Stockbridge is ripe for the mooching, but all that browsing can build up a thirst. We go in search of the best places for afternoon tea and a slice of cake
This bright and airy bistro on Stockbridge High Street serves coffee and cake all day long, as well as Cream Tea with homemade scones, plain or fruit, with jam and clotted cream. Enjoy Mozzo Coffee – from a small batch roastery in Southampton – or Artisan Jeeves & Jericho Tea. The south-facing courtyard garden is the perfect rest stop for dog walkers and their fury friends after a stroll alongside the gin-clear River Test.
• Don’t miss: A quick supper stop at the fresh fish counter before you leave for a fantastic array of seafood – the majority of which has come straight off the day boats in Looe, Cornwall.
Right on the High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HE
The White Horse Hotel & Brasserie, Romsey
From the beginning of January, The White Horse Hotel & Brasserie will be running their Afternoon Tea menu which includes; the Classic Afternoon Tea, Sparkling Afternoon Tea and ‘G & Tea’ for Gin lovers. Having won ‘Highly Commended’ status at The Afternoon Tea awards 2018, The White Horse is one of only five hotels outside of London to be offered the award! Putting it in the same category as both The Dorchester & The Savoy. They also ranked in the top 30 of 1,500, despite being the first time they have entered the award.
• Don’t miss: The British Gin and Jam cocktail that accompanies the new ‘G & Tea’
Market Place, Romsey, SO51 8ZJ
The Coach House Café, Mottisfont
A trip to National Trust property, Mottisfont, would not be complete without a Cream Tea in one of the two cafes. Open from 10am daily, you can choose to feast in the Old Kitchen, located in the former Victorian kitchens, where homemade cakes and hot drinks are all served on china; or The Coach House Café, located in the Stables, where everything is served on high quality disposable tableware, all of which is composted or recycled. The latter is very accessible for families, with seating both indoors and outside. Cream tea, with fruit or plain scones, jam and clotted cream, is on both menus, and there is always a selection of lovely freshly baked cakes too.
• Don’t miss: The historic nature of the surroundings, spanning 800 years, makes it worthy of a visit alone. Come late January, you can spot delicate carpets of snowdrops as they poke their heads through the soil beside the stream and along the river walk.
Near Romsey, SO51 0LP
Lillies of Stockbridge has been serving afternoon tea for over 22 years and is one for traditional-lovers. The tearoom is named after Lillie Langtry, the famous beauty who was once the mistress of the former Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. The bakery has a variety of freshly baked breads and pastries and you can enjoy cream tea with homemade scones (plain or fruit) with award-winning Cherry Tree Jam and clotted cream.
• Don’t miss: The High Tea – which includes sandwiches, petit fours and scones. Gluten free is also available, but you’ll need to order in advance.
High Street, Stockbridge, SO20 6HF
Honesty Tea Rooms at Houghton Lodge Gardens
Houghton Lodge is a Grade II listed Cottage Orné, set within a 14-acre estate, surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test. The peaceful location is home to the Honesty Tearoom & Orangery – the perfect spot for delicious, locally-sourced Afternoon Tea – complete with finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and a small selection of cakes. Gluten and dairy-free alternatives are also available (bookings required). The tearoom opens again at the end of March, just in time for Mother’s Day!
• Don’t miss: Having a chat with the resident alpacas as you saunter down to the River Test.
Houghton Lodge Gardens, Houghton, Stockbridge, SO20 6LQ
A secluded location tucked away in rural Hampshire, Longstock Park Café is the perfect place to cosy up (think log burning stove) and refuel in stylish surroundings, whilst enjoying the view. The cafe serves an array of handmade, home-cooked dishes including a choice of Cream Tea with scone, jam and cream or a Full Tea (pre-book only) which includes the above, plus sandwiches and a selection of tasty cakes made by local Hampshire bakeries and delivered daily. All of the scones are made with Leckford flour and baked in house every day.
• Don’t miss: The savoury alternative: cheese scone with cream cheese and chilli jam.
Longstock Park Farm Shop & Café, Longstock Park, Stockbridge, SO20 6EH
Good Life Farm Shop & Café, Headbourne Worthy
Perfect for Afternoon Tea for two in the cosy café. Spoil yourselves with a selection of finger sandwiches, mini savoury and sweet treats and scones with jam and clotted cream, all accompanied by a refillable pot of tea. Keep it coming!
Don’t miss: Add a glass of award-winning English Sparkling Wine grown at their own vineyard, Alder Ridge.
Springvale Road, Headbourne Worthy, SO23 7LD
Opt for Afternoon Tea in style at The Ivy Winchester Brasserie on the charming city High Street. Served 3pm – 5pm daily, choose from Cream Tea, Afternoon Tea or Champagne Afternoon Tea, all served with warm fruited scones with Dorset clotted cream and strawberry preserve and a choice of teas, infusions or coffee. Whilst the savouries sound good (smoked salmon on dark rye style bread with cream cheese and chives); it’s the sweets that clinch the deal! Including: raspberry cheesecake and chocolate and salted caramel mousse.
• Don’t miss: The Cre?me bru?le?e doughnut – say no more!
103-104 High Street, Winchester, SO23 9AH
Enjoy a decadent homemade afternoon tea for two, with a glass of Ridgeview English sparkling wine each, in a quintessentially English setting. Once you’ve indulged yourself with a selection of savouries, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, a range of delicate pastries and your choice of tea and coffee, you can explore the 63-acres of beautiful Hampshire parklands.
• Don’t miss: Pop the Summer Afternoon Tea in your diary and you can look forward to delights such as: chilled raspberry and rose soup amuse bouche; strawberry and vanilla choux bun and pistachio and raspberry tartlet.
Woodman Lane, Spasholt, SO21 2LT
The Sheep Shed Gallery & Team Room
This art and craft gallery holds exhibitions and workshops throughout the year, but is also home to a lovely traditional tearoom. So popular, it was nominated by its customers for the ‘Best Tea/Coffee Shop’ award at the Hampshire Life Food Awards 2017. Business owner, Sue prides herself on providing the most delicious and irresistible cakes and treats – including a fabulous Afternoon Tea.
• Don’t miss: All the delicious cakes are gluten free and at least one dairy free cake too!
Weyhill Fairground Craft & Design Centre, Weyhill, SP11 0QN
More…
• Eating out in Hampshire - Best restaurants - Whether you’re looking for fine dining, pub food, a romantic meal for 2 or a taste of something from further afield, eating out in Hampshire really has something for everyone. Here’s our guide to the best local restaurants and pubs
