Eltham Palace Café
About This Spot
Nestled within the serene grounds of Eltham Palace, this café offers a quietly inviting retreat from the city’s usual bustle. As you step through the doors, there’s an unhurried calm that envelops the space—a gentle pause where time seems to slow just enough to savor a comforting cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. The atmosphere balances a subtle elegance with a welcoming warmth, making it a fitting complement to the historic surroundings outside.
The pace here is relaxed, with friendly staff who move thoughtfully through their routines, attentive yet unassuming. Seating spills both indoors and out, inviting visitors to choose a sunlit nook or a cozy corner shielded from the elements, perfect for quiet conversation or a moment alone with a book. Children’s laughter can drift softly from nearby, hinting at the space’s family-friendly spirit without ever dominating the scene.
The menu embodies this same approachable kindness. Whether you’re drawn in by the promise of a cream scone paired with a rich hot chocolate or looking for something more nourishing like a warm bowl of soup or a fresh chicken Caesar salad, each item seems crafted to nourish not just the body but the moment itself. Vegan and gluten-free choices are thoughtfully included, reflecting a genuine care for all guests’ needs.
What sets this café apart isn’t just the quality of the fare or the setting, but the palpable sense of genuine connection. The staff’s attentiveness often goes beyond the expected, lending a subtle sense of community that invites guests to linger and feel truly looked after.
For those seeking a pause amidst elegant surroundings—a space where the everyday blends quietly with the extraordinary—this café quietly earns its place as a cherished local sanctuary.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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On-site services
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Great coffee
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Great dessert
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Great tea selection
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Coffee
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Quick bite
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Wine
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Historic
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Groups
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Good for kids
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Kids' menu
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On-site parking
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Paid parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM | |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM |
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Louise Cook 05 Jan 2026
Indoor and outdoor seating. Vegan and veggie options. GF cakes, sandwich and jacket pots. Wheelchair accessible.
Carmen Adriana Costas 02 Jan 2026
The manager Tina was amazing! She helped me and my family with a difficult situation she went above her duties to help me and my children and as I never had the chance to have my tea and scone when served, I got a new hot pot of tea! Thank you Tina! The food was really good as well!
Gordon Davis (GJD) 17 Dec 2025
Great array of cold and hot food but you will pay London prices which is a shame. Does not have to be this expensive. Service can be hit or miss depending on the staff serving you. Food is very very good!
Jim Driver 30 Oct 2025
The cafe is in the grounds of the palace. It looked clean and tidy, decent cake portions, but we only had drinks. Service was quick and friendly.
Nina Rielly 22 Oct 2025
Absolutely stunning place to visit! Such elegance, lovely cafe, staff are so helpful and friendly. Lots for the children to do as well
Julian Stubbs 01 Oct 2025
Although not large (for a former Palace) these garden are very well managed to change through the seasons. Only a small area is formal but the remainder is well landscaped around the half moat which fronts the Palace. With English Heritage membership season visits are cost free.