The Devonshire Tea Guide | Society & culture website
The Devonshire Tea Guide
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25.01.2022 I don't expect to be sipping tea and eating scones in Melbourne's hip Collingwood. However, Mamor Chocolates and High Tea Szalon fits right in. The interior design is exquisitely lavish, emitting a true Moulin Rouge vibe. Rich red velvet furnishings, fine antique china and silverware, and all the extra trimmings make this an enviable place to want to hang out with the girls. [ 250 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au//mamor-chocolates-and/
24.01.2022 The history of Oaklands Farm can be traced back to 1833 when the Imlay brothers settled and established Pambula Station. Still surrounded by river flats but now known as Oaklands Barn, the farm has still managed to keep progress at bay, with the Pambula and South Pambula residential areas still at some distance away. The eclectic collection of businesses under one roof offers something for all. On a practical level theres the animal food barn and the plant nursery. For city... slicker kids theres a plethora of farm animals to visit, and for hedonists theres the oyster bar and Longstocking Brewery, shoppers can peruse the homewares/gift shop and the Gallery. Oaklands Barn Cafe is where I am headed for probably the best Devonshire Tea south of Sydney. Its a big call, but its definitely the case so far. The scones are fresh and fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, and are served with chilled homemade mixed berry jam and thickly whipped cream. The tea is also loose-leaf and drunk from a proper tea cup. Im lucky to say that its not far from my new home and Ill be definitely taking visitors there for scones and tea. See more
24.01.2022 I am told Amaroo Park was a raceway circuit. Now, the sign at the entrance of the small business park is all that remains of its former self. Its surprising to find a cafe like Vanilla Cream Cafe in such a location. The property is impressive with a large grassy garden, a huge outdoor dining deck, and several nooks and crannies within the large building. The colour scheme is fresh, reminding me of spring, and the teaware is pretty, with a proper China teacup for tea. Theres... a bakery onsite, which makes sense why there are so many baked goodies for sale. The buttermilk scones are baking when we arrive, so when delivered are melt-in-your-mouth delectable. The bakers jam brings back memories of cream buns from my childhood, and to me it tastes fine to have it on the scones. The cream is a little too light, which is the weakest link in the whole experience. Take home fruit cake, caramel slice, brownies, shortbread, bakers jam, relish, and all the rest. See more
24.01.2022 Sapphire Marketplace is Bega’s premier shopping mall. It’s small but has the basics including The Coffee House Cafe. It’s a simple looking place, the COVID spacing makes it look half empty and quite sterile. The scones are fresh and fluffy, and the best part of the spread. The jam is ordinary and the cream out of a can, but if you are in Bega and need a scone hit, it’s not a bad option.
23.01.2022 I've got a back log of DTs that I'll be posting to www.thedevonshireteaguide.com.au. Hopefully, on the other side of this Covid-19 pandemic, cafes will re open and serve scones as before. But, who knows whether some cafes will come back from this. Fingers crossed.
23.01.2022 This weeks easing of restrictions saw cafes welcome up to 50 diners at once. It all feels kind of weird going to a cafe after iso and its also my first review since early January with all the crazy things that have happened in 2020. In regards to the cafe scene in Glenbrook Village, there have been a few changes since I was there last. 2773 Cafe Glenbrook has been a stayer and has made use of the Covid-19 shutdown to make some changes to the cafe. It literally opened the pre...vious day before I visit and you can feel the excitement of both the staff and the diners that things are getting back on track. Theres lots of space in the heated semi-outdoor dining area with a few more private pockets for larger groups. The scones are on the menu so you are guaranteed to get them. The scones are okay, I was hoping they would be straight out of the oven as there is a bit of a wait. A bit more jam and cream would be great. See more
23.01.2022 Millicent, a small town inland from South Australia's Limestone Coast, is probably not a huge drawcard for travellers even though its in driving distance from beaches and limestone caves. Along the main shopping street are several cafes, and luckily I find scones at Java Cafe. With shady footpath seating, a deck out the back and a variety of tables from solo seating along the window to large groups, the cafe offers a space for all. [ 131 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au/2020/04/09/java-cafe/
23.01.2022 In 1807, farmers began settling in the area around Longford, and with the use of free convict labour, built some grand homesteads and estates. An easy visit from Launceston, the farming town is littered with historic buildings. JJ's Bakery set up shop in 1989 in Longford in a former flour mill - The Emerald Mill. Convict built in 1834; the mill operated until 1903, and until it's revival as a bakery in 1989 was used for a range of purposes including a soap factory and an electrical store. [ 153 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au/2020/05/03/jjs-bakery/
22.01.2022 Euman-Tea Shop and Cafe has moved in to the premises of the long-term Rose and Sparrow Cafe. Im not sure when this happened but like Ellens Pantry, Google Maps dont think that the cafes exist. Euman-Tea is primarily a shop selling all things tea. From zany teapots to elegant tea cups, plus more choice of loose-leaf tea than youll know what to do with. There are a few small tables set up for tea and scones inside among the tea and teaware, otherwise the verandah has some l...ovely seating looking out towards the main street of Central Tilba. The menu is simple: scones and tea. There are plain, ginger, and date and orange available on the day I visit. Due to Covid, the shop is only operating from Friday to Sunday, 10-2pm, very reduced hours compared to what is listed online. Im mentioning this as it may be the reason why the scones are so lousy. I have a plain and a date and orange. They are microwaved until warm, soft and slightly chewy. They definitely dont taste fresh... it is Sunday afternoon, perhaps they are from Friday? Although the fresh cream is thickly whipped, the scones cant be saved. A real shame as the backdrop is the absolute perfect place for a Devonshire Tea, proper teaware and all! And not forgetting that ridiculous choice of tea! See more
22.01.2022 The little town of Junee became a railway town in 1878, with the Junee railway station becoming the principal locomotive servicing and maintenance depot in southern NSW. The original timber station burnt down in 1882, which was probably lucky, because a Victorian Italianate Renaissance style station that was heritage-listed in 1999 replaced it. Although trains are not as frequent these days, it's a wonderful reminder of the town's glory days. [ 185 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au//26/railway-station-c/
21.01.2022 I should have visited on a sparkling sunny day, when diners are sprawling in the sunshine and the waterway is blue and shimmery. Instead we are huddled covidly safe inside as it drizzles. The Waterfront Cafe has a top spot in Merimbula: on the promenade overlooking the oyster-lease crowded waterway. Anyway, if you dont get here well before midday, theres less of a chance in getting some scones. These babies are pretty fresh, buttery and crispy. The jam is nothing to get excited about, but the cream is chilled and thick and the T2 tea, loose-leaf.
21.01.2022 Ulladulla definitely has a vibe. Compared to further south in the Eurobodalla and Sapphire Coast, it feels distinctly surfie. The name OceanVibe projects this very vibe even though the cafe looks over the harbour rather any surf beach. It’s pretty quiet by the time I visit mid afternoon and there are more chirpy staff than diners. The scones look a tad unusual, like they have been baked in a muffin tray. They are on the bland side and the cheap quality strawberry jam and super light cream don’t help either. Still, it’s good to see the odd cafe in Ulladulla serve scones for travellers keen for a DT stop.
20.01.2022 Very country Crookwell sits west of the Hume Highway on the Southern Tablelands. I’m told the pub does scones, so I’m checking it out. You wouldn’t expect it, but there they are in the coffee lounge in-between the public bar and the bistro. Crookwell’s popular Criterion Hotel offers both plain and date scones with either a cup or a pot of T2 loose-leaf tea. The jam is a lousy single portion-controlled container, which barely covers one side of the scone, and the squirt of sickly-sweet dairy whip, say no more! I try the plain scone, which is super fresh and would do well with decent jam and cream. Not a bad option if you sit in the lounge. The bistro has been made COVID friendly so not many tables are available. #thedevonshireteaguide
20.01.2022 When did Woonona become so gentrified? Devonshire Teas and morning/afternoon type snacks served with loose-leaf tea and a range of housemade cakes. Sugar Butter Eggs is a pretty tea room on the Princes Hwy that weaves through Woonona on the western side of the train line. Non-descript on the outside the cafe is simple yet elegant within. The presentation of the Devonshire Tea cannot be faulted, with the chilled thickly whipped cream looking like the rose beside it, which is a standout. The scones are buttery although perhaps a little over-nuked on this instance. The bakers jam has an occasional piece of fruit in it, and I have to ask for a second dish as the ratio of the amount of jam served to cream is about 1:4. This is the kind of place to go with a few friends and to linger over tea.
19.01.2022 Well done Muriel. Love a good scone recipe!
19.01.2022 When driving along the Hume Highway, sometimes the big services centres just don't cut it. If you prefer personal service and a chilled place to rest from the monotony of highway driving, Barneys at Bookham is the place. Don't blink, lest you'll miss it, and if you don't catch the 'Barneys at Bookham billboard', it's easy to zoom on by. Feeling like it's in the middle of nowhere, the enclave includes a few houses, a scrap business, a couple of churches and of course the cafe. [ 104 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au//29/barneys-at-bookham/
18.01.2022 Along with my Devonshire Tea fetish, I must admit I have a penchant for lighthouses, and when I can combine the two I'm like a kid in a candy store. Not as isolated as Cape Otway Lightstation further along the Great Ocean Road, Split Point Lighthouse has high visitation due to its proximity to Melbourne. The lighthouse is visible from the highway and only a few minute deviation. [ 195 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au//the-lighthouse-tea-r/
18.01.2022 Manuka isnt as happening as my previous visits over the years, but there are still lots of cafes and restaurants doing a good trade. Patissez sits in a cluster of cafes, and have single dose plain, date, raspberry and white chocolate scones. They are on the menu, so its a given that they will be available. The jam isnt flash, theres butter on the side, and the cream is double thick. The T Garden loose-leaf teas offer a broad and interesting choice and are served in a copper coloured plunger that reflects the industrial vibe of the cafe.
17.01.2022 Salt & Jam Brunch Cafe goes under the radar - not even Google knows its here. On eatery avenue in the heart of Crows Nest, today the cafe has Happy Hour Afternoon Tea from 1.30 to 5pm. Its at a bargain price for $5.50 considering they sell a pot of tea on its own for $5. Im impressed with the loose-leaf tea and the decent sized teapot (I get several cups) and the lovely tea cup, but the scone is not particularly fresh, tasty or memorable, the jam an average strawberry, and the synthetic white blob is supposed to be cream. A major plus is that the staff are warm and welcoming, but the scones, jam and cream? Well......
16.01.2022 While some cafes have closed their doors due to COVID, Jack & Hilda’s have recently emerged in The northern Sydney beach suburb Narrabeen. With a menu designed for the morning and afternoon tea crowd, I opt for the Afternoon Tea set. Basically a Devonshire Tea, there’s a choice of butter or cream and four jams and a lemon curd. The lemon curd is sensational and the cream thick and served with a delicate melt-in-your-mouth chocolate garnish. There isn’t enough of either condim...ents to cover the two scones, so an extra cream and jam/curd top up is required. Top ups are an extra $1.50 on top of the $16 I’m already paying. If you can’t find a tea you like in the traditional tea list, for an extra $1 you can choose from the herbal tea list, or for an extra $3, from the fancy blooming tea list. When it comes to scones, everyone has their preference on how they like them. My plain and fruit scone are heavy rather than light and fluffy, with a thick buttery crust to break through to get to the softer centre. Since the scones are pretty dense, for me, they need at least twice as much jam and cream than they are served with. It’s great to see an addition to the Sydney scone scene and let’s hope the Northern Beaches appreciates it too! Eventually a proper review will land at www.thedevonshireteaguide.com.au See more
13.01.2022 Having just moved to NSWs Far South Coast, while getting the lay of the land, Im keeping my eyes peeled for possible scones, jam and cream delights. Cafe Evolve in downtown Bega, whilst doing the whole COVID thang, is still baking scones. By mid afternoon there are only a couple left, so they are popular. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, the scones are served with a rich (read, decent quality), raspberry jam. However, the cream is light and inconsequential. Checkout thedevonshireteaguide.com.au for more extensive DT reviews.
13.01.2022 Built by convict labour in 1830, the Jindyandy Grain Mill was the first brick building constructed on the southside of the Shoalhaven River. Nowadays the Jindyandy Mill is a precinct containing an antiques shop, a Lolly shop and Greendales Cafe. The cafe sits right beside the old mill and overlooks lush dairy country. You get the views wherever you sit, or settle out on the lawn for a more immersive experience. Allens famous scones are on the menu, and for good reason, as they are fresh and fluffy and worth the diversion. The cream is fresh although a little light for me as its dispensed from a cream canister. If you arent bothered by ordinary jam then you are set for a worthy morning tea - its a top spot.
13.01.2022 Not as enticing as many of the other towns along Victoria's coastline, Portland perched on the southwest coast is undeniably a working port town. The site of Victoria's first permanent European settlement is reminiscent of a British seaside town; cool and blustery with an old fishing port vibe. Port of Call cafe feels like an old- fashioned fish and chip/hamburger place that has been transformed into a cafe with a chippie on the side. [ 167 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au/2020/04/11/port-of-call/
13.01.2022 A visit to Port Fairy is not complete without checking out the beaches. And what beaches! The white sand and turquoise waters of East Beach goes on forever, and in good weather there is no other place you want to be. Perched above the East Beach Surf Club sits Charlie's On East, a simple cafe that feeds off its prime surfside position. [ 156 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au///18/charlies-on-east/
12.01.2022 On both approaches to Nimmitabel on the Snowy Mountains Highway, the landscape is bleak. Some might say its beautiful, but it is the Snowy Monaro Shire after all. Its a perfect place to stretch the legs with a couple of eatery choices. Nimmitabel Bakery will scrape together some jam and cream to go with the date scones. The chilled slightly sweet cream is a typical cake cream used by bakeries. I like it. The jam comes in a lousy sachet and the date scone could do with a spruce up, but overall its not bad. The loose-leaf tea is a bonus.
11.01.2022 After cycling part of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail into a strong head wind, I'm ready for a Devonshire Tea. Slipping in to downtown Wangaratta's Hahne's Kitchen is easy as there is plenty of parking nearby even though the town is bustling. The cafe interior is simple and the shady outdoor area on the footpath is pleasant in fine weather. [ 104 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au/20//30/hahnes-kitchen/
11.01.2022 Mrs Jones The Baker, a bustling high end bakery, has picked up sticks and moved to a newly revamped space that was the former Freshwater bakery. The place is buzzing with sourdough and homemade sausage roll lovers. Luck plays a big part in getting a table on the weekend, as there isn’t a lot of space for too many tables. There is a generous sized teapot of looseleaf tea to have with the fruit scone, a smidgen of strawberry bakers jam, and a bit more than a smidgen of airy light cream. Shame the scone is stone cold, I do like a warm scone.
11.01.2022 I'm in town with another 4,000 hungry cyclists, and food in cafes is disappearing like hotcakes after today's long ride. At Margaret & Agnes I spy the pile of date scones on the counter and the friendly staff offer to put a scone aside for me so I can catch a few shops before they close. How nice is that? The date scone is huge, and I only need one. [ 114 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au/20//21/margaret-agnes/
10.01.2022 Wowser! My next batch!
09.01.2022 I've always loved Mother Earth Nursery. It's on the quirky side in comparison to other plant nurseries in north-western Sydney, as it feels like the place is more dedicated to The Fig Tree Coffee House than the selling of plants and accessories. The main entrance through the rondavel with the lovely roof water feature is a standout. The indoor seating spills out from the rondavel into an extensive leafy courtyard, which is a green haven for mother earth lovers. [ 172 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au//the-fig-tree-coffee-/
06.01.2022 Manukas cafe strip is quiet on a Covid-chilly day. The few people about are tucked up inside, and luckily My Cafe have fruit scones. Although the scones are fresh, the strawberry jam is ordinary and the cream is light, probably from a cream canister, but fresh nonetheless. The loose-leaf tea is a plus. My Cafe is across from Manukas former cinema, whose future fate is unknown.
06.01.2022 Passing by, still sleepy after rolling off the Spirit of Tasmania's night crossing, my partner balks at stopping at a winery restaurant, as he feels underdressed. Fowles Wines Cellar Door Restaurant is neither too posh during breakfast nor overpriced, and is an easy 90-minute drive north along the Hume Motorway from Melbourne. It's much a destination rather than just a pitstop to refuel. [ 269 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au//fowles-wine-cellar-d/
05.01.2022 The first time I try to visit The Teahouse, it's 37 degrees with easterly winds so strong that they close the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Ten days later, I try again when it's 12 degrees and wet, but luckily all is open. Established in 1851, the Geelong Botanic Gardens are the fourth oldest botanic garden in Australia! Located in a fenced off area in the expansive Eastern Park in East Geelong, the Geelong Botanic Gardens is a quiet escape from whatever is going on on the other side of the fence. [ 174 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au/2020/04/05/the-teahouse/
05.01.2022 On the way to Cafe Bear & Scoobs I pass a Sphinx with a bottle shop underneath: unusual to say the least, but an interesting gimmick for a pub. This part of town feels slightly 'light industrial' and I am surprised to find a cafe with giant teddy bears sitting at either side of the entrance in this part of town. [ 202 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au///16/cafe-bear-scoobs/
05.01.2022 I'm in Wagga Wagga early so I hit Jardine's Cafe at 9am just in time for scones fresh from the oven. The place is bright, large, and popular with locals on their way to work and the cheery barista seems to know everybody's name. Just past a wall selling lovely giftware, there are some refectory tables and plenty of smaller tables further back surrounded in fresh white interiors. [ 108 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au/2020//24/jardines-cafe/
05.01.2022 An indoor/outdoor cafe on a quiet thoroughfare connecting busy Military Road to the more serene Woolworths car park, Mediterranean Paradise is the latest cafe to take up residence in this prime location. The Greek cafe/restaurant is a welcome change to the Neutral Bay dining scene and rounds off the plethora of offerings. I miss the small sign attached to a menu board spruiking Maria's scones on the way in, so am surprised to see a tray of scones sitting on the counter at a Greek restaurant. [ 144 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au//mediterranean-paradi/
03.01.2022 Apparently Cafe Zestt is Crookwells best Refreshment Room! There are a few booths for dining, a metal pressed ceiling, and the space is cavernous rather than cosy - I can almost see the 19th century Refreshment Room! Crookwell, in the Southern Tablelands, is the pastoral areas hub and is positively buzzing today. Cafe Zestt, in the middle of Main Street, sits across from the only supermarket in town so is well-positioned as a good people watching perch. The scones are fresh, so the sign claims, but are over-nuked therefore a bit soggy. A shame as they look pretty good. The jam could be better, but otherwise the cream is slightly sweet and thickly whipped. #thedevonshireteaguide www.thedevonshireteaguide.com.au
03.01.2022 The last time I was in this cafe it was called South Coast Cheese Cafe and the scones were pretty good. This time its going by Ellens Pantry and Fine Foods and the scones are better! There have been a few changes in Central Tilba since my last visit - namely cafe changes, and a few closures - and it feels quieter, which is more likely due to Covid than anything. The surrounding countryside is still beautiful, reminding me of a quainter and quieter Byron Bay hinterland, and the village is always a lovely place to spend a few hours. As I mentioned before, the scones are superb: fresh, light and fluffy. The Tilba Teapot raspberry jam is just right and the cream double thick. There are loose-leaf teas by Tea Tonic served in a good-sized teapot to top it all off!
02.01.2022 On entering the property, Glen Derwent Heritage Retreat can be seen beyond the ancient trees that line the driveway. The place is steeped in so much history, that there isn't enough room on this page to go into it. However, the website has a well-articulated timeline that begins in 1807. If you want to stay overnight, there are cottages and rooms available, including the repurposed stable. [ 158 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au//glen-derwent-tea-roo/
02.01.2022 There are not enough tea rooms around like Stellas Vintage Tearoom. New to the scene in Pambula village or for the Sapphire Coast for that matter, the place is an eclectic mix of all things vintage. As a customer, you feel embedded within the books, teaware, and all other manner of vintage things. Everything is homemade by Sharon, and the tea list is as long as your arm. The fluffy scones are served with rich raspberry jam and slightly sweet whipped cream. But really, its about the whole shebang, the tearoom is an experience in itself, and youll be blown away as soon as you walk through the door!
02.01.2022 It's my first outing to a cafe since the COVID-19 shutdown in March. It looks as though Glenbrook locals are just as happy to be out too, making the most of 2773 Cafe's reopening the previous day. I've never been to this cafe before, but apparently they have done a refurbishment, getting rid of the petting zoo and moving the kiddies playground down the back, leaving the front section to the adults and the cocktails. [ 156 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au/2020/06/17/2773-cafe/
01.01.2022 Surrounded by farming properties, Cootamundra is a typical rural service town. Sir Donald Bradman was born here and it was a major railway junction between Sydney and Melbourne back when the railway was king! Have a sticky beak around town at the heritage buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century, and of course the Victorian Italianate style railway station. [ 174 more words ] http://thedevonshireteaguide.com.au///planted-cootamundra/
