Very lovely cafe, with a calming view of the park and inside and outside seating . Coffee and cake was great, they put a lot of effort into their menu, everything is nicely thought out. Fresh orange juice was available and I highly recommend the fresh lemon and ginger tea. Very cute - the owner is lovely and bakes fresh deserts, provided a cosy and comfortable environment. The cafe has an open area with kid friendly activities also. Highly recommended There is no WiFi here so only suitable for working/ studying if you have data on the go. When I went it was quiet and the owner was very accommodating when I asked if it was laptop friendly - Will be back :)
Overview The Old Courthouse Café
Located in the heart of Barnet, The Old Courthouse Café stands as a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nestled within the scenic Old Courthouse Recreation Grounds, it offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing dining experience. This café isn't just a place to grab a bite-it's a community hub, blending history with great food, and providing a welcoming space for visitors of all ages.
Walking into The Old Courthouse Café, you’re immediately greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the buzz of happy chatter. The menu here reflects a delightful mix of classic café dishes and innovative specials. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting sandwich, a hearty breakfast, or a light lunch, the variety ensures that there’s something for everyone. Regulars often rave about the café's signature sandwiches, such as the smoked salmon with cream cheese on rye, a light yet satisfying choice perfect for any time of the day.
What truly makes The Old Courthouse Café stand out, however, is its commitment to fresh, local ingredients. The café partners with nearby farms and suppliers to ensure that every meal is made with the finest products available. The seasonal specials change regularly, offering new flavors and creative dishes to keep things exciting. Whether it's a rich soup in the winter or a crisp salad in the summer, the café’s seasonal focus adds an extra touch of delight for food lovers.
For those with a sweet tooth, The Old Courthouse Café doesn't disappoint. From freshly baked cakes to homemade pastries, there’s no shortage of delicious treats to pair with your drink. The Victoria sponge cake is a crowd favorite, with its delicate layers of sponge and sweet, jammy filling. And, of course, no café experience is complete without a coffee. The café prides itself on offering a range of coffee options, from classic espressos to indulgent lattes, ensuring there’s a brew for every preference.
Aside from the delicious food and drinks, the ambiance is another reason why The Old Courthouse Café is a must-visit. The café's interior is cozy, with wooden tables, soft lighting, and a relaxed vibe that makes you feel right at home. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a good meal while watching the world go by. The outdoor seating area is equally inviting, especially during sunny days, where diners can enjoy their meals surrounded by greenery and fresh air.
The café is also known for its friendly and attentive staff, who go out of their way to make sure that every guest has a pleasant experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, you’re always made to feel welcome. Many patrons appreciate how the staff takes the time to chat and make recommendations based on their preferences.
Located at Old Courthouse Recreation Grounds, Manor Cl, Barnet EN5 4BE, The Old Courthouse Café is ideally situated for a casual meet-up or a quiet solo retreat. It’s within walking distance of local shops and attractions, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the area. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee break or a leisurely lunch, this café delivers both in terms of food quality and overall experience.
For those who have yet to visit, the café’s positive reviews speak volumes. With its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and menu that caters to a variety of tastes, The Old Courthouse Café has earned a reputation as one of Barnet's finest cafés. If you're ever in the area, it's well worth stopping by for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Prepared foods ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safe spacePayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ On-site parkingPhotos The Old Courthouse Café
Location
Reviews
We love The Od Courthouse Cafe. A gem in High Barnet, especially when you have smaller children. The coffee is great (alternative milks available), food has a good variety (GF and Vegan, and dairy free) and there is plenty of space and ride one toys to keep them occupied whilst you can actually enjoy a cup of coffee, great cake and chat. We frequently come, especially during the summer. The community is what helps make a cafe like this so great, everyone is friendly, locals donate preloved ride ons/ sand toys and children have already been friendly and played so well.
A really wonderful addition to the park with a friendly owner and lovely staff who take an interest in you and create a wonderful atmosphere. The experience is only heightened when you taste the food and the coffee here is exceptional, and I couldn’t resist ordering their freshly baked cakes. Can't wait to visit again. Highly recommend!
It's lovely to have a cafe that is baby and toddler friendly. My baby and I stayed there for a couple of hours because she was so entertained. However, the bread for the children's menu is highly processed and white. This is a huge shame. There is a wide range of lovely, homemade cakes- why the processed white bread for children? The cafe uses much nicer bread for the adult sandwiches.
We love coming here with the kids. Lots of places to sit, lots of book/toys and toy vehicles for kids to ride, and there is a sandpit. Food is great. The goulash soup is the favourite!
So glad I found this gem of a place. Brilliant outdoor cafe space for taking children. My toddler loved all the ride-on toys that are available to customers and we could sit down and enjoy the great coffee & cake (without constantly running around after him). Will be back.
It’s been under various owners last few years but the most recent is brilliant. They mainly sell sweet savoury food (croissant, muffin, cakes , biscuits) and sandwiches - but the quality is really high. Coffee is delicious and there is plenty for the kids to do outside - including a sandpit and kids camping tent!