Huffkins - Cotswold

Stopped off at Stow late afternoon one November day. Enjoyed tea and cake here. Service was excellent, and the coffee éclair was delicious. I highly recommend.

A sunny mid-November day saw us ‘take a spin’ up into the Cotswolds, with no particular plan other than to be out whilst the weather was good. We had stopped for a coffee and a bit of retail therapy enroute. We arrived here in Stow just before 13:30; with lunch a priority. We parked-up we strolled into the town centre, where several eateries vied for our custom, and we chose this busy café. As we queued to be seated we were prepared to be told that there was no room, but the café is quite large, so we were able to get one of the two tables that were still available. The menus were already on the table, and the waiter, who had showed us you our table, explained that we should visit the counter and place our order and pay. The order would then be brought to our table. Tip: take note of your table number before going to the counter. We only wanted a snack, so we both studied the lunch menu, and the ‘Melts and Toasties’ section. The ‘Country Ham and Cheddar Toastie’, with dry-cured Chase Farm ham and Cheddar cheese, on toasted mashed granary bread appealed. I went to the counter ordered a shared pot of breakfast tea, and also a pot of chutney for an extra £1 (not really enough for two). As we waited we looked-around and saw that that Christmas decorations in place (with just under 6 weeks to go). The café was pleasant and clean and the service was good, as our food and drinks arrived promptly. The tea was in a very large pot and we had file decently-sized cups of really good tea between us. The toasties looked good and were excellent with the little pot of what was almost certainly the splendid ‘Cherry Tree Kashmiri Chutney’. The small side salad and crisps were good enhancements. The meal suited; being a perfect size for a snack and with great ingredients, and served hot.

I visited with my husband, 7 month old grandson and 96 year old father. The staff could not have been more helpful, and so cheery and welcoming. They helped us to a lovely area where there was room for the buggy and kept checking we had everything we needed. The food was delicious, and a box provided for my father so he could take some of his sandwiches home. We felt so welcome. Thank you to the wonderfully attentive staff there. We will be back.

This cafe has apparently been around since the late 18th century and has the original beams to prove it. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the cakes and coffee are delicious. I, along with many others, enjoyed the lardy cake - a childhood favorite from the Midlands. The restroom is located up a steep staircase that bends, making it a bit of a challenge to access. It may be worth inquiring about a disabled restroom option. The staff is friendly and courteous.

The waitress was lovely, a nice young girl with glasses who was very polite and helpful. The coffee was delicious. We definitely plan on returning and would recommend this place to others.