The Tea Rooms

As the winter draws in, nothing beats tea and a big slice of cake. Fortunately for us here in Barnet, The Tea Rooms in Wood Street fits the bill perfectly. Ideally give yourself time to settle in for a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea overlooking Ravenscroft Gardens, but if you’re in a hurry, you can take-away. Whichever, it’s a real treat.

Before the lockdown The Tea Rooms was only open for private parties and events, but since the summer, it has been open to the public. It’s not just about sweet treats either. There are savoury bakes like quiches, sausage rolls and cheese scones, filled croissants, sandwiches, all served with a side of Kettle Chips, coleslaw and salad garnish.

There’s a broad selection of goodies including several things baked by owner Susan Denny. Look out for their Black Forest-like chocolate Victoria sponge with cherry filling (perfect with a fragrant pot of Earl Grey) and the sweeter, more fudgy caramel sponge is great with coffee. I also love the coffee walnut and the Farmhouse fruit is also excellent.

So far I’ve enjoyed take-away goodies and an extended lunch with a friend when we could have sat and eaten most things on offer. As well as the delicious bakes, the Coronation Chicken sandwich was particularly good, with chicken that Susan had poached and prepared herself.

It’s also great value. Sandwiches are £3.50, home-made quiches (leek and gruyère; cheese and bacon; and three cheese) £3.75 and the gourmet handmade sausage rolls also just £3.75 (pork and smoked chilli; spinach, egg, nutmeg and potato; and pork and Westcombe Cheddar). Slices of cake cost from £1.75 although most are £2.75. Cream Tea is just £6.50 (two buttermilk scones, strawberry conserve and clotted cream with a pot of tea) and the full singing and dancing Afternoon Tea is £15 per person. There are vegan and gluten-free options too.

The room is decorated in a comfortingly retro style with eye-catching displays of tea services and some extraordinary tea pots. It’s homely and quirky with a lot of character; a soothing place for challenging times.

Opening hours
Friday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm.
Vintage Afternoon Tea available with 48 hours notice.