Time at the Forge

1 South St, Aldbourne, Marlborough SN8 2DW, United Kingdom
+44 7709 181560
$$$ cafe
(63 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled in the heart of the idyllic village of Aldbourne, Time at the Forge is more than just a café—it's an experience meticulously crafted to embrace the warmth of community and the joy of simple pleasures. Located at 1 South St, this charming spot invites you to unwind as you savor delightful flavors in a picturesque setting.

As you step inside, you're welcomed by a cozy atmosphere, enhanced by friendly staff who create an inviting ambiance that feels like a home away from home. The interior is adorned with thoughtful decor that reflects the village's rustic charm, providing an ideal backdrop for a leisurely breakfast, a casual lunch, or a relaxing afternoon tea.

The menu at Time at the Forge boasts a delightful array of options that cater to a variety of tastes. Begin your day with a heartwarming hot chocolate or a soothing pot of loose leaf tea for just £3.75. If you're in the mood for something more adventurous, the chai latte at £3.25 is a must-try, balancing sweetness and spice perfectly.

When it comes to food, you can indulge in scrumptious snacks like locally made cakes and brownies, each priced at an affordable £3.00 to £3.75. Patrons rave about the homemade scones—both fruit and cheese—crafted with care by the talented team led by Fiona. One delighted customer, Ali Leycock, exclaims, "What an absolute gem to find," praising the "fantastic quality" of the coffee and the delightful selection of local cakes, including a gluten-free option.

The café isn’t just about great food; it also offers a serene outdoor seating area, where you can bask in the sun while enjoying a toasted sandwich or panini, some of which are described as "delicious" and packed with flavor. G M highlights the café’s charm with "lovely places to eat/drink in an idyllic village location," making it a perfect pit stop after exploring local sights.

Time at the Forge not only serves delicious food and drinks but also acts as a small hub for community gatherings. Hellen Barnes shared her experience of hosting a celebration here, noting that "nothing was too much trouble" for the staff. This reflects a dedication to hospitality that makes your visit not just a meal, but a personal experience.

For those venturing into Aldbourne, this café is a perfect prelude to visiting the nearby free museum or taking a scenic walk to the local forge, which occasionally opens its doors to visitors. Mark Norman, another satisfied customer, appreciates the staff's helpfulness in providing tips on local walks and sights, emphasizing the café's role as a community guide as well as a place for delightful culinary experiences.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee and cake, sharing a meal with friends, or organizing a special event, Time at the Forge is dedicated to making every moment special. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem in Aldbourne—your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

63 Reviews
ali leycock

13 Sep 2025

What an absolute gem to find after walking to the four barrows (the cafe is found behind the library in Aldbourne) Fiona makes absolutely the best homemade scones both fruit and cheese that we've had in ages ! Also a good selection of cakes are also made locally ( with a gluten free option) in the what I can only describe as a”chocolate box village” The coffee was of excellent quality We sat in a very quaint court yard behind the cafe but would have been equally happy inside up or downstairs or in the cubby. The toilets are on the ground floor are easily accessible to all Table service was prompt, Our coffee arriving first and our scones ( a savoury cream tea and a traditional one with yummy jam and clotted cream followed shortly after. Very relaxed atmosphere here and nothing was too much trouble. We would highly recommend a visit and their menu is reasonable priced. Steve and Fiona are great hosts and we will definitely be returning soon

G M

09 Sep 2025

Lovely place. Charming interior and exterior eating/drinking areas in idyllic village location. Nearby parking. Staff very friendly and attentive without being in-your-face. Had toasted sandwiches/paninis with sausages, cheese and chutney - delicious. Lovely spot, highly recommended.

Lee

26 Aug 2025

We've been meaning to have breakfast or lunch at Time at the Forge for some time now and we are really pleased we finally got around to it today The food (all day breakfast and avocado & bacon on toast) was absolutely lovely! And we have already said to each other we will be going back soon.

Paul

18 Aug 2025

Delightful place What a delightful discovery, thanks Google Maps. What a splendid little gem! This café is an absolute delight to discover, boasting fantastic coffee, great food, and, naturally, scrumptious cake. The staff are wonderfully friendly, and there are ample seating options, making it a lovely spot to sit back and relax in this laid-back café.

Hellen Barnes

14 Aug 2025

I recently arranged a small but very special celebration and Sam and her wonderful staff were fantastic - nothing was too much trouble. The combination of delicious food with fresh ingredients and friendly professional service make it the perfect place to meet friends. I've also been the guest of a large party gathering in the courtyard that was also brilliantly organised. The staff here deserve praise - Thank you!

Anna Enright

04 Aug 2025

Great little cafe, excellent friendly service,. wonderful cake. no GF. Atmosphere and decor great, clean loos. Apparently the forge next door is in working condition and sometimes it is open and visitors can view it in action. Visit the free museum in the village while you are in Aldbourne.

Lynne Ainslie

21 Jul 2025

Found this great cafe today. The new owners are friendly and the service was good. We had large slices of GF cake which was delicious and the coffee was good. The new owner's are certainly making an impact as it was busy and everyone spoke highly of it.

mark norman

14 Jun 2025

I had a wonderful time at this excellent cafe yesterday. We had coffee and cake, went for a walk, then came back for a lunch and a cream tea. Super nice & helpful staff, with advice for local walks and sights, delicious food and drinks, and dog-friendly. Highly recommended.

Join the Time at the Forge Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.