The Garden Cafe - Lambeth

We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday. We were told that, without a reservation, we could have lunch, but that there were reserved customers coming, and that we could have the table for only about 45 minutes. Fine. We had things to do, and could skip the starter. But it took a long time to come back and take our order. The main course came in a reasonable time, and was DELICIOUS (soufflé and venison &mash). But we were still hungry, and wanted dessert. But we sat a long time trying to to get a menu back—we asked the busser who finally. Ame to take our empty plates, but without result. Eventually, someone came to tell us that we could go to another table if we wanted dessert or coffee. By then, we were fed up, and just asked for the bill. And got dessert elsewhere. This should be a 5-star review, given the food. But I wouldn’t go back.

Stars are for the setting which is gorgeous, my server, who was v sweet, and the music. My food, however, wasn’t great. Or even good. Fish was mushy a complete waste of a bit of hake it died in vain sadly. Focaccia had a ton of salt over it until it was inedible the beans were left with skin on and the sauce on the dish needed salt but not so much as was on/in the bread. For goodness sake put condiments on the table you’re not Michelin starred! No sides come with mains which leaves them bereft. Put some spuds or pasta on as sides please! My cheese and crackers was the best but but v small portion for the price £11.. I really didn’t enjoy the food at all. Wine wasn’t bad or good. Would go for a wander around the palace again but I wouldn’t eat at the cafe.

What a real treat. Delicious food, served in wonderful surroundings (it was a hot day and we sat outside in the dappled shade) by a lovely, friendly team. We shared an Artichoke heart to start with, my companion had the Cornish Octopus and I chose the butterfly Mackerel. All delicious. We finished off with the sweetest Kent strawberries and the cheese plate. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

So disappointing! Lovely building and setting and was a great restaurant. Now not so. Everything poor staff, menu, quality of food. So ordinary and dull. 2 slices of bread for £4. Supermarket type salmon fillets with peas and a few lardons as a main course embarrassing!

In an area with few restaurants this place stands out providing quality food well cooked and ideal for a light lunch. The menu is small though there is a choice of meat, fish and vegetarian/vegan. Everything we ate was enjoyable especially our starters of soup and mains of chicken and black sea bream. Our carafe of Italian wine was so so nothing special though my friends steam pudding hit the spot whilst my choice of rhubarb fool did not though that was due to my choice. Not a fan of cream should have asked. Service was fine on our visit and there was no pressure to turn the table. At £120 for 2 including 50cl carafe of wine service not cheap. If you want a light lunch in a lovely setting do go and visit the Garden Museum at the same time. Booking a must.