I am a tea lover so afternoon teas and coffees shop trips are one of my favorite things to do on a quiet day.
Luckily living in the Lakes we have numerous tea rooms and coffee shops serving a wide array of cakes, bakes and freshly brew beverages. The Samling in Ambleside is the best in the area for afternoon tea and although on the luxurious side and only for special occasions, it’s offering of dainty cakes and finger sandwiches is certainly impressive. If you are looking for something a little cheaper but still good, Low Sizerge Barn in Kendal always serves beautiful scones and flapjacks which you can eat whilst looking over the farm and milking parlor, this place is definitely great for families.
Moving away from the lakes, I visited Devon last week, a beautiful part of the England that I had never visited before. Although quite remote, Devon is a wonderful place full of picturesque scenery, friendly people, fantastic boutiques, quaint towns and ports and delicious seafood. Devon is also home to one of the best tea spots I have ever visited; Vintage Tea located in the small town of Totnes, is a traditional Victorian tea room oozing with charm, character and class. I must admit everything was on the chintzy side therefore probably a targeted more to females and the older generation, however my dad, brother and boyfriend still seemed to enjoy it.
The delicious scones
The place setting
The service was on the slow side and at times the atmosphere seemed somewhat dull, but with fine bone china, white linen table cloths and well mannered staff there really wasn’t anything to complain about. As for the food, I have to say it was the best cream tea I have ever tasted; the scones were baked to perfection and served warm, the accompaniments were fresh and the tea made from loose tea leaves was perfect. The boys enjoyed smoked salmon and cream cheese and chunky sliced ham sandwiches, all served on freshly sliced bread with posh crisps and a simple side salad. Vintage tea isn’t the cheapest or the fastest coffee shop I’ve visited but it does serve the best scones in the country … well I think so!
If you’re out and about this week, go on treat yourself, one scone isn’t going to hurt you!
Pantry Secrets 