Go cake crazy in and around Glastonbury
The actress Emma Thompson recently described Britain as “A tiny little cloud-bolted, rainy corner of sort-of Europe, a cake-filled misery-laden grey old island.” She was in a lot of trouble over her words, and she did backtrack a lot. Sometimes, it may be rainy and grey, but how can a nation that eats so much cake ever be called misery-laden? Cake Makes you happy, so to help spread the joy, here are seven places around Glastonbury to join the British and Eat cake.
On our doorstep
1. Glastonbury’s finest Vegetarian restaurant makes the most delicious cakes. Of course, all are vegetarian, and most are Vegan. There is a lovely garden courtyard where you can sit and enjoy fabulous food. The cafe is dog friendly and can be a great place for a family lunch. However, If you don’t have time to sit in the little cafe, then you can get a piece of cake to take away and continue with your exploration of Glastonbury and all it has to offer. Open daily from 10 am- 4 pm, Rainbows End Cafe has situated down a little side ally off the colourful main Glastonbury high street.
2. At the other end of the High Street, you will find Abbey Tea Rooms. Overlooking Glastonbury Abbey, The tea rooms provide a good old-fashioned experience with a lovely charming atmosphere. If you are looking for an afternoon tea destination, here should be at the top of your list. With the offer of a range of teas accompanied by various cakes and warm homemade scones, you can’t go wrong. Vegetarian options are also available. During the summer months, the Abbey tea rooms run an outdoor cafe situated within the Abbey grounds, making it a lovely day out when the weather is nice. Open every day except Christmas Day from 10 am-5 pm.
3. Double-Gate Farm
Located on the main road in Godney, this lovely little tea room is part of a Farmstay B&B. As well as gorgeous cakes made using local ingredients, they have a spectacular afternoon tea. Note that they also cater for allergens such as gluten and dairy, meaning that no one has to miss out. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The tea room is Open Wednesday- Sunday, 10.30 am – 5 pm.
4. The Lemon Tree Café
Based at the Willows and Wetland Centre. A definite visit for the amazing willows exhibit, museum and shop as well as for the cake. Enjoy a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and embark on a nice little family wetland walk with the children and dogs. Just a short walk from the café, if you need to burn off some calories. Open every day except Sunday 10 am-4.30 pm. The Centre is not far from where you can try and spot the Somerset Cranes.
5. Sweets Tea Rooms
Set at the Peat and Science Museum on Glastonbury to Wedmore, ‘Merv’ Sweet has gathered together some very unique artefacts, including parts from a crashed WW1 bomber, retro radios and items that have revealed themselves from the peat works over the years. Pick from a range of homemade cakes to compliment your day out. Open Wednesday – Sundays 10 am – 4 pm
6. The Drawing Room, Butleigh
Set within a 15th-century house in the tiny village of Butleigh, this cafe make delicious cakes and coffee. Often hired out for pop-up events such as Yoga and Mindfulness retreats, the cafe offers a great buzz as well as a great cake. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10-2pm. Open Sunday for a roast lunch from 11-4.
7. Hundred Monkeys in Glastonbury
The Hundred Monkeys in Glastonbury is one of my favourite places to spend time drinking coffee and people-watching. This cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a huge range of drinks, making you spoilt for choice. Whether you have gone there for a coffee date, business meeting or solo cake-eating time, the cafe offers a calm and spacious environment. There is always a great selection of gluten-free cakes, and they have an amazing selection of teas to tempt you as well. You may have to try a few.
I lied. 7 wasn’t enough. Here are a few more that are worth the drive…
Chantry Tea Gardens in Kilve
A great day out from us here in Glastonbury. Spend a day on Kilve Beach, then follow it with tea and cake in the lovely gardens of the Chantry. But make sure you check opening times before you set off. It does get busy on sunny days, so give yourself plenty of time and enjoy.
There is a cute little cafe at the base of Brean Down. It makes the climb up to the top of the cliff so much easier if you know there is cake to enjoy when you come back down.
Tyntesfield House is one of my favourite houses to visit in the winter(it is open 364 days a year). They have a large restaurant there but go and find their little cafe in the gardens. It is a bit of a walk through the gardens, but when you find it, there is always a roaring fire to enjoy while you eat your cake.
Montacute House is another beautiful property that is open all year round, has lovely grounds to walk the dogs and makes a lovely day family day out that can be broken up with some tea and cake in its lovely cafe.
