Oriole Cafe

Spitfire Ground St Lawrence, Canterbury CT1 3NY, United Kingdom
+44 7519 497966
$$$ cafe
(57 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Discover the charming Oriole Cafe, a delightful culinary gem nestled within the scenic Spitfire Ground St Lawrence in Canterbury. This vibrant cafe is a must-visit, serving as an ideal retreat for coffee lovers and casual diners alike. With its unique location overlooking the Kent cricket ground, you can indulge in the soothing ambiance surrounded by lush greenery, making every visit not just a meal, but a refreshing experience.

The menu at Oriole Cafe caters beautifully to diverse tastes, offering an array of breakfast delights and light lunch options that are sure to please. Start your day off right with their sumptuous Avocado Sourdough Toast, perfectly paired with Roast Vine Tomatoes with Garden Thyme for a burst of flavor. If you’re in a hurry, their delightful Cinnamon Swirls make for a quick sweet pick-me-up. The selection of handmade sandwiches showcases fresh ingredients; try the Parma Ham, Rocket, Tapenade, and Parmesan for a gourmet twist, or savor the Hummus & Roasted Veg & Rocket for a wholesome vegetarian option. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a burst of flavors in every bite.

Oriole Cafe is not just about the food; it’s about the warmth of its atmosphere and the friendliness of its staff. Customers rave about the exceptional service provided by team members like Ruby and Tasha, noted for their cheerful demeanor even on the dreariest days. As Phil Smith mentions in his review, the welcoming nature of the staff enhances the overall experience, making it a place you’ll want to return to time and again.

The cafe’s inviting interior is highlighted by a bright, airy vibe complemented by indoor plants that create a refreshing ambiance. With ample natural light pouring in from outside, you can enjoy your coffee or light meal while soaking in the serene surroundings. The charming outdoor seating area provides a perfect spot for warmth on sunny days, enhancing that leisurely cafe vibe.

Families are also well-catered for, with a dedicated children’s area complete with toys and books to keep your little ones entertained while you relax. The thoughtful amenities, such as accessible washrooms and baby changing facilities, are testaments to Oriole Cafe's commitment to a welcoming environment for all guests.

In a world where cafes can often feel impersonal, Oriole Cafe stands out as a place where you are greeted with genuine smiles and a sense of community. As noted by patrons like Kathleen Turtill, the food goes beyond expectations, featuring freshly made sandwiches and decadent cakes that beckon for another visit—perfectly underscoring why taking your own lunch to the cricket might just be a thing of the past!

The Oriole Cafe is not just a stop for a meal; it’s a destination rich in atmosphere, flavor, and friendliness. Whether you're catching a game, enjoying a day out with family, or simply need a peaceful spot to unwind, make sure Oriole Cafe is on your itinerary. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your heart!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

57 Reviews
Phil Smith

06 Sep 2025

Would like to thank Ruby ( brilliant cortado coffee ) and Tasha for their friendly chat and excellent service. A credit to the cafe. Despite an awful day of weather interruptions , both Ruby and Martha still had a smile on their faces and still managed an excellent service. Hence my 5 star grading. Keep up the excellent work.

Kathleen Turtill

30 Aug 2025

Absolutely outstanding food, far beyond what I expected, if that’s not too rude to say! Sandwiches were all freshly made and cakes (I had a couple) the same. Service was impeccable too. Can’t recommend strongly enough. Shan’t be taking my own sandwiches to the cricket again! 10/10.

Simon

25 Aug 2025

Perfect stop for coffee and a light lunch Tucked away in the corner of the Kent cricket ground Oriole Cafe next to the Sainsbury’s express. It’s a lively cafe with a good selection of brunch and light lunch options in addition to coffee, smoothies and chilled drinks. Parking is limited outside the cafe but there is additional space inside the cricket grounds.

Mike M

13 Aug 2025

All the young ladies working here are so cheerful and friendly. The cafe is clean and tidy, and the addition of the lovely green area of plants is welcome. I understand this is due to the conscientious care of Ruby. Well done for going the extra smile!

Michael Rex Redclift

17 Jul 2025

Excellent restaurant. Outstanding service Friendly and efficient. Wonderful warm tables in sunlight especially with the visit on bright days .Try the. homemade quiche and the soup soup you want to come again even if you do not like cricket.o

Toi Toi

26 Jun 2025

Beautiful coffee shop with a cricket ground view. Sun is just facing the cafe. Planty of natural lights and lots of indoor plants inside. They have outdoor sitting and WiFi, too. They have allocated parking for the customers. Accessible toilate with separate baby change room . Also, a book shelf with books and a few toys and crayons for kids.

C C

25 Jun 2025

A Perfect Pitstop at The Oriole During a recent visit to the Kent Spitfire cricket ground in Canterbury, we discovered the delightful Oriole restaurant, a true gem within the stunning surroundings. We were greeted with a genuinely warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere by the lovely ladies working there, who made us feel right at home. We enjoyed a fantastic lunch that perfectly hit the spot. Our coffee was lovely, and the cheese and onion toastie was simply delicious, served with a fresh and vibrant side salad. The homemade banana bread and flapjack were also beautiful, making for a perfect sweet treat. Watching the cricket match from this spot was a truly special experience, and The Oriole's hospitality only enhanced it. We will definitely be back to enjoy the food, the atmosphere, and the exceptional service again soon!

J J

07 Jun 2025

Oriole is the kind of find you selfishly feel you don’t want to share while wanting to shout about because they deserve to succeed. I spotted the discrete chalk board beyond Sainsbury’s car park beyond the cricket club doors and ventured forth. Walked in and felt …wow! What a breath of fresh air! Spacious seating looking out on Kent cricket green. Literally a small window cleverly left ajar keeping air circulation feeling fresh and covid safe. Loved my flat white with oat and tuna melt, served with small side salad. And where else gives you a glass of fresh water to wash it all down. If your local, be sure to get your Oriole loyalty card. Oriole is an welcome oasis on a busy day,

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