty but some of the plates a little heavy. The Saturday evening taster was £35 and there was a lot of food, there was also a good selection of organic and biodynamic beverages. The experience was ok, but not a raving recommendation.
We had the 2 course festive lunch. I was unsure about what the starter was and the chap explained it was some sort of curd cheese. I ordered that but when it came it was mainly beetroot (which wasn't listed on the board) and I don't like beetroot! So I barely ate any of it. The main was braised beef which was nice enough but overall, I was rather disappointed.
We went on Nov 27th for the Saturday evening taster menu, helpful staff juggled the menu for my wife's gf issues. The menu was interesting and for the most part enjoyable. My barley rissotto with smoked fish was not great either not enough fish or too much dill to taste the fish. The wine was very good. Was dissapointed that fo£95 for two there was no atmosphere or music the room was too large for the number of customers and it was cold. Which probably affected the food which was not warm, served on cold plates. The worst thing is not being able to book by phone, but email where no discussion of availability is to be had. The attitude seemed to be aren't you lucky to be here.
Walked up on a Friday lunchtime and were welcomed as was the dog. Lovely lunchtime atmosphere at the back. Food was very good (fish pie/sausage casserole) at a price cheaper than pub food these days. Service was exemplary. My wife’s idea and I thought likely to be pointless just for carrot soup with H F-W’s name attached but I was very impressed. They even brought a bowl of water for the dog. I’d happily go back if we were in the vicinity again.
Midweek lunch - shown to the large sitting area at the back. Not much atmosphere - not enough staff - the food took 25 minutes - when asked where our lunch would be ready we were told we had 7 more minutes to wait. Shallot and beetroot sourdough sandwich with curried parsnips …. Ok but not worth the wait. Would not return.
Disappointed doesn't describe it. Waited weeks to get to a dinner booking (Thursday curry night), had it confirmed in an email, turned up on the night to be told there was no record of a booking and we couldn't get in. I wrote the next day with a copy of the email confirmation, no response. I posted a letter to Hugh at the farm, no response. I know times are tough but this establishment doesn't know the meaning of customer service, and as locals, we are now put off for life. Cannot rate the food or value, as we never got that far.
Restaurantji Recommends
I could not recommend the Axminster Kitchen highly enough. I tried to book for any evening at the start of our holiday and it was unfortunately, but not surprisingly, fully booked. The email response politely suggested we try for the lunch service as they do not take bookings for this. As with many of the restaurants in the area, they have reduced their opening days and so we patiently waited until the last day of our holiday to go for lunch. We were warmly greeted with our dog and offered a seat in the cafe whilst we waited for a table to become available. We thoroughly enjoyed our early lunch, all of the dishes were outstanding, so much so, that we decided, after our day out that we would try our luck and see if they had any cancellations for that evening. Once again we were accommodated, this time it was for the curry event. Living in Birmingham, we have had our fair share of great curry, we all agreed that what we received here was utterly fabulous, and such incredible vale, we couldn’t have asked for more! Like so many in the hospitality industry they have been hit by staffing issues in these strange times, however the level of service we received on both of our visits was not compromised in the slightest. Our visits were the foodie highlight of our entire holiday. Thank you to all involved.
This was the first time we had eaten here and we definitely go again and again. This was for the Saturday Feast experience. From start to end we were there for almost 3 hours. Each course was perfectly timed in its delivery, allowing for savouring the food and giving adequate time in between. Service was excellent in timing and attentiveness - not too much, not too little. There was a taste explosion for every mouthful, the best food we have eaten. Value for money was also exceptional. The wine also not overly expensive.
Yeah so, at Lyme Regis we met this couple who really really liked that River Cottage guy. Even though we were going to go after talking to that couple we were like "ahhhh yeah, we gotta go now! I'm well hyped" then we went.... Then we ordered some food, all these older sophisticattdkkekfkwnjde people surrounded us. We then ate and it was very flavourful. Then we left satisfied. Peace out. Ptfr.
Things are so difficult in South west England currently due to staff shortages and supply challenges so booking ahead for meals is critical, but that does not compensate for sheer incompetence. We emailed for a booking as required specifying the curry night on the Thursday. The response informed us that Thursday was fully booked but there were vacancies for the vegetarian night on Wednesday. We took the reservation but asked that if there was a cancellation for the curry night could we be informed. They responded by assuring us that they would. We duly arrived for our reservation to find the restaurant shut up. We ambled across the road expecting the establishment to open at any minute, our reservation was 7pm. We then found a notice in the window saying the restaurant was only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Considering the emails that had gone backwards and forwards to make this reservation only two days previously, this can only be gross incompetence and doesn’t bode well for the quality of the food. Definitely a place resting on its laurels. The bright side is that we managed to get a reservation at the Hunters Lodge Inn which was outstanding
Absolutely Disgusted. Booked a curry night for 6 of us at the start of our holiday 3 months ago to then be cancelled with 24 hours notice ?? Bloody disgraceful Hugh! Don’t give this establishment the time of day. Holiday spoilt before we have begun.