1 Middle Row Cafe

1 Middle Row, East Grinstead RH19 3AX, United Kingdom
+44 7594 595165
$$$ cafe
(76 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Welcome to 1 Middle Row Cafe, a charming gem nestled in the heart of East Grinstead. This delightful cafe offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. With its dappled sunlight streaming through the windows and the whimsical decoration featuring vibrant teapots, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a bite to eat.

The cafe is known for its commitment to quality and freshness, providing a menu that boasts a range of delicious, homemade dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From hearty breakfasts to luscious lunches, every item is prepared with care, using only the finest ingredients. Notably, their Ploughman’s lunch is a crowd favorite that is not just yummy but also beautifully presented. Customers rave about the deliciously hearty soups that are frequently featured on the specials board, as well as the delectable cakes that are simply irresistible.

What truly sets 1 Middle Row Cafe apart is their exceptional service. Patrons have heard nothing but praises for the friendly and welcoming staff, who ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. One customer, Daniel Evans, captured this sentiment perfectly, highlighting the swift service and heartfelt warmth from the staff, especially Caroline—a testament to the cafe's focus on customer care.

As you sip on a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or sample a slice of their mouth-watering Coffee and Walnut cake, you can feel the cozy atmosphere enveloping you, making it an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're popping in for a quick lunch or settling down for a leisurely afternoon, the cafe provides an inviting indoor space as well as a charming outdoor terrace where you can bask in the beauty of East Grinstead's historic High Street.

With rave reviews like Pete D's, who describes it as "a gem in the heart of East Grinstead," and Craig Coates celebrating its incredible food and affordable prices, there's no denying that 1 Middle Row Cafe is a beloved fixture in the community. It’s more than just a cafe; it’s a gathering place where friendly faces meet over plates of delicious food, making cherished memories along the way.

If you're in East Grinstead, the 1 Middle Row Cafe comes highly recommended for a reason. With its delightful menu, welcoming staff, and charming ambiance, it is an experience you won’t want to miss. Come for the food, stay for the warmth!

For those planning a visit, don’t forget to call ahead at +44 7594 595165 to check on availability, especially during busy times. Enjoy your visit!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

76 Reviews
Zoe French

09 Jul 2025

Came across this cute place while visiting family in the area. They got quite busy when we walked in, but service was still on point & we got our food in a timely manner. Coffee was great & we all enjoyed our lunch items. It’s decorated with pretty teapots & they have a good specials menu. I had the ploughmans lunch & it was yummy.

Tony McElhill

06 Jul 2025

I think that 1MR is probably the best café in East Grinstead. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, and there's always something homemade and delicious on the Specials board. I particularly like the soup, but the breakfasts and cakes are excellent too.

Pete D

01 Jul 2025

A Gem in the Heart of East Grinstead 1 Middle Row Cafe truly deserves its five-star rating. Nestled perfectly in the vibrant town centre of East Grinstead, this cafe is an absolute delight. What sets it apart is the commitment to freshly cooked food – every dish I've tried has been bursting with flavour, clearly prepared with care and quality ingredients. The breakfast offerings are fabulous It's such a refreshing change from pre-made offerings, making each visit a genuinely satisfying experience. The location is ideal for exploring East Grinstead, making it the perfect spot to refuel during a day out. And for those driving, parking is conveniently available just a short stroll away, with well-marked bays for disabled badge holders right nearby, making access easy for everyone. From the moment you step in, the welcoming atmosphere and delicious, honest food make it a must-visit. Highly recommended!

Daniel Evans

01 Jul 2025

One of the most friendly customer service experiences I've had in YEARS! When I arrived one of the waitresses offered to bring over water immediately which is really appreciated instead of having to ask for it. Caroline one of the waitresses was an absolute joy! Really funny and friendly! the food was really nice! I had the chicken, bacon avocado sandwich on seeded bread and toasted. It was around £5 for the sandwiches. There were different bread options including gluten free which was nice. The salad and coleslaw were perfectly portioned. They were small which I like but really high quality and fresh. Top notch presentation on slate tiles too. The £3 lemon elderflower cake was like no other cake I've tasted. It was super floral and super rich! Pimm's was £15 for a generous jug. Did probably around 7 glasses. So good value

Craig Coates

27 Jun 2025

Love this place, been here for lunch, wine tasting events, Christmas light switch on. Every occasion they are great for. Nice small little cafe with polite, friendly and efficient staff. The food is incredible while being affordable. As you can see in pictures cute pots of tea not small in the slightest and amazingly tasty and fresh food.

Karthik M

17 Jun 2025

Absolutely delighted to be here and pleasantly suprised with the ambience. Delicious food.. Hot food severed.. and friendly staff. located at the center of east grinstead. Must try Pan cakes with fruits.. absolutely delicious Wonderful place.

Paul Rogers

07 Jun 2025

Excellent little café with friendly staff and exceptionally tasty food at very reasonable prices. Only 10 tables inside, so it can be difficult finding a space at busy times. Outdoor tables available in good weather.

Salsa

26 May 2025

Have just enjoyed a delicious lunch on the outdoor terrace in East Grinstead's historic High Street. Ploughman's lunch followed by Coffee and Walnut cake and double espresso. Great food, reasonably priced, friendly staff, outdoor and indoor seating. What more could you want?

Join the 1 Middle Row Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.