This week we are celebrating National Afternoon Tea Week, and what better reason is there to indulge in some of the best cream teas you can find near our cottages. Cornwall is famous for its delicious afternoon teas too – so why not find some fun facts about afternoon tea too!
Fun facts:
Did you know, the person who is closest to the tea pot when it’s placed on the table is meant to the person to pour – starting with their own cup! According to a recent survey by Churchill Home Insurance, the British nation spends around £567 million towards afternoon teas, from buying the teapots to the food.
Whether you are in Cornwall or Devon depends on what goes first – jam or cream. Here in Cornwall it goes jam first then cream – and makes for a perfect picture of your delicious scone. There is also an issue about pouring milk first. That depends on the fancy china, traditionally milk was put into cups first to protect the fine bone china from the heat of boiling tea.
Afternoon tea started back in the 1800s when they would usually have two meals, breakfast and dinner. Then Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained of ‘that sinking feeling’ during the later afternoon, which she overcame with tea and a light snack. Fast forward to present day, and because of lunch, we now consider afternoon tea more of a luxury, but we jump at any chance to indulge in some cucumber sandwiches and a scone!
Where in Cornwall:
Picnic Cornwall, Falmouth
This independent cafe and delicatessen in Falmouth is a great place to stop off at when visiting the town. It serves the best of Cornish produce, from Tregothnan tea, locally baked scones, Trewithen clotted cream and homemade jam.
Rosemergy Farmhouse, Penzance
In the deep west of Cornwall, you will find this charming family-run farmhouse and take pleasure in the freshly baked warm scones fresh from the Aga oven. On sunny days, it is wonderful to eat out with your cream teas and cakes in the garden, and enjoy lovely countryside and sea views.
St Mawgan Stores and Tea Room, Newquay
Embrace the traditional afternoon teas at St Mawgan, with light fluffy scones and a wonderful selection of jams, marmalade and relishes, made in the kitchen next door. If your diet requires some special selections there are gluten free bread, scones and cakes too.
Dolly’s Tea Room, Falmouth
In the centre of Falmouth, Dolly’s Tea Room occupies a beautiful Georgian room, serving coffee, exotic teas (and traditional) homemade cakes, cream teas and more, but in the evening transforms to a wine bar serving tapas and more than wine you can dream of for the small space! It’s dog friendly too!
Now you know all your fun facts – go get a lovely afternoon cream tea from one of these amazing places near our cottages. Cornwall is spoilt for choice!
Photo by: Kate Morel
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
