Did you know that the last Friday in June is National Cream Tea Day? Well, as the cream tea was invented by Devonians, Sidmouth is the perfect place for indulging in a traditional cream tea this year!
If you didn’t know, the origin of the cream tea is said to have come from Tavistock Abbey in around the 11th century. It was created and handed out by monks to help those that were in need of food. Over the years it became more than just something to help the hungry and is now a delectable treat that is enjoyed the world over.
As it was invented here in Devon, we recommend ignoring the heathens who say you should have jam first and instead, stick with the Devon tradition of cream first. Here you are to split your scone in two (or if you’re going very traditional, you will be served a split, rather than a scone), cover each half with clotted cream (preferably Devonshire cream) and then add strawberry jam on top. One way to make this treat even more special is to enjoy it with a fantastic view, so here are some of the most picturesque places in Sidmouth to sit down with a cream tea.
For a cream tea in luxurious surroundings and a sea view, book a table at the Victoria Hotel’s restaurant. The Victoria Hotel is a flagship of the Brend collection and is housed in a traditional Victorian manor with an unparalleled location along the Esplanade. Alternatively, their sister hotel, The Belmont, also features a sea view and fantastic menu. In nice weather, you can sit out on the terrace with your tea overlooking the Lyme Bay, or if it is a little chilly, enjoy the splendid Belmont Restaurant.
Like many of the hotels in Sidmouth, both these establishments retain a lot of their Victorian charm and provide a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy this Devon delicacy.
Also located on the Esplanade so you can enjoy a sea view is the Hotel Rivera. As it used to be a family home, there is a warm and familial vibe throughout and is a great place for stopping off for a cheeky treat after exploring the town. Either take a seat on the terrace where you can watch the world go by or head to the lounge where you can relax in comfort – either way, you are in for a delicious selection of scones and jam.
For a cream tea with a greener view, check out the Royal Glen Hotel. Not far from the sea front, the hotel, which was once the home of Queen Victoria, is set within its own secluded gardens, giving you somewhere peaceful rest with a restorative tea.
You can find cream teas available throughout Sidmouth, so if you’d rather sit in the highstreet indulging in the hustle and bustle of the shoppers or within the picturesque Connaught Gardens, you can! You can even make the whole experience even more indulgent by swapping your tea for something fizzy, like a prosecco. It doesn’t even need to be a special occasion – being in Devon over Cream Tea Day is enough!
Want to find more places to enjoy incredible food and drink made with local ingredients? Click here.
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Royal Glen Hotel
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