"The BEST Pancakes and the Largest Iced Coffee" — Why Clanfield Families Are Flocking to Chandlers

There are cafes you visit because they are convenient. Then there are cafes you drive to because they are worth the journey. Chandlers on Drift Road in Clanfield has firmly established itself in the second category.

With a 4.6-star rating from nearly 300 Google reviews, this spacious, dog-friendly spot has built something rare: a loyal following that spans families with young children, couples seeking a proper brunch, and even evening diners looking for something different on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Perfect Friday Treat

Tasha B. captured what makes Chandlers special in a recent visit with her family:

"We popped in for brunch and it did not disappoint — The BEST pancakes and the largest iced coffee. My little boy loved his mini breakfast, which was ideal since we could pick exactly what he would eat. The place was spotless and spacious, and the menu is vast and delicious."

That attention to families runs through everything Chandlers does. Half-size milkshakes for little ones. A children menu that actually works. Space to manoeuvre pushchairs without feeling like you are in the way. It is thoughtful design that makes all the difference.

More Than Just Coffee

What elevates Chandlers beyond the typical cafe is the sheer quality of the food. Mark W. found exactly what he was looking for:

"Very nice bistro-style cafe which is spacious, comfy, warm and full of delicious food. All four choices were excellent — granola bowl with dark berries, granola smoothie with honey, banana and chia seeds, and two big breakfasts with hash browns and black pudding — all were 100% faultless. Recommend the super thick and fresh strawberry milkshake. It is not a cheap venue, but you most certainly get your money worth all round."

That honest assessment — "not cheap but worth it" — appears again and again in reviews. Chandlers has positioned itself as a treat, not a daily coffee stop, and customers happily pay the premium for quality that consistently delivers.

A Wonderful Find

For visitors discovering Chandlers for the first time, the experience often exceeds expectations. Charlie C. stumbled upon it after visiting nearby Keydell nursery:

"What a wonderful find. After a magical trip to Keydell to visit Santa this was the cherry on the top. A great children menu, wonderful choice for the coeliac in our group and beautiful ambience. If you are local, or like us, visiting for Keydell, make sure you add Chandlers to your day out."

That coeliac-friendly mention matters. In an era where dietary requirements are often an afterthought, Chandlers has built a menu that genuinely accommodates — making it a reliable destination for groups with mixed needs.

Dogs Welcome (Always)

The dog-friendly policy is not just tolerated — it is celebrated. Kate C. visited two days running and noted:

"Both times the greeting was very welcoming to me, my friend and family and even more so to my dog! Food was served fairly fast, hot and great quality, decent value for money too. Chandlers is an absolute go-to, both in the daytime and the evenings too."

That evening mention is significant. Unlike most cafes that close mid-afternoon, Chandlers extends into Friday and Saturday evenings until 10pm — transforming from brunch spot to bistro as the sun sets.

The Details

• ✓Address: 40c Drift Road, Clanfield, Waterlooville PO8 0JL
• ✓Phone: 023 9259 1777
• ✓Website: chandlerscoffee.co.uk
• ✓Rating: 4.6 stars (284 reviews)
• ✓Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-3:30pm, Fri-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8:30am-2pm

The Bottom Line

Chandlers has carved out a unique position in the Waterlooville area — somewhere between neighbourhood cafe and destination restaurant. Whether you are after the best pancakes in Hampshire, a coeliac-safe brunch, or somewhere that genuinely welcomes your dog, it delivers on all fronts.

Nearly 300 five-star reviews do not happen by accident. They happen when a cafe actually cares about getting the details right — and Chandlers clearly does.