I can think of nothing nicer on a cold February day than sitting in a teashop by a log fire and partaking of a cream tea. I visited King John's Hunting Lodge which is the oldest house in Lacock and found perfection. If you have an idea of what you might expect from an English teashop, a visit here will not disappoint. According to their web site, 'the main part of the lodge, dating back to the 13th century, still has much of the original cruck beam structure, whilst the rear of the building was added to in Tudor times. King John (1167 - 1216), Lord of the Manor of Melksham, frequently indulged his passion for hunting in the surrounding forest, and it is likely that he made regular visits to his Hunting Lodge.'
The lovely dresser filled with blue and white china groaned with cakes of all kinds: chocolate confections, plump Victoria sponges, fruit slabs and coffee cake studded with crisp walnuts.I love old china and there is plenty on display on shelves and behind glass; pretty floral cups and saucers in delicate hues.
Tea, savouries, scones and cake are served in willow pattern blue and white - we quenched our thirst with lashings of ginger beer before fragrant cups of Earl Grey. The savouries were delicious as was the cream tea etc. Apart from the lovely ambience and decorations the staff are so friendly and cheerful - they seemed run off their feet, but went out of their way to make sure everyone was happy. I didn't set out for this to sound like a review, but it was the highlight of my visit to Lacock!