If St.Ives could stop feeding money into the River Tea Rooms it would spruce itself up and become…read morewhat it really needs to be. It could be a beauty. Sitting next to the River Ouse and with a lovely view of fields across to the Hemingfords, it can be a great spot to relax outside in the sun during the summer months if you're lucky enough to get a table. During the colder times you have the same view of the river but the tables are all generally facing the browning Dolphin Hotel across the way, and that's still if you're lucky enough to get a table. Don't be fooled, the popularity predominantly comes from being the only place that's not a chain or pub disguised as a coffee hangout. The atmosphere is pretty old lady stereotypical; wipeable tablecloths with garish flowery or cupcake prints, basic wooden chairs, and displays of china and cake stands. Service from behind the counter is friendly whereas those on the floor are much more flustered, dashing food from the 'kitchen' to the tables with no system other than to shout the orders and hope someone somewhere raises their hand. Even the usual garden centre system of wooden spoons with numbers on would take this up a star rating - I am not fond of hearing spontaneous shouts of "jacket potatoes" or "teacakes" during my morning cuppa. The crockery was pretty chipped and there was a strange pot of pepper packets on the table. I only went for a cup of tea, which was fine, but the cake always look temptingly handmade - much more exciting and attractive than the Costa offerings on Marketing Street. Up the cute and cozy with a dash of vintage and it could be more attractive to the younger generation. But maybe that's what they're trying to avoid? After all, it is St.Ives.

Perfect setting on the river in St Ives and even better if you're lucky enough to get the weather…read more We sat on an outside table today on a cold but sunny autumn day and it was really peaceful (with the exception of some noisy seagulls at times) in very picturesque surroundings. There was quite a long wait and the service wasn't great to be honest which is where it lost a couple of stars but this is a good place for a light snack or coffee and cake. I had a ham and red onion marmalade baguette which was yummy however they got my order wrong initially so I was left waiting a short while whilst the rest of the group were tucking into their lunch. The cakes were delicious after a difficult decision on what to get as they had a fantastic selection but the coffee was mediocre in my opinion or maybe just not strong enough like I'm accustomed to. Overall I think it is the setting and the quality of the cakes on offer that make this a lovely little tea room. It was very busy and the staff looked rushed off their feet so maybe the poor service was a one off and I would certainly try this place again.

A great place to meet up with friends over a cup of coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Pleasant staff…read morewho have never made me feel rushed and who are willing to assist when asked.

When I got there I found out it shuts before the advertised time on the web. When I pointed this…read moreout the waitress didn't care a jot even though I pointed out this could be very disappointing for customers coming from out of the area. I have several food intolerances so when asking about the ingredients in their homemade cakes I got a message back via the waitress that she can't guarantee the cakes were free from what I was intolerant to. As people with food intolerances are always ending up having to go without gorgeous food, I asked if I could have more detail of what was in the cakes so I could make a decision on what it was I could or couldn't eat, just in case there was something I could have. This was very obviously an inconvenience to the waitress and the manager who had baked them. She tried again to say she couldn't guarantee anything because obviously this was the quickest way to solve the issue for herself, but after explaining that I'd like to try to see if there was something I could eat, it was again very plain that I was wasting her time. It was late afternoon and they weren't busy, so I would have appreciated a couple of minutes of her time without the attitude. After finding out there was indeed a piece of cake I could eat, I sat down to enjoy it only to be served it with more attitude by the waitress. If she could have got away with grunting at me I sure she would have! I unfortunately had to ask for a pot of hot water as the tea didn't come with one, and AGAIN got a look saying 'are you bothering me again?!'. Cleanliness was also not great with tea-stained table clothes, dying roses on the table, and also dust on the teapot holding the roses which was next to an open sugar bowl which no doubt had the same amount of dust in it! Also, amazingly, a dog walking around the kitchen area with it's bed behind the serving counter!! (Yes, I am about to inform environmental health dept!!) Lastly, my table was being cleared before I had finished. I did notice however, that the other table still in there didn't have their table touched, so I'm guessing that was a touch of nastiness from the waitress also. I was there looking for a place to take 18-20 friends for my birthday which is coming up soon as we fancied a gorgeous afternoon tea, but we will definitely be going somewhere else after that experience!

Great little coffee/tea shop in the beautiful village of Cranford St Andrew on the outskirts of…read moreKettering. The cafe is relatively new to the village having been converted from an old blacksmiths (hence the name). The coffee shop is owned by the same couple who run the Coffee Place in Kettering and they have stuck with the same winning formula. Compact lunchtime menu with teatime treats. Home made biscuits and cakes make for good eating. The interior is contemporary while maintaining the tradition and history of the building. Everytime we have been there the place is buzzing with a good collection of locals, walkers and business people. I would strongly recommend this is place as a point to meet people or grab a coffee after a walk around the village.

As a local business owner I use The Old Forge to take my clients for refreshments, the service is…read morealways very friendly relaxed and prompt. It is in a great village location in beautiful countryside. Thanks Rob for providing me with somewhere to impress my customers. Oh the Coffees and cakes are great also. Andrew

I really wanted the traditional English tea experience and I'm so glad I came to Peacocks while in…read moreEly. The service was phenomenal and the staff were very nice. I got the full Monty and I enjoyed every second of my experience there. I highly recommend, as this is now my favorite tea room.

I frequent this tea room often, as I live close by. The service is always friendly and wonderful…read more The gardens and indoor seating are both lovely, can't go wrong with where you're seated. I love the Xmas tea, which is a special blend for them, but I've enjoyed every tea I've had. The food is tasty, I love the cream tea, sandwiches, and cakes.

We had a lovely family afternoon tea here. There is so much food you can't possibly eat it all!…read more The finger sandwiches were moist and tasty. The scones were lovely and the cakes and tarts... well, where on earth do you start?? The tea was good - we all had good old English breakfast. We did ask for more hot water, which did not materialize, but I think we were all done by then anyway. They will pack up the left-overs for you to take home without any fuss. They also have a nice little gift shop. Parking might be a challenge if school is in session and about to let out as there is only street parking and a school across the road.

The best scones I have ever had in my life. Wow. Our group had an array of cheese, fruit and plain…read morescones. The cheese scones were delicious, flavorful and pure perfection. Slightly crunchy outside but soft on the inside. The plain scones were equally amazing, but the clotted cream and jam really took them over the top for me. Just when I thought I couldn't eat anything else, we had a brownie that the group was sharing and those who had tried it insisted I have a bite. It was a collective statement that none of us had ever had a brownie so delicious. For drinks we had a variety of teas (chocolate tea, hot chocolate, etc.) and they were all wonderful. Service was a delight the entire time as well. The decor is one of a kind and every single detail had been thought out, from the framed pictures to the trinkets on display, to the seating and tablecloths. This place is a gem and I can not recommend it enough.

Driving around this area of Cambridgeshire, part of you expects to find small tea rooms tucked…read moreaway, but it's not really the case. Sadly, small tea rooms aren't really around anymore - but Teacake? Teacake bucks the trend and manages to survive in a completely residential area. It's tiny here. I'm talking 3-4 tables, so if you want to visit, go with patience! The outside is all thatched roof and pastel walls - the eptiome of quaint. Inside, you have your ordering station and small goods store on the right and the seating to the left. The cakes all looked delicious, but I went for a simple victoria sponge; it's the marker for all coffee shops and tea rooms. My mama went for a scone, laden with currants and topped with jam and cream. Everything was delicious, sweet but not overpowering, and washed down with a lovely cuppa. Soak in the surroundings and put the world to rights - just don't hog the table during busy periods!

A great little tearoom tucked away in Shepreth...small and friendly…read more We ate great Victoria sponge and a tasty scone washed down by tea and a creamy cappuccino. If you're in the area, pop in and find out for yourself.

Stumbled across this little hidden gem whilst out with my local walking group.. We just managed to…read moreget our group of 16 in the conservatory where they serve delicious cakes and tea/coffee etc. (The fresh cream Victoria sandwich was to die for).This is a newish business still developing (Nov '15) but they have some lovely craft items for sale as well as refreshments. Highly recommend.

In my opinion this tea room is amazing ! I'm not just saying this because my step mum owns it, I'm…read moresaying it because it genuinely has such a good vibe to it and all the staff are lovely. 100% would recommend to anyone passing through or if you would like a baby shower or afternoon tea.

From the owner: Buttercream Tearoom & Bakeryread more