A few weeks ago, when Richard said he had booked afternoon tea for us at ‘The Fourteas’ 1940s Tea Rooms in Stratford-Upon-Avon, I got terribly excited…
I love afternoon tea, I love that kind of friendly, homely, happy atmosphere that one associates with a nice day out, where colour, creed, wealth, status and dialect pale into insignificance when faced with a mound of simple sandwiches, colourful cakes and a huge pot of loose leaf tea…cue bunting, wartime music and smiling, helpful staff and you have the perfect afternoon.
We ordered ‘The Ivor Novello Afternoon Tea for Two’ (from a replica ration book menu which already had me giddy) and a few minutes later we were presented with simple, green vintage style crockery, and a huge teapot of ‘Fourteas’ blend loose leaf tea in a special teapot filter as well as a timer so we could brew the tea perfectly.
We ordered simple cheese and pickle sandwiches on granary bread which had been baked locally, this was then followed by huge scones with clotted cream and jam and finally, the top tier had a selection of little cakes…Did we eat it all? You bet!
The attention to detail was excellent at the tea-rooms. The staff were adorable and they all looked like they thoroughly enjoyed their jobs, had delightful manners this therefore gave the place a lovely atmosphere.
Out in the garden we found an Anderson Shelter as well as several tables and more garden bunting. Having had such a lovely time on Saturday we went back on Sunday for cheese and pickle sandwiches and another large pot of tea, this time enjoying our afternoon tea outside next to the bomb shelter.
We came away with a feeling that is hard to describe but probably the words pleased and comforted would be appropriate. It’s an experience you HAVE to make part of your visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon.
5 out of 5 STARS!
TO VISIT THE FOURTEAS 1940s TEA ROOMS CLICK HERE!
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Oooh that all looks/looked wonderful! What a fantastic day out.
WoW! I am so jealous, a 1940s tea room. WOW! I’ve been to tea shops here in the states and have created my own tea club in my little town (there’s nowhere nearby for tea, so we meet once a month and take turns hosting teas). I LOVE this concept. Next time it’s my turn, I’ll do a 40s theme. I don’t know why I never thought of it before AND I can use YOUR recipes. How cool would that be! YES! I’m excited!!!!!
Thanks for sharing your tea adventure and inspiration.
~ Tam Francis ~
http://www.girlinthejitterbugdress.com
That looks like so much fun! I love afternoon tea, but having a wartime themed one would be fantastic! Wish there was something like that around here!
Wow, you and Richard are getting around a bit! What a lovely day out. It inspires me to organise some trips for myself. How hard can it be?
How fabulous Carolyn…I love having afternoon teas with all my mismatched vintage china….I know what you mean..there is something so cosy and relaxing about it x
I have a200 cups and saucers would you like to buy some my e mail is joe.tomkinson@yahoo.co.uk
Very envious here!
Envy…lol, I’d love to go there myself.
Btw, this raises the question how did tea rooms do during the war? Tea was rationed if I don’t remember wrong.
Was expecting to see you in ’40’s clothing too.
I loved the attention to detail n those tearooms, including the waitresses’ outfits. The food looked sensational too. What a great business. I don’t think we have anything like that in Australia.
A very appealing concept!
Hope all is well with you?
Best wishes from NZ.
This place looks amazing! Definitely on my to do visit list and I love Stratford. Love your blog, it’s my idea of heaven to read at the minute trying to lose weight and being obsessed with the 1940’s era. Thanks for the inspiration! x