Discovering a countryside destination where good food, a beautiful setting and a welcoming atmosphere take centre stage.

Some places make an impression before you’ve even ordered your coffee. Malverleys, in Berkshire, is one of them.

I first visited towards the end of summer for lunch and I returned at the beginning of autumn, this time to experience its breakfast offering. Two visits, two different occasions, and a chance to discover more of what this countryside destination has to offer.

A place with its own character

There is something special about the atmosphere at Malverleys. It combines a countryside feel with a more contemporary and carefully presented dining experience.

It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy your surroundings and spend a little longer than you originally intended.

During my first visit, I was particularly impressed by the lunch. I chose a soup accompanied by a beautifully presented plate of garden vegetable crudités, hummus, pesto and bread.

It was fresh, colourful, thoughtfully presented and, most importantly, delicious. The homemade bread was another highlight.

The food felt considered, and the presentation added to the overall experience.

Breakfast with a countryside atmosphere

On my second visit, I returned for breakfast.

The atmosphere was once again a highlight. A bell tent and a real fire pit created a lovely setting, giving the experience a relaxed, welcoming countryside feel.

The staff were very pleasant, and the food continued to impress. The pain au chocolat was particularly enjoyable.

It’s easy to see the appeal of Malverleys as somewhere to meet friends, enjoy breakfast or take a break from the everyday routine.

And what about the coffee?

Of course, this is where The Cup Guide comes in.

Coffee wasn’t the main highlight of either visit, and I think it’s important to be honest about that.

During my first visit, I enjoyed an espresso. It was perfectly fine, although it didn’t leave a particularly memorable impression.

On my second visit, I ordered a cappuccino with oat milk. Unfortunately, this was a little disappointing.

Perhaps being Italian makes me particularly particular about my cappuccino! But more seriously, coffee is an important part of the experience for many people, and there is an opportunity here to make it an even stronger part of what Malverleys offers.

The setting, food and hospitality already create a lovely experience. Giving the coffee the same attention could make the overall offering even better.

A little shop with potential

There is also a small shop at the entrance.

On my first visit, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. The selection felt a little disconnected, as though different products had been brought together without a particularly clear identity.

When I returned, I noticed an improvement but still not quite what you can expect from a place of that level.

I think the shop has real potential. With a more considered selection of products and a stronger identity, it could become another distinctive part of the Malverleys experience.

In both occasions I was amazed by the homemade bread in the shp, as it was displayed beautifully and was particularly tempting.

Is it worth a visit?

Yes, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy good food in a beautiful countryside setting.

Malverleys is not somewhere I would currently choose specifically for its coffee. However, I would happily recommend discovering it for its atmosphere, food and welcoming team.

There is plenty to appreciate, and I think there is also room for the coffee offering and shop to develop further.

Sometimes discovering a place isn’t about finding perfection. It’s about recognising what makes it special, appreciating what it does well and noticing the opportunities that lie ahead.

The Cup Guide’s takeaway: Malverleys is a destination worth discovering for its food and atmosphere, with plenty of potential to make its coffee experience just as memorable.

The Cup Guide – Discover coffee differently.