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About
The Departure Lounge Cafe
Welcome to The Departure Lounge Cafe, a hidden gem located on Basingstoke Rd, Alton, United Kingdom. Boasting an inviting atmosphere and exceptional service, this cafe stands out as not just a place to grab a bite, but as a destination for cherished moments and memorable celebrations.
Many guests have celebrated their most important milestones here, with couples raving about their weddings at this unique venue. As one ecstatic bride, Christina Griffith, proclaimed, “I literally can’t recommend enough.” With a child and family-friendly ambiance, Simon and his dedicated staff ensure that every detail is meticulously considered, allowing for a tailored experience that resonates with guests of all ages.
- Impeccable Service: Whether it's planning a wedding or providing everyday service, the team at The Departure Lounge Cafe is known for its accommodating nature. Brides like Rachel Minton highlight the freedom to arrange decor and setup over several days, ensuring each event is uniquely personal.
- Delicious Cuisine: Guests can enjoy mouth-watering dishes that emphasize quality and taste. From exquisite BBQ spreads to delightful brunch options like beautifully cooked bacon sandwiches and artisan bread, the culinary offerings are consistently lauded. Geoff Parrett noted the “really good prices” alongside delicious meals that never disappoint.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: The vibe at The Departure Lounge isn't just about good food; it’s about feeling at home. Families gather here, drawn by the cafe's warm environment, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and significant life events.
- Community Involvement: Events like Classic Car Sunday add to the lively spirit of the cafe, fostering community ties while offering tasty BBQ treats and even an ice cream van to complete the experience.
Each visit is a reminder that The Departure Lounge Cafe isn't simply about what's on the plate; it's about the experiences shared over meals. From heartwarming weddings to casual catch-ups with friends, this cafe is a canvas for life's beautiful moments.
With heartfelt endorsements from patrons echoing throughout, The Departure Lounge Cafe is a true reflection of culinary excellence paired with an extraordinary commitment to customer care. If you’re looking for a place that combines great food, friendly service, and unforgettable experiences, look no further than The Departure Lounge Cafe. Book your visit or special event today, and discover why so many guests leave enamored and eager to return.
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“ I had my wedding here on 24th August 2024 and I honestly could not have picked a better location, more perfect host and the MOST amazing staff. I wanted an informal and very child and family friendly wedding and Simon made our special day just perfect. My Dads dog attended and got spoilt rotten, there were 21 children and bouncy castles, the hog roast and BBQ was to die for, I highly recommend! If you want your wedding to be perfect please choose this venue. Nothing was too much trouble for Simon and his staff. I literally can’t recommend enough. All guests said it was the BEST wedding they had ever been to. We went back the next day to load up and everything had been packed up ready to load the car, we didn’t even have to do that. We had access three days before to do as much as we wanted in preparation and to decorate. I read reviews and never write them myself but on this occasion I couldn’t not because this venue is simply AMAZING. And what makes it is the personalised and friendly approach from Simon and the staff. Don’t hesitate just book... And to review the cafe, my friends and I and my family visited many times in the run up to the wedding, the food is to die for, especially hard when you are trying to be good before a wedding, the general vibe is so welcoming and I would not hesitate to recommend this as a cafe for a bit to eat with friends and family. You will NOT be disappointed. Thank you The Departure Lounge for making our day simply perfect ”
“ We had our wedding at The Departure Lounge Cafe and it was the best decision we made! Simon was so accommodating to all our wishes and needs for the day, we were able to create the day we had hoped for! Being able to have the venue three days prior then if day was really ideal, we were able to decorate and take our time setting up our wedding the way we wanted, Simon and his team did do a lot to help too! Our guests have not stopped talking about how amazing our day was from the food to the location to the atmosphere. We also got the cutest handmade gift, which was placed at our table setting. Thank you Simon and your team for helping create the best day ever! ”
“ We held our wedding here in June 2024 and highly recommend it. Simon and his staff were amazing, helpful and very organised. We had the BBQ and the food was great with lots of options. The whole venue is very well priced and well worth it. You get total freedom with what you want to do and Simon is very quick to respond with any queries you have. All of our guests have been saying how great the venue and staff were on the day. I couldn't recommend this place high enough. ”
“ Had the Bacon sandwich which was beautifully cooked bacon in what seemed thick bloomer slices of bread, my brother had the toasted fruit bread(3 slices) with butter and jam, I had coffee brother had tea. Really good prices as well. We visited on a Thursday, and at first we were the only ones but more people did come in later on. Overall very pleasant place with friendly staff as well. ”
“ Classic Car Sunday was great. Packed with all different cars - great atmosphere. Was BBQ type food and an ice cream van! Great afternoon! ”
“ In the winter, 9 of us middle aged motorcyclists from across Surrey and Hampshire meet for Sunday breakfast once or twice a month to stay in touch while we wait for the sun to come back out and this week, Departure Lounge was thrown in the hat for the 6 attending. Most of us had the large breakfast and a coffee and it was thoroughly enjoyed along with a couple of hours of catching up from our last. Food was fantastic, prices very reasonable and the staff very warm and welcoming. Easily one of the best places ever been in the last few years, and we've been all over! This place will be staying on the list for next winter ”
“ We chose the departure lounge as our wedding venue and had the most amazing time. Family and friends all unanimously said what a wonderful place this was and how beautiful the scenery was. Simon was incredible working towards the wedding, he was extremely transparent with his services and open to what we wanted to do. Extremely good value for money too. We had set-up time a couple of days before so we didn't feel too rushed. Great food - go for the Hog Roast. On the day, he and his team were extremely pleasant and working round all of us to make the most special of days, special. Nothing was too much to ask. I would seriously recommend this place as a wedding venue. I've got in mind some birthday parties I would like to host in the future here too. Thank you DL for making our day! If I had to, (I hope not), I would do all of it again, there. ”
“ We held our wedding reception here, on can not recommend it enough, Simon and the team were amazing with a professional can do attitude delivering the wedding of our dreams. The value for money is in the setting, the layout, flexibility and the extra touches already in place to make the wedding go well. We loved all the fairy lights, barrels, easels and decor all available for us to use included in the hiring fee. The quality of all the food, service and team were first class. The reception was even packed up for us to collect which made it so much easier to do the following day!! Thank you to everyone at departure lounge for achieving our dream wedding! ”