Consumer News
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Food Drink Devon
Posted on
28 Jul 2024
Pinky fingers poised! It’s Afternoon Tea Week soon. From the traditional tower of treats to the indulgence of a proper Devon clotted cream tea … if you love scones, clotted cream, petit fours, cakes, finger sandwiches and, of course, tea then you’re in the right county.
It’s National Afternoon Tea Week from 12th – 18th August 2024, so we’ve rounded up some of the best afternoon teas and cream teas on offer in Devon.
Scroll down for fabulous places to eat, hampers to order online and a few quirky alternatives.
Places to enjoy Afternoon Tea
Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa
Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth
Partnering with renowned Champagne house Laurent-Perrier for summer 2024, elevate your afternoon with Boringdon Hall’s Laurent-Perrier Rosé Champagne Afternoon Tea. Admire the theatre of their new cake trolley, where a selection of handcrafted delicacies will be on offer, complementing the subtle notes of red berries in each sip of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Rosé.
Savour the selection of savouries, and traditional scones, cream and preserves whilst sat amongst the historic charm within the five-star manor house.
Serving daily 1-4pm throughout August, from £32.00 per person.
Book here: Afternoon Tea | Boringdon Hall
Ilsington Country House Hotel
Ilsington Village, Newton Abbot
Located in the pretty village of Ilsington, close to Haytor, this family owned hotel is the perfect spot for relaxing and unwinding. Choose between their traditional Devonshire cream tea, savoury tea, sumptuous Ilsington or savoury afternoon tea. Served 2pm-5pm.
From £11.00 for Cream Tea or £26.00 for Afternoon Tea
Bearslake Inn
Lake, Nr Okehampton
Indulge in a quintessential Pub Classics Afternoon Tea at Bearslake Inn, available daily until 30th September. From 2.45pm to 4pm, delight in a charming selection of favourite pub classics, including delicious homemade cakes, scones, and chef’s unique take on a classic Ploughman’s Lunch as your savoury delight.
Made using the freshest local Devon produce. Enjoy in the large secret garden and bring along your furry friends as they’re dog friendly too. Pre-booking is essential.
£21.95 per person. Book here.
The Bakehouse
3 High Street, Cullompton
A pot of tea for one, a choice of sandwiches, scone with clotted cream & jam, and a slice of cake from that day’s selection. Add a 200ml Bottle of Sparkling Prosecco for £7.95. Your four-legged fried is welcome too. Served 9am-4pm.
Cream Tea from £7.50, Cheese Tea from £7.95 or the full Bakehouse Afternoon Tea £17.50.
The Salutation Inn
68 Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter
Escape to one of Topsham’s grandest buildings, The Salutation Inn, for a relaxing afternoon enjoying a high tea in their light and airy GlassHouse. Choose between a Devon cream or savoury tea, full afternoon tea or treat yourself to a sparkling Nyetimber tea.
£24.50 for Afternoon Tea or £38 for Nyetimber Afternoon Tea
Occombe Farm
Occombe Farm, Preston Down Rd, Paignton
A treat for one or share with friends. Delicious farm-made scones and assorted cakes and sandwiches available in the Occombe Farm Café between 2.30pm – 4pm.
£17.95 / £34.95 or with Prosecco £21.95 / £42.95.
Booking essential. Call 01803 696255 or email here. Or click here to find out more.
Powderham Farm Shop and Bistro
Powderham Estate, Kenton, Exeter
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea with the stunning backdrop of Powderham Castle. Served daily at the Bistro between 3.00pm – 4.30pm. This can be enjoyed with a refreshing tea or fresh filter coffee (£22.95) or add a glass of Prosecco (£29.95) for that special occasion. Special dietary requirements can be catered for – please inform at the time of booking. A non-refundable £10.00 deposit per person is required when booking.
View their Afternoon Tea Menu. Book on the website here.
The Bedford Hotel
1 Plymouth Rd, Tavistock
The Bedford Hotel is situated in the centre of Tavistock and offers a relaxing setting where you can enjoy their full afternoon tea service or the simple pleasures of their Devon cream tea. The Duchess of Bedford afternoon tea is served with a selection of sandwiches, home baked scones, strawberry jam, Devon clotted cream, homemade cakes or your choice of hot drink.
From £8.00 for Cream Tea, The Duchess of Bedford Afternoon Tea £23.00 or £28.50 for Sparkling Afternoon Tea.
Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen
China Blue, Station Rd, Totnes
Indulge in an array of homemade delights that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without the perfect cuppa or coffee! £20pp. Want to add a little glamour to your afternoon? You can enjoy Prosecco for an extra £5.00. If the sun’s out then there’s a beautiful terrace to take tea on too! Please note – cakes and sandwiches may differ from the photo.
The Garden Restaurant at RHS Rosemoor
Great Torrington
Enjoy gorgeous garden views while you treat someone special to a delicious range of sweet and savoury, seasonal flavours, accompanied by a glass of Prosecco at RHS Rosemoor’s Garden Restaurant.
Savour crayfish, lemon and dill finger sandwiches; mushroom, Devon Blue and rocket tarts; rose and rhubarb drizzle and Pimm’s and garden mint granitas plus, of course, a traditional Devon cream tea (vegan and vegetarian variations available). You won’t be disappointed – but you will have to book in advance.
Darts Farm
Topsham
There are two lovely cafes in which to enjoy Afternoon Tea at Darts Farm.
Cow & Cacao Café
High Tea – A selection of sandwiches and sweet slices, macarons, Cow & Cacao homemade truffles, Darts Farm freshly baked scones, clotted cream & strawberry jam. Served with a choice of Brew or Ace Tea. For a special treat, add a glass of Pebblebed Sparkling. £19.50 per person (£25.00 with fizz), minimum of two people, served all day.
Devonshire Cream Tea – Darts Farm scone (fruit or plain), clotted cream and strawberry jam. Served with Brew or Ace Tea for one. £6.95
The Yard Restaurant
Darts Farm High Tea – £16.50 per person, served from 2:30pm. Minimum of two people. A selection of cakes and sandwiches, a homemade scone, clotted cream & Waterhouse Fayre strawberry jam & a choice of loose leaf tea.
Greendale Farm Shop and Kitchen
Sidmouth Road, Exeter
Join Greendale Kitchen for afternoon tea. Delicate finger sandwiches, a selection of sweet treats and (of course!) scones with jam and cream await, all served with a pot of tea. Afternoon Tea vouchers are also available as gifts.
Shilstone Cafe
Shilstone Manor, near Modbury
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, beautifully presented on a three-tied stand, in the Shilstone Cafe or outside in the courtyard, among wooden planters filled with flowers, herbs and trees providing natural booths and built-in, cushioned seating.
Enjoy a selection of finely cut finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and homemade cakes and pastries. Afternoon tea is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 3pm. Please book your table 48 hours in advance.
With acres of gardens, farmland and woodland to explore, why not stay for a little longer and enjoy a walk around our grounds. Dogs are also welcome.
£19 pp | Book here.
Salcombe Harbour Hotel
Cliff Rd, Salcombe
The Salcombe Harbour Hotel takes great pride in selecting the best local ingredients for its menu which can be enjoyed, whilst watching the boats go by, through its jaw-dropping panoramic view over Salcombe Estuary. Afternoon tea is a championed tradition here and is a highly recommended treat for yourself and your loved ones during your stay. Choose between the traditional, savoury or sparkling afternoon tea. ‘Tea for kids’ is also available for those with smaller appetites.
Cream Tea £11.95 | Afternoon Tea £29.95 | Sparkling Afternoon Tea £36.95 | Champagne Afternoon Tea £42.95
The Arundell
Lifton, Devon
In an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Arundell is tucked away on the Cornwall-Devon border and is known to be Devon’s favourite rural hotel for exploring the countryside. Head Chef, Phillip Old, offers a quintessentially British experience when enjoying his afternoon tea or cream tea.
From £9.50 for Cream Tea and £19.50 for Afternoon Tea.
Valley View Cafe
Rake Farm, Loddiswell, Kingsbridge
The names says it all, this is the place to enjoy delicious food and a stunning view across the glorious valley and River Avon. The friendly team are there to welcome you for Afternoon Tea, cream teas and much much more.
£30 with tea or £35 with Prosecco for two people. Mon-Sat 12-4pm and Sun 12-3pm. No booking necessary.
Orestone Manor
Orestone Manor, Rock House Ln, Torquay
Set in the pretty South Devon coastal village of Maidencombe, Orestone Manor has spectacular sea views across Lyme Bay and beyond. Afternoon tea is available in the newly decorated bay restaurant and includes a selection of fingers sandwiches and cakes, homemade scone and Orestone preserve with Devon clotted cream. Served 2.30pm-3.30pm, Wednesday – Saturday.
From £10.00 for Cream Tea, £22.00 for Afternoon Tea or £28.50 with fizz.
The Lime Tree
Cullompton High Street
Freshly baked scone with Roddas clotted cream and Hogs Bottom Farm jam. Served with a trio of cakes and petit fours to tickle the taste buds. You can pick three different sandwich fillings per person.
All served with an English Breakfast tea. £14.95 pp or with a glass of Prosecco £17.85.
Winslade Manor
Clyst St Mary, Exeter
On the outskirts of Exeter, surrounded by 86 acres of stunning parkland, Winslade Manor will give you a feeling of understated luxury and offers a pretty perfect place to unwind. Delicious sandwiches, scones and pastries and an assortment of cakes.
£35 per person / £45 with a glass of champagne
Cottage Hotel
Hope Cove, Kingsbridge, Devon
Situated in a superb location overlooking Bigbury bay, this charming traditional family run hotel is known for its cuisine and hospitality. Their cream teas and afternoon teas are created using ingredients from a selection of local producers and are available to enjoy in the comfort of the bar lounge or outside on the terrace. 24 hours notice needed.
From £8.50 for Cream Tea or from £16.50 for Afternoon Tea
Taylor’s of Tavistock
22 Market St, Tavistock
Served on Friday and Saturday afternoons with two options – the Taylors Afternoon Tea (£17.95) with tea or coffee, a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade quiche, pork and poppy seed sausage rolls, Devon scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, homemade cakes and mini macarons; or Deluxe with the addition of chilled Prosecco (£22.00). Please book in advance.
Places to enjoy a good old Devon Cream Tea
Otterton Mill
Otterton, East Devon
With a freshly baked fruit or plain scone from the Mill’s artisan bakery, award winning Waterhouse Fayre jam and luxurious clotted cream, Otterton Mill’s cream teas are a firm favourite and rightly famous! Enjoy with local tea, coffee or a glass of fizz. A winning combination and a perfect Devon Cream Tea. Gluten free options available too. Visit the website here.
Venus Cafés
Teignmouth & Broadsands
There is no better place to enjoy a traditional cream tea than by the sea. So come to the beach and enjoy Venus’ classic cream tea of homemade scones with lashings of clotted cream and Cornish strawberry jam with a pot of tea. Available at Venus Cafes in Teignmouth and Broadsands every day. Not only will you enjoy a delicious cream tea, but also a fantastic sea view.
Bayards Kitchen
Shinners Bridge, Dartington, Totnes
Located at the Cider Press Centre, Bayards Kitchen is a family-run restaurant which serves delicious, home cooked food. After a spot of shopping, you can pop in for one of the Bayards Cream or Savoury Teas. If savoury is more your thing, you’ll enjoy a homemade cheese scone with local chutney, cream cheese and a hot drink of your choice.
From £8.00
Perfect Waves Café
Owens Roastery, Ivybridge
Visit Owens Coffee’s Perfect Waves Café at The Roastery in Ivybridge just two minutes off the A38 next to Endsleigh Garden Centre. Here, you can taste their Devonshire Tea as well as buy some to take at home. The café is a cosy spot where you can enjoy a perfect cuppa, as well as enjoy freshly roasted coffee, along with light snacks, delicious cakes and pastries, and of course, scones, jam and cream!
Afternoon tea with a twist?
Gotland Gin Afternoon G&Tea
Highampton, Devon.
The beautiful countryside of West Devon is the setting for the Gotland Gin Afternoon G&Tea. This spirited take the classic includes sandwiches with fillings from artisans Curworthy Cheese and Blakewell Fisheries, followed by locally-made Ginger Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. There’s also Lingonberry brownies, sheep-shaped shortbreads, a Cloudberry muffin, and a Gotland Gin Blush jelly – all enjoyed with a London Dry G&T and a spectacular view. Book a Gotland Gin G & Tea
Westloaf Teabread
Enjoy the royalty of teabreads at home or out in the Devon countryside. Westloaf uses organic and local wholemeal flour from a farm using shire horses to work their land. Figs, apricots and sultanas are plumped in Earl Grey tea and mixed with toasted pecans to create a delicious, satisfying and energy giving slice! An apricot glaze makes this wholesome loaf irresistible.
Enjoy spread with some farmhouse butter and a cup of Earl Grey for the perfect afternoon tea treat! Order here: westloaf.co.uk
Quickes Cheese Afternoon Tea
Filled with a mouth-watering selection of cheese and artisan sweet treats, The Quicke’s Afternoon Tea Hamper is perfect for gifting to food lovers or enjoyed during an indulgent afternoon in the comfort of your home or garden. Three award winning cheddars, Peter’s Yard crackers, Claire’s preserve, Exmoor Tea, a whole Mrs Gill’s fruitcake and clotted cream shortbread. It’s a novel and tasty take on the traditional afternoon tea!
Order a Devon Cream Tea by post
Waterhouse Fayre
Cream tea by post! Award-winning handmade Devon jams and preserves producer, Waterhouse Fayre, offer a range of delicious cream teas for nationwide delivery, including traditional, savoury, gluten free, and low sugar cream teas. All of which are delivered with Language Farm clotted cream and Devon tea.
Order a 2-scone cream tea for £20, up to and 8-scone cream tea for £36.
Greendale Farm Shop
If you can’t make it to the Greendale café, enjoy a Greendale Afternoon Tea in the comfort of your own home instead; Afternoon Tea Gift Boxes are filled with scones, cream and jam, plus West Country Tea and a selection of bite-sized treats from the Greendale Bakery.
Order an Afternoon Tea Gift Box
Porsham Cakes
Tamerton Foliot, PL5 4LJ
Minimum order two people. Call Tanya on 07966 627861 to discuss requirements, and why not add some delicious, award winning chocolate brownies!?
Choose only Devonshire Tea for your afternoon tea?
Owens Coffee offer a small, high-quality range of teas through sister company, Devonshire Tea. They are all about simple blends of classic teas from around the world, lovingly created in the south west. The teas are high-grade and sourced from ethical estates to protect tea workers and their environment, blended and packed in the UK into plastic-free teabags.
The Devonshire Tea selection includes Classic Breakfast a robust and full-bodied tea, perfect for starting your day. Earl Grey a fragrant blend with a hint of bergamot. Winner of a Food Drink Devon Gold Producers Award in 2022. Buy a mix of Classic Breakfast and Earl Grey here.
Devon Hampers
Cream Tea and Afternoon Tea by post with a huge choice of contents to go into the sturdy cardboard delivery box, with gift card and free delivery.
Over to you!
We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than relaxing with friends over delicious sweet or savoury treats and a cup of Earl Grey or – if you’re in the mood to celebrate – a glass of fizz.
If you’ve found a favourite we haven’t mentioned, let us know on socials. We’re @fooddrinkdevon everywhere.
