The Waterside Cafe

Sandwich Lakes Campsite, Sandwich Ash Road, A257, Canterbury CT3 2DA, United Kingdom
$$$ cafe
(200 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Welcome to The Waterside Cafe, your delightful retreat nestled within the picturesque setting of Sandwich Lakes Campsite, on Sandwich Ash Road, Canterbury. This charming cafe is more than just a spot to grab a meal; it’s a haven for those who appreciate quality food, serene lake views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to both hearty appetites and lighter cravings. Begin your day with the Waterside Traditional Breakfast featuring generously portioned bacon, succulent local butchers sausage, free-range eggs, and crispy hash browns—all perfectly paired with granary or white bloomer toast for just £8.95. For those with a bigger appetite, the Waterside Jumbo Breakfast at £10.95 promises an indulgent experience, complete with double the sausages and bacon. This is a breakfast that will fuel your adventures for the day ahead!

If you’re looking for a lighter start, the cafe offers delicious Scott's Porridge topped with golden syrup or strawberry jam for just £4.95, or a selection of fresh warm pastries that beckon with their tempting aromas. Satisfy your sweet tooth with delightful homemade cakes, which change regularly, paired with custard, ice cream, or double cream—all at £4.50. Customers rave about them, making the desserts a must-try!

The ambiance at The Waterside Cafe enhances your dining experience. Guests have described it as tidy, quiet, and inviting, making it an ideal spot for family outings or a peaceful meal after a day of exploration. The beautiful lakeside location provides not only a scenic backdrop but also an opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature. As one customer noted, "The atmosphere was great and so was the scenery."

No need to worry about parking—there's plenty of it available, making your visit convenient and stress-free. The friendly, professional staff, celebrated for their quick service and attention to detail, ensure that you feel welcomed from the moment you step inside. One patron mentioned, “Efficient staff who smile and are professional,” embodying the experience that awaits you.

In summary, if you find yourself in Canterbury, whether post-fishing, after a relaxing day at the campsite, or simply in search of a delicious breakfast or snack, The Waterside Cafe is a perfect spot to indulge in quality food in a delightful environment. With a commitment to fresh, local ingredients and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, this cafe exemplifies the charm and hospitality of the region. So, gather your friends and family, and pay a visit—you won’t regret it!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fireplace
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

200 Reviews
Marius M

20 Aug 2025

Lovely little campsite cafe very tidy and quiet when we visited. Food is good and plenty and prices are decent. Free parking is a bonus and there is space to explore!

Joanne Butcher

09 Aug 2025

We had a traditional breakfast, It wasn't a problem changing an item , it came out pretty quick & stayed hot, cooked to perfection, Highly recommend it, Reasonably priced too, The tea was made perfectly too 5

Helvy

17 Jul 2025

Great location, food and cakes. We sat inside, a little loud when busy but overall lovely place.

Ian Evans

15 Jul 2025

After several months of crossing off once enjoyable establishments that have rested on their laurels-it was great to find a place that is welcoming- with good food and efficient staff who smile and are professional. Clean, efficient and calm. Only niggle would be - better signage along the main road. Very good for anyone with mobility issues and dog owners with wonderful surroundings and good fishing lakes. If we didn't live so close...we'd go camping there

shauna mclachlan

27 Jun 2025

Been there twice now after a recommendation from a family member. The food both times was excellent. Could tell everything was fresh and local. Could even see the chickens from the car park showing how fresh the eggs were. Wish I knew what butchers the sausages were from as they are the best I've ever eaten. Parking was easy and plenty available in the side car park if none available out the front. Sat outside as it was a lovely day and it has a great atmosphere. Everything felt clean and servers were friendly. Will definitely be coming back.

Laura Taylor

14 Jun 2025

After a successful 24hrs fishing, we packed up and headed to the cafe for an amazing breakfast! Was so well cooked, feeding 4 adults and 7 children. Not one complaint. Was amazing. Tea was great too and I'm fussy lol service was quick and very friendly. Atmosphere was great and so was the scenery. Thankyou again. We will be back! Xx

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