What we thought

The Rye Cafe is a hidden gem in Ashtead. Off the beaten village track, it’s at the end of a small parade of shops on Barnett Wood Lane. 

Run by the chatty Robbie, it’s a small coffee shop that packs a punch on its menu. With options for both breakfast and lunch, you’ll find dishes such as eggs and avo on toast with smoked salmon, and enormous freshly-made doorstep sandwiches. Plus, its counter is laden with homemade cakes and pastries. So if you come in here just for a coffee, the best of luck to you. 

The cafe also warmly welcomes dogs, so if you stop by after a dog walk on the common, you can both take a load off while you watch the world go by. There’s room to sit outside too, on warmer or drier days - though obviously you take your chances with the traffic on the road. By and large, when it’s not rush hour, Barnett Wood Lane is surprisingly quiet. 

You can also get its coffee and tea to go, which many passersby do. The coffee is strong - so it actually tastes of coffee unlike so many high street chains. If you don’t want the caffeine, the Rye Cafe is also a juice bar, so it is possible to try something that bit healthier here. Of course, you could throw caution to the wind and try out its afternoon tea, which at £13.95 is great value. 

Overall, when it comes to the Rye Cafe, the most difficult choice is deciding what time of day to go. Given the range, and quality, of the food on offer, we would happily go for breakfast, elevenses, lunch and after snack time - every, single day. 

What we liked about it

Fresh, homemade cakes and the daily lunchtime specials

What we didn’t love

The rumours that Robbie is selling up to move on to pastures new

Would we go back?

We do. Frequently.