A holiday to Cornwall simply isn’t complete without a proper Cornish cream tea. But with so many wonderful places to choose from – where do you go? Here are four of our favourite spots to tuck into this scrumptious treat. Just remember, jam first…
1. Best for special occasions: The Polurrian on The Lizard, Mullion
After a cream tea to mark a special occasion? The Polurrian on The Lizard has just been awarded the ‘Best Presented Afternoon Tea of The Year’ at the Food & Beverage Magazine awards, beating over 150 other establishments. It focuses on local ingredients and flavours and the result is a truly Cornish afternoon tea. Diners can expect the likes of a Cornish Pasty filled with Boscarnon beef & Helford blue cheese, Matthew Stevens hot smoked mackerel & Roskilly’s mango chutney & lizard leaf on Baker Tom’s wholemeal bread and a traditional scone served with Roskilly’s strawberry jam and Roddas clotted cream. All that and more will be washed down with a cup of Cornish Smugglers Brew Tea or a glass of Camel Valley Brut.
2. Best for Tripadvisor fans: Little Bay Café, Pentewan
At the time of writing, the Little Bay Café in Pentewan was sat at the number 1 spot for all cafes in Cornwall with over 91% of reviewers leaving the café a glowing five-star review. So, if social proof is a deciding factor, look no further than this quaint tearoom set in the picturesque setting of Pentewan. Inside you’ll find a sweet tearoom setup, but there’s also a suntrap of an outside decking space that is perfect for warmer weather. Scones are serious business here and the owner is said to be very passionate about them. It looks like it's paid off with one previous diner calling them 'the lightest, butteriest and tallest scones I have ever seen or tasted'! Well, what are you waiting for?
3. Best for dietary requirements: Twisted Currant, Porthleven
Looking for a cream tea to suit a dietary requirement? Twisted Currant in Porthleven might be just the ticket. This modern yet cosy tearoom caters to a range of requirements including gluten-free eaters and vegans. Plus, the scones (as well as cakes) are all homemade and there are plenty of options to choose from. Chocoholics will love the Chocolate Cream Tea which features chocolate chip studded stones, whereas those with savory taste buds will delight in the Gentleman’s Cream Tea. The sweet tearoom is also dog friendly, and there is usually a dog biscuit to be had.
4. Best for coastal views: Polpeor Cafe, The Lizard
If you’d like to chow down with a pretty view, look no further than Polpeor Café on the Lizard. With its unbelievable coast views and tempting menu, it’s a popular spot for walkers, locals and cream tea seekers alike. While the inside is lovely, save your visit for a dry day when you can sit outside and tuck into your cream tea – which comes with warm scones and lashings of clotted cream and jam - while you admire the spectacular coastal views. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, cormorants, gulls and choughs too.
