As an avid brunch enthusiast, I am always on the hunt for the next best place to spend a Saturday morning with friends or family.
After all, it is the most important meal of the day, and there’s something satisfying about an early morning yap over an iced coffee and a delicious savoury breakfast.
Once I find a good spot, like Angelina’s in Snodland and Babyccino in Paddock Wood, I tend to become a regular visitor – but I thought it was time I gave another café a chance.
I had heard good things about The Waterside Café at Branbridges Industrial Estate in East Peckham, the village where I’d grown up, but although it has been running for several years, I still hadn’t paid a visit.
Sandwiched between the River Medway and a business park, the café is somewhat hidden, which is part of my excuse for not trying it sooner.
When I arrived for a catch-up with my mum at 10am on a Saturday morning, it was already very busy and it soon became clear that I am very late to the party and everyone knows it is here.
The spot is popular with walkers and their dogs, as they can enter the café from the path by the River Medway.
Meanwhile, there is a healthy-sized car park which can be accessed from the industrial park entrance, opposite the Co-op, which makes it accessible for all.
The space is also shared with the Paddle Cabin, which offers paddle lessons and experiences on the Medway.
The Waterside Café is set within beautiful grounds, with a resident goat and chickens outside the front, and large green space out the back for camping, which is surrounded by gorgeous willow trees.
After taking the last remaining table in the outside seating area, I pondered the breakfast menu, which offers everything from yoghurt and granola pots, to waffles, avocado on toast, as well as a typical full English, in varying sizes.
The place operates an order at the till policy and the inside of the café is equally as charming, albeit, small and cosy, with the drum of the busy kitchen which shares the space, in the background.
My mum orders the Waterside Breakfast, which includes sausage, bacon, hash browns, egg, tomato, beans and toast (£9.50) and an orange juice (£3.60).
I opt for avocado on toasted sourdough with roasted vine tomatoes and mushrooms (£9.30) and a vanilla oat latte (£4.50).
Although not the cheapest, the prices reflect a range of local suppliers, from the fruit and veg provided by David Catt in Maidstone, bread from Plaxtol Bakery, and meat from Frasers Meats in East Peckham.
Although I am told there is a wait for food, when it arrives, I am impressed by the way it is plated, as my eyes feast first.
Far surpassing the many avocados on toast I have had before, the sourdough is crunchy, the avocado is well seasoned, and the cherry tomatoes are bursting with sweetness. Not a crumb is left.
Opting for a meatier option, my mum was pleased her breakfast was both hot and nicely presented, as often these two don’t come hand in hand.
Like me, she polished off the entire thing, which she remarked was “very tasty”, with the meat being of particularly good quality.
While nattering away, I gulped down my delicious coffee, which was in an excellent-sized mug, which I think makes all the difference.
The café is the perfect spot to disconnect as its countryside location makes it easy for time to escape you.
After spending two hours enjoying our outdoor brunch, we were both in agreement that this is a countryside breakfast spot worth gatekeeping.
But unfortunately, I was there to give my honest review and keeping this place a secret is not an option. You’re welcome.
So, I must admit this waterside café is well worth a visit, if you’re after laid-back breakfast vibes in the tranquil outdoors.
It’s not a greasy spoon, so don’t visit if you’re looking to get in and out quickly.
However, if you’re looking for somewhere to take your time or perhaps eat after a long walk by the River Medway, I’d highly recommend it.
And while you’re there, be sure to say hello to the resident goat; it really is a character.
Out of five:
Food: Local produce, properly seasoned and bursting with flavour. A brunch worth waiting for *****
Drink: Delicious coffee from a proper machine, with a solid attempt at barista art ****
Decor: Inside is well decorated, but the real view is the outdoor oasis of woodland and water *****
Staff: It wasn’t speedy service, but the delay was communicated, the staff are friendly and warm ****
Price: A fair price for tasty local produce cooked to order ****
