Tad in the hole diner

Romford Rd, Chigwell IG7 4QW, United Kingdom
+44 20 8500 8369
$$$ Cafe
(40 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Tad in the Hole Diner on Romford Road in Chigwell slots comfortably into the role of a neighbourhood cafe that’s equally suited for laid-back breakfasts and casual lunches. Nestled inside the Hainault Forest Golf Club, this spot pairs a spacious, relaxed setting with a menu that offers a blend of traditional British diner classics alongside some unexpected twists, including Indian-inspired dishes.

The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, ideal for weekdays when you might be popping in for a working breakfast or a catch-up over coffee. Locals often drop by earlier in the day, enjoying the calm before the lunchtime buzz. During visits, you’ll notice that the seating feels open enough to avoid feeling cramped, though the occasional ebb and flow of small groups shapes a low-key social vibe rather than a bustling café experience.

The food here earns solid praise for consistency and flavor, with breakfast options like the “Breakfast in a Pan” providing a hearty start to the day. For those interested in something a little different, the Indian-influenced dishes such as chole bhature add a pleasant surprise to the menu, reflecting the diversity of the local palate. Coffee is taken seriously too, with flat whites and well-made brews fitting into the typical cafe rhythm.

Service is generally attentive and friendly, complementing the casual nature of the place without making it feel rushed. This is a spot where you can linger without pressure, whether you’re diving into a filling omelette or sampling a salad topped with grilled halloumi or smoked salmon and avocado.

Best times to visit include weekday mornings for a peaceful meal or mid-afternoon when the crowd thins out again. It suits those who appreciate a straightforward, well-cooked breakfast or lunch without fuss, and it’s particularly good for locals who want dependable quality with a slightly different edge from the standard diner fare.

Overall, Tad in the Hole feels like a practical, unpretentious choice when you want a substantial meal paired with decent coffee in a relaxed but not overly busy environment. Its location within a golf club grounds it well as a local staple rather than a destination spot, appealing to residents and visitors passing through for a comfortable, familiar experience.

Highlights
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Has free water refills
Has private dining room
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Does not have assistive hearing loop
Parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

6:30 AM - 10:00 PM

40 Reviews
J Glover

13 Dec 2025

Our party had the Tad’s Breakfast, Jacket Potato and Omelette, food was absolutely excellent! Wonderful service, cracking flat white and very reasonably priced! Couldn’t fault anything!

Keeran G

12 Nov 2025

Stumbled across Tad in the Hole for a working breakfast and was genuinely impressed. Tucked inside Hainault Forest Golf Club, it’s a hidden gem serving up big flavour in a relaxed, scenic setting. I ordered the Chole Bhature – light, fluffy bhature paired with perfectly spiced chickpeas, fresh onions and pickles. A hearty, authentic Indian breakfast that totally hit the spot. Add a strong cup of chai and it’s the kind of meal that powers you through your morning. Sat outdoors with my laptop – plenty of natural light, great atmosphere, and clearly a popular spot as it got pretty busy. Service was warm, food came out fast, and it’s clear the kitchen knows what it’s doing. Definitely worth a visit whether you’re golfing, working remotely, or just fancy something different. Will be back.

Stephen Boyle

06 Nov 2025

We stopped for some breakfast after dropping a motor of to Landbeasts, all was good quite spacious, there was no one in when we arrived and we took a seat and ordered, shortly after a couple came in and the woman chose to sit directly behind me, hitting my chare several times while trying to get comfortable, I let it be known that she was hitting my chair and commented, the restaurant was empty, why did she choose to sit there if she couldn't sit still, I hurriedly finished my breakfast and left, some people, the service was good, and quick, servers were helpful, it soon got busy, there is a huge carpark outside, so very convenient to stop by. If you dont get someone trying to share the space your already sitting in.

mukesh patel

01 Nov 2025

Excellent friendly place and the food is very good. We had an omelette and masala baked beans and Abhi the chef did a fabulous job. Tasty and yummy. I throughly recommend this cafe.

Russell Nobbs

14 Oct 2025

We live locally and try and pop in when time allows. The food is well cooked, plentiful and of a decent quality - I/we have not been disappointed by what it on offer. The breakfast in a pan is a bit of a gimmick, but takes nothing away from the enjoyment! Recommend trying the alternative and lunch options, especially items with an Indian twist, they are thoroughly enjoyable.

John Miller

04 Oct 2025

Went here on New Year’s Day and the food and service was brilliant. Feels like you get good value for money eating here. Nice, cosy, unique cafe with nice attentive workers. Had the breakfast in a pan which was so nice with a side of good coffee. Would 100% recommend as it’s one of the best cafes I’ve been to. Spoke to the owner who is nice and genuine man. Good cheeky little spot

Join the Tad in the hole diner Newsletter

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