Patisserie Conte – Toulouse

A relaxing way to spend the hot afternoon was at Patisserie Conte. This was a colourful tea room with exquisite cakes. A tranquil and relaxing atmosphere was provided with no background music. Deep red walls and red table cloths contrasted the bright comfortable seating.

Demel – Vienna

It was hard to choose where to try the famous Sachertorte in Vienna. Should it be had at Hotel Sacher or at Demel? As Lonely Planet describes it “both cafes claim to be a cut above the other; try both and decide”.

Tea on the Green – Bolton Abbey

Going to Bolton Abbey took me right back to my childhood days, where happy outings were spent with the family with picnics in tow. The most memorable part, apart from the delicious food, was always the stepping stones of Bolton Abbey.

The Old Loom Mill, Tea Room – Hailsham

Hailsham is home to my favourite caravan park and camping site, Peel House Farm and it was while visiting friends there, taking a stroll together along the Cuckoo Trail that I discovered The Old Loom Mill tea room and crafts centre.

Jeanette’s Cakery – Saltaire

A special day meant being taken out and treated to lunch and cake. Jeanette’s Cakery is infuenced by the 1940s and 1950s. It is a really cute cafe decorated with bird wallpaper, bunting, fairy lights, flowers in Colman mustard tins and pale blue cushioned seating. There is even a jukebox.

Piacha Tea Bar – Angel

Piacha was noticed many many months ago by one of the Rate My Bistro team. It looked like “our type of place” with lots of teas and comfy seating.

Hitchin Lavender Tea Room – Hitchin

Every year, the lavender season seems to be missed even though it is in the summer months. This year, a conscious effort was made to make this outing to the Hitchin Lavender fields.

Yumchaa – Goodge Street

For those of you who enjoy tea, you will be spoilt for choice at Yumchaa. At Yumchaa, it is all about the loose tea with signs saying “No tea bags, no tea baggage and no tea bagging” and “Drink loose leaf tea”.

Bliss Lane Tea Room – Flore

Motorway journeys can be good at times but it can depend on a varying number of factors. Even though the motorway service stations have improved over the recent years, they are not the most exciting of places.