"Midas Touch"
We went to the Hay on Wye Festival over the week end. As part of the trip We included also a visit to the Black & White Trial (Villages with Tudor Houses). In all these years I have never heard of it. I have to thank my friend/colleague Katie to have introduced me to such a place. We visited few of them and although they were all very pretty, Pembridge has a class on his own. While we were strolling and admiring the fantastic period houses we come across "Ye Olde Steppes" Tea Room. It was 9ish and we thought that was a good time for a cuppa and in we went. They have a little shop in the front that opens at 9, while the tea room opens at 10. It wasn't a problem; they accommodated and made us felt very welcome. Mark suggested a cake that looked like a crumble with raisin marinated in Dunkerton Cider. I cowardly went for a lemon drizzle while my fiancée went for it. I did taste some and it was scrumptious. The loosed earl grey tea with a slice of lemon was something else and so were the cakes. The tea is served, wait a moment, in a ROYAL DOULTON Teapot. Yes u heard! How often, I am talking to u Tea lovers, have the privilege to be served tea in such a manner? Silver teaspoons ? Vera Lynn on the background? Think for a nano second of tea served in stainless steel. U get the picture!!!! The Tea Room is impeccable, spotless; everything shows an eye for detail almost to a military precision (in a good way). The service is attentive and always with a smile and Mark chat to u like long lost friends. Anyway for the 3 days that we stayed in loco we visited the place every day. We would have been mad not to. We had brunch with two slices of black bread with bacon and egg and that was above Heaven. One of the rare occasions were the yolk is orange and has got a taste!! Every single product is sourced locally.
We have been visiting lots of tearooms over the years mainly in the West Countries and the Cotswolds and without a shred of a doubt we can say that this one has to be the BEST in the Country. This is as good as it gets! So my advice to u is: Don't u dare visit Pembridge without popping in. You will deprive yourself of a unique experience. U have been warned!!!
I would like to point out that this place is a Tearoom and Village Shop now. read more