Ivy Joys Vintage Tea Room - 1940s in Harborough

A surprising and totally charming tea room with wonderful staff in period costume. More than this it goes beyond simple nostalgia as it serves a beautiful community purpose with period photos and objects donated, gifted or obtained locally. Just ask how the cafe was conceived and you will understand more. It’s also bigger than you think with a nice garden and mock-up Anderson shelter. The period newspapers on the tables are a wonderful touch. The food was very good and reasonably priced.

What an absolute gem of a place. It was like going back in time and sitting in my grandparents living room. 1940s music played on the old wireless, all the staff wore 1940s clothes and couldn't have been more helpful. The tea room was very busy but the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The food was lovely too, one of the best fruit scones I've had in a long time. My grandchildren loved the little dog wandering around and staff even bought over a box of toys for them. A thoroughly enjoyable lunch time and I will definitely be back.

I booked Ivy joys for a family afternoon tea for my hen do - Natalie and her team were amazing, nothing was too much trouble and the knowledge on teas for those not sure - was just outstanding 🙏 my step- niece is a proper tea geek and the girls spent time talking to her about tea and helped her channel her inner geek - which was lovely and she really enjoyed herself and can’t wait to go back ❤️ Thankyou guys you are amazing ❤️🥂

My dad and I visited for breakfast, wow what a gorgeous little place! The decor is delightful, we both said it was just like my grandmas front room!Wonderful, friendly staff (mum and daughters) who offered great service with a smile. Fabulous menu with lots of variety and choice. (my dad was delighted with the tinned tomatoes and Yorkshire tea!) The attention to detail is fantastic, it was like stepping back in time! This place is an absolute gem, we will definitely be back

The afternoon tea was really lovely, exactly what your Nan would make! Traditional, plenty to go around and just yum. The lemon cake was absolutely delicious and I really could have eaten a foot long version of their sausage roll, yummy! I have the Vicky sponge tea too which was great, sweet so I didn't have to add any sugar and went great with the cakes. The cafe itself is just a beautiful treasure trove of memories, I had so much fun nosing around and reminiscing! It truly felt like being at my Nan/Grandma's house. The story behind the cafe is also truly inspiring; Ivy and Joy were the owners grandma's and one suffered from dementia. The cafe was opened partly to help those suffering with dementia to re-connect with old memories; absolutely essential for dementia sufferers. They're also very welcoming to special needs individuals and are not precious about the ornaments, though I imagine within reason; our children were welcomed and wee felt very comfortable with them playing nicely on the floor. Also Vera Lynn the poochon is a sweetie and I wanted to take her home, very well behaved for a 7 month old puppy.

Wow what a gem…,stepping back in time all the memorabilia and decor it was an absolute delight. Cakes and milkshakes were delicious even a pretty little garden was just an all round wonderland.

This is a lovely local business, the staff were so nice. I always support local businesses and I really don't like to leave a bad review as I appreciate how hard everyone works but I couldn't believe how little food we got. I was so looking forward to it as I had a birthday voucher for 2 adult afternoon teas value of £31. As a family of four we then booked and agreed to pay extra so all four of us could enjoy a full on 1940s afternoon tea treat. The attached photo is all we got...to feed all 4 of us. For lunch we literally had 3 finger sandwiches each. I even questioned if this 1 cake stand was correct to feed all 4 of us. We did get 4 additional finger sandwiches but honestly for over £50 and for a special occasion treat it was so disappointing... I've had afternoon teas in so many places and I've never had such a meager amount of food. Such a false economy as a few more slices of bread would cost so little...we literally left hungry. The attached photo is what we have just 'paid' £50 for - what I was told us an afternoon tea to feed 4 people. I love the 1940s and totally respect local businesses particularly ones that help charities...I'm a charity worker myself, but this was never worth £50.

Myself and my husband have taken our children here a few times. We have just ordered off the menu and had the afternoon tea also. The tea room is wonderful and the staff are amazing. We where stuffed couldn’t my husband and kids eat a lot and we alway have to take some home for later. Everything is handmade and you can tell time and effort goes into what you are served.

I can’t rate this place highly enough! We had a fabulous afternoon tea served to us for our daughter’s 6th birthday. Staff were super friendly and made her feel really special, like a little princess. The atmosphere was amazing, it was so lovely to hear the other customers chatting about the photos and their memories- it’s surprising how small the world is when they realise they are related to someone in the photos and had no idea! The wartime artefacts are fascinating, and just simply amazing how they’ve all come together within the space. We even had a walk around the garden, and checked out the authentic Anderson Shelter. In all, we had an absolutely amazing experience here. Well worth the drive, and definitely worth the money. We had so much on the tiered platter that we took a doggy bag home with us and finished it off later! And that was another bonus - little Vera was such a well behaved little pup, and so gorgeous! Wonderful place to be. We’ll most certainly be coming back again soon! P.s. if you get the chance, grab the armchairs. They are comfy and cozy as anything, but word of warning you may doze off because of this!

Since discovering this lovely place I've visited a number of times with my wife and friends. The atmosphere is cosy, the staff - dressed 1940s style - are friendly, chatty and accommodating and the food is very good value. There's an outside seating area for when the weather is fine, complete with a mock-up of a Nissen hut! 1940s music plays in the background, interspersed with news items and political speeches of the time. Highly recommended.

This place is just fantastic, well worth seeking out. The service is so friendly and great to see something different and a family business doing so well. Both the interior and the garden are beautifully thought out, every detail carefully done. One tiny suggestion would be to incorporate some fruit into the kids ration box instead of the crisps. The food was nice and the prices very reasonable. I've got my eye on an afternoon tea for next time we go, because we will definitely be back!

Visited today for 1st time for afternoon tea . 5 female family members. Ivy joys is a good 40 min trip down motorway from home and was worth every mile. The staff are lovely, happy, friendly, took time to chat with customers even tho super busy . Made to feel v welcome . Clear to see there are many regulars . The afternoon tea was delicious and plenty to eat. Great selection beautifully presented. The tea room itself is decorated really nice with lots of pictures for the era and items to look at. Comfy well spaced out, warm and welcoming. Attention to detail in everything -superb. Cant wait for return visit Sorry no pics was too busy enjoying the food !

After my original review from last year was disappointingly removed, I thought I’d give this another chance. Personally felt it was overpriced and slow service, 40’s theme is good if you like that sort of thing. Overall not great quality for money. ☹️

Ivy Joys Vintage Tea Room, what a brilliant place! Also, dont get me started on how nice the tea and cake is! Natalie and Hathern are running a real time capsule and I couldn't be more impressed! I'm really glad me and my kids decided to check it out! Will definitely be back for more 😊

Came with my partner for an anniversary & we were so well looked after! I was a bit apprehensive about trying the tea at first but Hathern was on hand to explain the flavours & gave us some great reccomendations for flavours. Food was lovely & hats off to the brownie, it was amazing. Natalie & the girls hosted us so well we even got special wedding decor! Already booked in for a second visit in the half term. Loved the theme, it felt like we'd stepped back in time

I can’t wait to continue to make Ivy Joys a regular part of my weekly routine in 2022 as I have in 2021. If you haven’t visited yet I highly recommend you do so this year! Homemade cakes, vegan & gluten free options. Friendly, welcoming...

What a lovely little treasure this tea room is! This is the second time I have visited for sweet victory afternoon tea. This time I took my mum for her birthday, and she loved it just as much. The attention to detail is something else,...

Took my mum here and absolutely loved it , Natalie and her daughter made us feel so welcome , they have a great selection of teas to try, and the afternoon tea that we booked for was amazing 😍,,, would highly recommend going for a...

***PLEASE IGNORE THE NEGATIVE REVIEW BELOW.. THIS IS A COMPETITOR AND ISNT A FAIR REVIEW*** our experience here was amazing. It was like stepping back in time. Such a good place to take our nan who has dementia. The owner is welcoming, helpful and very...

I have been to ivy joys vintage tea room a few time now, for a girls day out and with my family. Food is amazing, hostes were so friendly even took the time to explain about the people they have on their wall as ever...

I visited with my husband and two sons one 8 and 13 for lunch the staff were polite and friendly they helped us carb count for my son who has type one diabetes so he could eat his cake with peace of mind his insulin...

I recently visited Ivy Joys tra room with my family and we absolutely loved it. My children couldn't believe the selection of tea available and all tried a different one with a bit of cake. Staff were very polite and welcoming.

What can I say about the place absolutely amazing the place was spotlessly clean and it felt like I had been transported to the 1940s with the decor and pictures of people from the 1940s I must say the cakes and sandwiches were a real...

Amazing visit to Ivy house tea room with my husband for lunch, the owner was very accommodating to my husbands big appetite and when he asked for extra beans that’s exactly what he got, the service was second to non, the tea and cake is...

Lovely friendly atmosphere Tea room set in the 1949’s - really knowledgeable staff who gave a real passion for what they do

Such a lovely little vintage tea room, set up 1940s style great ambiance. I took my sister for afternoon tea. It was set on a vintage style menu corned beef, cheese, egg, spam and a beautiful selection of cakes and pastries plus beautiful fresh jam...

We had a lovely time at Ivy Joys tea room. The staff are most welcoming and friendly. The 40’s inspired theme is absolutely spot on. It is like walking back in time the moment you step foot inside. The menu is so accurate for its...

Such a cool atmosphere. It’s like stepping back in time. Can’t wait to go back already (after visiting twice already)

Ivyjoys tea rooms is a beautifully decorated place to eat. The rooms feel very authentic especially with the radio playing 40's music and broadcasts. The food is delicious and very well priced. The staff are friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend Ivyjoys to friends...