Grounds Café Milton - Cambridge

Julian B.

Oh, where do I begin with this delightful establishment? Picture this: you stroll in, hoping for a pleasant experience, but are met with "out of order" toilets and staff who seem to have been trained in the fine art of grumpiness. Customer service? Clearly an abstract concept here. The outdoor seating area features a charming DIY cleaning station, complete with a spritz bottle and paper towels, since the staff apparently don’t believe in maintaining hygiene. The culinary offerings are equally exquisite: pre-packaged meals lovingly reheated in a sandwich toasting machine, ensuring a taste experience as memorable as a cardboard sandwich. The clientele? A sweaty congregation of happy joggers who seem to be the only ones not dismayed by the bare minimum service. For the discerning visitor, might I suggest bringing your own picnic hamper and fetching a coffee from Costa at TESCO Milton beforehand? The staff here won't mind, as they’ll be too busy perfecting their rudeness with the queue of unsuspecting patrons. Or better yet, skip the visit and enjoy a peaceful walk in the park. Truly, an unforgettable experience for all the wrong reasons!

Amy R.

We attended this cafe after parkrun between Christmas and New Year. Id read the reviews and I had low expectations but was so surprised. The cafe really deserves a good review. The staff helped my mum by bringing coffee and cakes upstairs because she had my little one and her hands full. The cinnamon buns were delicious and the coffee was great. The cakes were also fantastic, and dog friendly upstairs a real benefit. The toilets were well equipped and clean. Thanks for a lovely morning out.

Terry S.

Was looking a little tired. We had to go round the back on muddy paths as front entrance was closed. Dogs are only permitted in that area not in the main cafe.
Service was rather slow as staff we discussing something in middle of making our drinks.
Hopefully this was an exceptional time it it I better once repairs complete and in drier less muddy conditions, and with more responsive service.

Cameron F.

Just so rude.

We’ve been regular customers of the cafe for the last 10+ years, usually before/after a parkrun or junior parkrun on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The food and drinks are fine, though pricey. We’ve never minded because we like supporting the park and the cafe.

Today, I was bluntly confronted for the crime of walking through the empty cafe towards the toilet without making a purchase. My cheery good morning was countered with “the toilets for parkrun are at the car park.”

Turns out there’s no consideration for regular customers. Without payment, I was not welcome. Do I need to explain that I’d be back later for coffee and cake? And that it’s reasonable that I come in for a bit of toilet tissue for a runny nose, now?

So, Coffee World it is. I’m fully dismayed at the lack of friendliness. I had always thought the cafe appreciated parkrun for the custom it brought. Perhaps they’d rather we stick to Costa and Coffee World. Leave Grounds to the dog walkers.

… I’ve learned it was the manager who corrected me on my visit today. And she was just so proud of herself… baffled…

Dan S.

Great cafe when they're open, with a good selection of toasted sandwiches, crisps, cakes and ice creams and a wide-ranging coffee menu.

Lately, though, I've been getting there half an hour or more before their posted closing time to find chairs on tables already, and the kitchen and cake selection fully shut down and packed away. I'd love to pay for a sandwich and a cake after a relaxing walk in the park, but I guess I have to settle for a (still good!) coffee and a biscuit instead 🙁

Daniella L.

Staff were really nice and friendly! Really dog friendly cafe too! Cleo had a puappuccino and a biscuit! The Oreo brownies both Vegan and Dairy were delicious!

It was quite busy but they were keeping the queue going really quick!

Ali K.

It would be nice to teach your staff the basics of customer service, things like to make eye contact, respond when told “hello” rather than “one second” and not to show each other videos on their phones while customers are waiting

DAVE P.

Sandwiches and pannis measly portions and overpriced. Coffee average. But nothing special. Top decking bins overflowing with rubbish looks like not been emptied for days maybe weeks. Staff didn't really have any customer interaction. Sorry will not be returning or recommend. A total waste of money