Cornerhouse Cafe

The Square, Lenham, Maidstone ME17 2PQ, United Kingdom
$$$ cafe
(111 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled in the picturesque heart of Lenham village, Cornerhouse Cafe stands out as a charming destination for both locals and travelers seeking a cozy retreat. Housed in a stunning 14th-century listed building, the cafe exudes character and history, inviting you to indulge in its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The cafe's menu offers a delightful range of options, perfect for any time of day. Start your morning with their famous bacon baps, perfectly crispy and served on fresh bread, or opt for a decadent cream tea that promises a slice of bliss with every bite. For those with a sweet tooth, the devilishly rich salted caramel sponge cake is a must-try—its layers are infused with a luscious caramel that complements the coffee Vienna and latte beautifully. Customers have praised the generous portions of toasted sandwiches, which are described as "doorstep" in size, making them a satisfying choice for lunch.

One of the unique highlights of Cornerhouse Cafe is its outdoor seating—a favored spot for cyclists making their way through the scenic countryside. With plenty of space to unwind, you can sip on your favorite brew while enjoying the fresh air and nearby views. Reviews from patrons like Will Haisman highlight this cafe as a great pit stop, emphasizing the extensive selections of coffee and scrumptious cakes, tailor-made for anyone needing a little energy boost on their ride.

Returning visitors, such as Melissa Yabel, appreciate the accommodating staff, who strive to personalize your experience. After finding her mocha overly sweet on her first visit, she simply adjusted her order on her next brunch outing, resulting in the perfect drink to accompany her delightful salmon bagel—soft and generously slathered with creamy cheese. This level of attentive service and willingness to adapt illustrates the cafe's commitment to customer satisfaction.

What truly sets Cornerhouse Cafe apart is the friendly atmosphere fostered by the lovely couple that runs it. Sudeep Johnson noted the intimate conversations with the owners about the village's rich history, enhancing the experience beyond just food. The cafe not only fills your stomach but also enriches your mind with local tales and charm.

If you’re in the Maidstone area, Cornerhouse Cafe is more than just a cafe; it’s a delightful experience that wraps you in warmth, flavor, and a touch of history. Whether you’re refueling after a long cycle or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, this quaint cafe is an essential stop that promises to make your day just a little bit brighter.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Wednesday

09:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Thursday

09:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Friday

09:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Saturday

09:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

111 Reviews
Teresa Gibbs

14 Aug 2025

Quaint cafe in the heart of Lenham village. This cafe is built in a 14th century listed building and as a result adds some real character to the café. Serves a range of food from bacon baps to cream teas. The cake in the picture was a devilish salted caramel sponge cake washed down with a coffee Vienna and latte. A favourite place for cyclists and locals but a warm welcome given to newcomers.

Elizabeth Birbeck

14 Aug 2025

Toasted sandwiches like doorsteps. Brilliant. 12.11.22. Once again, sandwiches that fill you up. Photos say it all, even the empty ones.

Melissa Yabel

17 Jun 2025

Ordered a mocha however it was so sweet I was only able to have a few sips. The bagel however was soft and lots of creamy cheese which is really nice. I had the salmon bagel and it was nice. Edit review : went back for brunch had the mocha again but this time asked for half sugar and it was perfect . Again had the salmon bagel was still really nice .

Will Haisman

06 Jun 2025

A great spot for cyclists. Plenty of outdoor seating, and a wide selection of coffee and cake. What more does a cyclist need?

Sudeep Johnson

05 Jun 2025

A lovely place in the medieval village of Lenham hosted by a lovely couple. We only had tea scones and cake but were also rewarded by conversation about the village and lent a book to leaf through about the history. I would definitely go here again when on the road through Kent.

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