Celebrating A Great British Tradition: Afternoon Tea!
Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia
Featured Tea Spots: St. Neots Barton St. Ives March 2015 Spring Issue
Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia
Spring 2015
Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia Tea Notes My search for the quintessentially British afternoon tea experience began in 2012 when I reviewed London’s top tea rooms to visit during celebrations marking the Queen’s Jubilee. As an expat from Alaska, the idea of ‘afternoon tea’ was as alien to me as a warm day in February is to the folks in Barrow! And, while I do not present myself to be an expert in the fine art of brewing the perfect cup of tea, I do enjoy visiting new places. London may have the posh experience, but I had to believe East Anglia would also be full of tea rooms bursting with character and serving up traditional British fayre.
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” (Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady—1843-1916)
Inside this issue Tea Notes
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Map of East Anglia ....
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Afternoon Tea ............
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Betty Bumble................
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The Barn Tea Rooms ...
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Slepe Hall Hotel …......
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Special Thanks!.............
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Summer Issue Preview....
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About the Author…….
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Image Credits However, I do pay for every scrumptious bite and sip, and while the proprietors have granted me permission to image and include their establishment in this publication, they do not sponsor me, this publication, or any of my other works. So, pour yourself a ‘cuppa’ and lather up a scone with your favorite clotted cream and preserves and enjoy a short tour through a few of East Anglia’s own tea room treasures! ~CA Eccles
Image credits: all images and content provided by CA Eccles, unless otherwise indicated. All works under copyright restrictions. Front: Sunrise through crumbling remains of an historic building Left: Classic “Afternoon Tea” tray, Slepe Hall Hotel/Ramsey’s Brasserie Back: Vintage vase and tea set at Betty Bumbles Vintage Tea Room, St. Neots © CA Eccles 2015 All rights reserved.
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Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia
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Spring 2015
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Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia
Afternoon Tea: A brief history What better way to experience Great Britain than to participate in “afternoon tea”, a British tradition that began in the early 19th century when a noble woman felt hungry! Today, the event is replete with pomp and ceremony, with classic and specialty teas and scrumptious cakes and
sandwiches. In England, there is at least one pub in every village, and the same almost holds true for tea rooms. One can enjoy formal afternoon tea at high society establishments in London such as The Ritz or The Savoy, or relax in a rural countryside atmosphere found in local villages throughout the United Kingdom!
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” (Henry James, 1843-1916, from ‘A Portrait of a Lady’)
Origins "Afternoon tea" began in the early nineteenth century when only two main meals--breakfast and a late dinner--were served. Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained of a “sinking feeling” in the late afternoon and with none of the current pomp and ceremony was served a pot of tea and a light snack of sandwiches and cake. 6
Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford (3 September 1783 – 3 July 1857) (courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
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The Tea Room Awards: Stiff Competition! The U.K. Tea and Infusions Association (formerly the U.K. Tea Council) is an independent body promoting tea and its history.
Perfect cup of tea at Unique Tea rooms, Castle Rising
Whatever your preference, there is a style to suit all tastes. For all of its pleasantries and traditions, afternoon tea is also big business, and recognition by The Tea Guild (founded in 1985 to recognize and promote businesses dedicated to brewing and serving tea) is an incentive. Competition is stiff as tea rooms across the United Kingdom go ‘tea cup’ to ‘tea cup’ for one of the coveted Top Tea Places awards. I am not a Tea Guild expert nor am I a tea room expert of any kind; the criteria I use when visiting tea shops are far less sophisticated. I look for warm toasted scones, with fresh cream and preserves, and a selection of rich homemade cakes, finger sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients, and friendly service in a relaxing and charming setting. And let’s not forget...a perfectly brewed cup of tea!
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Under the Association’s guidance, tea experts covertly visit establishments and score them using sixteen different categories including décor, cleanliness, and staff attitudes along with a variety of tearelated tests such as appearance, flavor, and staff knowledge. For example, porcelain, bone china, or other glazed stoneware is better for retaining heat and will garner a higher score than pots made from aluminum, pewter, or enamel. Visit www.tea.co.uk or www.afternoontea.co.uk/teaguild-members or more information on membership and more!
Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia
Menu Betty’s serves a variety of breakfast and lunch fares from a three-tiered breakfast of muffins, croissants, and jams to a house special toastie! They serve both afternoon and high tea and a wonderful assortment of cakes and ice creams. Try the classic banana split!
Betty Bumbles Vintage Tea Rooms (St. Neots) Tucked along the busy Market Square in St. Neots is Betty Bumbles Vintage Tea Rooms— and it definitely exudes a charming vintage! The owners took great care to dress each room with period décor, and visitors will feel as if they have stepped back in time. From an-
tique furniture, to a variety of patterned tea ware, Betty’s gives meaning to the phrase “the good ole days”! Watch passersby from the charming front room, or bask in the cheerful upstairs parlor. Either way, taking tea at Betty’s will surely brighten your day!
Hours______ Mon-Weds: 9.00a-4.00p Thu-Sat: 9.00a-5.00p Sun: 10.00a-4.00p
Parking_____ A car park is located directly in front of Betty’s but is only a short-stay (30m-1hr); longer-term parking is available at The Priory .
Contact_____ Tel: 01480 211496 Web: http:// bettybumblesvintagetearooms.com 8
30 Market Square, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 2AF I started off with a classic creamed tea with a strong pot of Earl Grey and freshly toasted plain scone with luscious raspberry preserves and clotted cream. For its ample size and shape, the scone was surprisingly light. To top off the light snack, I had to sample the toffee chip carrot cake. The rich, thick caramel frosting with chips of chewy toffee was the perfect topper for this exceptionally moist and flavorful dream cake. Each bite melted in my mouth!
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“The vintage décor and ambiance gives Betty’s its wonderful charm!”
Toffee Chip Carrot Cake (top); bright and cheery tea room (above); glass-covered cakes (right)
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Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia
Menu The Barn Tea Rooms provides both breakfast and lunch fayres from a classic eggs on toast to made-to-order sandwiches. Breakfast is served until 11.30, whereas lunch is served between 12-2.30p.
The Barn Tea Rooms (Barton) The Barn Tea Rooms, located on Burwash Manor grounds, is pleasantly situated near the quaint village of Barton, just off the M11 near Cambridge. The Barn Tea Rooms is aptly named, as the welcoming establishment is built inside an historic barn and is decorated with period country charm. The farm-style furnishings in the interior are
warm and inviting, while the outside seating area provides amble space for larger parties or if you just want to enjoy the countryside scenery and spring weather. In addition to the tea room, Burwash Manor also hosts independent local shops, a day spa, and a children’s play area. So, make a day of it with the family!
Hours______ Mon-Fri: 10.00a-4.30p Sat: 10.00a - 5.00p
Sun: 11.00a - 5.00p
Parking_____ There is ample parking at Burwash Manor, with a short walk from the lot to the main shops. There is some accessible parking closer to the tea rooms.
Contact_____ Tel: 01223 264821 Website: http:// www.burwashmanor.c om/01_shops_tbtr.asp 10
New Road, Cambridge, Barton CB23 7EY Snuggled into a cozy corner , I sampled the Barn Tea Room’s classic creamed tea, with a fresh butter scone, locally sourced preserves and cream, and a pot of English Breakfast. The raspberry preserves had a nice zippy tartness, which was offset by the freshly whipped cream. The scone, itself, was soft and light, and was just the right size to accompany the hearty serving of coffee-walnut cake dusted with chocolate powder. The coffee-infused frosting was rich and creamy, but did not overpower the lightly spiced cake. While flavorful, this delightful treat was not overly rich and you won’t feel the least bit guilty for indulging!
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“It’s warm and inviting, and the coffee cake with dusted chocolate is heavenly!”
A lightly toasted scone with preserves (above); antique, country barn motif decor (right)
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Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia
Slepe Hall Hotel (St. Ives)
Menu In addition to a traditional English breakfast menu, the Hotel Bar offers some classic nibblers such as Crispy squid with aioli or specialty salads such as the Chili fried king prawns on an oriental salad. In addition to High Tea, The Hotel Bar also offers the classic cream tea. Looking for something a little more special? Try the Champagne High Tea featuring Louis Roedere Champagne or shake off the work-day blues with a Cocktail High Tea with a glass teapot filled with your favorite cocktail. Now that’s a twist!
If you really want to test a tea room’s services, visit them for high tea on Valentine’s Day! I am happy to report, Slepe Hall Hotel was equal to the challenge providing a delightful afternoon tea and relaxing ambiance with cheerful and attentive wait-staff. Slepe Hall is just off the A1123 in the bustling village of St. Ives (Cambridgeshire vice Cornwall). Visitors can either dine in the
upscale Ramsey’s Brasserie or enjoy a cozy bite by the fire in the elegant Hotel Bar. Both locations provide excellent fayre and friendly service. Slepe Hall also has ample terrace seating for those warm summer days. For those looking for a night out, The Hotel Bar does host live music Check the website for more details!
Hours______ Mon-Sun: 11am—Late Breakfast Mon-Fri: 7-10am Sat/Sun: 8-10am
Parking_____ There is ample free parking both in front of and to the side of Slepe Hall.
Contact_____ Tel: 01480 300706 Website: www.slepehallhotel.co.uk
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Ramsey Road, St. Ives, CAMBS PE27 5RB To celebrate Valentine’s Day, I opted for the classic “High Tea” (see inside cover) with a pot of Earl Gray. The sultana scone’s light crusty exterior smothered in strawberry jam and rich cream was delightful. But the unique twists on classic ham finger sandwich with signature zesty spread was definitely inspired! This was topped off with decadent millionaire shortbread and fresh fruit in a cream-filled merengue cup. Even for one, High Tea at Slepe Hall made for a perfect Valentine’s Day feast!
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“Whether in the cozy bar or upscale Ramsey’s brasserie, you can’t go wrong with High Tea!”
Tasty bites from “High Tea” (top); fresh fruit merengue cup (above); relaxing on the terrace (right) 13
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Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia
Special Thanks! A special thanks to the owners of Betty Bumbles Vintage Tea Rooms, The Barn Tea Rooms, and Slepe Hall for granting me permission to highlight their establishments!
Summer Issue Preview The next “Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia” issue will be released in June and will feature the following tea room treasures!
Harris and Hoole (Huntingdon)
Cambridge Belfry (Cambourne)
Woodfarm House - Royal Sandringham (Norfolk).
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Earth is home to billions of people with rich cultures, traditions, histories, and perspectives. Writer and photographer Cindy A Eccles (aka CA Eccles) seeks to capture these and other wonders of life through both word and sight. Her goal: bridging geographic and cultural divides to build trust and tolerance so that we can all appreciate and celebrate our uniqueness and commonalities with mutual respect.
CA Eccles Writer/Photographer Member, Royal Photographic Society Archaeology/Heritage Group Travel Group Channel 7 Film Production Company Set Photographer PADI-certified SCUBA Diver
Cindy has advanced degrees in archaeology/anthropology and international relations, and a post-graduate degree in journalism. She has published both fiction and non-fiction works, including former Senator William Coxon’s papers (19301960) on his pursuits to understand and document petroglyphs. Cindy also writes for the Heritage Daily magazine and blogs on issues concerning risks to world heritage. Separately, Cindy contributes to travel magazines and news outlets on a variety of travel-related topics. You can also follow her travel blog—“ON the Beaten Path”—highlighting travel experiences to lesser known gems within already popular tourist destinations. One does not need to travel “off the beaten path” to have a memorable or enjoyable experience!
@CindyEccles
Cindy is also a professional photographer with interests in the landscape, travel, and heritage genres. Images from her series on life in Sanliurfa ,Turkey was exhibited by the Los Angeles Photo Festival in April, and Cindy’s images and articles have been published by the Royal Photographic Society, International Living Magazine, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
CA Eccles
You can keep up with Cindy’s adventures and view her latest photo galleries by visiting www.earthlifephotography.com, and she can be reached by email at caeccles@earthlifephotography.com.
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