The staple food for anyone in the English countryside, the Isle of Wight included, the cream tea is a classic afternoon treat that will never go out of style.
Warm home-baked scones, plenty of clotted cream, generous dollops of strawberry jam, the much-needed pot of English tea and fresh milk make this essential British summertime sweet...??
The Isle of Wight is blessed with stunning countryside, beachfronts and an array of cafes and tea rooms offering excellent local produce alongside freshly home-baked delights. So to celebrate the most classic of all, the cream tea, here's our guide to some of the best places for an afternoon tea on the Isle of Wight.
Chessell Pottery CafeCalbourne
Nestled in the heart of the unspoilt West Wight countryside, Chessel Pottery comprises a working pottery, decorating studio where you can have a go at decorating your very own handmade pottery, courtyard cafe and gift barn and simply couldn't be ignored in the search for the top cream teas on the Isle of Wight. Dubbed the 'Home of the Ultimate Island Cream Tea', the courtyard cafe offers real clotted cream from the neighbouring Calbourne Classics Farm, homemade strawberry jam made from local strawberries and warm scones baked freshly with Isle of Wight flour and butter. Winner of Best Cream Tea 2010, 2011 & 2012! See more about Chessell Pottery...
Ventnor
On the stunning esplanade on Ventnor seafront, Queenies Tea Rooms is a quaint, typically British tea room serving some excellent cream teas and great home-made cakes. Their chocolate chip cream tea features a chocolate chip scone, chocolate spread and traditional clotted cream; definitely worth a try!
Godshill
In the quaint traditional village of Godshill, The Old Smithy is a must-see spot for coach parties and family holidaymakers alike. There's opportunity to stroll through the beautiful gardens and leisurely browse the shops selling some Isle of Wight made products and the ideal place to find a unique unusual gift before relaxing in the coffee shop and enjoying some of the delicious homemade pastries, cakes and light meals. The cream tea for two is a popular option.
Alum Bay
The working farm situated in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Alum Bay and the Needles set up their very own 'Cream Tea Enterprise' in 2000 for visitors wanting to experience a true Isle of Wight cream tea in a unique rural setting. The cream tea is as classic as it gets, freshly baked scones from the farmhouse aga, local Isle of Wight clotted cream, strawberry jam and fresh fresh strawberries. The ideal stop-off for cyclists or walkers on the Tennyson trail and the kids will love the small animal farm.
Freshwater
The museum and galleries in Freshwater, the previous home of Victorian photography Julia Margaret Cameron is also home to the Cameron Tearooms which are renowned for their high quality Isle of Wight sourced food, tempting cakes and traditional sunday lunches. The tearoom hosts some of Dimbola Lodge's events including small music concerts and open mic nights. The cream teas are a definite must while sitting in the garden enjoying the sun. See more about Dimbola Lodge...
Ventnor
Everything stops for afternoon tea at The Royal Hotel in Ventnor. With stunning views over Ventnor Bay, The Royal Hotel provides the ideal backdrop to an afternoon tea. As well as the traditional fresh clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam, you are given two freshly baked scones, one fruit and one plain. Patisserie chef, Emily Harris has won awards for her afternoon tea and the flavours vary with the seasons but nothing can beat a classic cream tea overlooking some beautiful Isle of Wight views. See more about The Royal...
Take a look at our full directory of places to eat and drink on the Isle of Wight. Whether it's the ideal cream tea, a family meal, a pub lunch, a boozy night out or a continental breakfast, the Isle of Wight has a huge range of pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants and local produce suppliers.
Priory Bay Hotel is a quintessential, 18 bedroom English country house by the sea boasting a spectacular private beach, 70 acre estate, 2 family Tithe Barns, self catering cottages, falconry, outdoor pool, golf course and tennis courts.
Located 40 yards from the beach in the heart of the picturesque sailing village from which it takes its name, The Seaview Hotel offers an extensive AA Rosette-rated menu with a focus on local produce.
There has been an Abbey at Quarr on the Isle of Wight since 1132,. It played a central part in the life of the Island until its dissolution by Henry VIII. The Quarr Abbey that stands alongside the ruins of the former building belongs to the Solesmes Congregation group of monasteries.
