A sunny September spin, to a secluded spot for a tea stop off.

Blog ten was going to be a spectacular celebration of refined travel, a journey on the road and the rails with an excursion to Minehead on one of Somerset’s most charming attractions.  Though as the October weather has a put a halt to any sunny day outings (Everyone loves a train pun!)  Although The Lady is a fair weather girl, a chance for some vintage transport snaps wouldn’t quite be so elegant with grey skies and downpours.

Instead I am going to invite you along on a journey I went on back in September to visit a local tea room.  Rather than Steam Trains, I and a few fellow passengers went off on an autumnal outing to find a steamy cup of tea.  I decided to check out a local tea room just along from Barrington, having passed it on my run over to Barrington Court in an earlier blog found here; (Off with her head!)  I decided it would be a nice spot to check out their tea.  Here is how I got on, for an afternoon spent catching up with friends.

My trip began with a short run over to Shepton Beauchamp, on a sunny day in September. Where I was once again joined by Suzanna, who came with me on my jaunt over to Hinton St George (A few hours lost in another tea cup.)  She invited along two of her friends Charlotte and Sam.  A Lady packed with passengers for an idyllic ride seeking some English countryside delights. While spending the afternoon reminiscing about old times and catching up along with sampling some yummy morsels.

Departing from Shepton Beauchamp we headed over to The Dennis Chinaworks Tea Room.  Turning right out of Shepton, and back along the road from Lopen motoring around the countryside bends. Arriving at a stone walled gateway tucked away just before you reach the village of Barrington.

Turning into the gateway, winding around to a small car park outside of the glass shop.  We left The Lady in a sunny spot outside, and went for a short wander taking the right pathway following the sign marked up for the tea room, we walked along the drive towards the courtyard.

Walking into the courtyard through to the tea room, the outside seating area beaming with popularity in the September sunshine, we opted for a table inside, admiring all pieces of creativity on display. On the wall at the far end two shelves with a selection of vases colorfully displayed.  Our table was a perfect place to eye up the treats. As you enter; in front of you presented on a sideboard was a selection of tasty delights on ceramic cake stands.  With an array of baked goodness on display under the glass covers to attract anyone’s tempting eye.

With friendly greetings from Emma and Jess, to start our afternoon of chatter we opted a pot of tea for four, which was presented in a ceramic tea pot.  Creating a rather steamy brew.  The tea was brand of tea, one I had not heard of before called “Barry’s Tea” all the way from Ireland.  A family tea company quite fitting for this family run tea room.  On the menu, Sam and Suzanna had the Leek and Potato soup; Presented in such colourful bowls, which looked absolutely enticing!  With a side of a cheese scone, three were left after a popular lunch run.  Well one and the baby scone being taken Sam and Suzanna.    While Charlotte chose the lone cheese scone with butter.  For my starter I opted for a slice of the very inviting Blueberry Sponge.  I must say the size of the slice was certainly a healthy for a wadge of cake.

For dessert, well the sweet after the savory for all but me.  The cakes that remained were a Lemon Polenta with a side of Greek yogurt, a plate full of chocolate brownies.  And a rather singular slice of the Blueberry Sponge.  Sam and I decided on the Lemon Polenta, Charlotte went for the Brownie and Suzanna making sure that Blueberry slice certainly had a home to go to.  With a little persuasion from the rest of us.  Even taking home some for later.

An afternoon full of savories and sweets, on our way out, we said goodbye to Emma and Jess the two busy bees milling around serving us tea and cake for the afternoon who happily posed for a quick snap.    What I found quite lovely was the old-fashioned cotton reel box, serving the purpose of the till.

After a couple of hours of nattering and enjoying our afternoon treat, we decided to head on for a jaunt for a scenic route back towards Shepton Beauchamp.   Driving through the lanes along to South Petherton and East Lambrook.  For a sunny lane trundle around some of the countryside of Somerset.

Just think since starting this adventure in search of some of the most pleasant tea retreats. With ten entries of this blog The Lady has covered an estimated 1000 miles, as well as myself and a variety of passengers indulging with around 20 helpings of cake!  Not bad for an 83-year-old, and her rather (by now) rotund driver!  Visiting some of the great sights over the West country.

Once again, I have reached the end of today’s outing, jotting down my thoughts and adventures in a 1930s Pre war car.  And hopefully has shared my enjoyment of tea & cake! Perhaps even inspired you to take a visit.

Until next time join myself and The Lady for another pit stop on The Lady’s Great British Tea Room Tour.