March means Mother’s Day so why not treat your mum to a gorgeous afternoon tea? But when it comes to quaint and cosy tea rooms in Kent, you really don’t need an excuse to drop in. From vintage 1940s parlours to tea in a castle and a medieval monastery, here are 15 places in Kent to enjoy afternoon tea…
TINY TIMS OF ROCHESTER
It may be called Tiny Tim’s but this delightful tearoom, located in historic and Charles Dickens-loving Rochester, is big on serving up an afternoon tea to remember. We’re talking scones coated with clotted cream and jam as well as a colourful selection of mini pastries all washed down with piping hot tea. Vegetarian options are also available.
Where? 5 Northgate, The Precinct, Rochester. tinytimsrochester.co.uk
MARIE’S TEA ROOMS AND EMPORIUM.
Set in a cosy tearoom in the heart of Gravesend this is the perfect place to stop, take the weight off your feet and tuck into a selection of mouthwatering afternoon tea and cakes. The family run business hand blends its own loose-leaf teas so expect quality here. Pop next door to the emporium where you’ll find lovely bits to peruse and buy, including homemade soaps and jewellery.
Where?: 22 Hight Street, Gravesend. mariestearoom.co.uk
THE TULIP TREE TEA ROOMS
If you fancy a slice of history with your cup of Earl Grey then this tearoom is for you. Snuggle up by the wood burner and relish a selection of mouthwatering finger sandwiches and cakes. You can even bring your four-legged friend as the place is dog friendly. The Tulip also boasts a gorgeous gift shop which is reputably the oldest working shop in the country, dating back to 1453.
Where?: The Village, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge. thetuliptree.biz
THE HOME FRONT TEA ROOM
Step back in time at this traditional tearoom which offers up a bumper serving of 1940's nostalgia. Dig into cream teas, high teas and afternoon teas accompanied by a homely pot of tea or coffee. In keeping with the atmosphere, you can order spam sandwiches, pilchards and a whole host of other vintage foods. Tasty treats include jelly, fruit cocktail or peaches with either ice cream, custard or evaporated milk.
Where?: 13A Kings Street, Ramsgate. 40stearoom.co.uk
WHERE MEMORIES MEET.
This quirky tearoom set in a historic building dating back to the 1800s has a super friendly atmosphere where you can tuck into homemade sandwiches and cakes. But it’s also an antiques and vintage shop where you can buy everything from the pictures on the wall to the chair you sit on! Don’tmiss the lip-smacking cream cakes and desserts here.
Where?: 188 Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury near Maidstone. wherememoriesmeet.com
THE LITTLE TEAPOT
Get into the vintage vibe at this family-run café in Ashford’s Park Mall which belts out music from the 1920s through to the 1940s while serving customers with delicious, fresh, homemade food and afternoon teas. High teas and cream teas are a speciality here and the cherry scone with butter and clotted cream is a must.
Where: Unit 4, Park Mall, High Street, Ashford. thelittleteapot.co.uk
PEGGOTTY’S TEA SHOPPE
The tea shoppe has been open since 2018 and is run by hardworking couple Dan and Nicola. Their passion for cooking and to service shines through here. There are several cream teas to choose from including the ‘Peggotty’s cream tea’ for just £10 where you’ll get a homemade scone with jam and clotted cream, a choice of cake and tea or coffee or course.
Where?: 122 High Street, Tenterden, Ashford. peggottys.co.uk
WILLIAMS & THOMAS
Drop in and choose from a delicious selection of food and pastries to eat in or take away. There’s a pretty outside courtyard where you can stay a while if the weather is warm, or you can dine inside when it’s not. The venue is renowned for its hot chocolate melts -from the Chocolate Orange Melt to the Cherry Bakewell Melt. Or you could go for the unbelievably satisfying Raspberry and White Chocolate Melt. Decisions, decisions!
Where?: 177-179 Faversham Road, Kennington, Ashford. williamsandthomastearoom.co.uk
THE CHILSTON PARK HOTEL
Afternoon tea at this plush hotel is served in the opulent the Marble Lounge. Enjoy platefuls of carefully prepared pastries, the finest finger sandwiches, and gorgeous leaf teas as you dine underneath beautiful chandeliers. Teas to choose from including the ‘Chilston Calm Blend’ and the ‘Whole Leaf Peppermint’. Ps, you won’t want to miss the Lemon Drizzle Cake.
Where?: Boughton Road, Sandway, Maidstone. handpickedhotels.co.uk
THE MOAT TEAROOMS
Nestled within the walls of historic Canterbury, the tearoom is tucked away inside a timber framed 16th century building where you’ll be met with a warm welcome and an array of tea and cakes to choose from. The tearoom prides itself on its fresh food and for its tempting afternoon tea menu which includes no less than 47 loose leaf teas.
Where?: 67 Burgate, Canterbury. moattearooms.co.uk
THE VINTAGE EMPIRE
Seriously delicious cake is dished up at this 1940s-themed tearoom which will transport you back in time. Staff where 1940s costumes and the whole wartime atmosphere is glorious. Of course, the delicious delicacies and afternoon teas are just the ticket too. The attention to detail is remarkable. Think tea cosies on teapots and 1940s memorabilia all around.
Where?: 104 High Street, Herne Bay. facebook.com/TheVintageEmpire
NANCY’S TEA ROOMS
Described by its fans and customers as a ‘hidden gem’ Nancy’s Tea Rooms offer traditional afternoon teas with a magical twist. Themes range from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties. There’s something for everyone at this unique tearoom and children especially will love the enchanting themes.
Where: Lambert Yard, Tonbridge. Nancystearooms.co.uk
HEVER CASTLE AND GARDENS
A historic castle with views to die for? What more could you ask for as you sip your tea and tuck into succulent sandwiches and cream cakes? The castle hosts special afternoon tea events throughout the year. Teas are served in the Anne Boleyn Wing which boasts views through leaded windows across the orchard to the castle, make this a truly idyllic setting. Check the website for dates. Where?: Hever Road, Edenbridge. hevercastle.co.uk
TINY TIM’S TEAROOM, CANTERBURY
With its chandelier-lit parlours and gentle music, guests here at treated to a relaxing and luxurious afternoon tea which features 30 different types of tea and coffee to choose from. The menu is extensive and exquisite and when it comes to afternoon and cream teas you can choose from High Tea, the Gentlemen’s Tea and a special children’s tea.
Where?: 34 St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury. tinytimstearoom.com
THE FRIARS TEAROOM AND GIFT SHOP
If you hanker after a different afternoon tea experience, then this is for you. Work up an appetite as you explore the Friars Priory- hailed as one of Kent’s hidden treasures and home to small community of Carmelite Friars- before settling down to some welcome refreshment in the tearoom set within the beautifully restored 16th century West Barn. The tearoom is open all year round and it’s most certainly a unique place to take tea.
Where?: The Friars, Ayelsford Priory. thefriars.org.uk
