Treading in historic footsteps, it is hard to avoid huge expectations of Lyme Regis
Jane Austen first visited here in 1803, and the town provided her with inspiration for her novel “Persuasion” published in 1818. Over 100 years later, Lyme Regis and its now famous harbour wall, the Cobb, provided yet more inspiration for the iconic scene from “The French Lieutenant’s Woman”. This part of the Jurassic coast is awash with tradition and nostalgia. Sand castles, beach huts, and unique geology ideal for fossil hunting.
Tucked away along a side street in an old converted boatyard, the Town Mill Bakery is another perfect reason for a visit to Lyme Regis
The Town Mill Bakery is enchanting, just like a home from home. Bags of local, organic Skipton Mill flour are stacked against the walls. Boxes of inspiring ingredients surround you – sour cherries, crystal sugar and almonds to name a few.
Now, there are a few rules…..
The wonderful contradiction is that these rules set the tone for a relaxed, almost bohemian atmosphere that envelops you
While you are surrounded by the creativity of the organic artisan bakers piling their craft, Opera and Jazz play alongside more modern melodies. Jugs of beautiful local pottery are filled with water and milk, large pottery bowls are filled with homemade apricot jam and gorgeous local butter, all for sharing . Cups hanging on wooden beams are suspended above the 2 long wooden benches where everyone sits together. Pick up a wooden board, and help yourself from the array of handmade gorgeous cakes, all made on the premises. After a moment’s hesitation, it had to be the apple, almond and date scone, delicious.
Of course, a visit to the pottery just around the corner was next in the tour of Lyme’s pretty town, a purchase totally unavoidable
Don Hudson is the talented potter at Town Mill Pottery, with a sense of humour. I loved this beautiful tea pot with matching cups and milk jug, and the decoration is wonderful.
Town Mill Pottery
Tea with Mary Kate aims to find seemingly ordinary events, and seeks to highlight them for the unique moments they truly represent.
Tea time at the Town Mill Bakery was special, the atmosphere that has been quite deliberately created was life affirming. There is a heart to the place, a sense of belonging, and you feel that connection, not only through sharing the milk, water, butter and delicious jam, but by sitting together at the large communal tables, observing the bakers, tasting the results of their creative invention, and by using the beautiful local pottery. Lyme Regis is a nostalgic, lovely seaside town, and with the temptation of the Town Mill Bakery, this is a must go to, gorgeous place for a tea time treat, enjoy!
Gorgeous Georgian houses on the beach front , along the walkway first created in 1771
Tea With Mary Kate - Inspiration for Tea and Living 