Blackthorn Trust Cafe

St Andrew's Rd, Maidstone ME16 9AN, United Kingdom
+44 1622 725585
$$$ Cafe
(94 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

If you're searching for a charming retreat with a heartwarming mission, look no further than the Blackthorn Trust Cafe, nestled on St Andrew's Road in Maidstone. This delightful cafe is not just a place to grab a bite; it is a vibrant community hub dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities and health challenges.

The moment you step into Blackthorn Trust Cafe, you're greeted with the friendly smiles of volunteers who pour their hearts into every dish they create. The cafe radiates warmth and a homely charm, surrounded by stunning biodynamic gardens where patrons can stroll and take in the natural beauty that enhances this little oasis. It's an atmosphere that invites relaxation, whether you choose to sit inside or enjoy the outdoor seating amidst the flourishing greenery.

The menu here is a delightful celebration of homemade goodness. With options like the Lamb and Mint Moroccan Pasty (£7.00), you'll experience an explosion of flavors wrapped in a perfectly baked pastry, making each bite a cherished moment. If you're leaning towards vegetarian options, the Vegan Sausage Roll (£4.50) has been praised for its perfect seasoning and flakiness, often winning over even the most skeptical of diners.

For those seeking lighter fare, the Deli Salad Bowl (£7.50) offers a colorful medley of fresh ingredients, bursting with the flavors of the garden. Pair it with a luscious slice of Mango and Coconut Cheesecake, which one enthusiastic patron described as "like eating a cloud," and you’ll experience pure bliss on your palate. The cafe also offers a delightful selection of homemade cakes and biscuits, perfect for a cozy afternoon tea. From the Soup of the Day (£4.80) to the hearty Jacket Potato (£7.50), you’ll find comfort in every bite.

Don’t just take our word for it—customers rave about their experiences at Blackthorn Trust Cafe. One visitor, 'W', described it as a "beautiful little cafe with a lovely atmosphere," emphasizing the hard work and dedication of the volunteers. Another patron, 'AM W', expressed their satisfaction after trying the homemade dishes, noting the delectable pasties and cakes, and declaring, "100% will be going back, and highly recommend." It's evident that visitors truly find something special here, as captured by 'Christiana Bryan', who called it "a haven" with an enchanting garden that complements the nourishing food.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, eager to enjoy some tasty homemade delights, or wishing to support a noble cause, Blackthorn Trust Cafe is well worth a visit. With its comforting food, friendly service, and beautiful gardens, it's more than just a cafe; it's a nurturing community that welcomes everyone. Make sure to add this hidden gem to your list of must-visit places in Maidstone!

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

94 Reviews
W

21 Sep 2025

Beautiful little cafe with a lovely atmosphere, food is amazing. All volunteers work so hard to cook, prepare and serve the food. Gorgeous gardens surround the cafe, you can buy plants grown on site and a charity shop on site also. Elderly relatives love spending time here.

AM W

27 Jul 2025

Cannot believe its taken so long for us to visit here, and we live so close. Delicious home made food, cooked and served by a very friendly group! The Lamb and Mint Morrocan pastie was delicious. The Mango and Coconut cheesecake was like eating a cloud, so light. 100% will be going back, and highly recommend.

C Bryan

25 Jul 2025

Lovely, homely, full of interesting people busy in biodynamic / organic gardens, glass workshop, cafe, greenhouse. Worth visiting!

Rosie Lloyd

22 Jul 2025

So delighted to find this little Oasis while waiting for our relative to complete her appointment at Maidstone Hospital chemotherapy department. Staff super friendly. Lovely pot of tea and the most delicious selection of homemade cakes. Vegan sausage roll was perfect for the patient when her treatment was over.

Paula

04 Jul 2025

We arrived close to closing time. We grabbed a cake and tea. The gardens are lovely to walk around, very peaceful. A few benches to sit and rest and several sculptures dotted around. We were too late to visit the charity shop so we will save this for another day. There are a few car parking spaces on site and also road side parking. The staff on site were very friendly and helpful. There are plants for sale at very reasonable prices. We will be coming back for another visit earlier in the day so we can have a proper look at everything.

Ricky Fais

01 Jul 2025

I love this place. the garden is so relaxing to sit in and watch world go by and they do alot of great work helping those with disabilities to not be isolated. The cafe is nice also. perhaps a little expensive, but as it is all made on site on the day so very fresh have to expect this. There cakes and other goodies are often baked by the patrons who take part in the baking classes they offer. They have helped me immensley with my own isolation.

Christiana Bryan

11 Jun 2025

The most wonderful therapeutic garden, a true haven on the outskirts of Maidstone (Barming, St Andrew's Road) its cafe now transformed with more outdoor spaces with Deli counter offering heavenly cakes, snacks and light lunches. Prepared by co-workers and those facing long term challenges, the gardens are biodynamic/organic, the produce positively bursting with life forces! This is an oasis of calm and recuperation in a hectic world. Try it out! ME16 9AN.

Nicola Dutton

09 Jun 2025

Such a lovely relaxed and peaceful place. Lovely homemade food with friendly service. Seating inside and out. Charity shop and plant nursery there also.

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