Peggotty's Parlour, Rochester

A most perfect Spring day provided a backdrop of blossom trees and baby lambs as April's teatime adventure took myself and my two lady companions through the countryside and up the motorway to Rochester.  This historic cathedral town owes much of it's fame to Charles Dickens who lived nearby and many of the shops are named after Dickensian characters which is also the case for this month's tearoom;  'Peggotty's Parlour'.  

 The parlour is situated on the first floor in a row of shops on the high street.  It is well signed with tempting menus, and a flight of stairs opens onto a galleried landing upon which stands proudly a magnificent dresser filled with a great variety of cakes.  This promising beginning was further enhanced by the friendly greeting of a waitress who signalled us through to the tearoom.  This is a moderately sized room with large bright windows, festooned with plants, and decorated with the work of local artists, some of which was for sale.  We chose a table in the window which looks onto the high street and the side of the cathedral for some welcoming 'people-watching'.  (The warm spring weather always brings with it some unfortunate misplacement of seemly apparel!)

The waitress brought menus and enquired whether the temperature was comfortable for us, or too warm.  The menu offered a wide range of beverages, including various speciality teas.  Light lunches are catered, but I was particularly struck by the mention of 'Farmhouse Tea' which comprised a pot of tea, 2 cheese scones and apple & chutney.  What a refreshing twist for those whose predilections are more savoury than sweet!  A 'plain tea' (no cream) is offered along with a 'cream tea' and of course, slices of the aforementioned cakes.  This latter included: walnut layer, almond slice, lemon sponge, chocolate sponge, cappuccino sponge, cherry & almond, simnel cake, bakewell tart.  My companions chose the house blend tea, whilst I chose my favourite, Assam.  I chose a slice of the chocolate sponge and one of my companions chose the almond slice.  Unfortunately my other companion was unable to sample the edibles, as none of the offerings were gluten-free.

The tea was served with a pot of hot water (always welcome), and the Assam had a good robust flavour.  The chocolate sponge was a wonderful creation, crowned with coloured chocolate decorations, and with a hint of orange in the butter icing.  The almond slice was thick and generous.


The toilet facilities were easily accessed, and hand lotion provided which is always welcome after using a harsh hand dryer.

This was a most delightful tea room which was greatly enjoyed by all three ladies in all its aspects.   However an additional mention must be made of the bill, which your blogger queried but was assured was correct,  as the total sum amounted to a mere £8.00!  Mr Micawber would have been proud!