alice (grimsby) wrote on 25 January 2010

Went to lincoln this saturday and tried out this tearoom having never been in a soley vegetarian resturant/cafe before (despite being a vegetarian for about 10 years). I could see how the place can become hectic and stressful for the staff when it is busy but it was quiet the first time we went in for something to eat. I was impressed by the menu as it wasn't the the dull overly cheesy and dairy based choices often found as an afterthought on most resturants/pubs/cafe's menus. Much to my liking most of the main dishes seemed to be tomato based, and although not full of exotic and unusual ingredients as some people might expect the food had a very fresh taste to it and was very satisfying, with unusual and pleasantly surprising flavor combinations. The tea and coffee selection was particulary impressive, and I would look forward to going back just to try more of the selections. I found the green/white tea to be much better quality than I have previously tasted and my boyfriend, who normally has a lot of milk and sugar in his coffee found that the coffee there was so good that he prefered to drink it black to get the full flavor. The staff where very friendly, helpful and relaxed and it created a very nice atmosphere to be in.
Later on it was quite busy, and the staff did seem more stressed than before, but they where still very polite and helpful (even finding some carrot cake from the kitchen when there was no more in the display) and they still managed to maintain the friendly and happy atmosphere, laughing and joking amongst themselves.
Considering the quality of the food and drink the cost of the food seemed reasonable (In fact for the quality I would have been willing to pay more for the drinks, which are about on level with starbucks)
It will definately be a place to visit again.

Paula (Lincoln) wrote on 24 January 2010

We visited here for our monthly girls catch up over coffee and lunch. Menu choices were disappointing, we had presumed being a vegetarian/vegan tearoom there would be some exciting options available including exotic ingredients but to be honest menu was rather pedestrian with baked potato fillings limited to things like cottage cheese, coleslaw etc. There were a few specials on the board that sounded more interesting but these were dearer.
Selection of teas and coffees were excellent though, best in Lincoln I would say, and the choice of cakes were good. We settled for some lemon cake, a flapjack and two pots of tea - were served promptly although might add that the staff seemed a little odd, nosy and not particularly smiley or friendly, which is unusual in the Bailgate, staff are normally lovely!
Would go again if only for the cosy atmosphere and great drinks selection - perhaps choosing a seat at the front away from staff next time!

Shelley Brightwell (Dartford, Kent) wrote on 21 November 2009

My friend & I had lunch here last weekend, during our first visit to Lincoln. We ordered two different variations on the cheese on toast theme & then shared them. Both were interesting & very tasty, the portions and salad garnish were generous and the service was friendly & prompt.

We experienced none of the problems mentioned by some other reviewers and plan to visit again some time.

cheryl (lincoln) wrote on 23 January 2009

i have been to this tea room many times and have alway had a very pleasant time. no its not glam but i have always felt relaxed and happy. i am a vegan and hubby ,well lets say he loves his meat have both always enjoyed the food. i find it difficult to choose from the menu as there is so much and the desserts are wonderful. we are making our way through the 30ish teas and coffees which knock the socks off starbucks and at half the price,it cant be bad. we recently took visiting family who enjoyed the food. if you dont need a meal i would still recommend just popping in for a coffee and cake while you relax after the walk up the steep hill.

Charlie (Uni of Lincoln) wrote on 10 October 2008

The staff are a bit odd - and it is a little dysfunctional! I've been there 3 times now, twice for food, and both times the vegan options were delicious. I had a spicy vegan curry one time and a casserole the next. The fresh herbal teas were lovely too. Bit disappointed at the shortage of vegan dessert and main menus items, and they could do a whole lot more if they had soya milk/butter/cheese rather than just a plain baked potato as the vegan option...

Jim (Lincoln) wrote on 4 October 2008

Taken from happycow.net
Review: We had lunch at this lovely cafe this weekend and really wish we could have had a few more meals there. Simple jacket potato with mounds of tasty, strong cheddar cheese and a light, bright salad for me and a bowl of home made Leek and Potato soup with crusty bread for my partner. Homemade cake was on offer but we had a restaurant table booked for the evening so had to hold back. Aceess is limited to people who are able to make it up a very steep hill with stairs inside due to the age of the building. Other diners at a table nearby asked which dishes were suitable for somebody on a wheat free diet and the waitress had no problem pointing them out to them. You will shed some weight on the way up the hill but then you can make up for that with the delicious food inside. Be warned it was very busy when we ate there so you may have to wait. To be honest that is the only negative aspect I can think of.

hopefully this gives a more accurate review of a lovely place to relax

Vanessa (Gangelt, Germany) wrote on 31 July 2008

Most disappointing. Visiting from Holland we were anxious to try some of the delights of Lincoln. Not only was the choice of vegetarian dishes poor, but the quality not up to standard. The service was appalling and if you haven't been there yet, don't bother. Local country pubs were more accommodating of vegetarian needs, high quality and good service.

Staff dreadful
Quality awful
Atmosphere - stressed
Price guide - accurate

Peter Bird (Chesterfield) wrote on 23 September 2007

We were very pleased to have found what appeared to be a great vegetarian cafe in Lincoln, but our initial pleasure turned into a diabolical experience in the most dysfunctional tearooms I've ever been in! The waitress took our order within seconds of sitting down, my first choice of food having run out, drinks duly arrived proceeded by a 45 minute wait with no explanation before being told that my second choice had run out! Staff ambivalent and close to falling out amongst themselves. I grudgingly paid for the drinks and we walked out. The food that went past us to other tables looked nice, but rest assured we will definitely not be going back to try it as the experience spoilt our day.

Alan Blackham (Nottingham) wrote on 24 March 2002

They advertise that they serve vegan foods and even on the menu it states they specialise in vegan cakes but they were not very helpful on either occasion when I visited them and they were unable to produce any vegan cake :-(