Hectors On The Wey

I was very disappointed in our experience at Hector’s. I’ve given them two stars for ambience and location but the single staff member was surly and unpleasant. I wonder if we came in too near closing time but if that was the case then he should have said. Instead the man took our order in silence. The scones were like none I’ve had in our years in England. They were insubstantial and fluffy and without the toothiness and density of what I’ve experienced as scones. I was remarking so to our guests when the waiter/owner.I’m not sure which. came over demanding to know if there was a problem. So, I told him and was treated to a condescendingly snarky lecture on these being proper British scones as they’re made here, not those BISCUITS you have in AMERICA. I really, for the first time since moving to England (which I love) felt that we were unwelcome because we were foreign. It was very uncomfortable and also for our guests that we’d been showing around the area. I explained to the man that we lived here and I knew what a scone was supposed to be like and these were very different. I also asked why he was being so unpleasant. He stormed off muttering things, I was angry and muttering things. We finished our tea quickly and my husband asked me to go out as he wanted to pay and have a word with the man. Apparently when he went to the counter to ask what we owed the man did not even have the courtesy to turn around and speak to him just muttering over his shoulder, It’s free. This is a singular experience. Most local businesses (we live in Godalming) are friendly, hospitable and helpful. I felt very bad that our day showing our guests the area (they were from India) had to end with such an experience and I was so charmed by finding a tearoom connected to the boathouse as I love narrowboats. Perhaps he was having a bad day because he was certainly unfriendly from the moment we walked in and then hostile when I commented on the scones. Maybe you’ll have a better experience than we did.

This is an absolutely great quaint little café right beside the river Wey. You can hire a rowing boat or narrow boat in the same place which is a great thing to do on a long summers day. It is located in Cattershal Lane, Godalming Surrey and really is a must if you are in the area. They sell homemade cakes and sanwiches/​rolls which is lovely. Its like a traditional tea room really which is wonderful in this day and age! The staff are so friendly you feel like family and the prices are very reasonable. Its well worth a visit!