Vintage

Castle Cottage has lots of outside seating and a very pretty garden but we chose to sit inside for our meal

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Yesterday I had an interesting visit with a friend to Oakham, the County Town of Rutland. I used to live in the area over 40 years ago and my son was born in Oakham Hospital so the place held significant memories for me. It’s an attractive market town steeped in medieval history with lots of independent shops and we were spoiled for choice in the number of cafes and eateries. We had read excellent reviews of Castle Cottage Cafe so thought we would seek it out for lunch. It’s easy to find although somewhat tucked away in Church Passage, which is just off the Market Place.

The cafe interior is delightful with fairy lights, fresh flowers and lots of quirky vintage pieces.

Castle Cottage Cafe Oakham Rutland (2) — ***Castle Cottage has lots of outside seating and a very attractive garden but we chose to sit inside for our meal.***

***We were served very promptly with a splendid Afternoon Tea on the traditional three-tiered stand.***

img_20190907_1247438-1 — ***The bottom tier held a selection of freshly-made sandwiches with interesting tasty fillings.***

img_20190907_1248290 — **My favourite was the smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich. The bread was soft and very fresh.**

img_20190907_1258159-1 — **We shared a warm freshly-baked large fruit scone with fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, and clotted cream.**

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img_20190907_1308279-1 — **The selection of cakes on the middle tier were home-made and absolutely delicious.**

img_20190907_1308189 — **We both considered the lemon cake with lemon curd filling and buttercream topping to be light and truly scrumptious.**

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img_20190907_1244395-1 — **The cafe interior is delightful with fairy lights, bunting, fresh flowers and lots of quirky vintage pieces. The concept really worked and the food was excellent too!**

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The cost of our Afternoon Tea was of exceptional value for money at £12 per person and it was probably the best I have ever come across in terms of price, quality, and quantity.

Castle Cottage Cafe,

Church Passage, Off Market Place, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6DR

Tel: 01572 757952

***Castle Cottage is a real find and well worth seeking out if you are looking for somewhere to eat in Oakham.***

Lavenham is a very pretty historic village in Suffolk, England, noted for its 15th century church, half-timbered medieval cottages and a circular walk. It’s a popular day trip destination with tourists and yesterday I visited with a friend for the first time and I was astonished at the sheer number of teashops! We had already booked a table at the Lavenham Blue Vintage Tea Rooms because it had been highly recommended and we weren’t disappointed. Housed in a beautiful 15th century building we enjoyed a Traditional Afternoon Tea which included a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, clotted cream, mini trifles, and cakes with a pot of tea or coffee and free refills. Freshly made food, prompt and friendly service, and great value at £16.50 pp (minimum two people) in delightful surroundings with a choice of eating inside or in the attractive cottage garden at the rear. Highly recommended.