Camelsdale Tea Room, Camelsdale

Date visited: Saturday 16th October 2021

Sited in a residential area, Camelsdale Tea Room opened in May 2021 in a building previously used as a convenience store. It had nine tables in a single room plus four outside tables for those taking tea. The outside tables were limited to seating two people each by licensing restrictions. Being in an area without tourists and shoppers, this was a tearoom that relied on local customers as well as running promotional events. From its advertising on social media, the school run from a nearby primary school was a significant source of trade.

The menu offered breakfasts until early afternoon, a wide range of hot and cold light snacks, as well as jacket potatoes and Ploughman’s lunch, and of course cakes and afternoon teas. For what was a relatively small establishment, there was a good selection of cakes on display at the counter. There was also a chilled cake display cabinet which had a single cake in it when we visited. The staff seemed concerned, unnecessarily as it turned out, that cakes served from it may be too cold. The beverages menu included soft drinks, milkshakes, hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Regrettably, the selection of coffees was more extensive than the basic range of teas.

On the day of our visit, the tea room was running an open day for Middleton Press. This is a local company specialising in transport books, and specially decorated fairy cakes had been produced for the occasion. A ham sandwich, a chocolate fairy cake with a steam railway engine made of icing, and a pot of English breakfast tea came to £7.75. Additional water was offered and although the tea was not strong enough to endure this, at least the thought was there. The lemon and elderflower cake was also reported to be very good. Overall taking tea at this establishment was an enjoyable experience, with the staff welcoming.

Camelsdale Tea Room closed in the summer of 2024, being replaced by a Londis convenience store.