Puhoi Valley Cafe

Firstly I was shocked as I had completely missed the fact the Puhoi cheese factory had completed major renovations, I thought I liked the last style and it’s Swiss café look but it was old and the new refit is stylish, clean, bright and spacious whilst keeping the Old World European cabin style.They have redone all the menus and other things as well like selling award winning ice creams, large range of Dilmah teas, café cabinet and a small lunch/brunch menu. All this was topped off by melting cheese scones being brought to the till as we were paying and they looked and smelt great.We ordered a ploughman’s platter, Welsh rarebit and a feta and onion tart as well as drinks.The bad first, most of the Dilmah teas weren’t available but were listed on the chalkboard, the pickled onions on the platter were vastly under pickled and the rarebit was simply cheese on toast to be honest and not Welsh rarebit at all which is a creamy, cheesy concoction with beer and Worcestershire Sauce on thick bread.The above points were however out-weighed by the good though, the milkshakes were excellent and the feta and cheese tart was also very good. Add to that great cheese, great service and a great refit it was an all-round enjoyable experience.On a side note though I am disappointed in the price of the cheeses at the FACTORY SHOP which were almost the same as the supermarket.

We went to the Puhoi Cheese Cafe today because we had bought a voucher on one of the deal websites for a couple of glasses of wine and a cheese platter. We were really happy with what we received - a lovely looking platter with a good amount of three cheeses, grapes, dried fruit and nuts and some bread and crackers. The Ransom Chardonnay was also very nice. The layout of the cafe is nice and roomy and there is a playground outside for the children. Everything was clean and tidy (including very good toilets), and you can also buy cheese and yoghurt to take with you. The only thing that didn't go so well was the service. There was quite a delay with our drinks, and every time we asked for something we were told all about the deal and how it was making them so busy, but I feel that shouldn't change anything and service should still be given with a smile.