Take an Afternoon Tea Tour

A traditional Afternoon Tea is still a treat which brings a smile to everyone’s face. The summer months are the ideal time to explore further from your doorstep and discover some of the hidden gems of tea rooms and tea houses which are located across the county. The cakes and savoury goodies served are often home-made on the premises, using the finest Lincolnshire produce. Here we have a choice of some of the best in the county and don’t forget, nominations are open for the Lincolnshire Life ‘Taste of Excellence’ Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards 2023. If you visit one of these tea rooms and would like to put them forward for our Best Tea or Coffee Shop of the Year you can vote via our social media or online at: www.lincolnshirelife.co.uk

MARCH HARE TEA ROOMS “POP UP” AT GRIMSTHORPE
Famed for its tasty breakfast and lunch menus, as well as delicious afternoon teas, coffees and cakes, the popular March Mare Tea Rooms is going on the road this summer with a “pop up” café at the historic Grimsthorpe Castle, near Bourne.

From its headquarters in the picturesque market square of Corby Glen, near Grantham, this friendly, welcoming eatery led by owner Amy Roberts and her team, is setting up camp to provide simple, but delicious refreshments during Grimsthorpe’s summer season, which runs from 30th March to 28th September, including bank holidays. 

Visitors to the castle and grounds can enjoy sampling a selection of popular dishes at the March Hare’s newly refurbished and branded Airstream trailer, which can be hired out for events too.

The March Hare also caters for vegetarian, gluten free and vegan friendly requirements.

For more information visit www.marchharecorbyglen.co.uk

Tel: 01476 550108, 6A Market Place, Corby Glen NG33 4NH

TASTY CHOICES AT THE BISTRO BAR & KITCHEN
Having moved to a new home in Market Rasen’s Queen Street, The Bistro Bar & Kitchen (formerly Nice & Naughty) continues to attract support from locals and visitors alike.

Here you will find delicious breakfast, brunch, teatime and light bite options, including a range of cakes, bakes and savouries such as home-made scones, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs, all made by the in-house Bistro Bakes team, including outstanding three-tier wedding cakes.

Enjoy a warm welcome from the hospitable team headed by Nicola Brooksbank and Tammi Franklin, who pride themselves on delivering a five star experience.

Treat yourself to gluten free and slimming options, as well as a variety of indulgent creations from Short Cakes Bakery. There are also tasty bites from Annie’s Vegan Treats, plus a special cocktail menu as well as Picnic Boxes to suit all tastes (pre-order required).

Look out too for special evening events, including this month’s Live Music event with Rus Makinson on 14th July at 7pm.

The Bistro Bar & Kitchen is open Monday to Wednesday 9.30am-4pm, Friday 9.30am-7.30pm, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 10.30am-4pm.

www.thebistrobarkitchen.co.uk
Tel: 01673 308073

TREAT YOURSELF TO SOMETHING SPECIAL
Having moved to its new premises at Birchgrove Garden Centre in Pinchbeck last year, Something Special is an outstanding tea room and café run by owners Sally and Carl Woods, which more than lives up to its name.

With a well-established reputation for serving top quality dishes and generous portions, here customers can indulge in traditional afternoon tea, as well as a delicious selection of sweet and savoury treats, served by the team of friendly staff.

“Our coffee shop originally opened in the village of Pinchbeck, near Spalding in 2018 when our ‘special needs’ daughter Beth needed a new path in life as school was just not where she wanted to be,” explains Sally.

“Beth has a form of Cerebal Palsy and has no speech and uses Makaton to communicate, so getting work in the outside world was never going to be an option, hence the reason we opened Something Special. The shop was named after the popular children’s TV programme Something Special as Mr Tumble helped us along the way with our journey of learning Makaton sign language, which Beth still uses today. 

“The shop went from strength to strength; even when Covid struck, we adapted the business and provided an afternoon tea delivery service which took us as far as Corby, Nottingham, Peterborough, Boston, Grantham and Sleaford.

“We made the decision to move to bigger premises within Birchgrove Garden Centre last summer and now have a 62-seater coffee shop which includes an outdoor seating area. 

“We offer breakfasts, light lunches such as jacket potatoes, paninis, baguettes, toasted sandwiches and homemade quiche of the day, with gluten free options.

“Customers travel from far and wide to visit us and sample our menus. Everything we provide at Something Special is home-made, including cakes and desserts and we have a great reputation for using fresh produce.  

“We also offer our ever popular ploughman’s lunch, as well as our Lincolnshire Platter which features a range of traditional Lincolnshire favourites, including Lincolnshire stuffed chine, haslet and Lincolnshire Poacher cheese. 

“Also popular are our afternoon teas which are special enough to offer as a gift, or ideal to celebrate a special occasion, with many customers returning time and time again to enjoy a selection of our freshly made traditional favourites to suit all tastes.”

Choose from Something Special’s Traditional Afternoon Tea (£14.95) or Inbetweener Afternoon Tea (£16.95).Breakfast is served until 11.30am with lunches served from 11.30am.

Find Something Special on Facebook: somethingspecialpinchbeck

A ROYAL TREAT AT THE KINGS HEAD
Ideally located in the centre of Louth, the King’s Head Hotel in Mercer Row is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy an extra special Luxury Afternoon Tea (£18.50) which includes a glass of Prosecco.

Here at this former coaching inn dating from the 18th century, you can enjoy a warm welcome and the chance to kick back and relax while sampling a delicious choice of traditional sandwiches, pastries and cakes, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.

The hotel also offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and light snacks in its popular bistro, restaurant, bar and garden, as well as overnight accommodation with seven bedrooms with en suites, plus a three bedroom apartment.

Afternoon Tea is served seven days a week, from 12 noon to 4.30pm. Booking essential.

For more information tel: 01507 602965 or visit the website www.kingsheadlouth.co.uk

MAKE A DATE FOR AFTERNOON TEA
What better way to celebrate summer with friends and family than Afternoon Tea at Doddington Hall.

The Coach House Tea Room and Secret Garden is a charming and tranquil setting for this traditional English treat. Here, indoors meets outdoors, with the chance to enjoy your get together or family celebration al fresco, or admire the garden as your backdrop through picture windows.

The Coach House is a stylishly refurbished Elizabethan building with a delightful, light, airy and modern extension. Standing just metres from Doddington Hall, it is a flexible and tasteful space suitable for either an intimate afternoon tea for two or a larger celebration.

Afternoon Tea at Doddington Hall is a celebration the whole family can enjoy with a menu offering choices for all tastes and dietary needs. There is a selection of dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, Hambleton Farms Butcheries’ special breed pork sausage roll and a choice of sweet treats to follow.

The drinks menu offers a choice of specially selected teas, from the Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company, as well as delicious coffees and cold drinks. Add extra sparkle to your visit with a glass of fizz!

The children’s Afternoon Tea has a tempting choice of sandwiches, crisps, cupcakes and sweet treats too.

With vegetarian, vegan and gluten/dairy free choices too, there is an Afternoon Tea experience to make lasting memories of a special day out. As part of your visit, why not purchase tickets to tour the stunning Hall and Gardens as well. Tea times: 12noon, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3pm.

The Coach House is also Doddington Hall’s award-winning wedding venue so please check the website for forthcoming dates for The Afternoon Tea Room.

To book visit: www.doddingtonhall.com

Perfect for celebrations such as baby showers, naming ceremonies, birthdays and anniversaries, the Garden Room offers semi-private dining and the Carruthers Room offers a private space with Secret Garden and Hall views from the first floor of the Coach House.

If you require a table for more than 6 people, or would like discuss a celebration, please call 01522 812516 or email: leahbarr@doddingtonhall.com.

www.doddingtonhall.com

FAMILY FAVOURITES AT VINE HOUSE FARM
If you’re looking for a family trip or need somewhere to stop off on your travels, the Vine House Farm Shop and Café is well worth a visit this summer.

The café offers tasty menus for breakfast and lunch, or treat yourself to some home-made cake with a coffee.

There is seating for 80 inside with a further 60 outside on the decking. Enjoy a refreshing milkshake or ice cream or choose from their wide food menu offering delicious homemade sweet or savoury dishes.

Here, you can also pick up some fresh, locally grown produce at the farm shop and in-store butchery run by Grasmere Farm.

The café is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am-4.30pm and Sunday 9am-3.30pm.

For more information visit www.vinehousefarmshop.co.uk

RETREAT TO SCOTHERN NURSERIES’ TEA ROOM
A very warm welcome awaits you at Scothern Nurseries’ family run Plant Centre and Gardeners Retreat Tea Room.

Visit the centre for all your gardening needs, browse through the wide range of cards and gifts and then pop in for a bite to eat in the tearoom.

Enjoy table service either inside or outside in the outdoor eating area and sample the menu of hot food, homemade cakes, tasty tray bakes and cream teas.

If you are looking for a special gift (gift vouchers available) or to treat yourself, why not try Afternoon Tea?

This delicious menu is available on Friday afternoons with booking required (24 hours’ notice).

Afternoon Tea includes a choice of sandwiches, crisps, home-made mini quiches, sausages rolls and coleslaw, together with home-made scones with cream and jam and a selection of individual cakes.
This is finished off with a pot of tea or cup of coffee.

Call to book now on 01673 862297 or email sales@scothern-nurseries.co.uk

BISTRO, BIKES AND MUCH MORE!
Situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds in Horncastle’s high street, Just One More Bike offers a clever combination of quality bicycles to suit all levels of experience and budgets, together with a fully licensed bistro.

The shop, which has a workshop for servicing, also sells and fits accessories and has a selection of road, race and e-bikes for sale, with the expert team on hand to help advise customers.

Whether you’re browsing or buying, this is the perfect place to stop by for a mid-bike-ride refuel and treat yourself. Enjoy a full English breakfast, or choose from a selection of light bites, lunches, cakes, teas and coffees (with takeaway options too).

The pretty outside courtyard which catches the sun through the day is an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, speciality gin, or cocktail.

Just One More Bike is open every day, as well as late nights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Full food menu available on the website. Family and dog friendly.

Follow on Facebook for updates or visit www.justonemorebike.co.uk

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