Hello, darlings!
On a delightfully bright summers day, Miss Windsor and her companions couldn’t wait to descend upon The Orchard Tea Garden for a jolly good munch on their pageantry of sweet treats.
Riddled with excitement and salivating at the very thought of freshly baked scones, jam, and cream, we bundled into our chariot and proceeded to The Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester Village, Cambridge.
The Orchard began its life in 1868, and by a sheer stroke of serendipity, it had morphed into a glorious outdoor tearoom by 1897. Of course, one must pay homage to the Cambridge students who asked Mrs Stevenson of Orchard House to serve their tea and cakes within the tranquillity of the fruit orchard. Since then this organic, yet harmonious form of “dining” has been enjoyed by many for years thereafter.
Since it’s humble beginnings The Orchard Tea Garden has laid comfortably embosomed within the idyllic surroundings of the postcard-worthy village of Grantchester.
A short trundle from Cambridge along the Grantchester Grind, and you’ll discover a most relaxing retreat. Frequented by an impressive clientele, including a number of frightfully intelligent Cambridge students, tourists, the locals, and other luminaries such as Prince Charles, John Cleese, Stephen Fry, and in bygone days Rupert Brooke and Virginia Wolf.
As our chariot approached the tea rooms, I enjoyed the features of the charming, yet quintessentially English scenery, awash with slate grey stone walls that had been fashioned from oddly shaped chunks of stone. I noted that they fited together perfectly, similar to a rather tricky 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle!
Darlings, such a magnificent erection (Oh, I say!), of course, I mean the slate grey stone walls, stood with ease beside the quiet, yet busy thoroughfare, covered by a thick, tightly gripped cascade of deep emerald coloured Ivy.
When we arrived at the establishment, we all stood captivated by the tall, good-natured, flourishing trees that offered shelter to what the former owner, Mr Robin Callan referred to it as, God’s little acre (How quaint!).
As quick as a flash, I found myself in the servery surrounded by an abundance of baked goodies – Angel Cake, Victoria Sandwich, Carrot Cake, gluten-free Chocolate Cake, and the list goes on…….
Also, one quickly spied a mound of freshly baked, homemade, plain and fruit scones. However, according to the rather dashing Patrice, the “gerant de restaurant” (restaurant manager), legend has it that The Orchard Tea Garden still follow Mrs Stevenson’s age-old recipe for scones.
In readiness for our cream teas, including a not so naughty, but very nice slice of gluten-free Chocolate Cake, we set up camp beneath the sprawling branches of the apple trees. This is where I relished the opportunity to relax within Its peace and holy quiet, as beautifully expressed by the illustrious Mr Robin Callan – but sadly, darlings, that didn’t last for long!
As I sank deep into the soft embrace of my bottle green deck chair, I immediately felt an ever so slight tickle. It turned out that a cheeky fly had dive-bombed straight into my bosom (Oh, I say!). Of course, Miss Windsor was aghast! and instantly moved her party to be coddled within the safe confines of the indoor restaurant.
Now sat looking across the orchard, we merrily absorbed the ambience of by-gone days, which had been captured by the rather beauteous bucolic setting.
Feeling extremely ravenous, the cream teas arrived with haste. Warm, crumbly scones, festooned with fruit that yearned to be smothered by a generous helping of Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream, followed by a resplendent, scarlet coloured splotch of Tiptree strawberry jam.
I do hope you enjoyed my review of my cream tea experience at The Orchard Tea Garden.
I say darlings, one shall certainly return soon to further explore the grounds and to sample the delightful highlights of afternoon tea.
But before we say our goodbyes, here are a few wise-words from Patrice, the gerant de restaurant (Ooh la, la!), Miss Windsor asked: “How would you describe the ambience?” Patrice quipped, “Very English for a foreigner!” and there you have it.
Until next time,
Beautiful post, literally felt like I was there 🙂