Old Dairy Cafe, Goodnestone Park - A Hidden Gem in Canterbury

If you’re seeking a delightful retreat in the heart of the Kent countryside, look no further than the Old Dairy Cafe, nestled in Goodnestone Park. This charming café is not just a place to grab a bite; it’s an experience that captivates the senses and warms the heart.

The cuisine at Old Dairy Cafe is an enchanting blend that caters to diverse dietary preferences, with a special emphasis on homemade comfort food. Among the standout offerings, their vegan afternoon tea is a revelation—with freshly prepared delicacies that leave a lasting impression on the palate. Tyler's glowing review echoes this sentiment, noting it as “one of the best vegan afternoon teas” he has ever had.

But that’s just the beginning. For those who savor traditional British fare, the quiches here are legendary, described by Lidia Long as “the best I’ve ever had.” You’ll find comfort in every bite of their signature breakfast and lunch options, with homemade scones lavished with jam and cream promising a little piece of heaven on your plate. Christina’s expertly crafted cakes are another highlight—each slice is a visual treat, tempting you to indulge and discover a world of flavors with every bite.

The atmosphere at the Old Dairy Cafe is simply magical. Set against a backdrop of picturesque countryside, it offers visitors the chance to unwind in an immaculate garden—perfect for those sunny afternoons where you can bask in the beauty of nature. The venue is dog-friendly too! You can even order a sausage for your furry friends, ensuring no one feels left out during your visit.

Despite the café's popularity, guests consistently praise the swift service and warm, inviting hospitality. Julia Brady’s experience beautifully illustrates the café's charm, where despite a slight adventure in finding the location, her eventual arrival revealed a treasure trove of delightful food and ambiance. It’s here that you'll witness the café bustling with laughter and warmth, making it an ideal spot for friends and families alike.

In summary, Old Dairy Cafe isn’t merely a dining establishment; it’s a hidden gem that embodies the essence of what a cozy café should be. From its freshly prepared dishes that cater to all tastes to the serene surroundings that invite relaxation, it’s an experience you won't soon forget. Make your next meal a memorable one at Old Dairy Cafe—where every visit feels like coming home.

Outdoor seating
On-site services
Dine-in
Delivery

Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Credit cards

Tyler

29/11/2025

We had the vegan afternoon tea for two. Everything was freshly prepared, very tasty and this was one of the best vegan afternoon teas I have had. I would definitely recommend it.

Lidia Long

14/11/2025

Magical place on all levels. Great home made food, especially the quiches - best I've ever had. Lovely people, location, dog friendly, you can order a sausage for your dog . I always feel "at home" there. Best place if you crave a hot scone with some jam and cream or a wholesome breakfast or lunch. Christina's cakes look fabulous, a tempting abundance of choice, always freshly made . A real gem.

Julia Brady

13/11/2025

This afternoon my friends and I visited the old Dairy Cafe ,tucked away in the village of Goodnestone... and what an absolutely wonderful place this cafe is... First , a word of warning....I live just 8 miles away from this village ,but I still managed to "get lost"...but , once we all finally arrived at the Old Dairy ,we realised we had stumbled upon a true Gem.. The setting is beautiful, even on a cold winter's day...and we have promised ourselves to return again in the Spring and Summer .. The venue is quite delightful , we loved the bone china teacups on display....and those being used.. We decided to puck from the "light lunch " menu... I had cheddar cheese and ham sourdough toastie... reliably informed that the sourdough is called Kirsty and is from a 28 year old batch . The serving was extremely generous, absolutely delicious .. My friends settled with the Ploughman's lunch "with a little bit of everything".. I loved that our tea was served in proper tea pots with little china cups and saucers..... We then decided to complete our visit by experiencing the desert menu...after a lot of thought ,we three all chose the coffee and walnut cake ...I'm not sure how, but we all managed to eat every last crumb of the most delicious cake. Let's just say I definitely won't need any tea tonight. We will definitely visit the old Dairy again , a hidden delight .... wonderful food , and super staff ..

S-W

30/10/2025

Wow, what a hidden gem this place is. We visited today for the first time, it was perfect weather for sitting in the garden, which was immaculate and tastefully decorated. The cafe is surrounded by picturesque countryside, it is simply stunning. Even though it was busy, we were seated, handed menus and had our orders taken quickly which was great. The food didn’t take long to arrive, staff were friendly and attentive and the whole experience was just so pleasant. We ordered the smoked mackerel & horseradish pate on sourdough and a Brie, cranberry & bacon panini. Both were tasty, fresh and generously portioned. We are genuinely so excited that we have discovered this place. We are already planning on returning with our cocker spaniel and exploring the gardens during the summer!

Jo Hay

25/10/2025

What a gem in the countryside. Lovely cafe and outside area. Really great menu with a lovely choice for everyone. Dog friendly with Doggie Sausage on the menu too. Coming back again definitely!

D. Roberts

28/08/2025

Lovely cafe with good coffee and lunch menu. We were a large group of walkers ready for refreshments and service was excellent at short notice. The toasty was nicely presented and everyone in the group were happy with it. Area can be abit noisy due to acoustics but not too disturbing. Staff are friendly and helpful

N M

28/08/2025

Lovely place for a quick meal or a drink before you go and explore the gardens. Very good prices and a nice selection of food and drink options. We came here to have some breakfast before we went to the gardens and it was a great experience. The scrambled eggs and poached eggs were cooked perfectly and the service was very quick. The carrot cake is a must order! Lovely to sit outside when the weather is nice but it can get a bit dusty from the gravel