Walk in or book? How getting a table works at The Little Kettle

The question we hear most over the counter is "do I need to book?" The short answer is no. The longer answer depends on when you are coming and how many of you there are, so here it is.

We always keep tables for walk-ins

We are a small café with 24 seats. Every day we keep some of those tables free for people who just turn up, whether you are a regular on your way to work or you have wandered along Cheap Street and smelled the coffee.

That means you can almost always pop in. On a quiet weekday morning you will have your pick of the room. On a busy Saturday you might wait a few minutes for a table to come free, but there is usually one on the way.

When booking makes sense

Booking just means a table is waiting for you. It is worth doing when:

• there are four or more of you and you want to sit together
• you are coming at a busy time, like a weekend late morning
• you are travelling into Frome and do not want to risk a wait
• you would like afternoon tea, which we ask you to book at least a day ahead

You can book a table online for anything from one person to eight. Choose how many of you there are, pick a time, and you will get a confirmation by email.

Bigger groups

Online booking goes up to 8 people, which is about as many as our room can seat together without moving everyone else around. If there are more of you, send us a message and we will see what we can do.

Dogs, prams and laptops

Dogs are welcome inside. Most of them settle under the table and wait for crumbs. If yours is a big dog, a table near the edge of the room gives them a bit more space to stretch out.

Prams are fine too. Bring it in with you rather than leaving it on the pavement. If you are booking and you know you will have a pram, it helps to mention it in the note so we can give you a table with room beside it.

If you are bringing work, we have free wifi. Ask at the counter for the password.

How long can I stay?

As long as you like when we are quiet. At busy times, a booked table is held for about an hour, or an hour and a half for afternoon tea, so there is room for the next people. Nobody will hurry you through your pudding.

Before you come

Have a look at our menu first if you have an allergy. Every dish shows the allergens in it, and we are always happy to go through the ingredients with you when you order.

We are open every day from 8am to 4pm. See you soon.