The gold star for discovering this hidden world goes to my mother. Her love of rambling canal walks into the middle of nowhere combined with her English love of afternoon tea and cake made this find the perfect hidden gem.
Hidden deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, Jane's Tea Room has to be a priority on your To Visit list. I'll admit, the name, Jane's Tea Room is uninspiring. How many Jane's Tea Rooms must there be across the United Kingdom? Well I promise you now.. this place is like no other!
Owned by a lady called Jane (surprised?) who lives on a canal boat, the outside tea room is only open on a Sunday from 12-5. Jane owns the land, including a vintage caravan for rent and a horse! All of the baking is done using fresh and local produce where possible.
Jane's is nestled in a small village called Kirtlington, a beautiful archetypal Oxfordshire village.
A lane disappears off the village green, shown above, heading towards the disused Kirtlington Quarry. A recent cluster of new homes is the only sign of human presence as the lane continues; the cows, horses, and smell of fresh grass overtaking the senses. The road does turn into a dirt track so make sure you are wearing appropriate shoes; on my first visit I wore slip on sandals and the gravel kept flicking up under my foot.. ouch.
Keep walking until you reach this partially hidden sign on the left of the track. To your right you will see what looks like an entrance to a private garden- enter here:
As you walk down the garden path, you will slowly leave the outside world beyond the gate. Be prepared for caged birds, dogs, and doves amongst the trees, antique road signs, Victorian style pushchairs, and a vintage record player. The extended branches of the trees provide a canopy, and unfortunately the partial darkness did not provide the best photography light.
What I could capture were vintage tea cups hanging in the trees..
Continue down this path and I can guarantee you will soon hit a small queue of excited walkers, or those in on the secret, who are desperate for their cup of tea and homemade cake. You can choose from a selection of High Teas, quiche, soup, cakes, and scones all fresh and handmade.
Take a look at the menu below:
All of the seating is different; old picnic tables, bistro style table and chairs, covered seating with gazebos that is decorated with bunting. Choosing where to sit is as difficult as choosing what to order!
As a treat to a very good friend of mine, we decided on a slice of
Raspberry cake and a Carrot and Walnut cake to share, a pot of tea, and
some water. I loved my vintage china tea cup and saucer!
Make the most of a beautiful Sunday afternoon and head down there; enjoy!
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