Freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream all washed down with a cuppa – a cream tea is a wonderful way to indulge. After a spot of garden shopping, why not visit these garden centre cafes and restaurants to enjoy the quintessential British treat
1. Scarlett’s Kitchen & Tea Garden, Langford Budville
The term ‘hidden gem’ can be thrown around loosely but in the case of Scarlett’s Kitchen & Tea Garden it couldn’t be more true. Located at White Post Plant Nursery, along small country lanes, diners can either take a seat inside the wooden chalet or in the idyllic gardens which command views over the Blackdown Hills.
After perusing a selection of plants from shrubs to perennials, sample the small menu of inspired, fresh dishes or something to satisfy a sweet tooth. Try a cream tea: the scones are freshly baked, perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, accompanied by local jam and tasty clotted cream.
2. Sanders Garden Centre, Brent Knoll
A great selection of top-quality plants, gardening products, gift shop and excellent restaurant – Sanders Garden Centre in Brent Knoll has it all for a keen gardener after a bite to eat.
While away an afternoon with great company and a cream tea. Expect a mouthwatering warm scone, one plain and one fruit, accompanied by a choice of jams. Wash it all down with free refills of coffee and tea.
3. Monkton Elm Garden Centre, Monkton Heathfield
Wafts of freshly baked bread and delicious home cooked dishes are aplenty at Monkton Elm Garden Centre’s recently refurbished eating room. Enjoy lunch inside or al fresco, whether you fancy a sandwich, hearty lunch or a coffee and slice of cake.
An afternoon tea can be sampled Monday to Saturday from 2pm (a carvery is served on a Sunday) comprising of two warm scones, jam, cream as well as a selection of sandwiches and mini cakes. Yum!
4. West Somerset Garden Centre, Minehead
Honest, homemade cooking is the name of the game at West Somerset Garden Centre in Minehead. From a filling Full English to a freshly baked cake, there’s something to suit all tastes. For those after a special treat, try the garden centre’s Sparkling Afternoon Tea. A selection of savoury and sweet treats can be enjoyed alongside a pot of tea and a glass of something bubbly. Visitors can also try a tasty Somerset Cheese Tea if they’re not craving something sweet.
You can either find a spot inside and enjoy the friendly atmosphere or when the sun shines grab a table on the outside decking surrounded by blooming flora.
5. Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre, near Wellington
Enjoying picturesque views over the Blackdown Hills, soak in the scenery with something to eat at Willowbrook Nursery and Garden Centre near Wellington. The family-run garden centre, with a warm and friendly ambience, boasts a menu of classic dishes cooked well, including an excellent selection of cakes and hot drinks.
We recommend settling down with the family after a walk around picking up plants at the garden centre with a delicious scone or two and a hot drink.
6. Brownes Garden Centre Coffee Shop, near Wells
Whether you’re sitting in the cabin-style café, or in the garden centre’s pretty outside area, the coffee shop at Brownes Garden Centre provides a wonderfully tranquil setting for a morning’s coffee and catch-up. The garden centre can be found just over a mile from Wells.
Open daily, enjoy a freshly ground Italian coffee and delectable pastry with a newspaper or set the world to rights over a cream tea with friends.
7. Whitehall Garden Centre, Whitchurch
The family-run Whitehall Garden Centre, which now has locations throughout the South West, is well-known for its large selection of outdoor plants as well as everything you would ever need when working on your garden. The Whitehall Garden Centre in Whitchurch also boasts a large restaurant with plenty of tasty fare after a morning’s shopping.
Cooked meals, salads, fresh seasonal food and plenty of sweet treats are on offer here – including freshly baked, warm scones and doorstop wedges of mouthwatering cakes. Expect your tea in delightful, dainty crockery too!
8. Blackdown Garden Centre, Wellington
At The Lake View Restaurant at Wellington’s Blackdown Garden Centre, you can be assured of a delicious tasting dish from their highly reputed chefs. Although the menu changes daily, diners can always expect hot meals from 9am to 2.30pm and drinks and cakes served throughout the day.
Sweet-tooths should sample the homemade scones; with lashings of cream and jam too. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it.
