Afternoon Tea at The Cedars

CEDARS LOUGHBOROUGH: We couldn’t have asked for better weather to visit The Cedars restaurant and hotel over the weekend. We went along to try their afternoon tea offering in the Station Masters restaurant. It is an interesting little place, just off the main road into Loughborough. The hotel section has a bit of a Butlins vibe and the restaurant and bar have a bit of a sports and social feel to them, but it is comfortable and the staff are welcoming. The location is great because it backs onto the Great Central Railway. They have recently renamed the garden area as The Steam Garden and it is lovely to watch the trains go by, although typically when I was ready with my camera it was a diesel train and not one of the lovely steam trains.

Afternoon Tea Vibes at Cedars Loughborough

Our afternoon tea was quite the selection! We started with finger sandwiches. There was ham salad, egg and cucumber. Bam Bam loved them all. With three of each sandwich on the beautifully presented display, we were well catered for as a group. I’m always wary of odd numbers on sharing platters – that’s a quick way to divorce. But with three of us, it worked well. There were also slices of sausage roll, still warm from the oven and beautifully moist.

In my world, there can never be too much savoury. So the afternoon tea balance tends to favour others. This was certainly the case here. Next was the cake and boy howdy was there a lot of cake! Obviously homemade scones first with more cream and jam than you could ever need. Beautifully made scones too with a great rise and lovely texture. The top tier had a little panna cotta type creamy dessert, a chocolate brownie and a little frangipane tart slice. As we were tucking in, we were also brought out two little apple and blackberry crumbles and yet more cream. They were also fresh from the oven.

Obviously, this was enough sugar to fell a rhino, and Bam Bam munched down whatever we offered her with glee. She was also treated to a complimentary bowl of chocolate ice cream (available only to extra special VIPs it would appear) which she tucked into joyfully.

The Steam Garden

When we were finished, we waddled into the garden. We found a shady spot to watch the trains and treated ourselves to a pint of Brixton’s Atlantic, which is a fantastic little IPA and really refreshing in the sunshine. There is plenty of space out there for big groups too (they cater for a lot of funeral parties given the crematorium is just over the road!)

All in, I think this could quite happily achieve hidden gem status for me. They have an interesting and freshly prepared menu available. Of course afternoon tea requires booking in advance. The staff are efficient and extremely welcoming. Lots of parking. Highchairs for the little ‘uns and plenty of outdoor space to run around. All in, I would highly recommend you go and take a peek. Just don’t get lost on the way to the toilets.

We were invited guests of the Cedars, but my opinions are, as ever, my own.