Tea-riffic tea rooms in the UK's tourist hotspots
10th August 2009
If you're yet to go on your great British holiday, plan your trip to include a visit to one of the UK's teatime hotspots. Here, Alexandra Fullerton rounds up in the UK's key holiday destinations and finds the best tea rooms in each region.
The Yorkshire Dales
The North Yorkshire town of Ilkley has a long history. Once a Roman fort , Ilkley developed into a wealthy spa town during the 19th century and became an elegant retreat for wealthy wool merchants from nearby Bradford. Now, visitors can immerse themselves in the delightful range of independent shops, particularly in the Victorian parades of The Grove (with wide pavements perfect for promenading) and Brook Street.
And of course, there is a branch of Bettys where visitors can relax over an Award of Excellence-winning cup of tea. A range of special Summer cakes is currently on sale including butter flower biscuits (adorable flower shaped biccies filled with raspberry preserve), lavender shortbread, rose cream chocolates, ganache bumblebees and Little Rascals - based on Betty's speciality, the Fat Rascal, this is a lighter Summer version made with dark chocolate pieces and candied orange peel.
Once you've had your fill of tasty teatime treats you might need a spot of post-prandial exercise. Hazel Bone, Branch Manager at Bettys Ilkley told tea.co.uk, "No visit to Ilkley would be complete without a walk on Ilkley Moor." The vast expanse of wild wilderness is the subject of the folk song, "On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at", a morbid ditty (but one that has been adopted as Yorkshire's unofficial national anthem) about the perils of venturing out without a hat. Disregarding the fate of the song's subject, Ilkley Moor is a breathtaking destination for walkers and cyclists. Head to the landmark 'Cow and Calf' - an outcrop of rocks at the top of the moor in the shape of a cow and calf which overlooks the town.
Bettys, 34 The Grove, Ilkley, North Yorkshire, LS29 9EE / 01943 608029 / www.bettys.co.uk
Devon and Cornwall
As the spiritual home of the Cream Tea, Devon and Cornwall offer a host of tea-time treat to tourists and locals alike. Click here for the low-down on the counties best tea rooms.
And don't forget one of The Tea Guild's newest members, Cheristow Lavender Tea Rooms. Part of a working lavender farm, the lavender theme is in evidence from lip-smackingly good lavender-scented scones to the oh-so-pretty lavender decor.
Cheristow Lavender, Higher Cheristow, Hartland, Bideford, Devon, EX39 6DA / 01237 440 101 / www.cheristow.co.uk
Unsure whether cream or jam is spread onto your scone first? In Cornwall the traditional way is jam first, then cream - but in Devon it's reversed with the cream spread first and jam on top. Let us know your favourite method!
Dartmoor
Amongst the windswept heights of Dartmoor, where gorse and bracken vie with slabs of raw granite and herds of native ponies, visitors can find the ancient town of Moretonhampstead and the delicious Dartmoor Tearooms.
With 31 loose leaf teas and infusions on the menu, it's a tassophile's dream! Green Earl Grey, decaffeinated Chinese Sencha and Lady Hamilton (Earl Grey with a touch of orange citrus) are some of the mouthwatering new blends owner Linda Hastings has introduced this Summer. If you're in the area on Sunday, we recommend you order the Special Sunday Afternoon Tea - a scrumptious selection of sandwiches, homemade biscuits, cakes and specialist teas which are served on traditional tiered plates.
Linda gave Tea.co.uk her tips on Dartmoor's top tourist attractions: Visitors should pay a visit to Canonteign Falls (the highest waterfall in England - with a 220 foot drop); Castle Drogo a "fascinating" National Trust castle designed by Edward Lutyens in nearby Drewsteigton and Haytor Rocks "a huge granite mass with great views across Dartmoor towards the coast".
"If visitors have children, I suggest the Miniature Pony Centre in North Bovey" says Linda. Visitors can see, meet and touch adorable animals, including Miniature Shetland ponies, miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, Kune Kune pigs, Shetland sheep, lambs, rabbits and cute chipmunks. Sweet!
Dartmoor Tearooms & Cafe, 3 Cross Street, Moretonhampstead, Devon, TQ13 8NL / 01647 441 116 / www.dartmoortearooms.co.uk
North York Moors
Nestled on the edge of the North York Moors lies The Black Swan Hotel - home to an enticing tearoom. Alison Souter, the tearoom's manager, told tea.co.uk, "we encourage people to try different teas" and guests are offered a special tea each week. Currently on the menu is cherry-flavoured Japanese sencha served with a pistachio financier - other patisseries include raspberry sable breton with pistachio cream, lemon posset with
strawberry coulis and summer fruit gateaux. Yummy! The tea room is also making their own blend of iced tea for Summer, mixing red berry tisane, Indian black tea and mango. Alison says, "it's extremely refreshing and perfect with strawberries and clotted cream, served in our garden on a beautiful summers day!"
The hotel is found in the town of Helmsley, which is in turn set in the middle of an area of outstanding natural beauty. Helmsley is home to a castle with an 11th Century earthwork and one of Yorkshire's grandest stately homes, Duncombe Park, but Alison recommends visitors head out into the open air, "I cannot think of anything better than a day walking on the moors," so lace up your walking boots and explore.
Alison's top route takes in Bransdale and Farndale moors. "It's a round trip of about 25 miles. Start in Helmsley and turn left through the village of Carlton. Within 5 miles you are surrounded by moors on all sides and there are plenty of stopping of points where you can have a picnic or go for a walk. There's no one else in sight for as far as the eye can see". Bliss.
The Black Swan Hotel, Market Place, Helmsley, Yorkshire, YO62 5BJ / 01439 770 466 / www.northern-tea.com
The Peak District
The family-run Northern Tea Merchants has been involved in the tea trade from 1926, establishing itself in it's current guise in 1959. Today James Pogson oversees the busy business of supplying and selling excellent tea (and coffee) to catering businesses along with running a busy tea shop where guests can buy tea to brew at home or recharge on site with a refreshing pot.
On the edge of the Peak District, Northern Tea is moments away from Chatsworth House, the ancestral home of the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire. Instantly recognizable from it's filmic appearances in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice and, more recently, The Duchess, the stately home should be on any Derbyshire tourist's list.
James Pogson revealed other his must-visit attractions in the area: In the bustling market town of Chesterfield, stop off at the Crooked Spire. Made from unseasoned oak in the 1300s, the timber warped to create the wonky effect visible today (although the spiral effect is believed to be part of the design). Leaning 9ft from it's centre, amazingly the spire isn't held in place - it simply rests on top of the tower! While you're in town check out the market too. Mentioned in the Domesday Book a market has been held in Chesterfield since at least 1165.
James also advises visitors to step out onto the moors, particularly at Curbar Edge where an assortment of gritstone boulders offer a stunning view over the moors and Hope Valley. The whole area is peppered with Neolithic monuments too, including stone circles, cairns, round barrows and rock art.
Caption: This illustration of The Crooked Spire was used on packaging from Northern Tea in the 1930s.
Northern Tea Merchants, Crown House, 193 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire / 01246 232 600 / www.northern-tea.com
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are one of England's honeypot destinations - tourists flock to the area like bees to the proverbial honeypot! Many of the distinctive golden limestone buildings date from the Mediaeval period when the wool trade made the region rich. The architecture of towns like Northleach, Chipping Campden and Burford pay testament to this and the area echoes with history. Click here for suggestions on where to go when heading West.
But don't forget the Tea Guild's new Cotswoldian member, Cream Tea Room in Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Lake District
The Lakes have long been a walkers paradise and luckily there are plenty of places for the weary to recharge their batteries.
The ancient port and market town of Ulverston, near Morecambe Bay, is home to Gillam's - a family business since 1892. Everything on the menu is organic and owners Douglas and Shirley Gillam have just introduced a new tea menu. They revealed that "green teas such as jasmine and long jing have been popular with customers".
Plan a v
isit on a "bustling" market day (Thursday and Saturday) and experience the town's unique character and old world charm. The Gillams say Ulverston is "a place where people still say good morning to each other and where everybody knows each other - but which is still outward looking and diverse." Sounds like our kind of town.
Ulverston is also home to the Laurel & Hardy Museum and the town's commemorative statue is a pilgrimage point for comedy fans - Stan Laurel was born in the town in 1890. Gillam's has been gathering celebrity fans too - from Hollyoaks cast members to Dave Myers (chef and BBC Hairy Biker). "One of my favourite walks is up Hoad Hill in Ulverston then tea at Gillam's tearoom with their fantastic mushrooms on toast" Myers enthused in Cumbria Life magazine.
64 Market Street, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7LT / 01229 587564 / www.gillams-tearoom.co.uk
Also in the area in a previous winner of The Tea Guild's Top Tea Place and a consistent Award of Excellence winner, Hazelmere Cafe. Visit the cafe in the seaside town of Grange-over-Sands for homemade foodie treats and almost thirty types of tea to try.
1 Yewbarrow Terrace, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6ED / 01539 532972 / www.hazelmerecafe.co.uk
Edinburgh
If you're heading to the Edinburgh International Arts Festival, or it's edgy sibling, Fringe, make sure you fit in time for afternoon tea. Running from August 14th - September 6th the Festivals offer a packed timetable of art, music and theatre with events held all over the city. Do schedule in time for afternoon tea on your trip though!
The Balmoral is a five-star hotel on Princes Street, Edinburgh's chicest and most central shopping street. Afternoon tea here is equally elegant! Taking place in The Drawing Room or The Palm Court afternoon tea guests are serenaded by a harpist and served exquisite treats. Sandwiches include salmon, cucumber and creme fraiche; honey roast ham; egg mayonnaise with chive and piquillo pepper and Scottish beef and red onion marmalade. As is traditional, savouries are followed with a variety of scones (choose from home made fruit, heather honey or mini chocolate varieties) which are served with clotted cream and preserves. Adding a regional touch, Balmoral shortbread and Dundee cake are also on the menu.
The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ / 0131 556 2414 / www.thebalmoralhotel.com
Alternatively tourists in Scotland's capital can visit The Exchange at The Sheraton Hotel. Close to Edinburgh Castle the hotel's Traditional Afternoon Tea includes sandwiches (we love the prawn mousse filling), bridge rolls (the roast beef is particularly tasty), scones, Scottish teacakes and a selection of exquisite pastries.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9SR / 0131 229 9131 / www.sheratonedinburgh.co.uk
The Brecon Beacons
The Welsh market town of Abergavenny, with it's 11th century caste ruins, is circled by the mountainous Brecon Beacons which make for stunning scenery on days out and drives. It's also home to The Angel Hotel. Charlotte Griffiths, The Angel's manager, reveals her favourite Summer activities in the area. "Hire a boat for the day on the tranquil Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal or follow the new 8-mile cycle route along the old railway line from Llanfoist to Brynmawr. It passes through the Clydach Gorge Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a gradual ascent up to Brynmawr - but downhill all the way back." Thank goodness! Those in search of a more leisurely sport could sign up for a spot of golf. "Enjoy a round at Monmouthshire Golf Club," advises Charlotte. "The course has been designed by James Braid of Gleneagles fame".
After all that activity settle down at the hotel for afternoon tea. Summer specialties include iced tea (made with Ceylon tea, served over ice with fresh lemon) or an Arnold Palmer (a mix of iced tea and homemade lemonade). Cakes include scrumptious strawberry shortcake filled with Jersey cream, raspberry meringues (using local free-range eggs) and warm scones accompanied with cream from a local pedigree herd of Jersey cows.
15 Cross Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5EN / 01873 857121 / www.angelhotelabergavenny.com
Why don't you keep a copy of The Tea Guild's Guide Book, Afternoon Tea - Perfect places for afternoon tea, to hand? With details of over 250 enticing venues for afternoon tea (along with fascinating features on tea) it's the tassophiles ultimate companion. Click here to buy.
Credits:
Edinburgh image from: Wayfaring.info
Ulvertson image from: Nothingtoseehere.net
Stow-on-the-Wold image from: 12go.co.uk