Shropshire tearoom is best in the UK
Friday 8th April 2011, 2:37PM BST.
A south Shropshire tearoom was today named the best in the UK.
Staff at Rocke Cottage in Clungunford were celebrating after the venue was awarded the highest accolade in the tea world – Top Tea Place in the UK 2011 – by The Tea Guild.
Karin Clarke, who has run Rocke Cottage for four years, said: “The judging was anonymous so I did not know they had been, but I am truly delighted.” Upon receiving her award she added: “We’re very proud to be members of The Tea Guild and to be given The Tea Guild’s Top Tea Place 2011 Award is a huge honour.
“We aim to give our customers the very best afternoon tea experience possible and all our staff work tirelessly into making Rocke Cottage a great place to relax and enjoy the highest quality food and tea.”
The Tea Guild event, now in its 26th year, is considered the Oscars of the tea world, with the best tea rooms in the UK competing for the hugely coveted honour.
The Tea Guild team of tea experts scoured the UK to find the finest tea experiences and all visits were anonymous to ensure the results are completely fair and accurate.
Rocke Cottage Tearooms was voted into the top spot after it gained a near perfect score from the inspectors. The judges praised it for its “pleasant surroundings, a warm and friendly welcome from the owner, Karin Clarke, and the quietly efficient service that guests enjoyed”.
They were also impressed by the variety and amount of sandwiches, crumpets, scones and delicious cakes, and were won over by the excellent selection of teas and the staff’s exceptional knowledge.
Irene Gorman, head of The Tea Guild, said: “The standard of entrants this year was incredibly high, with many excellent entries from across the UK. The tradition of afternoon tea has never been stronger.”
By Ben Bentley
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