Vegan
British
Animal sanctuary which also has a tea room. Offers a fully plant based menu serving hot food and other lunch items including snacks, ice lollies, cakes and pastries. Open Mon 10:00-15:00, Thu-Sun 10:00-15:00. Last hot food orders 30 mins before closing.
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Sawyer's Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, England, CM15 9BZ
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 07 Sep 2022 by HopefieldSanctuary
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29 Reviews
First Review by Katiesd8
redshift
Points +748
Excellent little cafe - Edit
I had cheesey chips, oat milk latte, the clementine cake and chocolate brownie and everything was amazing except the chocolate brownie.
Read moreThe cheesy chips in in particular were really good! Perfect amount of chips to cheese! Also the cake was on point! I asked the shop lady if they made it in house and they don’t. They get all the food from outside but the clementine cake and some bakery goods are from 100% vegan suppliers. Vegan sausage roll and some other vegan stuff they sell from places where there may be a risk of cross contamination with non vegan products I was told (due to being make in same place as non vegan stuff) - ask if in doubt.
Also, 100% vegan. Animal sanctuary itself I had mixed feelings about. It felt a bit like a zoo with people trying to touch animals and stressing them out which I hated. Also some animals lacked space like the birds. Also, personally I did not agree with rat poison traps dotted around the place. A sanctuary should be a sanctuary for all animals, inc. rats.
Updated from previous review on 2024-08-04
Pros: Vegan, Good food esp cake, chips and coffee!, Friendly staff
Cons: Some products have cross contamination risk, Saw some rat poison traps around the site
Guest
Vegfix
Points +7252
Great little cafe - Edit
There was so much to choose from at Max's! All the proceeds go straight back to the animals so we figured we'd do our bit and order everything we fancied.....for the animals 😁 We really liked the glass cabinet full of pastries and cakes. Everything was lovely, the sandwich was really good! Heaps of cheeze on the Cheezy Chips, and a decent amount of cream on the scone. Our favourite was probably the Spinach and Cheeze Borek.
Read moreThe cafe is simple with lots of seating, it's everything we'd expect from an eaterie in an animal sanctuary, no frills, which in our opinion is great as we'd rather see the money spent on the animals than on fancy decor in the cafe. It's clean, well staffed, and the food was fab! It's a really lovely little cafe with a lot to offer, and proudly vegan 💚 In our opinion it's just the right balance. The quality of food was great and reasonably priced.
Updated from previous review on 2024-10-13
Guest
Marxist_jay
Points +80
Excellent work! - Edit
In terms of food, really nice cheesy things, pasties, as well packaged stuff like vegan KitKat or Judes ice cream
Read moreBut also a lovely animal sanctuary that also seems to have the intention of encouraging visitors to stop eating animal products, with some really excellent signage
Guest
helenkk
Points +239
Fabulous cafe - Edit
Great service and lots of choice. Good value for money, too. 💚
Read moreGuest
CemNY
Points +158
Good food in a nice setting - Edit
When we went they were not running the full menu due to only having one member of staff. We had the pastries which I believe are supplied by the Norwegian Bakery so shout out to them! Drinks were good too and plenty of seating. Sanctuary itself was good and good value for an afternoon out.
Read morePros: Food, Drinks, Price
Guest
HenryBlane
Points +11324
Lovely sanctuary but the food needs work - Edit
I'm going to split this review into two parts as I would give very different ratings to the sanctuary and the café.
Read moreFirstly, the sanctuary. I haven't been to an animal sanctuary since I was a child so I don't have much to compare to but I enjoyed my visit here. They have a wide range of animals including chickens, pigs, ducks, donkeys, guinea pigs, cats, horses and more! The Animals all appeared to be well looked after and the staff seemed friendly and caring. The larger animals such as the cows and horses had large open fields with walkways running in between so we could also interact with them if they wanted to. Many of them did and we had a lovely time stroking the horses and ponies. They also had lots of signs up around the sanctuary with information about the animals and their names. They also have an education centre for children. Entry to the sanctuary was £7.50 each which we were very happy to pay to help support looking after all the beautiful animals.
Unfortunately, we didn't have such a good experience at the on-site café – Max's Café. They have lots of indoor seating and some outdoor seating, the staff were friendly and helpful and they appeared to have a good selection of food, but unfortunately it wasn't up to scratch. Me and my wife ordered the Sweet Chilli "Chicken" wrap, "Sausage" baguette and a couple of slices of Banana and cinnamon cake. The wrap was tiny, had limited fillings and just didn't have much flavour. The baguette was worse. It was chewy, overcooked and I struggled to finish it. Unfortunately the cake was even worse again. It looked great but from the first mouthful it had a strange grainy texture and the flavour was not nice. We didn't even make it halfway through our slices before giving up. I didn't expect gourmet food but it was disappointing that it was so poor, especially considering that this is an environment that will attract families with kids, many of whom will not normally eat vegan food and may leave having their preconceptions confirmed that vegan food is not great. Which is a shame because there is so much good vegan food out there and this place is a real chance to introduce that to people who may otherwise never try it.
Pros: Lots of beautiful animals, Walkways to visit larger animals in fields, On-site café is fully vegan
Cons: Food at the café is not good
Guest
darrenb
Points +1465
Love hopefield! - Edit
Been here so many times over the years and was so pleased when they transitioned to a vegan cafe. We had the sausage baps and blueberry croissants today and they were superb. Would have been better if staff truly understood gluten intolerances. Previously had better (I.e. some) gluten free options.
Read morePros: Very tasty food, Reasonably priced
Cons: Very limited gluten free options, Limited understanding of the ingredients in food
Guest
DanielKavanagh
Points +106
An animal sanctuary that practices what it preaches. - Edit
Fully plant-based cafe, which makes sense when you think about it. Owned by true animal lovers. Dog Friendly and residents look happy and healthy.
Read moreGuest
AveSummerfield
Points +22
Lovely Chilled Day! - Edit
If you are looking for a nice chilled out day with or with out the kids this little animal sanctuary is fab! Maxs cafe had a really good selection of food I'm not fully plant based however the selection of food was great and it literally made no difference to anyone I was with, they didn't even notice! Great food friendly staff!! Highly recommended!
Read morePros: Staff, Food, High Chairs
Cons: No baby changing
Guest
AmyVCaroline
Points +2789
This place is amazing! - Edit
The sanctuary is great! Easy to drive to and parking is easy. Decent entry price. Great range of well cared for animals. The foot in the cafe is very tasty and was approved by the omni family. The website says not pram accessible but honestly most of it you could get round with a pushchair if a little bumpy (assuming good weather). Very enjoyable family day out, will be returning
Read morePros: Easy parking
Guest
pblock
Points +42
Fantastic little cafe - Edit
Good selection of sandwiches and cakes as well as hotdogs and burgers.
Read morePros: Completely plant based, Lots of options, Waffle sundaes!!
Guest
LouiseSB
Points +16
Max's Cafe - Edit
Practical cafe to get a bit of lunch whilst visiting the sanctuary
Read morePros: Everything vegan!!, Fairly inexpensive, Great cakes
Cons: A bit basic- a bit of salad would be nice
Guest
Happycolour
Points +228
Supersanctuary! - Edit
We had the pleasure of visiting Hopefield and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a large sanctuary which houses a large variety of animals. You can pet some of them, others you cannot. This is a perfect day out for families / friends / celebrations! The trail is clearly marked and wide so does not feel too crowded. The gift shop has lots of fun toys and things to buy for loved ones. The cafe is plant based and has many cakes, ice creams, sandwiches etc. The victoria sponge cake was lovely. Overall a fantastic initiative giving many animals a second chance in a safe space.
Read morePros: Can pet the animals , Vegan cafe, Friendly staff
Guest
KushalMalde
Points +159
Fun for everyone! - Edit
A really nice animal sanctuary which has rescued a number of different types of animals and provided them refuge, including cows, goats, alpacas, horses, sheep, tortoises, birds and many more! Loads of fun for grown ups and kids to be able to stroke and communicate with all the gentle beings.
Read moreAlso has a cafe which is fully vegan with sandwiches, cakes and lots of snacks (unfortunately hot food wasn't available when we went due to staff shortages). Would definitely recommend for all animal friends/lovers!
Pros: Animal sanctuary, Vegan cafe
Guest
TejD
Points +534
Worthwhile initiative - Edit
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at hopefield animal sanctuary which is a place purely for rescued animals. It is suitable for all ages; both adults and children are sure to have a lovely time. We found the information boards for all the different animals educational and informative. I personally initially had a slight reservation about the fact that some of the animals were in confined or caged environments however now appreciate that this is the only realistic way of operating such a sanctuary with so many different types of wonderful animals. Furthermore this is the best outcome for them considering all the other alternatives. It's great you are able to pet them and the ones you can't have clear signs so it is important to take heed of the written warnings!
Read moreThe cafe was serving cold food and drinks when we went (as understaffed) but I believe offer hot options during peak seasons. Nice selection of cakes, sandwiches, snacks, hot and cold drinks, ice creams and lollies. Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. I was very happy to support this organisation. They also have a really lovely gift shop. A must for animal lovers.
Updated from previous review on 2022-04-18
Guest
DanPhilippou
Points +275
Nice to visit - Edit
Tasty options, friendly service
Read morePros: Friendly service, Tasty food, Great to visit the sanctuary
Cons: Needs more options, Sometimes a little slow
Guest
Mipsy
Points +76
Had my hen do there, got to see some happy hens! - Edit
Loved it so much! What a lovely experience, my family were sceptical but were all raving about what an amazing time they did have in the end! Beautiful animals, enjoyed the cafe too and the gift shop, the staff were an absolute joy! The only negative is that I personally dislike that one type of vegan cheese they use I think it is the same type Dominos use, the texture is off putting to me and there are so many other great ones out there. Loved the watermelon ice lolly from the gift shop! One of the pigs came right up to the fence and lay down and accepted a belly rub, very sweet. Careful as animals can bite of course. The emu bites, I know there was a sign about this but perhaps a couple reminder ones would be good for windy days, some of my family got pecked before spotting the sign.
Read moreThe only place I would have been for my hen do and so many fond memories made, I'll be back even though it's a long way! Absolutely adore that pig
Guest
summerlover
Points +24
Highly Recommend - Edit
Great day out! The food was fantastic with super lovely staff - the vegan jaffa cake was insane, highly recommend!! The sanctuary is a perfect day out and we can't wait to visit again😄Only recommendation would be to put the menu online if possible please :)
Read morePros: Delicious food, Great cause, value and all vegan, Friendly staff
Cons: Menu uploaded online would be useful
Guest
Veganforthewin
Points +3269
Good Selection - Edit
Nice selection of cakes and sandwiches. Friendly staff
Read moreGuest
Caffneill
Points +28
Cream Tea - Edit
Comprehensive cream tea. Great scones at a good price and nicely presented
Read moreGuest
JoCo
Points +215
Wonderful cafe in a wonderful place - Edit
Love this cafe which serves the type of menue you expect in a small cafe attached to a local attraction with the added surprise of being FULLY plant based.
Read moreWe had a couple of sandwiches, milkshake, coffee, and cake. Not fine dining by any stretch, but good traditional, tasty cafe fare. We haven't tried the cream tea as I think you have to order in advance but we plan to next time.
Pros: Fully plant based, Sanctuary is a wonderful place to go, Good options, good food, good service
Cons: Quite small, a little wait time when busy
Guest
KaraKara
Points +34
Brilliant experience - Edit
Wonderful food, staff and animals. Had the afternoon tea and it was great value, delicious scones and lots of variety. The chef was lovely, so attentive and obviously so passionate about her work.
Read morePros: All vegan, Lots of options, Surrounded by animals
Guest
VeganBecks87
Points +1226
Delicious food and a wonderful haven for animals 🌿💗 - Edit
I absolutely love Hopefield, it’s such a special place to visit. Hopefield rescues all different types of animals from giant tortoises, llamas, horses, pigs, spiders, raccoons, parrots, chickens, ducks, cats and so many more! It has a lovely little tea room in the middle that offers a really wide range of sandwiches, cakes and hot food!! The staff are really friendly and it’s lovely walking around and seeing all of the well looked after animals. We went with my friend’s kids and they had a great time running around and playing in the play areas.
Read moreEntry is really cheap aswell. A great place where your money goes towards a wonderful cause! As an animal lover, I find this place an absolute joy to visit!
Updated from previous review on 2020-09-03
Guest
Katrad44
Points +50
It hit the spot! - Edit
Had a delicious (not)sausage baguette and mug of tea. Lovely, cheery service and environment; and spending time with rescued beings... what's not to love? 💚🌱
Read morePros: Completely vegan
Cons: Difficult to visit on adhoc basis atm due to Covid
Guest
Plumesworld
Points +977
Great food - Edit
Great options for a small kitchen, plenty whether you want a full meal, a sandwich or just a coffee and a cake. There was only one member of staff when we went and she was rushed off her feet but gave great service.
Read moreHopefieldSanctuary
Thank you for your feedback! Yes Carrie was doing a brilliant job when we were short-staffed. Thankfully this issue has now been rectified and she'll have an extra pair of hands :-)
Read moreGuest
SquibbVicious
Points +43
A wholesome experience - Edit
The ever so cute Hopefield Tea Room is fully vegetarian and vegan, obviously and the selection is so good there that on my first visit I didn’t even notice there wasn’t meat on the menu! On this trip, we were treated to an incredible vegan afternoon tea that totally blew my mind! We had vegan cheese, beetroot hummus, coronation chickpeas and very traditional cucumber sandwiches. I think my favourite was the beetroor hummus and I’m determined to make my own to rival it! We also had scones with the most amazing vegan clotted cream ever!!
Read moreOne of my favourite parts of the afternoon tea was this amazing banana, coconut and chocolate pot that I would eat time and time again.
Pros: All plant based, Incredible business, Wonderful volunteers
HopefieldSanctuary
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're so glad we enjoyed your visit, and we hope to see you again very soon! :-)
Read moreGuest
BenedekTóth
Points +127
Nice café - Edit
Good coffee, friendly staff, great outdoor seating area. Food selection was ok, but could be a little bit more interesting.
Read morePros: Friendly staff
HopefieldSanctuary
Thanks for your review! Our amazing Tearoom Manager, Carrie, has since expanded our menu, with lots of additional items on there now. Be sure to come back and try again :-)
Read moreGuest
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