HOME OF THE CREAM TEA
The famous Cream Tea – a form of afternoon tea light meal consisting of tea taken with scones, clotted cream and jam - is just what Devon is known for. But where did it originate?
Tavistock!
Ancient manuscripts show that the monks of Tavistock’s Benedictine Abbey were indeed the people who created the Cream Tea. The Abbey, established in the 10th Century, was plundered and badly damaged by Vikings in 997AD. Restoration of the Abbey was undertaken by Ordulf, Earl of Devon, who rewarded his workers with bread, clotted cream and strawberry preserves made by the monks. A Devon cream tea!
The cream teas became so popular that the monks continued to serve them to passing travellers.
The Devonian (or Devonshire) method is to split the scone in two, cover each half with clotted cream, and then add strawberry jam on top.
Whether you are after Tea & Cake, a Devonshire Cream Tea or an indulgent full-blown Afternoon Tea, you will find many places in Tavistock to suit – here are a few of them:
The Bedford Hotel - originally part of the Abbey, The Bedford Hotel was crowned Champion of Champions in Cream Tea Week 2024. You can also indulge in a Duchess of Bedford afternoon tea with a selection of sandwiches, home baked scones, strawberry jam, Devon clotted cream and homemade cakes.
Café Liaison - a lovely location for a pot of tea & cake or Cream Tea overlooking the Churchyard and former Cloisters of the Abbey.
Coffee & Cream Patisserie - voted 'Local's Choice' in Cream Tea Week 2024, you can't go far wrong at this cafe in the heart of town with its superb selection of cakes, fruit tarts and savoury items.
Dukes Coffee House - watch the world go by after enjoying some shopping in Tavistock's famous Pannier Market. Dukes offer a variety of home-made cakes and, of course, scones.
Eastgate Cafe & Brasserie- under new management, Eastgate Cafe has a lovely location right by the River Tavy and offers a variety of cake and Cream Teas.
Karen’s Café - an institution in town, Karen offers a wonderful selection of home-made cakes.
Lemon Grove- slam dunk in the middle of town, if you are after an alternative to cake, Lemon Grove makes pretty decent pancakes and crepes served alongside ice-cream and milkshakes. Not forgetting scones!
Mime Café - nestled away on Paddon's Row, Mime makes a great spot for afternoon tea or a graze box to take away. Their brownies are particularly indulgent.
Poppy’s Café - a tranquil location outside the Pannier Market with outdoor and inside seating, Poppy's Cafe serves traditional cakes and cream teas.
Pym Street Coffee Lounge - off the main high street, you will find this popular Coffee Lounge serving a variety of scones, cakes and ice-cream.
Taylors Restaurant- another Cream Tea Week winner for 'Most Innovative Sweet Cream Tea' with their vegan citrus & coconut scone, you can also indulge in afternoon tea at the weekends: £17.95 with tea or coffee, a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade quiche, pork and poppy seed sausage rolls, Devon scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, homemade cakes and mini macarons; or Deluxe with the addition of chilled Prosecco for £22.00.
To takeaway, a trip to King Street Bakery is a must! Winner of Best Scone, and judging by the queues, this bakery is top notch!
Or get a Cream Tea in a box to takeaway from Warrens and enjoy in The Meadows or on the Church Lawn.