Dunster Water Mill - West Somerset

We have visited before and this time we were a bit concerned about the negative reviews on here, however it was amazing I had bacon bap and it was one of the best I have ever had, wife had cream tea and it was excellent Service was fantastic and everything was spotless clean, will return again tomorrow

The wait to be served was long, the soup was lukewarm, and the prepackaged sandwiches were dry (even though they were still within their best-before date by 3 days). This restaurant's quality falls well below the usual standards set by the National Trust.

Stepping into the National Trust Dunster tea room, my visit was infused with a sense of nostalgia, as my wife had been a dedicated member of the staff in the years before the establishment’s much-anticipated upgrade. Fond memories of impeccable service, fresh delicacies, and genuine smiles had set a high standard for this return. The first noticeable change was the substantial investment in the new building. However, on a bustling Saturday at midday, the vast space felt eerily deserted, a stark contrast to the thriving hub of activity one might expect. With four staff members and only a handful of patrons, the grandeur of the upgraded setting seemed incongruent with the sparse attendance. A critical issue emerged at the till, where the prepping area shared space with the point of service. This impractical arrangement led to a frustrating 10-minute wait, a bottleneck exacerbated by the staff’s evident efforts. While not entirely their fault, the design flaw hindered the flow of service, leaving an impression of inefficiency. Culinary disappointments followed, starting with a generously sized pot of tea containing only two teabags. The result was a weak, insipid brew resembling hot brown water, a departure from the robust flavors of the past. The letdown continued with coffee walnut slices—dense, flavorless cakes that seemed store-bought, far from the bespoke offerings of yesteryears. The financial sting came with the bill totaling £14, an exorbitant price for what felt like hot water and a slice of mundane cake. The perceived value for money was woefully absent, intensifying the sense of having been shortchanged. Adding to the disappointment were observations of servers placing milk jugs directly into teacups, an unorthodox practice at odds with expected standards of hygiene. Furthermore, the sight of servers putting their fingers inside teacups when retrieving them from the cupboard raised concerns about cleanliness and professionalism. In conclusion, this visit to the National Trust Dunster tea room was a far cry from the warm and inviting haven it once represented. The grandeur of the present clashed with the emptiness, logistical challenges, lackluster culinary offerings, and lapses in hygiene, leaving me with a profound sense of disappointment and no eagerness to return anytime soon.

Dreadful experience went with hubby and friend. I asked for cheese scone I got a stale red chilli scone and a piece of cheese that had seen better days. I asked a staf member for some butter and she begrudgingly gave me some. On leaving I spoke to the young girl on till and said I could not eat the scone as was far too hot as in chilli hot and maybe she should tell people that request a cheese scone that they are so spicy. I had no apology or any kind of response. All in all the experience was not a good one. The piece of shortbread my husband had was just cheap shop bought rubbish. Such a shame as in a beautiful position and could have been a nice visit. Will not go again

This Tea Garden is a charming and somewhat secluded spot, with beautiful surroundings and easy to reach just a short distance outside the village. Even if you're not visiting the Water Mill or taking a stroll through the gardens up to the Castle, it's definitely worth a visit. We had a delightful coffee experience in the picturesque tea garden, which is possibly the best National Trust cafe garden we've been to. The staff were very friendly and welcoming.