Local Reviews
In April 2016, David L said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
An informal evening, with host Stephane introducing six wines from the Southern Rhone (inevitably, with mixed opinions among the regular connoisseurs present), followed by a superb buffet supper: the three hours passed quickly in a congenial atmosphere. My first wine tasting evening (a gift), but I think I shall go again. (Wine tastings at the Secret Garden take place over two evenings each month.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, Dave B said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
I've taken a while just staring at a blank screen because to be honest I'm finding the Secret Garden difficult to review, and have done for a while as my visit was in mid March.
Firstly to explain, the night we visited we were a party of Golfers with wives/partners, celebrating a special anniversary. There were about 30 of us so the restaurant was closed to all other patrons.For those that don't know the Secret Garden is many things. A language school (the owners are French), a daytime café, serving teas and light lunches. It also hosts wine and cheese evenings, and for a couple of nights a week at weekends its a restaurant serving evening meals.
We are frequent visitors to France and in many ways it follows the pattern of French restaurants in that it offers a 'formula' menu. There are about three choices per course offering a meat/fish/vegetarian choice for the main. and starters, desserts and a cheese course too. For £30 a head I thought it's pretty good value. Also I thought the wine was reasonably priced for a restaurant.The reason I haven't given it 5 stars (and found this review difficult to write), is because, for want of a better word I found the food 'quirky', to say the least. For example I had a Smoked salmon starter with sliced purple potato. It looked stunning on the plate but to be honest purple potato tastes the same as normal potato. Served with smoked salmon it didn't really go together and was fairly bland and tasteless. The same with my main course, I had sirloin steak served with globe artichoke. Again it was an 'idea', that (to me at least), offered more than it delivered.
To conclude I feel the Secret Garden are (on occasions), putting together dishes that offer more on artistic and visual 'concept' than practicality and taste. Just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be.Don't misunderstand me, in the main I enjoyed it. The food was well cooked and tasted fine. The staff were friendly and helpful and our evening was very enjoyable.
Personally I'd have preferred a few more classic French dishes and slightly less of the Avant Garde....just my opinion.
Firstly to explain, the night we visited we were a party of Golfers with wives/partners, celebrating a special anniversary. There were about 30 of us so the restaurant was closed to all other patrons.For those that don't know the Secret Garden is many things. A language school (the owners are French), a daytime café, serving teas and light lunches. It also hosts wine and cheese evenings, and for a couple of nights a week at weekends its a restaurant serving evening meals.
We are frequent visitors to France and in many ways it follows the pattern of French restaurants in that it offers a 'formula' menu. There are about three choices per course offering a meat/fish/vegetarian choice for the main. and starters, desserts and a cheese course too. For £30 a head I thought it's pretty good value. Also I thought the wine was reasonably priced for a restaurant.The reason I haven't given it 5 stars (and found this review difficult to write), is because, for want of a better word I found the food 'quirky', to say the least. For example I had a Smoked salmon starter with sliced purple potato. It looked stunning on the plate but to be honest purple potato tastes the same as normal potato. Served with smoked salmon it didn't really go together and was fairly bland and tasteless. The same with my main course, I had sirloin steak served with globe artichoke. Again it was an 'idea', that (to me at least), offered more than it delivered.
To conclude I feel the Secret Garden are (on occasions), putting together dishes that offer more on artistic and visual 'concept' than practicality and taste. Just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be.Don't misunderstand me, in the main I enjoyed it. The food was well cooked and tasted fine. The staff were friendly and helpful and our evening was very enjoyable.
Personally I'd have preferred a few more classic French dishes and slightly less of the Avant Garde....just my opinion.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, 623gaylem said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
A lovely little place tucked away from the hustle & bustle. Never had a meal here but good for catching up with friends over a coffee. Would like more options on cakes, but otherwise - lovely!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In April 2016, T4263OWstephenh said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
I have visited The Secret Garden on many occasions but only now getting around to write this review. This restaurant is a real gem set in Friars Street. The interior is charming and spotless. Food is off the highest quality as one would come to expect from the French owners. The owners are delightful as are all the staff. The Secret Garden also offers a range of courses and events which I really should get around to enrol in. It can get quite busy at lunchtime so it could be a good idea to book ahead. I would love the owners to do a French accordion evening or even Sudburys first French Film Festival!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, lifebeginsatfifty said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
I had read some reviews about this restaurant and was surprised to learn that some new customers have felt that the obvious 'regulars' around them were being given preferential treatment. I hoped that this was not true. After all this is not a members' club and anyone can walk in off the street so I dismissed it from my mind. It was sobering then that my husband, who I had not told about these comments, observed the very same thing. Now to the food, very good. I had the open ravioli - sheets of beautifully cooked pasta (not heavy at all) with really nicely cooked spring veg and asparagus and, something I had not had before, dried orange slices. My husband had the smoked haddock flavoured with tamarind and again beautifully cooked diced vegetables. We will certainly try this restaurant one more time in the hope that our perceptions about some customers appearing to be favoured is incorrect.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, veepeebiscuit said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
We popped in out of curiosity and just a need for a hot drink. It was 930am, so not needing food.
The cafe is very nice and the baked goods looked fresh and nicely presented. We sat in the garden as it was a beautiful morning and I was very impressed. I would happily make this my regular coffee stop but the pricing I fear will stop me. A croissant at 2.50 is a bit steep and 3.50 for a plain cheese scone is too. The beverages were a bit steep and whilst I noticed the obvious regulats got free refills of their americanos, I wasnt offered.The food menu was baffling with little choice, and too few options at an average of £9 a meal. Ifvyou areclooking for a simple uncomplicated lunch, walk on by. Not aplace suitable for children in case your wondering.
If it was a nice sunny day and I wanted a quick coffee in the sun, I would pop in again, but the lack of choice, pricing and selective service would stop me going in for anything more. A shame.
The cafe is very nice and the baked goods looked fresh and nicely presented. We sat in the garden as it was a beautiful morning and I was very impressed. I would happily make this my regular coffee stop but the pricing I fear will stop me. A croissant at 2.50 is a bit steep and 3.50 for a plain cheese scone is too. The beverages were a bit steep and whilst I noticed the obvious regulats got free refills of their americanos, I wasnt offered.The food menu was baffling with little choice, and too few options at an average of £9 a meal. Ifvyou areclooking for a simple uncomplicated lunch, walk on by. Not aplace suitable for children in case your wondering.
If it was a nice sunny day and I wanted a quick coffee in the sun, I would pop in again, but the lack of choice, pricing and selective service would stop me going in for anything more. A shame.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, alexandtom said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
Often call in for lunch on Thursday or Saturday staff very friendly always ready to top up your coffee. Lovely food and atmosphere have not tried the evening meal yet but will try soon hopefully if they expand we will go more often.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, C187IZjimb said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
A good stop off for coffee and a chat or a light lunch with freshly produced breads, pastries and other delights
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2016, morgieNorthants said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
The food menu was a little confusing, went in on a Saturday at 3.05 and was only allowed a cake, scone, croissant. Feel it was a café really only for regular customers, we were visiting , but sadly wouldn't recommend or revisit. I agree with one of the other reviews that 3.50 for a scone is very excessive. certainly would not recommend taking children in there, I don't think they would be very welcome. Would not visit again very disappointed
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2016, Carole B said about The Secret Garden Cafe, Wine Bar & Restaurant
Wonderful fresh products and an inexpensive set lunch menu. They are only open in the evening on Friday and Saturday at the moment but are expanding into the building next door for fine dining later in the year - can't wait!!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk