Foodie's Finds in Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire

Bank Holiday weekends and Easter breaks were just made for walks by lakes, drives in the countryside, and relaxing in tea rooms. This is exactly what I have been doing in my much needed breaks from revision, and I have found many delights in the local area.
Whether you're local or not, or even planning a trip from a far away, exotic place, I have some quintessentially English gems to share with you!

Tea-zels Cafe at Harold Country Park

Although a short stroll around the lake here is not too taxing, it is worth the promise of a visit to Teazels at the end. Service can be a little slow when they are busy, but the view of the lake from the terrace and the homely wooden tables inside the small cabin are a joy. There is always a wonderful display of cakes but I recommend the carrot cake, as it is a cut above the rest.

On my last visit I treated myself to a hot chocolate, and it may have been the best I have ever had. Creamy with a note of richness that wasn't sickly, it came with dark chocolate shavings as a topping instead of the traditional cocoa powder or whipped cream and marshmallows. This was a refreshing change, and made this childish treat seem much more grown up.

Pudding Parlour at Yardley Hastings

I have passed this place tens of times a year for most of my teenage life, but never gone in. Yesterday I was to discover what I had been missing. Before our walk at Harold we popped in to buy an afternoon snack and I was blown away by the quality of baked goods I was able to choose from. 

There were at least six different types of brownie, as well as a beautiful tart, pie, cakes, huge muffins, and a selection of cheesecakes in the chiller. Also on sale were ice cream, jams, and popcorn.

We chose the coffee and walnut cake, which was easily the best I have ever had (and the Victoria Sandwich looked just as good!). The coffee-butter-cream was the perfect strength and consistency, and the cake was neither too crumbly nor too cloying. 

This is the perfect place to pick up something for a summer picnic, or just to devour at home. They also have two small tables if you want to eat in.

Also, if you are looking for a typical English cake shop in a  village setting surrounded by luscious green fields, look no further, but I will warn you that there is not much else of interest in Yardley Hastings. Try popping along the road to Olney instead for a quaint small town experience with pleanty more cute shops, restaurants and the nearby Emberton Park. 

ARTea Room at Wakefield Country Courtyard

And finally, my most fantastic find. ARTea room is so quirky it is unreal. Outlandish tea cosies and delicate, mismatched crockery are the norm here, and as you sip your favourite brew you can gaze at the art and craft work for sale around you. There is also a small selection of cheap second hand books and slightly more expensive handmade jewellery.

Wakefield country courtyard also has some other little shops to poke around in, including a lovely farm shop where I made the purchase of some delicious smoked garlic.

ARTea room has an almost overwhealming selection of Tea, from which I chose the Vanilla variety, and my Mother the Lapsand Suchong. Tea is served at your table in your own teapot with accomanying tea cosy, and a shared pot of hot water for refills. 

The cakes were nothing to rave about, but were definately not bad. The expreience and surroundings is what I will return for though, and the chance to purchase more cheap books!

Yours,

The Anxious Foodie <3