The Cherry Tree

THE place in Blenheim for "ladies who lunch". Freshly made delicious paninis, salads, drinks and baked goods. Mostly small tables for two although there are a few tables for four.
My only quibble is that the lighting is a bit too subdued for a luncheon restaurant.

Great space to meet for lunch/coffee. ☕

Great salads and smoothies made fresh

I don't really like giving restaurants five stars, so try to understand what kind of experience I had to have at the Cherry Tree to elicit this rating. My party and I were not exactly model customers, taking quite a while to order even after the last of us arrived, but the sole staff member was very obliging and even friendly when talked to. He even responded well to our request for him to hold the camera for our picture (like a bunch of spoiled tourists).

It is only open during daylight hours (8 am-4 pm). While it was rather dark while I was there, looking at other pictures I realise that the lights just weren't on at that time (which makes sense; it was a record hot day outside). It's a nice atmosphere, though, and there are many different places to sit, including a couch, and some home and garden magazines are available to browse.

The food is the main attraction, though, and the main reason for this review. I had a stunningly delicious apple, meat and bacon panini, and I tried a bit of someone's sweet potato soup. I also tried the Chai tea latte, and it was really good. The only thing that comes close to a complaint is that, at the time I was there, the Cherry Tree's selection of ice cream was very low. I was able to get a milkshake regardless, which was hand-made and a nice sweet treat to help me digest, but I might have been the last person to get one that day. The staff member said that more ice cream would be coming later in the week.

My party and I had a great visit, and we plan to go here again the next time we meet up in Blenheim.