FOOD + DRINK
IT’ S TIME FOR Tea & Cake!
THINK OF SOMETHING QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH AND YOU MIGHT COME UP WITH A WHOLE RANGE OF THINGS FROM A SUMMER SPENT AT THE SEASIDE TO DONKEY RIDES TO AGATHA CHRISTIE TO THE QUEEN TO JAMES BOND TO PICNICS IN THE RAIN … AND ALL THE REST THAT GOES WITH THIS SCEPTERED ISLE OF OURS. NOW IMAGINE ANY OF THOSE THINGS MENTIONED ABOVE, OR THAT YOU CAME UP WITH YOURSELF, WITHOUT THE ADDITION OF TEA AND CAKE.
It can’ t be done. As English as it gets, the tradition of tea and cake in the afternoon is one that dates back to the 1880s when Anna, seventh duchess of Bedford, fancied a snack between lunch and dinner. She chose sandwiches, cake, and a perfect pot of tea. She began to invite friends round to‘ take tea’ with her, and soon enough this practice became a well-loved tradition nationwide. Everyone wanted to be like the fashionable and beautiful duchess.
And now that you all fancy a slice of cake and a pot of tea, here are the best places across Kent to find them.
Biscuit’ s Tearoom // Wye
The menu at Biscuit’ s Tearoom has everything the hungry traveler might care for including, of course, some superb cakes and teas. Ingredients are fresh and local, and the love and care put into each creation is there for all to see. Perry Court Farm, Canterbury Road, Wye TN25 4ES www. perrycourt. farm
The Orchards Café // East Malling
The Orchards Event Venue in East Malling is a great space to hold meetings and conferences, but the attached café is the real star, providing homemade, locally sourced treats to anyone who wants to try them. New Road, East Malling ME19 6BJ www. theorchardseastmalling. co. uk
The Yarrow Hotel // Broadstairs
Mouthwateringly delicious scones, cakes and biscuits all served with a pot of scrumptious tea is what awaits you at the Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs. Come in for a rest and enjoy the hospitality and great food. Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs CT10 1PN www. yarrowhotel. co. uk
Orangery Tearooms // Whitstable
Every day there are freshly baked scones to whet your appetite, and if that doesn’ t appeal( unlikely, but possible) then there are plenty of other cakes to choose from too. Take your scone, cake and pot of tea into the tearoom gardens that enjoy grand views over Whitstable Castle and out to see when the weather is good( the gardens are open from April to October). 15 Tower Hill, Whitstable CT5 2BW www. whitstablecastle. co. uk
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