Afternoon Teas Alfresco

      ,   No comments
Surrey teas in the sunshine

As much as I love going into the city for afternoon tea, I equally enjoy the more laid back, low-key teas in Surrey - not to mention the picturesque backdrops.

Burhill Golf Club (Walton on Thames) — I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Burhill's restaurant is open to the public. Book a table on the terrace to enjoy views of the golf course and River Mole. Beyond the traditional full afternoon tea, they also offer four smaller tea options (tea and sandwiches; cream tea; tea, sandwiches and cake; and tea and pastries).  It was nice to mix and match these - all delicious and affordable.
www.burhillgolf-club.co.uk/restaurant ✆ +44 1932 227345
Burwood Road, Walton on Thames, KT12 4BX

Foxhills Club and Restaurant (Ottershaw) — The 19th century Victorian Manor House provides a perfect backdrop for afternoon tea on the patio.  Similar to Burhill, Foxhills offers a reasonably-priced afternoon tea (add a glass of champagne for an additional £10) and cream tea.  They also offer a special Little Prince and Princess Tea for children 14 and under.  
www.foxhills.co.uk ✆ +44 1932 704500
Stonehill Road, Ottershaw KT16 0EL

Great Fosters (Egham) — For a truly special tea without going into the city, Great Fosters in Egham is worth the trip. Be sure to walk the stunning grounds either before or after your tea. Novelties include their tea menu that features summertime Pimm's year-round and take away* boxes that matches specialty 'modern-looking' dishes.
www.greatfosters.co.uk ✆ +44 1784 433822
Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9UR

For more: Download the London via Surrey Book App

Punch of Color

      , ,   No comments
Surrey's most colorful Punch Bowl

Devil's Punch Bowl, Europe’s largest spring-eroded valley, boasts impressive views from the second highest hill in the county year-round. However, The Valley Gardens Punch Bowl in Windsor Great Park is the place to be in May.

With the arrival of spring, the azaleas and rhododendrons are in bloom. There are literally thousands of flowers in every color, size and shape imaginable. Our weekday visit on a cloudy day (though the sun did end up shining) meant we were able to easily take photos, even panoramic ones, without other people or pets in them.

While admission to the garden is is free, there is a pay by the hour car park within a five-minute walk of The Valley Gardens. With the changing landscape and trails through 250 acres of Great Windsor Park, it is certainly worth visiting more than once!
www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
The Royal Landscape, Valley Gardens, Wick Road, Englefield Green TW20 0HNN

For more: Download the London via Surrey Book App

Garden Centre Dining

      , ,   No comments
Refurbished garden centre cafés

Despite the sun not consistently being out yet, garden centres are full of blooming plants. In Surrey, many of these centres also feature breakfast, lunch and even afternoon tea along with shopping - not to mention the added bonus of on-site parking.

Similar to pubs in the area, the cafés at award-winning Garson's Farm Garden Centre (Esher) and Squires Garden Centre (Hersham) have both had a facelift.

So even if you are not a green thumb or your garden is not quite there yet, you can get a light bite or just a coffee while looking at someone else's!

For more recommendations: Download the London via Surrey Book App