Cream teas are a bit of a rite of passage in Cornwall. Traditionally comprised of fluffy, home-baked scones cut in two, dolloped with jam and topped with thick clotted cream – all accompanied with lashings of hot tea or coffee – it’s an afternoon pastime that unites all generations. Taken to a delightfully new level of indulgence in the form of an afternoon tea, which adds fine finger sandwiches, cakes and amuse-bouches, it’s an experience that should be enjoyed by everyone at least once – but preferably many times…
If you are yet to treat yourself to the joy of an afternoon or cream tea in Cornwall, or simply are looking forward to your next fix, we’ve put together some of the best places to savour a cream tea on the Lizard. Just remember, the one rule of Cornish cream teas lest ye ruffle the locals: it’s jam first, not cream.
The Bay, Coverack
Overlooking the powdery sands of Coverack beach is the Bay Hotel, home to a modern restaurant that proffers up afternoon teas served with Tregothnan Estate tea. With beautiful seascapes below the hotel and superb views over the village, the outdoor terrace is a particularly lovely spot to sit and savour delicious mouthfuls of buttermilk scone-y goodness, listening to the gentle lap of waves below.
Holy Mackerel Café, Helford
Holy Mackerel Café is a little-known gem hidden within the leafy depths of the Helford. Usually open from Saturday to Wednesday, it’s worth keeping an eye on the opening hours of this seasonal café to secure yourself a spot and enjoy one of their delicious cream teas. The location alone merits the visit, with a wander along the banks of the Helford a superb way to fuel your appetite.
Housel Bay, the Lizard
Whether you’d like to enjoy a sit-down experience in the hotel’s restaurant or pick up some goodies to go, Housel Bay is one of the best places in the Cornwall for a cream tea. Choose between the classic cream tea and afternoon tea, each with a choice of hot drinks, or opt for the luxurious prosecco afternoon tea served with a glass of fizz to make the occasion even more special.
Kynance Cove Café, Kynance Cove
Taking pride of place in one of the most beautiful coves in the UK, Kynance Cove Café is already a popular destination for afternoon treats. Naturally, if you are looking forward to a cream tea with a twist, this National Trust-owned, family-run café is a welcome choice with its incredible vistas and unique location. Take a pew on one of the outdoor benches to savour the bites and sights.
Mullion Cove, Mullion
Mullion Cove Hotel and Spa sits in a beautiful position overlooking Mullion harbour. Deservedly proud of their afternoon offerings, this self-professed cream tea haven offers handpicked teas, freshly-baked scones, Cornish clotted cream and jaw-dropping coastal views to boot. Take a seat in one of the lounges, bar or gardens and choose from the Cornish cream tea menu, afternoon tea or Champagne afternoon tea.
The Old Cellars, Cadgwith
Tucked away in a pretty, suntrap courtyard, the Old Cellars café in Cadgwith is a great place to enjoy a leisurely cream tea. Serving up cream teas, plain teas (with butter instead of jam) or singular scones if you can’t manage the lot, there is something to suit all appetites. And, dare way say it, if you’d rather try something else, the café’s homemade doughnuts are also delicious served with jam and clotted cream.
Polpeor Café, the Lizard
There are few places more striking to indulge in a cream tea than Polpeor Café. A clifftop café perched high above the sea at Polpeor on the Lizard, it boasts the unique title of mainland Britain’s most southerly café. Open year-round, it has both indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate the seasons and is as stunning in winter as it is in summer. Head over for your chance to claim the country’s most southerly cream tea.
The Polurrian, Mullion
The Polurrian on the Lizard is well-known for its beautiful glass-fronted dining room and outdoor terrace that directly overlooks the sea. One of the best places for cream teas in Cornwall, it offers mouth-watering a selection of both sweet and savoury cream teas and afternoon teas, as well as vegan teas too. Choose from freshly baked plain, fruit and cheese scones and a selection of trimmings and simply enjoy.
Roskillys, St Keverne
The famous Roskillys near St Keverne is known far and wide for its delicious ice creams, all produced from milk and cream from the farm’s own Jersey cows. As well as its onsite ice cream parlour and shop which are open to the public, the farm is also home to a lovely restaurant and café which serves up cream teas during the day. That said, we’re sure you’ll want to leave room for a scoop or two.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages on the Lizard here.
