Stables Café

After you’ve explored the house and gardens at Hestercombe, what better way to wind­-down and relax than with a freshly­-ground coffee or hot pot of tea, a delicious slice of homemade cake or a tasty hot or cold lunch. Situated in the historic old stables at Hestercombe’s visitor entrance, the Stables Café is the perfect place to put your feet up, and indulge with some great food.

Relaxed setting

Wooden stalls and original floor tiles of the old stables block welcome you inside, or you can sit outside in the partially covered courtyard. There are plenty of magazines to read in this informal, unfussy setting, where you can truly feel at home. Dogs are welcome in the café too!

Free to visit

The Stables Cafe is accessible without paying an entrance fee to visit the house or gardens, so there’s no entrance fee – perfect for those days when you don’t fancy stretching your legs.

Opening times

The Stables Cafe is open daily, excluding Christmas Day, from 10am to 5.30pm (5pm in winter), and lunch is served 12 – 3pm. Serving a wide selection of teas, coffees, cold drinks, lunches and homemade cakes (including gluten free, sugar free and vegan selections), you’re certain to find something to tempt your tastebuds. Find out more by calling 01823 414197.

Delicious food

The Stables Cafe offers a delicious variety of homemade dishes for lunch as well as a tempting selection of sweets and cakes.
See our summer lunch menu.

The Column Room Restaurant

Our quintessentially British afternoon tea is just one of the offerings from the elegant Column Room Restaurant. The prettiest room in Hestercombe House, and the original sitting room of the Portman family, you can enjoy stunning views over the Formal Gardens of the Victorian Terrace and Great Plat, while you sip your loose leaf tea, just as they would in the late 19th century.

Traditional Afternoon Tea

A delectable selection of cakes and sandwiches served with a choice of unique loose leaf tea, or cafetiere coffee. For an extra special experience, try a sparkling wine afternoon tea – our traditional afternoon tea but with added fizz. See the current afternoon tea menu.

The perfect gift

Buy an afternoon tea experience as a gift – buy a voucher online, or visit or call the Ticket Office on 01823 413923.

Lunch menu

Only the freshest, most vibrant ingredients are chosen for the Column Room. Take a look at our regularly changing menu.

Restaurant Opening times

• Wednesday – Sunday (plus Bank Holiday Mondays).
• Lunch served 12 – 2.30pm, afternoon tea served 12 – 5pm (last orders at 4.45pm).

Make a table reservation

You can make a reservation for the Column Room Restaurant by booking online via the button below, emailing us or calling 01823 410112 / 01823 414197 (Wednesday to Sunday only).