Spurning invitations to watch the testosterone feast of a Six-Nations rugby match, my teatime companion (also a rugby widow) and I sallied forth accompanied by a delightful young couple to sample the offerings of the tearoom at Oad Street Craft Centre. The craft centre comprises a shop and smaller galleries, featuring artwork, an extensive array of candles, silk flowers, gift items and some gorgeous glassware and so there is plenty of very pleasant browsing, or even shopping, to do before or after the tea.The tearoom was not overly busy, and we chose a table and were quickly attended to.
The afternoon tea menu (served between 2pm & 5pm) lists every possible permutation of tea, sandwiches, scones and cake. The heinous possibility of wanting coffee instead was not even entertained! This brilliantly removes the problem of wanting only one scone or only scones and sandwiches and no cake, for instance; and for those like me, keen to sample a little of everything, there is the option of half a sandwich, one scone, and half a slice of cake. The sandwich fillings available were: cucumber & cream cheese, egg or egg mayonnaise, cheese, ham, beef, or for a small supplement - salmon; served on a choice of brown or white bread. Fruit or plain scones were offered with homemade jam, with or without cream, and there was a dazzling array of cakes on display including: apricot & almond, lemon & almond, date & walnut, Victoria sponge, lemon, treacle tart, chocolate & orange and Bakewell tart.
We all chose differently. I chose a half salmon sandwich, followed by plain scone with jam & cream and followed by a half slice of cake. Our young couple both chose sandwiches (egg mayonnaise and ham respectively) and a scone with jam & cream. The sandwiches were all quite muscular - with good sized chunks of ham, and lovely fresh salmon. The scones were served warm - always a bonus, and the strawberry jam had a nice consistency and taste. The cream was light and airy. Sandwiches and scones dealt with, my other companion and I surveyed the cake selection in awe. This was indeed homemade cake heaven with so many scrumptious looking offerings. There were also a number of gluten-free cakes available. In the end we were both seduced by almonds - I opted for the apricot & almond cake and she chose the lemon & almond. I am happy to report that they were indeed a feast for the tastebuds as well as the eyes - perfectly moist and full of flavour. The tea was a suitably pleasant loose-leaf blend.Everything was served with clean white crockery on green patterned tablecloths that really have now seen better days. The toilet facilities were clean and functional.
Our little party enjoyed a tour of the gallery and shop, allowing our ample teas to settle before returning to discover the fortunes of the home team.
