What should I order at The Retreat?
The Retreat
Full English Breakfast
Frequently praised for its quality and presentation, the Full English Breakfast is highlighted for using excellent local produce like golden yolk eggs, sausages, and bacon from local butchers, cooked to order and served on a warm plate.
Scrambled Eggs on Toast with Bacon
Mentioned several times as a delicious breakfast choice, this dish is appreciated for its freshness and quality, often paired with sides like bacon or smoked salmon.
Avocado Smash with Sweet Tomatoes and Bacon
Recommended for its clean and honest flavors, this dish is noted for being freshly prepared and accommodating dietary needs, making it a lovely start to the day.
Coffee
Highly praised as the best coffee in ages by multiple reviewers, it complements both breakfast and lunch offerings and is a staple of the cafe experience.
Club Sandwich
Recommended for its delicious flavor and generous portions, made with top quality products, often served with salad and crisps.
Homemade Cakes and Sweet Treats
Though not always sampled, the homemade cakes and sweet treats are frequently admired for their appeal and quality, with specific mentions of raspberry flapjacks.
Baked Potato with Chilli or Tuna
Mentioned as a nice lunch option, these baked potatoes are appreciated for their taste and variety.
Soup with Fresh Bread
Converts non-soup eaters due to its delicious flavor and freshness, noted as a great lunch choice.
Richmond Vegan Sausages
Recommended specifically for vegan customers as a great breakfast sausage option, showing the cafe's ability to cater to diverse dietary preferences.
About The Retreat
The Retreat is a cafe, bakery, breakfast restaurant, coffee store, takeout restaurant, sandwich shop, and tea house in Brockenhurst, England. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert, and catering, with dine-in and takeout available. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff, fresh and delicious food, and homemade cakes and baked goods. Coffee, tea, and desserts are also frequently highlighted, along with a cozy, casual atmosphere.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
Offerings
- Coffee
- Free water refills
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Frequently asked questions
What is The Retreat known for?
The Retreat is best known for its breakfast plates and homemade cakes, especially full English breakfasts, eggs royale, avocado smash with sweet tomatoes and bacon, and millionaire shortbread. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the friendly service and locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, which make it a popular stop for breakfast in Brockenhurst.
What dishes are most recommended at The Retreat?
Reviewers most often recommend the full English breakfast, scrambled eggs on toast with bacon, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, avocado smash with sweet tomatoes, and the millionaire shortbread. Other frequently praised items include the club sandwich, soup with fresh bread, sausage rolls, and the homemade cake selection.
What is the atmosphere like at The Retreat?
The Retreat has a casual, cozy feel, and reviewers describe it as a tiny, quaint, inviting cafe with a spotless interior. It suits families, groups, solo diners, and laptop users, and the service is often described as warm, attentive, and welcoming.
Is The Retreat good value, and what is the price range?
The Retreat is in the £10–20 range, and reviewers often say the portions are generous and the food is worth it. People mention high-quality local ingredients, large breakfasts, and substantial items like the club sandwich with salad and crisps, which supports the value for money.
When is the best time to visit The Retreat?
Breakfast is the standout time to visit, since many reviews focus on freshly cooked morning plates like full English breakfasts, eggs royale, and scrambled eggs on toast. It is also a good choice for a rainy-day stop or a relaxed lunch, and some reviewers note it can be a small place, so reservations may help.
Is parking available at The Retreat?
Yes. Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does The Retreat have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Retreat offers vegan options.
Is The Retreat kid-friendly?
Yes, The Retreat is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Retreat in Brockenhurst
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city