The Best Cafes in Caring, Kent, United Kingdom (2025)

We stayed at The Red Lion recently, and we were very impressed with the whole stay. All of the staff were friendly, helpful, and polite. We had two excellent meals there, both amazing, and breakfast was exceptionally good. Our room was comfortable, clean and well equipped. Car parking was no problem. We'd like to visit again sometime.

Where to start…? Well, the pub itself is lovely, set in a beautiful village. The staff and even the local regulars were friendly and welcoming. The service was efficient and warming. The food was exceptional. We only planned to eat once at the Red Lion as we were only on a short visit to the area however after our first meal we made sure to come back the following evening. Our second meal was as good as the first. My only regret was not being able to eat my way through the rest of the menu! Oh, nearly forgot, they are super dog friendly and our two German shepherds were made to feel just as welcome as we were.

Just had an amazing stay highly recommend very friendly welcome even personally taken to our room. The room had everything you needed for a comfortable stay the welcome water and beer was a lovely touch along with a variety of complementary teas and coffee. We had a lovely meal in the pub and there was so much food which was delicious. We needed a taxi and the team sorted that for us. We missed breakfast on the Sunday morning our fault too much indulgence on Saturday evening. However we were offered sausage Sandwiches after the breakfast service had finished which was totally above and beyond great service and very rarely you find a place that would offer this exceptional service. We will definitely return as we felt very well looked after. Thank you for making us so welcome.

Absolutely gorgeous pub with beautiful interior. The staff were and absolute dream the food was delicious. Best haddock bake going !! Will definitely come back in the future thank you

Food was lovely and staff very friendly and welcoming. The hash browns are the start of the show along with cakes so would definitely recommend to friends

Best cheese scone EVER!! No, really, it was awesome 😍 Good selection of food and drinks, both got and cold Funky decor with mismatched chairs, tables, benches and stools. Massive exposed beams that hint of the history of the building. So cool that dogs are welcomed, especially as people walk across the Downs with humans and dogs alike! Quite a serious member of staff, but attentive

Busy when we called in. It seems to be a real community hub and, although we only had coffee (very good) the food we saw looked good too.

Excellent Indian food, really enjoyed my lamb Archar Mossala! Nice Bombay potatoes too! One of the staff was a bit snobbish, but the rest of them were very friendly and helpful! Would come back!

Ordered a large takeaway for 16 people. The order was exactly right, the food was delicious and the price was very reasonable. Would definitely recommend this restaurant.

Amazing food, amazing customer service and great atmosphere.

Popped in to get a takeaway and as usual greeted by the boss and staff in a friendly way asking about life and football. Food was excellent as always and very reasonably priced. Spice of Bengal has always provided great food and service.

Big Thumbs up from me 5⭐️ Great food, brilliant staff & loads of parking for trucks & car etc.

This place is always buzzing and it deserves to be. Great selection of traditional options including all the usual fry up varieties alongside very good coffee and tea. The place is nicely decorated and furnished. A favourite spot to catch up with friends over breakfast.

I'm glad the truck stop on the motorway was closed. The Airport cafe is only just over a mile from the roundabout, wide country road, and plenty of parking. Just had a full English, perfectly cooked and a decent mug of tea, in a proper mug not a paper tumbler. The staff are pleasant and professional. I'm now set up for the day and a long journey. Thanks, girls.! I'll be back. Sorry, no picture, I ate it all,! 28/2/22 Another most enjoyable breakfast. I'm just off the Eurotunnel, and this gives me time to contemplate driving on the other side of the road. 5/9/22 I remembered to take a photograph this time before demolishing the fare. Ok there is a couple of mouthfuls missing. Thanks girls. 1/3/23 Most excellent start to the day, and a warm welcome back into the uk. Keep up the good work. 7/9/23 Another delicious breakfast, and equally important a hot mug of tea. 5/9/24 Another successful visit. "Express breakfast" today, the bubble and squeak was a delicious addition, it comes recommended. Thanks girls, you've brightened my day.

Absolutely banging place to get breakfast on the weekend! Me, my husband and my friends go here to grab breakfast while we're out on the bikes and always feel happy and safe parking up- with being able to keep an eye while we eat breakfast it relieves a lot of stress. Thanks for always doing a great breakfast 🥰

Stopped in while walking on a passing footpath. Food was excellent, the only negative was a bit of a wait as they were recovering from a full house when we arrived.

We used The Cosy Kettle to provide catering service for a funeral wake. Sadie and her team were fantastic. From the initial enquiry to the delivery of the food, Sadie was excellent. The food was outstanding. Sadie went out of her way to help and the choice of food available was great and tailored to our bespoke requirements. Many people commented how good it was and we were so impressed with everything. I can whole heartly recommend The Cosy Kettle if you want an excellent catering service.

Just passing and we’re lucky enough to stop for coffee and cake. Friendly service and great cakes. Bread pudding particularly excellent.

We had a lovely afternoon tea today - very generous portions for the price and some really interesting, different options that you don't normally see on afternoon tea menus. The soup shot was a lovely touch and delicious, as was the rest of it. Service was also great with really friendly staff. Would definitely recommend!

A perfect gem 10 mins from the Le Shuttle exit, a great stop for breakfast for heading on our journey. Well priced and not a spare table showing its popularity. Do not take card so make sure you have some cash.

I love the food here , a good proper breakfast!! A good selection of food to choose from and the bread And butter is proper bread and butter ! I'm talking fresh bread 🍞 My only dislike is the noise levels ,not their fault at all. But when there's a lot of people in the cafe it's extremely loud, but you can eat outside if it's a nice day. The prices are reasonable but it's cash only. Parking is limited but you can park along the road and walk up. Wheelchair and pushchair accessible.

Had a breakfast here for the first time, staff friendly, efficient service and generous portions. Very good would recommend

If I could give this 6 Stars I would. First time here. Lady who served me was full of life and chatted and joked with everyone. Proper sized mugs of tea and coffee. I had a bacon baguette and they used Tiger bread which made it even more delicious. Others were having the full English and they also looked very good. Toilet and facilities were in immaculate condition. Slight downside was they only took cash. However, if ever I'm in the area again, it would be my first choice.

Our welcoming was very jolly and friendly. Service is quick! food is yummy, classic full english with lots to choose from. Was lovely for a late breakfast.

The food is so yummy and the servers are always so welcoming and friendly. My favourite cafe in Ashford by far :)

Great food!! Lovely, immaculately clean cafe and very friendly staff.

I visited on Friday 1st November with my grandson for a light lunch whilst we were in town. I never usually leave reviews but the service was excellent and the food was lovely, I would certainly recommend this café and will visit again.

Lovely cafe! We were on our way to Dover and wanted to find a spot that allowed dogs for lunch. We had a delicious panini and 2 cream teas. All the food was fresh and tasty. Definitely recommend!

The layout of the various little rooms and snugs - with cosy mismatched furniture - make this place incredibly cute and cosy in the heart of Lenham. The Americano was nice, and the hot chocolate clearly a big hit when pimped out with marshmallows. Staff were very friendly and it was a lovely place to pass an hour and warm up.

Delightful family run café, with interesting and varied seating areas. Clean and pleasant, we will pop back next time we're at the market.

I was really impressed with our visit to the The Bow Window Cafe in Lenham. We popped in on a midweek lunch time, it was really busy and deservedly so. All the staff are really helpful and friendly, they try hard to accommodate everyone and their individual needs. The website says they are dog friendly and it's true, my dog even got a little treat. I thought the price was good value for the quantity of food that you got. The hot chocolate tasted really nice and chocolatey, they also made it with an alternative milk for me. My toasted sandwich was so delicious and filling, the brie was nice and gooey. I have to mention the toilets which were super clean despite the amount of people using them. I think I'd try and book when I go again, just to guarantee that I can eat there. It's situated right near Lenham Square car park but watch the 2 hour limit for parking.

I needed to find an establishment in Ashford that could make and deliver cup cakes for a 90th birthday celebration. I do not live in the area but The Little Teapot was recommended to me by a friend. At quite short notice, everything was sorted for me (super efficient) by Russell and Jacqui. The cup cakes were beautiful and were delivered on time. Highly recommended.

I had the smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich on wholemeal bread, with a salad garnish. My friend had a scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam (other fruit ones available). Pot of tea and a coffee. The menu was nicely varied with some classic options such as Jacket potato, brie and bacon to name a few. Nice themed decorations about tea and cakes with teapots around the ceiling on a winding shelf. Friendly staff.

We love this little family run business and Russel and his family are so lovely such an amazing hidden gem in Ashford town. Great coffee and food... The cakes are amazing and we think they sell the best sausage roll around town.

Loved visiting here! Been here twice in the last month. Lovely friendly service and a great selection of food. Gluten free options too. Not keen on the foamy milkshakes but the coffee is delish! I’ve just revisited for my birthday and OH MY GOD the afternoon tea is amazing!!!! Literally so much for all displayed lovely! The taste is incredible and the staff work tirelessly to ensure the customers are happy! My favourite place ever!! Don’t delay!!! Go and Visit and see for yourself :)

I’m so glad my office moved to Ashford and this is now my fave place for lunch. The food is well prepared and tasty - some of the portions are huge. I always have the eggs royale which are impeccably cooked and the smoked salmon is beautifully flavoured and lean. It also does its own freshly squeezed orange juice, which goes down a treat.

Wish I could give more than 5 stars. Just had the best and biggest breakfast for a great price served by very lovely and happy lady's. Food was hot and fresh. Will definitely be back here to try some more of the menu. Thank you lady's, was the perfect treat after being away

Very busy and well established cafe, all breakfast freshly made. Super friendly staff and great service.

Visited the cafe today for some lunch with my family. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the lovely girls behind the counter. The cafe was extremely busy and we were made aware there may be a wait for the food, which we were fine about. I feel this is a very well run establishment and well done to to the girls in there for managing the cafe, whilst being so busy - all with smiles on their faces. Food was amazing and fair priced with huge portions! Had my little girl with us and the waitress was very attentive! Will definitely recommend to my friends and family and will most definitely be returning when next in Ashford!