A (tea)room with a view!
There are numerous places to sample afternoon tea in Peterborough, but none offer such a unique setting as the recently opened Becket’s Traditional Tearooms in the cathedral precinct.
So, when the ESP team was invited to try it out, I was only too happy to volunteer. Becket’s is everything you’d imagine a traditional English tearoom to be - its picturesque stone building is tucked away down a cobbled lane, surrounded by 900-year-old Peterborough Cathedral.
The main room inside has lots of charm and is adorned with three large windows that are in-keeping with its cathedral location, one featuring beautiful, coloured glass.
I was led to the next room, via a small flight of stairs, to enjoy my afternoon tea – and was greeted with a front-facing view of the cathedral.
This light and cosy room is predominately used for special occasions such as afternoon tea, events or private functions, although it can also double up as an overflow seating area.
The food itself was as superb as the view. A selection of sandwiches with fillings including prawn mayonnaise, cheese and pickle, and ham and mustard, accompanied by two home-made sausage rolls, made up the first course. On the side was a large bowl of crisps. All this was washed down with a pot of unlimited tea served in delicate China cups and saucers.
Next up was a traditional scone, clotted cream and jam with strawberries – a must addition to any afternoon tea, I’m sure you’ll agree!
At this point a brief respite was needed to ensure I made the most of the sweet treats, so it was good timing when tearoom owner Tracy popped over for a chat. She explained that customers can either choose their own sandwich fillings (from several staple fillings) or Becket’s will provide a variety if they’d prefer. Afternoon tea is available every day, subject to availability on the day if not pre-booked in advance.
Our final, sweet course consisted of a selection of mini pastries and desserts, including a chocolate brownie, lemon meringue pot and jam tart. All the food is home-made, with great care taken over presentation and served with a friendly smile. Becket’s offers a prosecco afternoon tea if you’re looking for a stronger tipple alongside your food.
The tearooms’ menu has a wide variety of options to choose from, so if afternoon tea isn’t your style, there’s sure to be something else that catches your attention. You can tuck into lunch fare such as toasties, sandwiches or salads, grab a spot of brekkie (with a traditional English breakfast, sausage or bacon rolls, and eggs on toast all served before 12 noon), or enjoy a simple coffee and cake as a mid-afternoon treat.
I bet you’ll agree. With its cathedral setting and sumptuous home-made food, Becket’s Traditional Tearooms has a winning recipe for success!
Traditional afternoon tea costs £22.95 per person and includes a selection of sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, a scone with cream and jam, a variety of mini cakes and desserts, and unlimited tea or coffee. Prosecco afternoon tea costs £26.95 per person.
Becket’s Traditional Tearooms is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm Sundays. You can find them on Facebook @Becket’s Traditional Tearooms. A website is currently under construction.
Kelly Jackson
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