Avenue House Cafeteria - Barnet

I live near St Stephens Gardens and recently took my kids there for a fun day out with friends. They enjoyed playing in the play area, sandpit, and exploring the grounds. After spending some time there, we decided to have lunch at the restaurant. Despite it being busy, the staff were friendly and the food was great. My children loved it so much that we plan on making this a regular outing. It was a nostalgic experience for me, as I got married at Ave House a few years ago. It was strange to be back there after seven years, but it brought back lovely memories.

This restaurant, which used to be stables, offers a wonderful historic setting for families to enjoy a freshly made light lunch after exploring the gardens.

We were looking for somewhere for lunch in Finchley with easy parking. Inky's Stable Café next to Avenue House has a car park. The café is in a converted barn. There is plenty of choice of food which is reasonably priced (e.g. sandwiches) and nicely served. The café only has a sliding door and in the winter it gets cold every time someone opens the door. Seating is mainly benches which is not that comfortable. Also, the toilets are outside the main café and also cold in the winter. Nevertheless, a good place to stop for a snack.

Small but perfectly formed, this quaint cafe set within the stables of the home of Henry 'Inky ' Stephens. Good selection of hot and cold meals and snacks, particularly the range of seasonal salads. Equally great if you just want to pop in for coffee and a cake, even iced coffee. Enjoy a wander around the landscape gardens and arboretum open to the public free of charge 7 days a week.

It's great that the park has reopened, but unfortunately, the coffee at the cafe is still terrible. The stunning house and garden deserve a cafe that matches their beauty. There are many cafes on the high street that serve much better coffee than this. The cafe used to be good, but it has since changed ownership and become very basic. It has the potential to be so much better. Please address this issue.