1 Middle Row Cafe

1 Middle Row, East Grinstead RH19 3AX, United Kingdom
+44 7594 595165
$$$ Cafe
(76 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

1 Middle Row Cafe is a lively, welcoming spot at the heart of East Grinstead, known for blending quality coffee with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It’s the kind of café where locals drop by throughout the day – whether for a morning latte, a light lunch, or an afternoon catch-up over cake.

The café’s vibe leans into friendly service and an approachable setting rather than formal or polished. There’s a distinct local feel here; you can expect warm greetings from staff who remember regulars and anticipate needs, like bringing a glass of water right away. This kind of attention keeps the space comfortable and unhurried, suitable for spending time reading, working, or chatting.

Food-wise, 1 Middle Row offers a mix of classic and hearty options that feel homemade and thoughtfully prepared. Their pancake dishes, especially the fresh fruit variants, are a popular choice — rich but not overdone, balancing sweetness with a fresh touch. For more substantial fare, breakfasts including vegan-friendly options and sandwiches with ingredients like chicken, bacon, and avocado offer fulfilling midday breaks. There's a genuine effort here to provide gluten-free cakes beyond the usual suspects, which is appreciated by those with dietary restrictions.

Visitors looking for good coffee will find well-crafted drinks like Tamara’s Latte and generous pots of tea, making it an easy spot for longer visits rather than just a quick takeaway. The café’s approachable menu and dependable quality make it a hub for locals to gather, whether popping in alone or bringing family and friends.

1 Middle Row Cafe fits naturally into East Grinstead’s town centre rhythm, easily accessible and well-suited to anyone wanting a no-fuss, friendly place. It tends to work well for casual lunches, weekend brunches, or an afternoon break when warmth and welcoming faces are just as important as what’s on the plate.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

76 Reviews
Sinead Young

30 Dec 2025

I’ve had coffee & cake from here several times now and it’s been consistently enjoyable. Always a welcoming smile, good coffee and - for me- one of the few places in this area with excellent gluten free cakes. There is often a choice of 2 or 3 and it’s not limited to just flapjacks and chocolate brownies! IYKYK.

Tony McElhill

09 Dec 2025

I think that 1MR is probably the best café in East Grinstead. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, and there's always something homemade and delicious on the Specials board. I particularly like the soup, but the breakfasts and cakes are excellent too.

Daniel Evans

24 Nov 2025

One of the most friendly customer service experiences I've had in YEARS! When I arrived one of the waitresses offered to bring over water immediately which is really appreciated instead of having to ask for it. Caroline one of the waitresses was an absolute joy! Really funny and friendly! the food was really nice! I had the chicken, bacon avocado sandwich on seeded bread and toasted. It was around £5 for the sandwiches. There were different bread options including gluten free which was nice. The salad and coleslaw were perfectly portioned. They were small which I like but really high quality and fresh. Top notch presentation on slate tiles too. The £3 lemon elderflower cake was like no other cake I've tasted. It was super floral and super rich! Pimm's was £15 for a generous jug. Did probably around 7 glasses. So good value

Karthik M

24 Nov 2025

Absolutely delighted to be here and pleasantly suprised with the ambience. Delicious food.. Hot food severed.. and friendly staff. located at the center of east grinstead. Must try Pan cakes with fruits.. absolutely delicious Wonderful place.

Craig Coates

03 Nov 2025

Love this place, been here for lunch, wine tasting events, Christmas light switch on. Every occasion they are great for. Nice small little cafe with polite, friendly and efficient staff. The food is incredible while being affordable. As you can see in pictures cute pots of tea not small in the slightest and amazingly tasty and fresh food.

Zoe French

28 Oct 2025

Came across this cute place while visiting family in the area. They got quite busy when we walked in, but service was still on point & we got our food in a timely manner. Coffee was great & we all enjoyed our lunch items. It’s decorated with pretty teapots & they have a good specials menu. I had the ploughmans lunch & it was yummy.

Pete D

24 Sep 2025

A Gem in the Heart of East Grinstead 1 Middle Row Cafe truly deserves its five-star rating. Nestled perfectly in the vibrant town centre of East Grinstead, this cafe is an absolute delight. What sets it apart is the commitment to freshly cooked food – every dish I've tried has been bursting with flavour, clearly prepared with care and quality ingredients. The breakfast offerings are fabulous It's such a refreshing change from pre-made offerings, making each visit a genuinely satisfying experience. The location is ideal for exploring East Grinstead, making it the perfect spot to refuel during a day out. And for those driving, parking is conveniently available just a short stroll away, with well-marked bays for disabled badge holders right nearby, making access easy for everyone. From the moment you step in, the welcoming atmosphere and delicious, honest food make it a must-visit. Highly recommended!

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