Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia (Spring 2014)

Celebrating A Great British Tradition: Afternoon Tea!

Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia

Featured Tea Spots: Earith Houghton Old Hurst April 2014 Spring Issue

Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia

Spring 2014

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 the experience! 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.

Inside this issue .................

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Map of East Anglia ....

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After a weekend of sipping tea and sampling cakes at local tea rooms, my tea-cup companion commented that I had been to so many tea rooms that I should make a guide for others to follow. What a wonderful excuse to indulge in maple walnut cakes and egg and crescent sandwiches!

Afternoon Tea ............

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Riverview Tea Room ....

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Houghton Tea Room.....

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This issue marks the inaugural release of a quarterly publication, ‘Tea Room Treasures’, featuring three establishments situated in the rustic and rural East Anglia countryside. I will survey both boutique and chain tea rooms with equal zest and diligence with the goal of keeping like-minded tea room connoisseurs up to date on places I’ve visited and the yummy things I’ve tasted.

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

Tea Notes

The Eccentric Englishman...

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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 Image credits: all images and content are by CA Eccles unless otherwise indicated. All works under copyright.

Front: Daffodils line the path at All Saints Church, Hartford, near the River Great Ouse Left: Classic Afternoon Tea tray Back: Another classic Afternoon Tea tray © CA Eccles 2014 All rights reserved.

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Tea Room Treasures

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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 little ceremony was served a pot of tea and a light snack of cakes and sandwiches.

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Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford (3 September 1783 – 3 July 1857) (courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

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Spring 2014

The Tea Room Awards: Stiff Competition!

A hearty version of 'afternoon tea', Riverview Guest House and Tea room, Earith

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. For 2013, the Goring Hotel earned the top London Afternoon Tea award!

I am not a Tea Guild expert nor am I an expert of any kind; the criteria I use when visiting tea shops are far less sophisticated.

I look for just-right scones with fresh clotted cream, a wide selection of rich homemade tea cakes, and delectable finger sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients, served with a smile and in a warm, relaxing, and charming setting.

And let’s not forget...a perfectly brewed cup of tea!

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The U.K. Tea Council is an independent body that promotes tea, and its history.

Under the Council’s guidance, tea experts covertly visit establishments and score them using sixteen categories including décor, cleanliness, and staff attitudes and of course a variety of tea-related tests such as appearance, flavor, and staff knowledge.

Porcelain, bone china, or other glazed stoneware is better for retaining heat and will garner a higher score by the Tea Guild judges than pots made from aluminum, pewter, or enamel.

The type, shape, and size of cups are also important and can affect the heat retention.

Visit The UK Tea Council’s website, www.tea.co.uk for more information on membership on tea, the tea guild, and more!

Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia

Menu The menu is a diverse mix of British classics such as scrambled eggs on toast and full English breakfast with vegetarian options to the traditional ploughman’s lunch and jacket potatoes. Specials also include warm salmon steak and prawn salad and classic Welsh rarebit.

Old Riverview Guest House & Tea Rooms, (Earith) Rising from the ashes of its former lives as an historic coaching inn and, much later, a pub—the Old Riverview Guest House and Tea Room in Earith successfully reacquaints travelers with 19th century charm and high quality quintessential British fayre.

The establishment was extensively refurbished with an eye toward preserving the inn’s

heritage while ensuring luxury comfort and modern amenities, and locally sourced quality cuisine that supports the surrounding community. This sleepy village tea room has it all: country charm, character, and genuine warmth, mixed with quality food and great service and should be on every tea room connoisseur's list to visit!

Hours______ Mon/Tues: Closed Weds: 11.30a-4.00p Thu-Sun: 9.30a-4.00p

Parking_____ A car park is directly across from the inn at the Riverview public park and is free of charge.

Contact_____ Tel: 01487 841405 Website: www.stivesguesthouse.co.uk 8

37 High Street, Earith, Cambridgeshire PE283PP I opted for the Afternoon Tea Platter, a hearty selection of finger sandwiches and cakes made from locally sourced goods. A pot of loose-leaf Earl Grey in a charming mixed crock setting accompanied a lumberjack-sized portion of cheddar cheese, salmon, hearty ham, and classic cool cucumber sandwiches. Sharing the large plate were extra large slices of freshly made lemon tart cream cake and walnut fruit carrot cake topped with cream cheese icing. A warm soft brownie and a classic fruit scone with fresh jam and clotted cream rounded out the ends.

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Spring 2014

“The Afternoon Tea Platter is a seriously hearty meal! Bring a friend and an appetite!�

Lemon Tart Cake and Walnut Fruit Carrot Cake (above); tea cup and other period elements (right)

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Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia

Menu Cakes, scones, and sandwiches are baked fresh daily by the tea room's owner, who also runs St. Neot’s Cakes providing signature made-to-order wedding or special events cakes.

The tea room offers a light lunch menu including toasted ham and cheese sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and piping hot soup.

Houghton Tea Room (Houghton) The Houghton Tea Room is one of Huntingdon's newest tea rooms bringing the delectable St. Neot's Cakes to the Huntingdon area. Situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Houghton, the tea room is fast becoming a popular stopping point for visitors to the historic Houghton Mill and a mainstay meeting place for the locals, too!

The tea room occupies a cozy corner of an historic bloc in Houghton, and the tea room’s layout provides comfortable seating in a bright and cheerful setting. The Houghton Tea Room is a wonderful addition to an historic village. Step into this cozy tea room and you will feel instantly at home, with friendly service and excellent fayre.

Hours______ Mon-Weds: Closed Thu-Sun: 10.00a-4.00p

Parking_____ Some free parking is at the Pavilion across the street, or pay to park at he historic mill just down the street from the tea room .

Contact_____ Tel: 07834 391995 Website: http:// www.stneotscakes.co. uk/houghton-tearoom/ 10

Mill Street, Houghton, Cambridgeshire PE282AZ I chose a freshly baked classic scone with a light dusting of confectioner's sugar, clotted cream, and tub of strawberry jam and a healthy slice of coffee-walnut cake. The scone’s flakey exterior hid a surprisingly light and fluffy interior that was moist but not heavy. But, it was the coffee-walnut cake that won top prize! The coffee-infused whipped frosting was luxuriously smooth with a melt-in-your mouth sensation. Time stood still with every bite! While flavorful, the topping did not overpower the wonderfully nutty maple-walnut moist cake--a truly tasty combination.

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Spring 2014

“Chase away the blues with a hearty slice of carrot cake and classic English Breakfast tea!”

Made-to-order Valentine’s Day cake (above); creamed tea and cake in the cozy tea room (right)

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Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia

Menu The Eccentric Englishman offers a wide range of baked cakes and specialty creamed teas. The tea room proudly touts fresh baked goods and prepared onsite using, whenever possible, locally sourced ingredients.

The menu is as diverse as the farm itself, offering classics such as the English Ploughman to specialty items including Johnson's famous “Crocbuster”.

There are children-sized portions as well.

The Eccentric Englishman (Old Hurst) The Eccentric Englishman’s Tea Room is neatly tucked within Johnson’s of Old Hurst Butchery and Farm Shop, a sprawling working farm with local farmreared traditional and specialty meats. Roughly five miles northeast of Houghton on the A141, the farm includes a butcher and deli, a local goods and produce shop, a playground, reindeer and

crocodile farms, and a small steam locomotive, which runs mostly on the weekends. Set in a red brick building opposite the deli shop, the tea room exudes a Scandinavian pine lodge and rustic English countryside charm, and is the perfect spot for a nice chat over creamed tea or a hearty English breakfast or lunch!

Hours______ Tues-Fri: 9.30a-4.30p Sat: 9.00a –4.30p

Parking_____ There is ample parking behind the church., and there is signs to direct Access. There is also limited parking in Johnson’s Butchery courtyard.

Contact_____ Tel: 01487 822997 Website: www.johnsonsofoldhurst.c o.uk/tea_rooms.asp

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Church Farm, Church Street, Old Hurst, Huntingdon, CAMBS PE28 3AF I started with a classic creamed tea with a plain scone and a pot of Earl Gray and added a hearty slice of coffee maple walnut cake--a local favorite! Bakers quick-freeze morning-baked scones to lock in freshness; they are then carefully reheated on demand and served with Devonshire clotted cream and locally produced raspberry jam. The perfectly toasted scone followed by rich mocha frosting and walnut-topped sponge cake is a truly delightful combination!

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Spring 2014

“With crocodiles, tractors, and fabulous creamed tea, the Eccentric Englishman is a hit with locals of all ages!”

Children’s playground (above) and a sun-filled terrace (right) 13

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Tea Room Treasures of East Anglia

Special Thanks!

A special thanks to owners Jayne (Old Riverview Guest House & Tea room), Lyn (Houghton Tea Room), and Tracy (Eccentric Englishmen) for granting me permissions 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! 

Peacock’s Tea Room (Ely) charming inside and out; a true gem of a tea room.

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Serendipity Coffee House (Godmanchester) blends modern classic décor with down-home service and fayre.

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The Old Bridge Hotel (Huntingdon) offers historic ambiance and millionaire shortbread fit for nobility.

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Spring 2014

Earth is home to billions of people all 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  Documentary/Video Journalism Channel 7 Film Production Company  Set Photographer

PADI-certified SCUBA Diver

@CindyEccles

CA Eccles

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 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 own travel blog—“ON the Beaten Path”—highlighting travel experiences to already popular tourist places but with an eye toward enjoying the same ‘beaten path’, just the same!

Cindy is also a professional photographer delving into the landscape, travel, and heritage genres. Her focus on life in Sanliurfa ,Turkey was exhibited by the Los Angeles Photo Festival in April. Cindy’s images and articles have also been published by the Royal Photographic Society and the US Department of Defense.

You can keep up with Cindy’s adventures and view her latest photo galleries by visiting www.caeccles.com, and she can be reached by email at caeccles@caeccles.com.

www.flickr.com/photos/caeccles/

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