Nestled within the scenic Arboretum park, The Arboretum Café offers a serene escape from the city hustle. Located on Waverley Street, just a short walk from Nottingham’s city center, this charming café is a family-run establishment that serves an array of freshly made, locally sourced food and drink. With its inviting indoor and outdoor seating areas, it caters to both human and canine visitors, making it a favorite among dog owners and park-goers alike.
The café is a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or just a casual coffee break. With a focus on fresh, made-to-order meals and accommodating various dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options, The Arboretum Café ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying a solo visit or meeting with friends, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with great service, makes it an enjoyable experience.
In addition to its regular offerings, The Arboretum Café provides room hire for meetings and can accommodate large table bookings, making it an ideal venue for gatherings. The family-run nature of the café is reflected in the warmth of the staff, who are always willing to go the extra mile for their customers. From delicious homemade cakes to all-day breakfasts, the café combines quality food with a peaceful park setting, creating a unique spot to unwind.
Menu Discussion
Breakfast Options
- Small Breakfast (£6.50) & Large Breakfast (£8.50): These options cater to different appetites, offering a full breakfast experience that includes eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, and beans. A classic start to the day.
- Cobs: Traditional British breakfast cobs are served with various fillings, such as bacon, sausage, tomatoes, beans, and eggs (£50.00 each). These provide a quick and satisfying option for those on the go.
Light Bites
- Soup of the Day (£4.00): Perfect for a light and warming meal, the soup is paired with a warm roll, and its flavors change daily based on fresh ingredients.
- Sides: Enjoy crispy Chips (£3.20) or opt for the comforting combination of Chips and Cheese (£3.50), a crowd favorite. For a heartier snack, the Sausage Roll and Pasty (£3.00 each) provide delicious, traditional British flavors.
Larger Plates
- Ploughman’s Lunch (£6.50): This classic dish is a must-try for those looking for a filling, traditional British meal. It includes cheese, ham, pickle, and bread, served with a side of salad.
- Toad in the Hole (£7.50): A quintessentially British comfort food, featuring sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter, served with gravy and a side of vegetables.
- Sausage, Egg, Chips, and Beans (£6.50): A well-rounded plate of hearty flavors, offering a satisfying meal at a great price.
Burgers & Sandwiches
- Cheeseburger Meal (£7.00) and Chicken Burger Meal (£7.00): Both options come with a side of chips, making for a delicious and filling lunch option.
- Open Sandwiches: These include classic choices like Roast Ham with Chutney, Cheddar Cheese and Red Onion, and Vegan Stuffing and Tomato Chutney. Each sandwich is freshly prepared and served on your choice of bread.
Hot & Cold Drinks
- The café offers a wide selection of beverages, including popular coffee options like Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, and Americano. For tea lovers, specialty teas are available, while cold drinks such as freshly made smoothies and iced coffees provide refreshing options on warmer days.
Review Summary
Visitors to The Arboretum Café consistently praise the café for its warm service, delicious food, and relaxing atmosphere. Many appreciate the café’s location in the park, which provides a peaceful backdrop for a meal or coffee. The vegan and vegetarian options are a big hit, although some wish that these were more prominently featured on the menu. The staff, including the family who runs the café, are often described as friendly and attentive, going out of their way to make each visit special.
Customers also highlight the café’s pet-friendly policies, noting that four-legged friends are always welcome with treats and water bowls provided. The café’s all-day breakfasts and selection of homemade cakes are frequently recommended, and the outdoor seating area, especially during warmer months, is a favorite among guests.
Features of The Arboretum Café
- Location: Situated in the beautiful Arboretum park, close to Nottingham city center.
- Dog-Friendly: Café is welcoming to pets with water bowls and treats available.
- Locally Sourced Food: All ingredients are sourced locally, with fresh, made-to-order meals.
- Dietary Options: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals are available on request.
- Indoor and Outdoor Seating: Year-round seating options to enjoy the park’s scenery.
- Room Hire: Space available for meetings and large group bookings.
- Family-Run Business: Operated by Rachael, Sarah, Michael, and their family, adding a personal touch to every visit.
- Toilets & Baby Changing Facilities: Convenient facilities for families.
- Homemade Cakes: Freshly baked cakes offered daily, including vegan options.
About Us
The Arboretum Café is a family-run gem located in the tranquil surroundings of Nottingham’s Arboretum park. Our goal is to provide fresh, delicious food that caters to all dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options. We believe in using locally sourced ingredients and preparing every dish to order, ensuring quality in every bite.
We offer an extensive menu that includes hearty breakfasts, light bites, and comforting meals such as our famous Ploughman’s Lunch and Toad in the Hole. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee or a leisurely meal, we’re here to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. With indoor and outdoor seating available, we’re the perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Arboretum. We also have space for private meetings, large groups, and are always happy to welcome your pets. Our café is a place where the whole family, including the four-legged members, can feel at home.
FAQs
1. Is The Arboretum Café dog-friendly?
Yes, we welcome dogs and provide water bowls and treats for them.
2. Do you offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Absolutely! We offer a range of vegan and gluten-free dishes. Just ask our staff for more information.
3. Can I book a table for a large group or meeting?
Yes, we have room hire available for meetings and can accommodate large groups with advance booking.
4. What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and on weekends from 10 am to 4 pm. Our hours may vary slightly, so please check for updates.
5. Do you offer takeaway options?
Yes, we offer many of our menu items for takeaway, including sandwiches, cakes, and drinks.
6. Is the café accessible by public transport?
Yes, the café is a short walk from the city center and is easily reachable by public transport.
Final Thoughts
The Arboretum Café is a delightful, family-run café located in the peaceful Arboretum park in Nottingham. With its focus on fresh, locally sourced food and accommodating various dietary needs, the café offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, including dog owners. Whether you’re after a hearty breakfast, a light bite, or a cup of coffee paired with a slice of homemade cake, this café delivers. The scenic location, combined with friendly service and a commitment to quality, makes The Arboretum Café a must-visit for both locals and visitors.
