Hainault Forest - 1856 Cafe is a coffee shop situated within a scenic forest setting, offering a casual and comfortable environment for visitors. The cafe specializes in quality coffee, a varied tea selection, and a range of desserts alongside breakfast and lunch options. It provides a relaxed atmosphere suitable for solo diners, groups, and families with children, featuring amenities such as outdoor seating and a dedicated kids’ play area.
The service style is predominantly dine-in with additional options for delivery and quick bites. The cafe accommodates diverse needs, offering wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms. Dog owners will also find the venue welcoming, with dog-friendly facilities and even treats available for pets.
Operating daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 4:00 PM on other days, Hainault Forest - 1856 Cafe provides convenient hours for breakfast, brunch, and lunch visits. Payment methods include credit and debit cards as well as mobile NFC options, supporting a seamless customer experience.
The overall pricing is reasonable, reflecting generous portion sizes and good value. While the cafe has been improving since its recent opening, it maintains a clean, well-renovated interior with neat and functional facilities. Visitors are encouraged to explore the full menu for a comprehensive view of the offerings available at this forest-side location.
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J B
22/03/2026
Clean, warm and great value for money. The portion sizes are very good and the food tasted great. A great place to visit for a walk and coffee. Plus only £2.50 for a chocolate muffin
Paul Barnes
08/03/2026
The 'new to us' cafe in Hainault Forest Park has become a regular stop for a coffee & dog friendly ice cream. A wonderful place for dog owners to chill after an invigorating walk with 'furry' friends in the forest.
Sonia Lovell
04/03/2026
Great experience at the new café. Friendly service, great space, lots of interesting information on the forest around to look at while having our coffee and pastry. Small kids area with leaf tracing, binocular boxes to spot creatures and little tunnel to run around in. 4 yr old & 1 yr old were happily entertained while we relaxed. Could even buy dog ice cream
Gwen Stephanie
18/02/2026
Everything was absolutely amazing here! The staff were so lovely especially Alfie, I had a brilliant experience.
Gary Victor
09/02/2026
Popped in on a Sunday walk with the dog, wasn’t aware this place had opened, decent clean interior, outside seating, clean & decent toilets, reasonable menu and dog friendly. Had a coffee and a sausage roll, wife had a veggie pasty, both were great and the coffee decent, staff seemed friendly. I can see a lot of complaints and poor reviews, maybe those people felt justified at the time but I saw no reason to complain on our visit and will be back again in the future.
Katie Evans
20/01/2026
I’ve noticed the average ratings creeping up as this cafe finds its feet. We have been regulars since September and have seen all areas improve. The Christmas decorations were lovely. It might be a bit more chaotic at the weekend, but where isn’t, that’s why we only visit most popular London cafes early in the week and not during school holidays. They are also very helpful and welcoming to my disabled mum and her slightly grumpy dog, even if she is having a barky day. When they see me struggling with carrying things and wrangling the dog they always rush to help. I’m never felt pressured to remove the dog if she is misbehaving (though obviously I do if needed). The food is great and very fairly priced for the quality of ingredients (for example the sausages are tasty, not cheap like some places) and London location. Mum vouches for the coffee quality being good too and they always have oat milk for her. The loos are always clean and they have a big disabled one with everything you need.
Chu Man
17/12/2025
A new cafe recently opened. Stopped in a few times already on my morning run through the forest. Dog friendly. Brand new facilities / clean facilities and has a classy feel. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Coffee was great and a cup of tea for only £1. The cafe was fairly quiet on the few times we’ve been in as it had just opened. I imagine it will get busy and popular once people know it’s there. Must try the brunch menu next time
Glenn
11/12/2025
Lovely setting. Well renovated. Cake selection is good. Coffee is not bad, not great but not bad. Really dog friendly - staff and facilities. Our dog constantly diverts there in hope of a puppaccino.