Spice up your café visit
What do you look for when visiting a local Café? Is it the quality of the food? The location? The cakes, or perhaps all of these things. Having been in the catering industry for 50 years, having trained at the Savoy in 1977 to producing 1000 meals a day from London hotels and managing the catering for private schools and even the Royal Ballet School probably provides the experience and love for catering that could produce an unrivalled service here in the Weald.
Opened nearly four years ago, exceptionally accoladed Martin Spicer took to the helm of the Planters Café after being in the industry since he was 14 years old and has bought a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion to the business. Having built up a very regular, loyal customer base who keep coming back for more has allowed the business to flourish becoming one of the most reputable cafes this side of London.
If you’re in the mood for a cosy and inviting spot to enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, a piece of cake or a light meal, Planters Café offers an unprecedented selection. Located in a convenient spot right on the A21 through Hurst Green, this café offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for catching up with friends, taking out your spouse or family member or even just for a sneaky solo getaway for something lovely for breakfast or lunch.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the imposing counter, laden in fantastic looking cakes of all colours, flavours and designs, scones, cookies and any other sweet treat you could imagine. The aroma of freshly brewed barista coffee from adrift pasts as you ogle over the choices on the counter and their specials board.
The menu at Planters Café is simple but delicious, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light choice, or a sweet treat, you’ll find something to love on the menu. There is a regular menu on offer and a daily specials board which holds emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal produce and changes regularly, so you can be assured that even as a regular patron you will always have new and exciting dishes to enjoy.
One standout popular dish is their crab sandwiches, locally sourced directly from Hasting’s fishing markets, always fresh, flavoursome and exquisite quality. Something that has become an all-time favourite with the regulars and visitors over the years.
Another must-try dish is the ‘Posh bacon (or sausage) brioche bun with fried egg and potato hash‘ on our visit to Planters we couldn’t leave without sampling the menu and we personally opted for this choice. Sausages sourced from a local well-known supplier in Bodiam. Their home-made hash, truly was amazing. Clean, tasty and well presented meant that it was enjoyed even more, especially when trying to be ‘good‘ on a diet and made a great alternative to a full English!
Of course, no visit to Planters Café would be complete without trying one of their delicious home-made cakes. The café offers one of the best selections of cakes we‘ve seen, from classic favourites to more unique options and with nearly 100 slices served every single day, its pretty clear why they are such a winner.
Over all Planters is just what you look for in a café, good menu, great coffee, wonderful selection of home-made cakes and treats, a cosy and well laid out seating area with seasonal menus and choices. Ran by a passionate owner who values his reputation, values his staff and knows what it takes to lead from the front.
We cant wait to go back this summer to experience their homemade lemonade and elderflower drinks and not to mention their locally sourced Gelato counter, which I’ve heard is a massive draw in the summer especially when the garden is opened up and the sunshine embarks on the months ahead.
