Favourite tea shops

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Geoff.D
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by Geoff.D »

I chanced upon "Laggan Stores Coffee Bothy and Gallery" earlier this week whilst out on a ride. It's well worth a visit, with home made soup amongst the fare. It's about 30 miles south west of Aviemore, on the A86. The welcome was warm hearted, inclusive of cyclists and I had a little conversation with the resident parrot.

The new owners have only been there 3 weeks, and the interior is new, clean with much local pine in evidence. I failed to take a photo, and the google street view is out of date, showing the old store frontage. But don't be put of by that.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@57.01957 ... 312!8i6656
Grandad
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by Grandad »

100%JR
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by 100%JR »

The Old Barn at Lake Vyrnwy,Wales.
Reasonable prices,decent amount of outdoor seating and nice views.We tried to get drinks at the Artisan Cafe a couple of hundred yards up the road the day before but found the staff quite rude,telling us they were closed despite us arriving there 15 mins before the 5pm closing time on the door.
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CyclingGuy
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by CyclingGuy »

I'd recommend trying out 'Velolife' just outside Henley (Warren Row to be exact - http://www.velolife.co.uk)

Discovered it about 18 moonths ago when I returned to the saddle after a multi-year hiatus and have just finished my seventh loyalty card ( six stamps per card!).

On-site workshop, great atmosphere, superb toasties and a great selection of cakes.

If you're there on a Sunday morning there's a more than 50% chance I'll be there too!

Neil
Read about my adventures on the British Cycle Quest at: http://www.quest.nwarwick.co.uk
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cycleruk
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by cycleruk »

CyclingGuy wrote:I'd recommend trying out 'Velolife' just outside Henley (Warren Row to be exact - http://www.velolife.co.uk)
Discovered it about 18 moonths ago when I returned to the saddle after a multi-year hiatus and have just finished my seventh loyalty card ( six stamps per card!).
On-site workshop, great atmosphere, superb toasties and a great selection of cakes.
If you're there on a Sunday morning there's a more than 50% chance I'll be there too!
Neil

Visited there some time back and wasn't overly impressed.
Place didn't feel clean so hope they have improved since then.
You'll never know if you don't try it.
colin54
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by colin54 »

I was passing through Wigan yesterday, and on the advice of a local cyclist I had got chatting to

I visited ' Dotties' cafe at ' The Brick ' (see link).

http://www.thebrick.org.uk/

Nice friendly place which has a cycle workshop amongst the other projects there.

Simon (?) the mechanic helped me out with a couple of seat pins I needed,

they do repairs as well as renovating donated machines.

It's behind 'Go Outdoors' first turn on the right, I believe one of the local social cycling groups uses it

as one of their tea stops.

It's tucked slightly out of the way so I thought I'd give a good cause and cafe a bit of publicity,

a good destination for a group ride possibly.

I only had a mug of tea, but here's a picture of the menu, I'll return there for sure.

It's first right down Hodson Street and is convenient from the canal towpath.

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CyclingGuy
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by CyclingGuy »

Chanced across a tea shop that I didn't even know existed last week.

If you're in the Mortimer, Berkshire area try out Baobab gift shop and cafe - not a big place but decent coffee (so I'm told) and good tea (I know that) and a slice of cake for less than £4, which in this area is a complete bargain.

They are so small they don't have a website but I did find this YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDcC1sWFly4

Neil
Read about my adventures on the British Cycle Quest at: http://www.quest.nwarwick.co.uk
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cyclemad
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by cyclemad »

One of my fav's is Great Walsingham Barns Cafe in Norfolk .....fantastic PIES and all home made.......Sunday lunches are excellent but you need to reserve a table as it gets really busy.

http://walsinghamcafe.co.uk

Another is The Pretty Corner Tea Room and cafe outside Sheringham - Norfolk...Great meeting place for local cycle clubs pre and post ride outs ...

http://www.prettycornerteagardens.com
Cyril Haearn
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by Cyril Haearn »

I like to take my own food and drink and visit a small museum, one often learns so much from the professional amateur who minds the museum
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Spinners
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by Spinners »

'Trams' at Mumbles, Swansea. Lovely café, great prices and welcoming to cyclists.
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100%JR
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by 100%JR »

Station Cafe,Grindleford,Peak District.
The best B.E.S.T I've ever had!I ate it at 10:45 and walked 15 miles on it and still didn't eat again until 20:00 :o
3 sausages,3 bacon,2 eggs and toms on a large Breadcake(probably 6" across).HUGE sandwich!
The Cafe has a bit of a local reputation as the owner was a really grumpy old bugger :lol: His son is now in charge and as much as he tries he's a kitten compared to his old man.
Well worth popping in if you're passing!
Cyril Haearn
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by Cyril Haearn »

Plus One for station cafes

Used to be a regular at Lady Foleys Tea Room, Great Malvern station, it is still there

Not to mention the West Country Buffet at New Alresford station (Hampshire not Essex)
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Cyril Haearn
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by Cyril Haearn »

I prefer to take my own food and drink, while cycling I sit down so I like to have my break standing up :wink:
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rob_wales
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by rob_wales »

Cyril Haearn wrote:I prefer to take my own food and drink, while cycling I sit down so I like to have my break standing up :wink:


I do the same vis-a-vis the food, but usually sit. But today on our walk instead of sitting I did some gentle stretches and squats while sipping coffee and nibbling a fruit bar (needs good balance skills). My wife thinks I'm a daft git. :lol:
Vorpal
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Re: Favourite tea shops

Post by Vorpal »

At the mention of station cafe, I thought to check if anyone had include the one at Manningtree station on the thread. They serve real ale (Mr. V approves), as well as typical cafe foods, and a substantial English breakfast. I don't think they are exactly a tea shop, but they are an interesting blend of pub and station cafe that works pretty well.

There is reasonable cycle parking, nice routes in the area, and it's between NCN 51 and NCN 1 on the River Stour. It's also on the Essex Way, and offers lovely walks in 'Constable Country'.

I have to admit that I have been there only once in recent years (due to living abroad), and it didn't seem quite as nice the last time I visited (I don't know if that is nostalgia or deterioration!), but I used to be a regular visitor & thought it deserved mention here.

p.s. whether I prefer to stand, sit on a rock or a wall eating a packed lunch, or sit in a nice cafe & have someone bring me a fancy coffee drink varies depending upon my mood & what sort of ride I am doing.
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
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