Hilltop, East Malling

It is a curious thing, that whilst I often search out tearooms on the internet, or through adverts in magazines etc, there are some little gems that just seem to sail serenely along under the radar.  Such is the case with the first teatime adventure of 2015.  Hilltop was brought to my attention by a friend of a friend who hadn't actually visited herself but had heard about it.  Located in East Malling, a mere 5 minutes drive away from the home of beloved duo partner, a visit was quickly arranged.

The tearoom is well signed from the road between East Malling and Wateringbury, and is located in an attractive barn-type building.  Inside the tables are mostly set out for groups of two or four, with the addition of a couple of sofas and a lovely old Singer sewing machine on display.  The walls have some work by local artists for sale and I always enjoy playing the game of 'which one would you take home?'  Interestingly partner and I both agreed on a gentle slightly abstract pastoral scene although some discussion took place as to whether it would be worth spending the money as possibly we could just achieve the same effect ourselves. Not, of course, that we ever would! The tearoom ambience was further enhanced by some gentle classical music and the quiet chatter of ladies at lunch or tea.

My companion had booked us a table for afternoon tea and when we arrived we were greeted warmly and shown to a table that was already set out for us with pretty crockery.  The tables were covered with soft green fabric tablecloths over which was placed a covering of transparent plastic - a very practical solution and somehow much nicer than plasticised cloths.

We were given a choice of looseleaf teas - I'm sure, dear reader, you will know that I chose Assam, and my companion chose Darjeeling.  And we were then asked whether we would prefer plain or fruit scones - we both chose plain.  






The finger sandwiches were served, attractively garnished with some fresh salad, and comprised cheddar & cream cheese, egg & cress, fish pate, smoked salmon.  They were all delicious and just the right size.  More sandwiches could be ordered if desired, but we were keen to pace ourselves and declined.


The scones then arrived in a little basket and I was very happy to note that there were just two - one each.  This is so much more manageable than the customary two each.  They were warm and came with homemade jam and fresh thick cream.  The teapots were regularly topped up and we progressed very nicely, in fact we progressed so nicely that I kept forgetting to take photos and you will see that in all the following shots, I have already taken a bite or two before whipping out the camera!

Scones finished, we then perused the lovely cake display - Victoria sponge, chocolate cake, lemon drizzle, fruit cake, coffee & walnut, ginger.  After some deliberation I chose the chocolate cake and my companion chose the ginger.  The slices were generous without being onerous, and the chocolate cake was moist and dark with a rich chocolate cream filling that was not too sweet.  The ginger cake was also delicious (I was offered a taste!) and contained little pieces of stem ginger, topped with icing.












A visit to the facilities did not disappoint - a disabled toilet and a unisex toilet, clean and fresh with some fragrant liquid soap.

We concluded our teatime adventure with a visit to the adjacent little shop, selling various jams & chutneys made on the premises, and little craft items.  Here it is also possible to order a whole cake to take home.  And we gently made our way back to the car feeling satisfied and content but not full to the brim, which was all the better.  Thank you to friend of friend who recommended this tearoom - the bar has been set very high for the rest of 2015!

http://www.tea-at-hilltop.co.uk/