A special tea shop with its own Legends of Giants
I hesitate to divulge details of this rather special tea room at Bedruthen Steps, but with a generous flourish of my electronic pen, if you happen to be in Wadebridge, Cornwall, do go to this marvelous tea shop and unmissable destination, replete with it’s own legend of giants. “It is the tradition of the country that a much larger race of men stalked over this ground”, writes J. T. Blight in 1861: the vibrations of their laughter shook the cliffs, their footprints marked the solid rocks, they hurled large stones, tossed them in games of quoits, arranged them in peculiar ways, or in the case of the Bedruthan Steps used them as stepping stones.
A sight to behold - Amazing Bethruthen Steps
The joy of the experience is that contrast of the exhilarating sea air with returning to the cosy, intimate tea room
Initially, and this will be very hard, resist the temptation to rush into the traditional building, with it’s inviting lights behind original green painted sash windows (the building is National Trust owned, hence the authenticity, the tea shop a wonderful concession). Instead, take the exhilarating walk to see the ancient steps. Without exaggeration, this is truly an awe inspiring view, and it’s a fair walk, as although it’s downhill to the beach, there is the walk back up! But it is so worth it, one of the most breathtaking beaches that I have ever, ever seen. I can highly recommend walking further round the coast, particularly when the beach steps are shut in Winter ( understandable, as those who have walked down them even in summer will appreciate!)
Gorgeous flavoursome food awaits
Imagine a gorgeous scone, jam and Cornish Clotted cream
Returning, breathless, having lost count of the number of steps that have led you back, you feel like you’ve earnt the embrace of the welcoming tea room. Carnewas lives up to its rather splendid location. The building is cosy, inviting in contrast to the blustery exposed cliffs. Rows of long wooden tables to greet you, large enough to accommodate a big group and to meet strangers if the tables are busy, which they often are. A lovely touch is the special crockery with its jovial seaside inspired theme.
The food is freshly prepared by its friendly crew. I have always been delighted with what I’ve ordered, including lovely touches like diced sweet beetroot and orange on the crisp side salad. No surprise to hear that my first choice are the scones though. Freshly made, light, moist and flavoursome, with a nice choice of jam, and of course, gorgeous Cornish clotted cream, who could resist? And need I add, a lovely pot of tea!
The footsteps of Giants inspire a visit at Carnewas Tea room
Tea With Mary Kate seeks to highlight the heart and inspiration for living – & tea, & the ceremony of tea, as it represents an opportunity to pause, to breathe, to connect with the aesthetic & ourselves that we rush past most days. Carnwas Tea room is a unique opportunity not only to savour the timelessness of the quite splendid and traditional tea rooms but right on its doorstep is one of the most amazing beaches to be seen – visit soon!
Down on the beach at beautiful Bedruthen Steps
