-Marion-Sidebottom161020.jpg "Butt Lane Market, Maldon")
We all love cakes, especially when they are included in Afternoon Tea and here in Maldon District we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to Tea-Rooms, Bakeries and Cafes serving sumptuous treats. The Cake Trail features a range of venues around Maldon District all offering coffee and fresh, homemade cakes as well as cream teas and afternoon teas. Many are licenced so you could even enjoy a glass of bubbly or two with your food. While some are situated in town, others are ideally placed for exploring our gorgeous coastline and countryside.
WHAT'S ON THE TRAIL?
CAKES AT THE WATER'S EDGE
Maldon's historic Hythe Quay is famous for the Thames Barges moored at Cooks Barge Yard including the 1931 'Resourceful' now converted into The Barge Tea Room with a maritime theme. Gluten free, vegan and dairy free options are available. Dogs are allowed on the outside deck. Walking and cycling groups are welcome (notice of large groups would be appreciated) and a private room seating around 15 is available to pre-book. Gift Vouchers are available on board. There is limited parking at Hythe Quay or it is a short stroll from Promenade Park.
CAKES WITH HISTORY & HERITAGE
As one would expect from the second oldest town in the country there are many quaint and historical buildings along Maldon High Street. Suzie's Gift and Tea Shop is housed in a building dating back to the 1530s with original beams and fireplace and a courtyard area. Vintage china is used for serving home-made food and drinks. Dogs and Walkers welcome. As the name suggets, there are arteasan gift items on sale and regular craft activities. The nearest car park is Butt Lane.
CAKE WALKS
-Marion-Sidebottom160714.jpg "The Loft Tea Room Tollesbury")
An iconic feature of Tollesbury is the Grade 2 listed former sail lofts,home to The Loft Tea Room an eclectic tea room with a vintage feel. Home-made cakes are served on beautiful vintage china along with freshly ground coffees and loose-leaf teas. There is always at least one gluten/dairy free cake option on offer and the selection of cakes changes weekly. Regular and Afternoon Tea Gift Vouchers are available. Groups of up to 15 may be booked in advance and walkers are welcome. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.Tollesbury Wick Walk.
'Wilkin & Sons Ltd' Tiptree Tea Rooms can now be found in many Essex locations including 'The Lock' Tea Rooms by the famous sea-lock at Heybridge Basin The outside terrace offers views across the Blackwater Estuary. Hand-made cakes and pastries are on offer every day. Dogs are allowed outside, walkers are welcome and there are baby changing facilities. Groups of up to 25 may be accepted depending on availability. Further along the Blackwater at Osea Leisure Park is another Tiptree Tea Room 'The View' offering panoramic views across to Osea Island. Tiptree Gift Vouchers are available from the tea rooms and also from our Tourist Information Centres.
Although Sophie's Kitchen is relatively new, the premises for many years were a very popular cafe known as Kathleen's Kitchen. Ideally situated on the corner of Wantz Road and High Street, Maldon with large windows for watching the world go by, Sophies Kitchen is a short walk from Promenade Park. Groups of up to 30 people may be accommodated and walkers are welcomed. Gift vouchers are available. Nearest car parks are High Street East and Butt Lane.
A pleasant coastal walk from Burnham on Crouch leads to Creeksea where you will find Creeksea Place Barns and Parlour Cafe Afternoon Tea Vouchers are available, with gluten free and dairy free options always on offer. Dogs on leads are allowed in the outside seating area and walkers are welcome. Groups of up to 20 may pre-book and there is free parking. Also on site is a Disc-Golf course, gym and spa, luxury accommodation and family-friendly farm animals. Burnham and Creeksea Walk
Tucked away in Quest Place, off Maldon High Street, is The Vintage Rose tea room. This bijou abode has a vintage vibe with themed displays and artefacts from bygone eras. Food is made on the premises and served on vintage china. Dairy free, vegan and gluten free diets are accommodated (there is always a vegan chocolate cake on offer). Dogs are welcome and Doggy Treats are provided. The nearest car parks are Butt Lane and High Street East.
Stroll through Promenade Park to reach Madison Heights family entertainment centre where you will find Arteasan Tearoom. Ice cream, waffles and milkshakes are on sale as well as traditional tearoom fare. Family friendly with a children's menu on offer, you may like to combine your visit with bowling, skating or soft-play at the same venue. There is free parking on site and local busses stop outside. Gift vouchers are available. Licensed to sell alcohol. Dogs are welcome on the patio in the summer.
