Tea with History

For me, the most exciting part of any holiday is the unexpected. I mean, sure I like to do the popular sights but I’m always looking out for something the tourist guide may have overlooked and discover a new place or experience unspoilt by crowds of regular tourists.

And I don’t mean any exotic find, off the beaten path. Just experiencing something simple, preferably local yet special. It’s what really gives you a peek into the ethos of the region you’re visiting. I have a fondness for the quaint and seek out charming little shops or cafés when travelling.

On a recent jaunt to Plymouth, my husband and I discovered a local treasure, The Tudor Rose Tea rooms located in a Tudor House dating back to the 1640s. We were ambling along one of the oldest cobbled streets in Plymouth, soaking in the atmosphere and admiring the ancient buildings when we came upon this quaint little place. What better way to experience the famous Devon cream tea than at a historical site?

The very friendly Chef informed us that the house belonged to a wealthy merchant in the Elizabethan age. The tea rooms had the original antique heavy teak tables and chairs owned by its former occupants and had some lovely vintage tea ware displayed. It still had the original banister & staircase intact. The floors were gently sloping, a typical characteristic of the era we were informed. At the back of the house was a pretty garden where perhaps the lady of the house would have entertained in summer.

The cream tea arrived with 2 scones - a fruit and a plain, lovingly dusted with icing sugar placed on a pretty white paper lace doily served with fresh strawberry jam and clotted cream. It was just gorgeous and more than lived up to my expectations.

We were so thrilled with the experience that we returned the next day to sample some more of their lovely food. This time we sat in the garden as it was sunny and very pleasant. The breakfast of crispy flaky croissants and crisp golden French toast was just what one needed to make one's day! That was topped by delicious apple pie which came highly recommended by the chef....scrumptious pastry and not filled with soggy stewed apples but a very nice and light apple-cinnamon filling. It was a perfect way to end a relaxing weekend.

We were very sorry to leave the place.