Celebrating mum’s birthday with afternoon tea at ARTea Room

Exterior of stone building, a tearoom, with a wooden bench outside

Long-term readers will know how much I love an afternoon tea. In fact, there was a time where I had three in a month, or it may have even been in as many weeks… I'm sure they're all documented on here. Last month was Mum's birthday and I booked the day off work so we could spend it together (she would have been up here looking after Alfie anyway). Mum had let me know that she had a Buy A Gift voucher for afternoon tea, so we decided to use that – and booked ARTea Room at Potterspury.

I'd never heard of the venue before, and it's quite the hidden gem – just off the A5. The tearoom is in a pretty little courtyard, and once inside the décor is super traditional, with the tearoom/café doubling up as a craft and handmade gift shop.

Despite the name, ARTea Room do more than just afternoon teas, they serve breakfast, lunch, and cakes. I don't think I've ever been somewhere that has so many varieties of tea on offer. There must have been over 40 types of loose-leaf tea on the menu, which could also be purchased (a definite must next time!). There was far too much choice. I can’t remember the exact name of mine, but it was honey and almond nougat – and so divine.

Teapots with woolly tea cosies, china cups and saucers on a wooden table

As we ordered tea for two (and Alfie doesn't really eat sandwiches!), he ordered from the kids’ menu. Of course, it had to be chicken nuggets and chips with a Fruit Shoot.

But back to the main event – the afternoon tea. We had a three-tier cake stand, complete with sandwiches, plain and fruit scones, fresh fruit and three types of cake. I was blown away by the amount of food on offer – especially as there were six different fillings of sandwich! We tucked into those first and were treated to:

  • Tuna mayo on brown bread
  • Egg mayo & tomato on brown bread
  • Ham & mustard on brown bread
  • Cheese & onion chutney on white bread
  • Brie & cranberry and white bread
  • Ham & pickle on white bread (I think, I can't exactly remember now)

Each sandwich was cut into four, so we had two of each – which was essentially three whole sandwiches. My favourites were the cheese & onion chutney and the ham & mustard. I was surprised I managed to eat the next two tiers.

China cake stand on a wooden table, complete with afternoon tea delights

The scones were delicious, still warm inside and not at all dry. Served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, I actually managed to eat both before hitting a wall. Due to the warm weather, the clotted cream was also kept in the fridge until ready for serving, and we had to ask when we wanted it. I ploughed on though, as the homemade cakes looked absolutely delicious. I also clocked some on the counter as we entered. I believe the three cakes we had were:

  • Carrot cake
  • Chocolate cake
  • Caramel cake

All were so tasty and – dare I say it – the sponges were moist. Anything we were unable to eat could be boxed up to take home, which was a bonus. Alfie and I enjoyed those the next day.

We had a really lovely window table and got a good look at some of the items on offer in the shop. I couldn't resist buying a handmade soap (lemon and lime scented), and then offered to buy mum one too. I also bought a greetings card – there were some lovely designs, for all different occasions.

The service was pretty good, despite being quite busy – other than when we couldn’t get someone’s attention to have the clotted cream. I’d definitely return to ARTea Room.

Love, Lucy xx

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Love, Lucy xx

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