Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Cafe & Boutique in East Hoathly
Established in 2003, Muffins Cafe is a family-run business founded and managed by Lesley Lefort with support from her mother Ann. Our unique concept combines a licensed caf serving gourmet food and beverages with an eclectic retail space featuring designer jewellery, handmade gifts, and vintage fashion. Lesley personally curates all products, leveraging her extensive industry knowledge to source exclusive items from independent global designers.We prioritise personalised service, offering expert shopping advice and gift-wrapping, while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that has earned us a loyal customer base. Our commitment to quality extends to our homemade cakes, premium coffee blends, and carefully selected wine list, ensuring every visit offers both culinary and retail satisfaction.
Services
Cafe Services
Jewellery Retail
Gift Shop
Boutique Clothing
Wine Service
Sandwich Counter
Vintage Fashion
Gift Wrapping
Personal Shopping
Coffee Roasting
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Family-run since 2003 with expert product curation
- Personalised shopping advice from knowledgeable staff
- Exclusive global designer jewellery at competitive prices
- Award-winning homemade cakes and premium coffee blends
- Combines dining, retail therapy, and vintage fashion under one roof
Services
Cafe Services
Our licensed caf serves gourmet lunches, premium coffee blends, and homemade cakes daily. Guests enjoy wine pairings with meals or afternoon tea experiences in a stylish village setting. The menu features fresh sandwiches, paninis, and seasonal specials crafted using local ingredients.
Jewellery Retail
We offer exclusive designer jewellery sourced from independent global creators, including Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. Our collection features limited editions and bespoke commissions, with personal styling advice available to help customers find perfect pieces for any occasion.
Boutique Clothing
The Muffins Boutique showcases Italian vintage clothing in sizes 8-22, including dresses, jackets, and accessories. Customers receive honest styling advice in a relaxed environment, with a two-week refund policy for complete satisfaction.
Gift Shop
Our curated gift selection includes handmade cards, mirrored cabinets, scented candles, and unique homeware. From Jellycat toys to bath bombs, we offer distinctive items for every taste and occasion in both contemporary and traditional styles.
Coffee Roasting
We serve premium coffee blends with expertly prepared espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes using professional barista techniques. Our tea selection includes loose-leaf varieties, while cold drinks feature artisanal juices and bottled mineral water.
People
Lesley Lefort
Proprietor
Lesley founded Muffins Cafe in 2003, personally curating its unique jewellery and gift collections. With decades of retail experience, she provides expert styling advice and maintains quality standards across all business operations.
Ann Lefort
Assistant
Ann supports daily operations at Muffins Cafe, sharing her extensive product knowledge with customers. Her experience contributes to maintaining the business's welcoming atmosphere and high service standards.
Questions
What are Muffins Cafe's opening hours?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm, Monday 10am-4:30pm, and closed Sundays. Check our website for holiday closures.
Do you accept card payments?
Yes, we accept debit and credit cards for purchases over £10. Cash payments are also welcome.
What makes your jewellery collection unique?
Our jewellery comes from independent global designers, featuring limited editions and bespoke pieces using materials like Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones.
Can I return boutique clothing purchases?
Yes, we offer a two-week refund policy for clothing items in their original condition with tags attached.
Do you serve alcoholic beverages?
As a licensed café, we serve wine by the glass or bottle alongside meals and afternoon tea options.
Is there parking available near your cafe?
Yes, East Hoathly provides easy parking options for customers visiting our High Street location.
Reviews (6)
Joshua Fuller
Dec 02, 2021
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Lovely cozy caf with a nice roaring fire, we had lattes, cheese scones and blueberry & lemon cake; it was all delicious. Once youve eaten there is a nice selection of gifts, homeware and clothing to look at and purchase!
Deborah Tyson
Nov 30, 2021
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Just the best caf in the area! Delicious cake, coffee, generous portions. Love the gifts, clothes, furnishings, sparkle, class and touch of glamour of this gem of a place. Friendly welcome, we had a nice chat with the lovely ladies, who clearly love what they do. Can't wait to go back for lunch next time.
Liz Letheren
Sep 05, 2021
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One of my favourite lunchtime cafes. Staff very welcoming. Good food. Cosy ambiance. Interesting boutique. Reasonable prices.
Tina Weeks
Aug 06, 2021
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Visited area and decided to go in for a light late lunch/tea. We did enjoy the sandwich and scones we ordered and ok value wise. However we found it quite unfriendly and unwelcoming service. Probably would not make a special trip back.
Sarah Tomey
Aug 01, 2021
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Absolutely love this coffee shop/cafe/boutique in the heart of East Hoathly . Staff are lovely and along with your coffee you can treat yourself to some great clothing or a special gift .
Lynn P.
Jun 15, 2021
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Food and drinks seem expensive but are generous portions and quality. The cafe is combined with a ' boutique' style shop with gifts and clothes for sale. Nice to look at after enjoying lunch. The only thing i didnt appreciate was the strong cooking smells because the kitchen doesnt seem to be sealed off.
