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4.5

Based on 147 opinions finded in 2 websites

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Nº 136 in 551 in Bedford

Nº 16 of 87 British in Bedford

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..creamsandwichbeautifulcakeoldjam
Score

comment_iconOpinions

Booked a group birthday afternoon tea, I wouldn’t recommend it. We had jam and cream scones, cup cakes, strawberries and cream, samosa,quiche,macarons and finger sandwiches. Sandwich filling not the best Quiche and macarons 50p size CHEESE scones with jam and cream on aah Strawberries cut up with spray can cream Would have been a lot better if the cakes and scones had been homemade and other items not come from Tesco finger food

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Richard Blackaby . 2024-09-24

MORE AT Google

On my recent visit to Bedford, I stopped off in Elstow to see the Abbey and Church. Whilst visiting the church, I popped in to the Tea Garden for some afternoon tea and a buttered scone. The Tea Garden is perfectly situated just beside the church in an idyllic and peaceful spot. With the canopies shading the tables and the beautiful pond at the far end of the garden made for a picturesque and delightful setting. My visit started off with a warm and friendly greeting from the staff and enjoying a scrumptious pot of tea and toasted scone. The friendliness and politeness of the staff made for a memorable and noteworthy experience. I fully endorse and recommend the Elstow Tea Garden, so experience it for yourselves.

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Vincent Hutton . 2024-08-10

MORE AT Google

The Tea Garden is a beautiful place. My children asked me to take them here as they visited the day before with their Aunty and absolutely loved the garden. Unfortunately, it is really disappointing that my own personal experience was terrible. My food had a dead fly which had been roasted along with my jacket potato. I only discovered it inside my potato after I had already had taken a bite! I then asked for a replacement and then found that the second one also had a small fly in. In the end I returned the food and did not eat. The hygiene in general was not good at all. I poured my tea from the teapot into my mug and then saw a hair in my tea, which was not mine. The mugs were dirty as was the teapot, you can see the spout of the teapot is very stained and has not been cleaned in a long time. I then had to ask for another mug which was also not clean. The salt grinder also had a fly in it. What made the experience terrible was the reaction of the owner when I made the complaints. I was told the fly in the potato was not their fault as I was sitting outside. When she had seen it was cooked along with my potato however she had realised it was their mistake. After I had seen her mumble to other customers sitting on other tables about my complaint, which made it look like I was making a fuss out of nothing. This was so unprofessional and made me feel very uncomfortable as I could see them looking in our direction. Instead of being apologetic for the poor hygiene standards, I was made to feel like I was being an inconvenience. Being married to a restaurant owner, I would never treat customers this way. I was given a refund for my meal and husbands meal to compensate but the only reason I have written the review is because of the owner moaning to other customers about me complaining. This is really unprofessional and unacceptable. The girls who served me were great and the tea garden itself is lovely. It is a shame I was not given good service as I would have enjoyed bringing my children here in the future.

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Ayshia Bhagran . 2024-07-28

MORE AT Google

A big thank you to Joyce who welcomed and accomodated me and my friend at this lovely tea garden. Was our first time here. The food and voffee's were amazjng and as for the lively surroundings, absolutely gorgeous, we took some photo's. Will deffo come again. Thank you Joyce

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Antonietta Lombardi . 2024-07-13

MORE AT Google

Lovely tea and cake in Beautiful setting

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Stephanie Henman . 2024-06-21

MORE AT Google

A lovely afternoon,the rain didn't put us off

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Dianne Richards . 2024-05-22

MORE AT Google

The owner is racist but the servers are really sweet and kind but the food is just microwaved from lidl but extremely overpriced .Not worth your money might aswell just sit in your garden and microwave some food and save some money.

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Roxy Ghee . 2023-12-17

MORE AT Google

Visited for afternoon tea , very disappointed. Very thin slice of "meat" in the finger sandwich and stingy amount of egg and tuna on the others .Half small pork pies were warmed up along with tiny scotch eggs and a few small sausage rolls. The cakes (and scones )were obviously shop bought and cut up small .We were offered "bucks fizz" ,nice touch, but not in suitable glasses and topped up with more from a plastic jug .Tea was also topped up by extra tea bags added to the pot along with a plastic jug full of hot water . The plates they were all served on were cheap rickety plastic .Overall very underwhelmed shame as with a bit of thought it could be very nice as setting was pretty We won't be returning

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ricehunt . 2023-08-27

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A lovely hour or so in the tranquil garden with music, via guitars and vocals. Definitely recommend

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Michael Dakin . 2023-08-20

MORE AT Google

Brilliant find tucked away behind the church and Abbey. Great tea garden with a good selection of cakes and meals. Very friendly welcome. I had the ploughman's and my partner had the lasagne. Both fantastic. Really enjoyable experience. 2nd visit in two weeks.

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LaiL1986 . 2023-06-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Considering the price charged per person it was a very disappointing experience. Cheap rickety plastic cake stands with what appeared to be supermarket cakes cut into small portions. Savouries were not bad, but very small portions allowed per person. Teapots placed on tables and we had to help ourselves and the 2ply napkins did nothing to mop up the spillage from badly pouring teapots. All this for £19.50 each. I shall not be returning.

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Susie B . 2023-05-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A lovely place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the sunshine with food and drink. There are excellent hosts who provide a fantastic service. A great local tea garden, well worth a visit.

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Mike Sorbo . 2023-05-14

MORE AT Google

I went to the Elstow Tea Garden with a friend today. I did not know that this place existed until I was informed on this very day so I thought I would give it a try. We had to strive a little to find it but it was worth the effort. The food, dessert and customer service was of the highest quality. It's a nice big tea garden with nice seats, nice tables, nice greenery and a tropical fish pond to add to the pleasant scenery. The beautiful Sunny day added to the positivity of the visit. There are not many places that offer a unique experience like this. The toilets were available and spotlessly clean. This will be my go to place when I go to Elstow village. This is the perfect place to take family if you want nice food in a very adequate outdoor setting. I would highly recommend the Elstow Tea Garden and I will definitely be back.

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John Hill . 2023-05-07

MORE AT Google

Super ladies lunch, lovely setting, nice food and great company

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Karen Dudley . 2022-10-12

MORE AT Google

Couldn't believe what poor example of a cream tea we got. 1 sausage roll, and a scone to share with tinned squirty cream. With the owner walking around with her hands on her hips scowling. Tiny pot of tea and no hot water.

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Mandy Carter-Fielding . 2022-10-10

MORE AT Google

I was looking forward to this afternoon tea with my sister and aunt after reading all the lovely reviews but was really disappointed with the lack of service barely any iteration with staff no menu on what you were being served some things were clearly not home baked no offer of extra tea or coffee nobody came to ask if everything was ok even had to search out staff to pay before we left such a shame as other reviews were really good ! To start with we had a starter that was a brioche roll with what possible looked like a slice of bacon piece of Lettuce possibly mayo also on the plate was a ramekin dish with chopped salad for the vegan option along with samosa and either pokora or onion bhaji and possibly small sausage roll strange for an afternoon tea this was followed by a sandwiches to which we were offered no description egg mayo ham and cheese and cheese all seemed lacking in flavor pickle or chutney of any description some of the cakes looked shop bought the berries and cream in a pot were lovely as was the scone I didn't have the vegan option so can't comment but my sister seemed also unimpressed the setting was lovely beautiful garden but unfortunately won't be returning as it the overall it was very unimpressive

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Kangel1970 . 2022-09-11

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The garden and area where this venue is situated are charming and quintessentially British in flavour (no pun intended). It has a relaxing, peaceful ambience most conducive to conversation and reflection. However, the food and service aren't brilliant. Warming shop-made mini pasties, sausage rolls etc in a microwave does nothing but make them soft and rubbery, and cutting Mr Kipling cakes into bite-sized pieces to place in petit four cases is no one's idea of luxury. Nor is using a jam-covered knife to cut sandwiches a really good idea. The idea is sound. The venue was superb and the staff, though very young and forgetful, were sweet and helpful too - when they paid attention.

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Gaile V . 2022-09-11

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Quality of the food is excellent. Quality wqs a bit short, half a scone each!

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Ivan Cadge . 2022-05-02

MORE AT Google

The place was recommended to us and we traveled from Newport Pagnel to this tea room. We were a group of 15 people, we made the reservation but canceled it half an hour before arriving because we thought we were not making it, but finally we all got together and arrived eager to see the place and share a while in a beautiful place. Unfortunately the staff starting with the manager was very rude and while she was cutting a cake, she raised her hand, knife in hand, to tell us in a rude and loud voice that we had already canceled and there was no place even though there were many empty tables and one hour to close. We just wanted to have tea with a piece of cake, nothing complicated and there were many empty tables, however although we asked her the favor of opening a space, she reluctantly insisted that we could not enter the place. OUR WORST sightseeing experience, one of two; Either they don't like foreign tourists or they're just rude. I have been told about an excellent tea room in Buckingham which has 220 excellent reviews and is really worth it for its service and food, BUT THIS TEA ROOM IS RUDE, I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND THIS PLACE, luckily there was a restaurant nearby called Read Lion with a most beautiful garden to share a delicious tea. Lady Manager thank you for nothing.

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Alex Suarez . 2021-09-26

MORE AT Google

Here on a Saturday afternoon for a birthday 🎂. It is a little gem set behind the church in a relaxing setting with a pond and a well kept garden. Great value for money. Will definitely be back again.

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Margarita Huxley-Duggan . 2021-09-25

MORE AT Google

I have just had afternoon tea with four friends. It was such a lovely experience. The staff were all very pleasant. The menu is excellent. Only one of us had been here before - what a great place. Unfortunately the tea rooms are closing at the end of September, but we have all agreed we will pay another visit next year when it reopens at Easter.

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bigtrippertoo . 2021-09-12

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We went here for my daughter's first birthday. The staff were wonderful, really kind and helpful. They truly went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly and that the while family was comfortable and looked after. I will definitely be visiting again and would recommend them to anyone. Fantastic afternoon.

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wizzzardfish . 2021-09-06

MORE AT Google

Absolutely perfect place to host a family gathering for my granddaughter’s first birthday. The cream tea was delicious and the staff couldn’t possibly have been more lovely.

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Karen Ashworth . 2021-08-29

MORE AT Google

Nice quiet corner of Elstow behind church tea was very good will try the meals next time if they are as good as the teas we won't be disappointed we'll worth the visit

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Arthur Monk . 2021-08-28

MORE AT Google

We had a Lovely afternoon tea .Service was excellent .Well worth a visit, will definitely go again maybe for lunch

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jill ledlie . 2021-08-10

MORE AT Google

Quiet tea garden and pretty well hidden. Normally need to book in advance but we were lucky and they let us in.

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Stuart Gresly . 2021-08-03

MORE AT Google

What a wonderful find. Beautiful garden. Lovely staff and yummy cakes. Perfect. We will be back very soon. Thank you!

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lynncI127NU . 2021-07-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Lovely setting tranquil gardens ...All tables set out to consider covid 19 social distancing maintained. Our food was rather average and frozen vegetables used. Not all desserts were homemade.. An honest sum up did not live up to the HYPE....we were told

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Phillip Dimmock . 2021-07-23

MORE AT Google

me and my auntie had booked an afternoon tea and we were not disappointed! very nice selection of finger sandwiches and cakes, and the scones were delicious. the atmosphere in general is nice and peaceful, and it's a lovely outdoor area to have your lunch. definitely will be coming back!

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pureheart123 . 2021-07-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A lovely, charming location for afternoon tea. Service was great, location is very pretty and food quality good. A great little find !

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Debbie Wilson . 2021-06-07

MORE AT Google

Lovely setting, great food and the staff are charming.

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Jon Hind . 2021-06-05

MORE AT Google

For some reason google would not allow me to write a review yesterday, only allowed my star rating so now I have returned to write something. When we arrived we were greeted at the gate and shown to our table. Four adults, one toddler and one baby. High hair was set up already. Celebrating grandma’s birthday. The young ladies serving us were lovely and very attentive throughout our visit. We ordered four afternoon tea and a sandwich and milkshake for the toddler (and baby shared sandwich). Toddlers eyes nearly fell out when the afternoon tea arrived and wasn’t happy when we adults started helping ourselves (she thought it was all for her, don’t worry we did share little nibbles with her). The selection was really good and at a fabulous price. We had an individual teapot each which was regularly topped up with hot water and/or teabags without having to request anything. Will definitely be back again. THOROUGHLY RECOMMEND

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Sarah Curtin . 2021-05-23

MORE AT Google

22nd May a little damp and breezy but went prepared with a blanket if needed. Greeted as soon as we walked through the gate and taken to our prebooked table for four adults, one toddler and high chair for baby. We all chose the afternoon tea and a plate of sandwiches for the toddler and baby to share. Beautifully presented especially at such an amazing price. Toddlers eyes nearly fell out with all the little cakes (which she managed a little of everything). Individual tea pots with a regular top up of hot water and tea bags if you wanted more. Lovely young ladies serving. We all had a fabulous couple of hours together. Would thoroughly recommend.

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smc190737 . 2021-05-22

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Beautiful garden setting and very friendly willing young staff. Cake, sandwiches and teas all lovely. Highly recommend

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Zoe Porter . 2020-09-20

MORE AT Google

Location. Location. Location! Friendly service. Joyce is a scream. Her sense of repartee is as great as that of her hospitality. Thanks for remaining open in this difficult time. A haven of peace in this troubled world!

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Nadia Laribi . 2020-09-19

MORE AT Google

Lovely setting and staff. Very pleasant afternoon tea but not home made cakes.

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Joan Knott . 2020-09-05

MORE AT Google

This is a very well run establishment with tasty food. Would definitely return.

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James Godfrey . 2020-08-26

MORE AT Google

Just had afternoon tea at Elstow Tea Garden with my sister and my niece. What a delightful experience! Beautiful tranquil setting and a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes, very reasonably priced too. Our first visit but it certainly won't be our last!

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Karen H . 2020-08-09

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Absolutely brilliant! First class service and care... friendly and helpful staff. The location is amazing, did not want to leave. They prepared a bespoke Vegan cream tea, which was awesome! Thoroughly recommend anyone to visit here for a quick coffee or a full meal.

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David Fisher . 2020-08-08

MORE AT Google

Had my second visit to this delightful Tea Gardens today and I will definitely be back again, the surroundings are quintessentially English and the food is delicious with a great choice on the menu at incredibly reasonable prices!

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Jo Dix-Pincott . 2020-08-01

MORE AT Google

Yesterday wa had a delightful lunch at the tea garden. My two small children loved the food and the beautiful surroundings. A very positive and uplifting experience after being stuck indoors during lockdown. Thank you to all at Elstow tea Garden.

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teresabB5606WP . 2020-07-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Joyce is wonderful. The service, food and drinks are excellent. I love this place xXx

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Mr. M . 2020-07-17

MORE AT Google

This is a charming and unusual summer tea experience which reminded me of tea on the lawn on the farm where I lived as a child. The food was lovely and the music was live but unobtrusive. The owners made sure we were looked after well.

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Gourmetexplorer1952 . 2020-02-12

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Absolutely love this place, ideal on a sunny day this is an oasis from nearby Bedford in the shadow of the stunning Elstow abbey. Great food, fantastic garden and friendly staff. Highly recommended.

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Heidi . 2020-01-22

MORE AT Google

A lovely find. Very nice service. Did not feel rushed even though we were there past closing time - they even kept the toilets open for us!

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Nicola Hutton . 2019-10-10

MORE AT Google

Lovely setting so relaxing sitting in the garden with the sun shining through the trees the lady who served us was very pleasant the coffee was lovely .We shared a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich also a scone and clotted cream with strawberry jam and fresh strawberry.very pleasant morning out.

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suebabycat . 2019-09-24

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Friendly staff, good cakes, also do lunches, lovely garden.

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Rosemary . 2019-09-18

MORE AT Google

Beautiful gardens, peaceful and lovely food...whats not to like.

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Julie Pearson . 2019-08-31

MORE AT Google

Lovely relaxed atmosphere to have morning or afternoon tea in!

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Esther Brooks . 2019-08-26

MORE AT Google

This place isn't open all year so get in while you can. Behind the church and only go if the weather is good as you sit outside in a charming garden and a pond with Koi. Tables are placed all over the garden.Sunday lunch was lasagne or a chili chicken curry for £8.50 but we chose the panini for £4.95 which came professionally plated and was a nice light meal. Serving staff were delightful, we paid by card too which I wasn't expecting it. The place has a homely feel about it.

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Alan R . 2019-08-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We went here for a light lunch food was good as was the service and such a delightful place to sit and relax on a sunny day

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jamieWestMidlands . 2019-07-31

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Staff went above and beyond to make sure we had a lovely afternoon which we defiantly did! Very accommodating for dietary restrictions, beautiful garden and child friendly. Would defiantly return and recommend :)

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Georgia Vernalls . 2019-07-28

MORE AT Google

Lovely picturesque peaceful surroundings brilliant friendly service and yummy food ... and doggie friendly to... highly recommend 😊😊😊

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Maggie Webb . 2019-07-28

MORE AT Google

Based on previous wonderful visits, we had a birthday party here and it was a glorious experience. We all without exception loved the day.

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Ray Alami . 2019-07-28

MORE AT Google

Lovely food beautiful garden friendly owner 5 stars all round

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jamie Alami . 2019-07-27

MORE AT Google

Just had my 70th Birthday afternoon tea what a Amazing place 26 family members Amazing Staff Food and Drinks Perfect in every way 11out of 10 Thank you all ❤

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Mick Vernalls . 2019-07-27

MORE AT Google

I cant rate this place high enough...we have just come back from my husbands birthday tea...and what a wonderful afternoon..first class service..first class food ..first class hospitality....joyce couldnt have done anymore for us if she had tried...thank you so much ..we will ve back soon ....this knocked spots of of our aft tea at the doubletrees hilton in cambridge so full marks and tgen some more for joyce ..her staff and the beautiful elstow tea gardens ❤❤❤❤❤

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Jo Vernalls . 2019-07-27

MORE AT Google

Absolutely first class, service and food x

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Roger H A Williams . 2019-07-21

MORE AT Google

Hidden little tea garden behind the church with pond, marquis and lots of seating. Great menu with reasonable prices.

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Kissy Clarke . 2019-07-12

MORE AT Google

Calm and quite a lovely place, good customer service. Will be going back while the weather is good.

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Angela Mitchell . 2019-07-11

MORE AT Google

Very attractive setting. Good service but lacking in gluten free options.

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Trev Newsome . 2019-07-07

MORE AT Google

We had such a wonderful time here. Such a charming place to sit and relax. Very comfortable and beautiful surroundings. The afternoon tea was delicious and very reasonably priced. Service was perfect, very friendly. Would highly recommend to all.

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SarahJane37 . 2019-06-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Really nice cream tea lovely garden to

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Sheila Bird . 2019-06-16

MORE AT Google

We had such a wonderful time here. Such a charming place to sit and relax. Very comfortable and beautiful surroundings. The afternoon tea was delicious and very reasonably priced. Service was perfect, very friendly. Would highly recommend to all.

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Juliette Smith . 2019-06-16

MORE AT Google

Lovely little set up. We went in late summer & had tea & cakes in the garden (which I believe is the manse's back garden.) There was a lot of room to sit out in the sun, however on a chilly day there's a large tent set up. We took a 1 yr old for a little Birthday celebration. The tea & cakes were lovely, perhaps more pricey than I expected, but I'm sure some of that money goes back into running this place. The 1 year old loved it. There's a pint with coy carp, although i would stress young children have to be watched at all times (especially due to the pond.) There were high chairs available, a good amount of car park space, ammmienities good & a perfect location, although you know your close to a dual carriage way, you cannot hear it. Also a great opportunity to take in the surroundings of Elstow Abbey, pop into it if it's open, and even visit the village, although it's very small it does have a lovely pub. I would say it's suitable for someone in a wheel chair but the terrain, which isn't lengthy, is a bit rough & stoney so could cause some trouble/,discomfort. This tea garden is only open in the summer months as it is what it's says, in a garden, but I would definitely recommend a visit. Lively crockery & proper tea pots of tea!

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Rachel-Leanne Edwards . 2019-01-09

MORE AT Google

I and friends have been here and have sat in the lovely grounds of Elstow Tea garden, lovely and relaxing over lunch with lovely sunshine which makes it all the better!! Well worth a trip to Elstow Tea Garden!Only downside is the small portions and overpriced food.

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trudycam . 2018-11-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I have been to the tea gardens several times this year and look forward to going again next year. The food is great the service is good and the gardens are a delight. Such a beautiful relaxing place to go and share with friends and family.

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Wendy M . 2018-11-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Gorgeous setting. Excellent tea, scones and small cakes. £9.95 per person. Great value. Right beside the church and the Moot Hall. Saw two weddings. Very Old England, quite charming. Would definitely recommend

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bellacat2017 . 2018-09-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Have visited several times before after visiting my grandparents and fathers graves. This time, with my mother. Lovely tea and cakes in the garden. Really nice atmosphere and super friendly staff

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davidandjane51 . 2018-09-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We love coming here on a Sunday afternoon. Very nice relaxing atmosphere

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Derk VDBrink . 2018-08-28

MORE AT Google

Lovely hospitable staff, very reasonably priced. An all round great experience for all of our family.

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Andrew Winder . 2018-08-25

MORE AT Google

Such a lovely, relaxing atmosphere and historic surroundings - excellent all round!

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Rob Pearson . 2018-08-11

MORE AT Google

Off the beaten track in a lovely location, hidden behind the Abbey Church in historic Elstow, this place is a little quirky and a touch eccentric with its cottage garden full of tents, sheds and gazebos but marvelous value with great food and decent tea. A very enjoyable experience at a sensible price so it doesn't have to be only for special occasions.

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IanC4098 . 2018-08-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I thought i would take my wife for nice treat after some retail shopping.Having discovered elstow tea room on trip adviser and reading the reviews we set of to find it.I Put the post code into the sat nav which took us straight there just a tip to any one going. Park in the large car park Go though the church gates and keep to the right of the wall.

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Rickyh11 . 2018-06-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

What a hidden gem , and very good staff the food was well presented, The church was my old school church and is also worth a visit, in fact Elstow village is also worth walking round. We will def be going to the tea garden again.

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annod01 . 2018-06-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

What a delightful place. Definitely want to visit again and again.

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Carol Donovan . 2018-06-11

MORE AT Google

best place for miles ..dog and child friendly..excellent service..beautiful surroundings..friendly helpful staff and owner..comfortable chairs ..excellent food who coyld ask for more ..thank you for a lovely aftetnoon

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JoV361 . 2018-06-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

If you want tea and cake in an English country garden then this delivers. Excellent cake and a friendly owner. Adjacent to a picturesque church in a historic village

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Widlydidly . 2018-04-19

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Came across by accident .nice stop off

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RAY LONG . 2018-01-13

MORE AT Google

Had afternoon tea several times here. Best value for money option I have had. Pretty gardens and child friendly.

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J0anne1234 . 2017-12-11

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Having discovered this hidden little gem two years ago I thought I better wrote a review! I absolutely love this place! The garden, food (and tea) is superb and excellent value! I have been there often twice a week over the past few months as I can't get enough of Joyce and her wonderful garden! I visit with family friends and my new baby Harrison (I'm sure he will be scoffing the cakes and ice creams soon enough)! Come rain or shine nothing can keep me away from this place! I love the afternoon tea especially as each time I have it (which is often) the sandwich fillings differ as do the cakes!! You must visit this place! You will not be disappointed!

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Emma_Steve_LONDON . 2017-09-24

MORE AT TripAdvisor

what a pleasent experiance smiling friendly faces even when we had to grab our lunch and run into the marque out of the rain could not have been more fun very nice lunch so good we went back for afternoon tea

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Ken S . 2017-09-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Hidden away behind the church and besides the abbey ruins, this is a little gem of a tea garden. As such, it is clearly weather dependent. The food is simple, sensibly with a limited menu, with friendly service and genuine hospitality. Quirky, quintessentially English, we hope it continues for many summers.

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Robert R . 2017-09-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We have lived in Bedford for 2 years & have only just discovered this place. It is literally a couple's garden which is open to the public for cream teas, afternoon teas & other food. Their garden is beautiful with a huge pond & plenty of seating, in a marquee or beneath trees. We had the afternoon tea & considering we arrived an hour before closing time the bread was very fresh.

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Debbie G . 2017-08-20

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Lovely afternoon. People are so friendly. Nice tea and yummy food. Beautiful gardens. Also fantastic value for money. Took our grandmother who loved it! Will be back soon.

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J0anne1234 . 2017-07-29

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Hav been meaning to visit for ages. Fab private garden behind elstow abbey church. Lots of seating sunny and shaded areas staff very friendly service very good too. Plenty to choose from on small menu. Daughter had raspberry milk shake and a slice of cooked cheesecake I had a a cream tea. Lovely fresh scone jam cream and fresh strawberries with pot of tea all went down very quickly and very reasonable price will definitely go again. Will recommend to friends. Only down side only open Friday to Monday. Parking at back of church. Toilets in portacabin. Afternoon teas catered for looked really nice

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MoyaN5 . 2017-06-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

This delightful tea garden is an hidden oasis. A little tricky to find, but a walk round the back of Elstow church one is rewarded with the most idyllic of situations. We were there from Scotland visiting our two grand children (oh and their parents) and spent a happy hour sipping tea and delicious carrot cake. Excellent young waiter and friendly owner. We will return.

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Eros . 2017-06-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I was working in the area with a colleague and having a bit of time to spare called in for tea and muffins. Although quite busy, with a party of walkers, the service was quick and the tea good and strong, what more can one ask for? :-)

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109bill . 2017-05-05

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Atmosphere is great, as are the staff but only serves 'gateaux' not the kind of standard cakes you expect at a tea room like this. Would go much more often if this improved.

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Patrick Ayre . 2017-02-19

MORE AT Google

After visiting the abbey we stopped off at the tea room. Lovely garden to spend your time in. Safe fish pond, toys for younger children. Yummy cakes with tea and coffee and even Sunday lunch If you book in advance.

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Rizzo1960 . 2016-10-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

My husband and I were cycling from Priory Marina to Elstow and found the Elstow tea garden a perfect break to relax for refreshments before continuing with our route to Cardington village. The garden is delightful with lots of tables and a modern summerhouse where they prepared pninis. They also do cooked lunches lasagne etc prepared in the house. With the fishpond, marquee for children and attractively decorated surroundings it is a real find.

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ThomasBedford . 2016-08-29

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beautiful garden very comfortable seating,warm welcome.our host was able to accommodate the 9 of us quite easily and served us quickly

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rhump2015 . 2016-08-04

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This is a hidden gem, friendly and cheerful staff, the gardens are amazing and the pond is fab. They serve tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches and hot lunches too. We had a cream tea and it was lovely. Very reasonably priced, will be going back!

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851claireb . 2016-06-19

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Set in beautiful surroundings..lovely staff so friendly ..the food is really nice from afternoon tea to a lovely roast dinner.

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missktuk . 2016-06-18

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Very pleasant and relaxing environment. Great choices of food and drinks all lovely! Defiantly will be back again!! :)

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Abbie E . 2016-05-29

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I was visiting the abbey and spotted the signs for the Tea Garden. I went to investigate and not knowing what to expect I was very pleasantly surprised to find a beautifully laid out and an extremely well kept garden. There were a range of tables, some outdoors with parasols and some under cover, and even some deckchairs to choose from. Some quirky touches too and it reminded me of visiting an Open Garden. I thought it was a really lovely place and it is obviously very well cared for.

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Nick A . 2016-05-22

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Elstow is a very quaint village and the tearoom is set in a gorgeous cottage garden at the side of the Abbey. It was the perfect sunny afternoon with a gentle breeze, perfect for a light lunch. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. I had a freshly prepared salad and Earl Grey tea. My husband had a freshly prepared sandwich and tea and the homemade cakes and icecreams such as 'Knicker bocker glory' looked amazing. We will visit again soon as it's the perfect tearoom to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere of historical Elstow.

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Janet P . 2016-05-08

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This is our 3rd visit and we were once again delighted. As it was rather cold we sat in the gazebo. Two of us had lunch and two of us had afternoon tea. All were delicious. Staff were attentive and efficient without being "in your face". Can't wait for our 4th visit- hopefully with a little sunshine.

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bevaimz . 2016-04-24

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The setting is perfect for this tea garden. Absolutely beautiful well kept garden and on the day we visited the weather was just lovely for late Sept . I was there for a £7.50 cream tea during this event of a retirement party.I have looked at the other reviews for this venue and it has been rated very good. Unfortunately my visit proved to be very disappointing and didn't live up to expectations. The reason for this would be mainly the the quality of the cream tea and amounts. The scone portions were a half scone with only 5 very tiny halves each with a small dollop of 'cream ' and jam for six people on the tables . When this was pointed out to the young server the response was a mumble of 'oh' and then a considerable amount of time later we overheard the same server tell a older server pointing to our table telling her we said their wasn't enough scones,the older server just grunted and ignored it all. There were 6 people on our table and 1 cream tea tier to share. I do have to mention the quality of the food was disappointing . There was very cheap looking/tasting Swiss roll cut in half and thin as possible and to add insult to injury they were dried out along with some other kind of cake of the most tiniest size . Sandwiches were basic but passable although meagrely filled and not enough as mentioned. On the positive side the pot of tea was nice and coffee was available.The tea cups were stained inside. The servers curiously did come around with a tray of micro small cocktail sausages,sausage rolls and scotch eggs asking if we which we would like (?) . Anyhow in a nutshell lovely gardens/venue .....we enjoyed the lovely company we had for the afternoon and the event it was meant for. Sorry Elstow Tea Gardens ... You had a lot of potential custom that afternoon it seemed like you didn't care.

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joplin . 2015-09-29

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Such a lovely venue, the gardens are beautiful and it was lovely to see all my work friends old and new, but unfortunately having paid £7:50 each for the afternoon tea I have to say it wasn't a lot of food ,I certainly didn't expect to be sharing one cake stand of food between 5 people, it was very irractically served, and we had to ask for our tea, then asking for more seemed to be asking for the earth, the young bigger built waitress that served us was so miserable I'm not sure if she knew the concept of a smile. Then to be asked if we wanted sausage ,sausage roll or mini egg, what did you mean or....for that money I expected it all. We could of had a roast dinner for that!!!. I see on trip advisor what we had should have been between two. You must of been quids in on Sunday!

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Stephen C . 2015-09-28

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