After a short drive from Carlisle, we arrived at the busy garden centre café. On first impressions, it had a homely, welcoming feel, perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Whitesykes Garden Centre of Longtown delivers a relaxed but considered experience without the formality of a traditional hotel setting. Priced at £18.99 for two people, this afternoon tea offers good value, particularly given the care and freshness that clearly go into the food.
One of the nicest touches is that guests are contacted the day before to choose which scones they would like, as these are baked fresh on the morning of the visit. Options include plain, cheese or fruit. We opted for plain, and they were the standout element of the experience.
Afternoon tea for two at Whitesykes Garden Centre. (Image: NQ)
The homemade scones were fresh, light and not at all crumbly, just as a good scone should be. They were served generous portions of cream and jam, which were simple and clearly made with care.
Sandwich choices are also selected in advance with fillings including honey roasted ham, cheddar cheese and tuna.
We chose the cheddar cheese and ham, both of which were fresh and tasty. The sandwiches were accompanied by crisps and a small salad, which added a nice savoury balance to the meal.
Rather than traditional cakes, guests choose two traybakes from the selection at the front counter.
Sweet and cake options. (Image: NQ)
We went for a white chocolate and raspberry traybake and a Malteser slice. Both were indulgent, the Malteser slice being a crowd-pleasing classic.
The café itself was cosy and pleasantly busy on a rainy Sunday afternoon, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a sense that it was a popular local spot. Tea or filter coffee is included, rounding off the experience nicely.
Afterwards, being able to wander through the garden centre added to the enjoyment, offering the chance to browse plants and gifts.
The special afternoon tea for two board. (Image: NQ)
Whitesykes Garden Centre’s afternoon tea is a relaxed option that focuses on homemade baking and choice.
For scone lovers – it’s well worth the visit.
To find out more, visit the website here: https://barrsgardencentres.co.uk/pages/whitesyke-garden-centre?srsltid=AfmBOoonas9RLsnZd8XcQdXfC8Na-cf0uPcA71o7qyeJokC5N2I2xmHv.
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