
Bake & Roast @Smithills Hall
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Quick info
About Bake & Roast @Smithills Hall
Bake & Roast @Smithills Hall is a tea room in Bolton, set inside the manor house of Smithills Hall on Smithills Dean Rd, with a large window overlooking the gardens. The kitchen serves light breakfasts, and lunch centres on a soup and sandwich combo, with homemade soups such as parsnip and carrot or tomato and red pepper. A selection of freshly baked cakes and scones is on offer, along with pies. Afternoon tea brings sandwiches, clotted cream scones and cake, and cream teas are served too. Afternoon tea must be booked 48 hours in advance. Coffee comes from Lavazza, alongside a range of teas. Gift vouchers are available for anyone who wants to give a visit as a present.
Good to know
- ParkingFree parking lot · On-site parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom, seating
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention soup and sandwich combo, afternoon tea, homemade cakes and scones and Sunday roast.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention soup and sandwich combo, afternoon tea, homemade cakes and scones and Sunday roast.
Customer Review Summary
Soup and sandwich combinations anchor the praise. Reviewers describe a sandwich or chicken roll far larger than expected, served with side salad, crisps and a ploughman's chutney, alongside soups they call homemade, including a rich, thick one, parsnip and carrot, and tomato and red pepper. Close behind are the cakes and scones, among them pecan apricot cake with ice cream, carrot cake and clotted cream scones. One diner found a Mother's Day afternoon tea plentiful and beautifully presented. Lavazza coffee also gets a mention. Portions and pricing are repeatedly called reasonable, and the historic hall setting with garden views draws frequent comment. The only caveats concern planning. One diner did not realise afternoon tea has to be booked in advance, and another says lunches require arriving a bit earlier. Staff are consistently described as friendly, and one reviewer notes they happily moved tables around to fit a pram, while another had the kitchen adjust a dish for dietary requirements.
Customer Review Summary
Soup and sandwich combinations anchor the praise. Reviewers describe a sandwich or chicken roll far larger than expected, served with side salad, crisps and a ploughman's chutney, alongside soups they call homemade, including a rich, thick one, parsnip and carrot, and tomato and red pepper. Close behind are the cakes and scones, among them pecan apricot cake with ice cream, carrot cake and clotted cream scones. One diner found a Mother's Day afternoon tea plentiful and beautifully presented. Lavazza coffee also gets a mention. Portions and pricing are repeatedly called reasonable, and the historic hall setting with garden views draws frequent comment. The only caveats concern planning. One diner did not realise afternoon tea has to be booked in advance, and another says lunches require arriving a bit earlier. Staff are consistently described as friendly, and one reviewer notes they happily moved tables around to fit a pram, while another had the kitchen adjust a dish for dietary requirements.
Featured reviews
- Julie
“Great cafe in a lovely setting so worth a visit to enjoy the food/drink and the ancient hall. We recently enjoyed soup and a sandwich deal (£10) which was very nicely presented. The service was good and the atmosphere very pleasant. Plenty of cakes on offer too which I’m pretty sure are baked in the kitchen and the parsnip and carrot soup was definitely homemade. We shall return and if it’s a good day, go for a walk.”
- Nicola Robinson
“Attentive as soon as we walked in, shown to our table and served immediately for drinks, advice on the menu choice was good. The food was of excellent quality and great value for money. Will definitely be back, well recommended 👌”
- Carly Chan
“This is my second visit, and I came back not only for the food but also for the excellent service. I was really impressed by their sandwiches and desserts. On my last visit, I tried the pecan apricot cake with ice cream, and it was memorable for both its beautiful presentation and unforgettable taste. The homemade sauce served with the salad and sandwiches was delicious too. Even though the restaurant was busy, we were still very well looked after. The staff were friendly, attentive, and always smiling. It was a shame that I didn’t realise afternoon tea has to be booked 48 hours in advance, but I’ll definitely try it next time. I would highly recommend this place.”
- Mr Y Smith
“🌟 An Enchanting Culinary Journey: Bake and Roast @ Smithills Hall If you are looking for a spot that seamlessly blends historical charm with mouth-watering food, Bake and Roast at Smithills Hall is an absolute hidden gem. 🏰 Historical Atmosphere Dining here feels like stepping back in time. Located within the stunning Smithills Hall, the restaurant is surrounded by centuries of history. The architectural beauty, the rustic stone walls, and the serene views of the grounds create a unique, peaceful atmosphere that you simply won't find in a standard high-street café. 🍽️ Food Quality The food is the star of the show. Everything tastes homemade and fresh: The Roasts: Perfectly cooked meats, crispy potatoes, and rich gravy that tastes like home. The Bakes: Their selection of cakes and scones is exceptional—freshly baked, light, and full of flavor. Ingredients: You can tell they prioritize high-quality, local ingredients in every dish. ⚡ Service and Staff What truly elevates the experience is the warm hospitality. The staff are incredibly polite, welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. Despite the historical setting, the speed of service is impressive; the food arrived promptly, piping hot, and beautifully presented. 💰 Great Value One of the best surprises is the reasonable pricing. Given the premium location and the high quality of the meals, the prices are very fair. It offers excellent value for money, making it a perfect spot for a casual lunch or a special family gathering. 📝 Final Verdict: Bake and Roast is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you are a history buff or a food lover, this place is a must-visit in Bolton. Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)”
- Nicola Hulton
“What a find! After just having coffees from bake & roast this summer (but in the beautiful gardens) today, because it's finally too cold, we ventured inside and what a treat. The staff were so welcoming and we're more than happy to move tables around to fit our pram. We ended up staying for brunch and the food was delicious 🤤 thank you! xx”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Bake & Roast @Smithills Hall is a Tea Room where we hand make, artisan food & drink. Serving light breakfasts, lunches, artisan teas and coffees, cake and treats”
- Great tea selection
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Onsite services
- Great tea selection
- Free parking lot
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Crowd· 2
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Parking· 1
- On-site parking
Location
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