The Rec Café

Recreation Ground, Finborough Rd, Finborough Rd, Stowmarket IP14 1PR, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(48 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Rec Café, a charming haven nestled within the Recreation Ground on Finborough Road in Stowmarket, United Kingdom. This delightful café is not just a stop for your morning caffeine fix; it’s a community hub where rich aromas mingle with the laughter of families and friends enjoying a cozy afternoon together.

When you step inside The Rec Café, you'll be enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for those rainy days when you crave a sweet retreat. The beautifully decorated space is dog-friendly, and children can delight in the plethora of games and books available, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. If you're bringing along the little ones, you'll appreciate the play area that allows them to explore while you savor your drink and meal in peace.

Speaking of drinks, customer reviews speak highly of the café’s rich, aromatic coffee, which pairs perfectly with their selection of homemade cakes. Picture yourself indulging in a warm sausage roll or a delectable bacon roll—simple pleasures that never fail to satisfy. As customer Toby Trenter put it, "What a great little find," emphasizing the café's reasonable prices and delightful offerings.

Many patrons have raved about their signature chocolate brownies, which are often a hit with children, as noted by Jill, who recently treated her niece to a lovely lunch here. With handcrafted toasties made to order, it’s no wonder guests leave with smiles on their faces and a warm sense of belonging. The Rec Café is not just about the food; it’s about the experience. As Louise Rowe beautifully encapsulated, “Very friendly staff and lovely decorated” creates a memorable visit that beckons for return trips.

The café’s connection to the Salvation Army adds a heartwarming layer of community involvement, making your visit not just a culinary delight but also a chance to support a good cause. The welcoming spirit of the staff—described by many as "lovely ladies"—is evident in every interaction, providing service that will leave you feeling valued and appreciated.

Whether you pop in for a quick tea on a sunny day, like Anne Heaton did, or spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying conversation with friends, The Rec Café is a spot that delights all the senses. With a pocket-friendly menu that defies the trend of overpriced cafes, it’s easy to see why this local gem has earned a reputation for excellence.

In summary, The Rec Café is a must-visit for anyone in Stowmarket. Enjoy a great cup of coffee, savor freshly made snacks, and immerse yourself in a community atmosphere that feels like home. Come for the food, stay for the warmth—it truly is a little slice of paradise in the heart of the Recreation Ground.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Openings Hours

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

Closed

Sunday

Closed

48 Reviews
dawn of the dread uk

07 Sep 2025

Nice cosy space to enjoy a hot drink and a nice cake on a rainy day like today. The cakes were really nice and the price was very reasonable.

Jill

10 Aug 2025

Treated my neice and family to lunch. Seated inside as was a play area for the little ones. Ordered toasties, they were hand made straight away and were delicious. Chocolate brownies went down well with the little ones. Was made very welcome, great service, lovely Ladies. Definitely recommend a visit.

Louise Rowe

23 Jul 2025

Very friendly staff and lovely decorated and plenty of games and books for all ages and very dog friendly 1000% recommend and most definitely with be returning in the future

toby trenter

15 Jul 2025

What a great little find well priced cafe home made cakes great little location. Plus it's a salvation army cafe great idea

Anne Heaton

13 Jul 2025

Popped in for a quick cup of tea. We were fortunate enough to be able to sit outside in the glorious sunshine. Delicious looking cakes. Charming gentleman serving. Amazing prices. Would definitely recommend.

Jarick

25 Jun 2025

Lovely little place,, great coffee , the warm sausage rolls are divine, the bacon rolls are awesome too. The prices here are excellent, £3.75 for coffee and a sausage roll and it's a really nice place to stop, especially in the sun. There is treats for the dogs, toys and games for the children, and also the recreation ground play park and skate bowl. Comfy sofa and armchair, nice tables and chairs and decorated really well . The staff are very friendly and very helpful. It's the best place in stowmarket to stop for a coffee and quick bite.

TravMatt 01

20 Jun 2025

Lovely place manned by the great charity, the British legion. Nice and clean and very good value for money. No £4/£5 coffee here! Just decent coffee/tea at decent prices. Snacks and cakes too

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