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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