Orangery Tea Room in South Norfolk

I'll be honest - I think 'Afternoon Tea' is an expensive marketing ploy designed to make you spend ££££ on tiny little savory and sweet 'samples'. This place is also about 1 hour drive away so I wasn't all that keen to sample the 'Autumn Afternoon Tea'. With that grumpy attitude I ordered a cup of coffee and waited to be proved right. In no time an elegant three-tier serving 'bird cage' turned up and all the items were explained to my wife and I. I sensed the waitress were very proud of the selection (for good reason). Turns out that every single item was both perfectly crafted and delicious. The portions were just enough. The coffee was great and I could have another one included in the price. Soft drink choice for my wife was also impressive and delicious. We didn't manage to eat everything - but that's ok as you can ask for some little boxes to take it home. The setting is delightful, the staff excellent, and the autumn afternoon tea was delicious and great value. I vow to be less grumpy in future. I even have a photo taken by the staff of my wife and I smiling. Turned out to be a very happy day.

A wonderful surprise from my daughter ❤. I had the best time. The staff were terrific especially a lady with blonde short hair. The breastfast was yummy, the homemade granola, sweetness of the fruit, quality of the pastries, the presentation. Totally recommend. We will be back without a date, a gorgeous setting also. Thank you Rosie, and to Orangery x

Lovely setting, lovely food, excellent friendly service, nothing too much trouble. Just prefect on a sunny afternoon and the wasp protection was great.

We went for a family meal out and decided to have afternoon tea here. With three generations of us, we wanted to do something everyone would enjoy and it didn’t disappoint. The food was delicious and there was plenty for all eight of us - the cakes were gorgeous! The service was friendly and welcoming too. However, the setting made the trip very special - we were in a heated gazebo looking out over the grounds which was a great backdrop for a lovely tea. We will definitely return!

This was a superb setting for an afternoon tea for a group of friends, and the tea room was bright and fresh, with picture windows overlooking the grounds and terrace. The booking was made months in advance and choices detailed in full. Only told after booking made, and paid in full, that table was only ours for an hour and a half. We didn't get our food until 35 minutes into our time slot, which left us 1 hour to eat. We were a booking of 7 people for 2 special birthdays, so it was a special occasion. We were politely reminded to vacate our table as they needed it for another booking, but they said we could finish our afternoon tea outside on the terrace. Luckily it was a nice warm day. The food was exceptional, with unlimited tea, coffees and fruit cordials. The sandwiches were fresh, the scones hot, and the cakes were delicious. Tea in teapots that pour properly and lovely dainty tea cups and saucers. Just such a shame that we were hurried. We paid £224 altogether, so I would expect to have the table for at the very least 2 hours. Staff were kind and courteous, and did allow us further drinks outside. Customers need to be made aware of table time restriction before paying in full on booking. Overall very nice but not nice being hurried so much, which spoilt it. Had the weather been horrible we would've been stuck.

I thought afternoon tea here would be something special to celebrate a birthday but unfortunately it wasn't. The table we were allocated was right next to the counter where people stood drinking, chatting and paying (I believe they might have been staff from the business centre). When I commented on this to a member of staff she said they would soon be gone, but then more came and stood there for some considerable time. The table was undecorated and the teapot and cups plain. One of the teaspoons was dirty and had to be replaced. There was nothing special about it whatsoever. It was just like being in a cafe which you go in for just a coffee. Not afternoon tea special at all. It was more expensive than many in the Norwich area so I thought the experience would be reflected in the price. But it clearly wasn't. The food was nice, nothing special, only 2 different filling in the sandwiches. The scones were good, the cakes ok, but again nothing special. The staff were busy but quite friendly. I would not recommend The Orangery for an afternoon tea experience. I came away feeling very let down and disappointed from what I thought was going to be an enjoyable afternoon.

This was a treat for us from family and it was most enjoyable. The setting is lovely and whilst we were sat in the Orangery I would imagine that on a ‘proper’ summer’s day it would be lovely to sit outside. We were warmly greeted and shown to our table and options re drinks explained, these arriving quickly. Our traditional afternoon tea then arrived and all the items were fully explained by one of the very friendly and chatty waitresses. While we worked our way through the delicacies we were able to have refills of our drinks or something different. Everything tasted delicious and even though there is the option of having a ‘doggy bag’, I’m afraid we scoffed the lot feeling suitably full. We shall certainly be going back if not for one of the afternoon tea variants certainly to try the superb looking sausage rolls. Thanks to all at The Orangery.

We went for Afternoon Tea for our 10th wedding anniversary. Lovely setting and views, but tables very shabby and service was not great. Such a shame! Food was lovely and flavoursome but not value for money. Needed pretty tea cups and tablecloths and more attentive staff. We were disappointed as it was a special occasion. A few tweeks and this place could be idyllic for Afternoon Tea.

We have been here twice in the last week as it's in our village. It is amazing. The staff are very welcoming and get you seated quickly. Outdoor seating is available and quite sheltered - we have sat there in light rain even and the large umbrellas keep you dry. The high teas and cream teas are top quality and it appears the delicious scones are the chef's granny's recipe. The view over rural lands is stunning with a river running not far from the outdoor deck, with swans gliding about. The coffee is good quality and they have a good range of whole cakes served by the slice, or even pre-ordered whole. We back there as soon as possible.

Was looking forward to our afternoon teas to celebrate a birthday and felt on arrival that this was going to be special as the setting is lovely. After all it had to be reserved and paid for at least 48 hours ahead and was more expensive than it's loval competitors. Sadly it was a typical English afternoon in early summer with a cloudy sky and cold north wind. To be expected as we know but unlike other venues there was no option but to brave it! No blankets or heaters as other outdoor venues often provide. The inside area was very small so had it rained I imagine we would have got very wet. Being outside on the terrace and a couple we were clearly less worthy of service than several large groups of ladies or those inside. We waited a long time for our first pot of tea and thereafter generally had to ahsk for service. Only once did a waitress come over to enquire whether we needed anything. The food can be said at best to be average but certainly nothing special. Overall summary. Underwhelmed. Dissappointed. Overpriced.

My wife and I, and two friends, enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea looking out over the river and farm land. The food was excellent, and the staff were attentive, efficient, and professional. On the basis of this visit, I will return and would recommend.

Very disappointed with the afternoon tea for the price we paid. When the cake stand arrived we waited for the second one, but this was for 2 people. Far too expensive for a choice of 2 sandwiches ~ ham hock and cream cheese/cucumber. Very small cakes and not very inspiring. Scones were the best part freshly baked. We had also ordered a savoury afternoon tea, thank goodness we did, to bulk everything out. Most places you can have unlimited tea, here you are allowed 2 drinks! Definitely not worth £90!! Would definitely not recommend

Lovely afternoon tea for my husband’s birthday. Great location and friendly staff. Would definitely recommend. Thank you

Lovely setting and exquisite dainty food but expensive for what you actually get, £29.95 is too much sorry, almost £60 for a cake stand of food for 2

Super friendly & quality light lunches. Beautiful setting. Sandwiches soups, scones, and delish cakes! All very tasty. This was my first visit with friends for a leisurely lunch. Fantastic service in a really beautiful setting.

Very overpriced for what it was. The views were stunning but I found some staff to be quite rude and almost inconvenienced because we were only a party of 2. Their focus was clearly on larger parties. We arrived at 11.10 when breakfast finished at 11.30. We had to wait 5 minutes for staff to notice us and seat us. Staff clearly weren't happy that we'd arrived at this time which was ridiculous. We were immediately told what was no longer available, which was actually quite a lot. We went for pancakes and they were quite dry. It didn't help that you get the tiniest jug of maple syrup with them. This only lasted for 2 of the 4 pancakes. I was not paying extra for what should have come in the first place, so I resorted to taking the foam off my cappuccino to make them less dry. We tried to make the best of a bad situation and ordered mimosas but they were so flat and staff didn't care. They also failed to clear our table, so we cleared it ourselves and took it inside. They still failed to notice us and come outside to clear away the rest. Not impressed and will not return.

My wife and I went there for the traditional afternoon tea to celbrate our 56th wedding anniversary. I am wheel chair bound and the car park is around 250 meters from the entrance. There are two flights of three steps which I negotiated by holding on to the handrail while my wife brought the wheel chair up. There are also a couple of steps if you decide to eat inside, but there are several outoor tables. The staff were very helpful in helping with the wheel chair. The staff were very attentive and at my prior instigation suprised my wife by serving us with wine at precisely 15:10 whivh was the exact time we signed the register on our wedding day - or to be exact after 1,767,255,567 seconds fter that memorable event (that included the 27 leap secondss!!!)

Overpriced for very average food and service. Dirty plates left on tables which contributed to the already apparent wasp issue. Despite raising this issue to staff and bringing our own plates in, we were told “it’s the countryside”. Having grown up on a farm, I can assure you that wasn’t the issue. Flat Mimosas to wash down the very average pancakes that came with a very tiny amount of maple syrup and overcooked bacon which resulted in a very dry and claggy end to the pancakes that couldn’t be finished. Appears that there was a large booking which seemed to take priority over all other customers and venue does not appear particularly resilient to 1 larger booking and coping with everyone else’s food and drink orders. Appeared disorganised and considering the small size of the menu and number of items that require pre-ordering , not particularly well executed.

We had such an amazing afternoon tea here for my parents 50th wedding anniversary. So many sandwiches and cakes, and I couldn’t pick which one was my fave as they were all so tasty! Such a gorgeous venue with really polite and attentive staff.

Nice but overpriced. Beautiful grounds, nice setting, good service, afternoon tea was average- small amount for a lot of money. Ive had much better afternoon teas at half the price. Certainly not worth £29 pp Huge wasp issue at the moment which didn’t make for a very relaxing eating experience either. Suggest investing in some industrial wasp traps!

A thoroughly enjoyable alfresco Friday evening despite the rain! The weather was immaterial in this lovely location and we sat inside and enjoyed a lovely Antipasta board followed by chocolate brownie and ice cream that was just superb.

The Orangery Tea Room is set in a beautiful location, the service was exemplary and the food and tea was incredibly tasty. I had the savoury afternoon tea, with a cheese scone, whipped goats cheese and chilli jam, it was delicious. The Orangery Tea Room also made up a takeaway breakfast board as we were staying in the Shepherd Huts in the grounds, the staff were friendly, welcoming and accommodating. Would highly recommend visiting just to take in the views with cake and coffee, we'll no doubt be back.

I have visited the Orangery many times and always found the food and service good, however on the last 2 occasions I have been disappointed with the service. They seem to have a lot of groups coming in for baby showers but don't have the staff to cope. On my last visit a couple of weeks ago I took my sister who was visiting the area. We had a long wait for our lunch then decided to have cake afterwards but we're told they were too busy to serve us due to a large ( pre booked) group just arriving so would have to wait 30 minutes for them to serve us, as the cakes are already on the counter I find it hard to believe they couldn't just pop a piece on a plate. We paid for out lunch and ask if we could buy take to take away but again we're told they were to busy. All they had to do was pop some in a box. It's a fab venue for large groups but this is at the expense of regular customers. It has put be off visiting again.

Had afternoon tea today as a couple. The scones are cooked once you arrive. We could not eat everything, even with two pots of tea. We even left some of the cream and jam which came to accompany the scones (this is a 1st). The sandwiches, the cakes and the scones were delicious. The staff were helpful informative and attentive, you couldnt ask for more. They deserve a five rating for the food the staff and the setting, and the only reason we rated four is we believe it is at the expensive end for afternoon tea. We however did not pay as it was a gift.

The Orangery provided a fantastic Savoury and Traditional afternoon tea for a group of 8 for a small baby shower. The team were so kind and really delivered on making a bespoke Savoury board for us which was highly appreciated. The grounds are stunning and serene. Fresh warm scones were a real treat amongst a variety of delights. Not only were the team incredibly accommodating but had a lovely welcoming manner and really made the occasion special. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to come back.

We called in here for coffee and cake after a nice walk in Ladybelt woods nearby. We were warmly welcomed at just after two-thirty to be told we were most welcome, but they closed at three o’clock Wednesday to Saturday and four o’clock on Sunday....

We wanted a little celebration for birthdays. We hadn’t been here before but when we booked on the phone, Sarah was very helpful, arranging that we could get what we wanted and advising us on our choices. ( Be aware of their timings.) We were...

Lovely mothers day afternoon tea . Fresh produce freshly prepared and cooked . Beautifully presented. Enjoyable afternoon,

Sarah and her team helped us to create a wonderful baby shower celebration for my sister. Staff were super friendly and helpful especially when organising such a big group. The breakfast boards were beautiful. A lovely sunday morningenjoyed by everyone, thankyou

I tried messaging through their Instagram page to book twice which were both ignored, it was straight after they’d posted on the grid and stories so I’d expect a response at some point. Ended up booking through their website which you have to pay a...

Delightful savory afternoon tea as a birthday present from my daughter. We sat outside in the marquee and it was lovely and warm with the patio heaters, and a lovely view of the lake. The staff were attentive, described each of the items and came...

Was disappointed with the afternoon tea and the whole ambience of the tea room, it was chilly, no atmosphere and not very attentive staff. Considering it’s the same price as Afternoon tea at The Ivy where you get a warm seating area, unlimited refills of...

Very occasionally, there are experiences in life that turn out even better than your expectations. Orangerie, take a bow! On impulse, we turned up yesterday afternoon with coffee and cake in mind. We succumbed to the Traditional Afternoon Tea, and my goodness, what a treat...

The staff were all so friendly and attentive. The food was all amazing. The setting is gorgeous. The tea room is part of an old hall. Big car park and then follow the signage to the entrance. Outside of the tea room there is a...

We booked our table for 2.30pm. The seeting is lovely in the old hall. When we turned up we stood outside for about five minutes waiting to be talked to. Finally someone took my name and came back and said the table needed to be...

My granddaughters treated me to afternoon tea at The Orangery for my birthday...what an experience! The complimentary glass of prosecco was much appreciated, followed by a wonderful selection of delightful sandwiches and savouries, and then mouthwatering cakes and scones. One expects to have a problem...

Food was fab. Grounds beautiful. Lots of wasps. Staff good on a 1 2 1 if you manage to attract their attention , otherwise they ignore you

A really lovely lunch in a beautiful location. Menu for light lunch is a little limited but not an issue atall (check it out online if you're looking for something specific) Our paninis and sandwiches were all delicious, the enormous slice of Biscoff cake was...

Had been very ill but today I was feeling a bit better, so we decided to go here for lunch, my first trip out in nearly 3 weeks. We were surprised how busy it was, but there were a few empty tables outside so I...

We had a lovely Panini and cream tea with a lovely glass of wine in pleasant surroundings we sat inside, but you could sit outside if you are able to, as you have to book well in advanced, you cannot always get a seat outside...

I feel it necessary to be the voice of the takeaway customer for what should be a glowing report. I have been here several times now as a customer who booked a table and always had an amazing experience. What a world apart this experience...

I was recommended the Orangery by a friend so thought I’d give it a visit with my partner and we definitely weren’t disappointed!! Really great service and reasonably priced, the café itself was lovely and the grounds beautiful. We got really lucky with the weather...

Not a place to stop on a cycle ride…obviously hadn’t booked ahead & HALF AN HOUR WAIT for a takeaway cuppa & cake! Won’t be heading there again!

Decided to finally drive here for lunch we hadn’t booked but felt optimistic by the empty tables in the terrace and inside, but apparently they were all booked for afternoon teas? But feel sure that not everyone would arrive at the same time and we...

Went to go on the bluebell walk, some many bluebells for as far as the eye could see, and all entry proceeds going to charity, fab idea. The display of bluebells was fabulous, they stretched as far as the eye could see. Unfortunately we weren’t...

We came in for lunch for my mums birthday. We sat outside on the terrace - such a stunning view across the lake. Calm & tranquil surroundings. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They Made us some beautiful cupcakes (organised in advance) and brought...

My colleagues/friends arranged an afternoon tea for me as a celebration. We were very excited to visit here haven't not been before. We were however very dissapointed by our visit. We were a group of 6 wanting to enjoy a special occasion afternoon tea. We...

Beautifully presented High Tea, catering for vegetarians, vegans and meat lovers. Comfortable surroundings with no loud music so we were able to catch up with all family members. Delicious food , loved by us all and what we couldn't manage (as very generous portions) was...

Lovely spot for lunch or breakfast! We ordered breakfast boards for 4 - it was a bit of a tight squeeze on the table to get them all on - we could have been done with being seated at a bigger table - or alternatively...

We booked afternoon tea for a large party way in advance at a specific time, so they knew we were coming. However, we sporadically received hot drinks over the first 45 minutes, then the food turned up (which was pretty good). But as they close...

Set in lovely grounds the tearoom is just a short walk from the car park. We had booked and prepaid for afternoon tea in advance and were not disappointed- everything was delicious- really tasty quality ingredients were obviously used, beautifully presented and a great selection...

Very hard to fault, food is consistently delicious, staff and friendly and prompt. Always a pleasure.

This could be a really lovely, special place but just isn't. We have been more than once, hoping each time that they will have sorted the staffing problems (with new, under-trained staff) they always seem to have, but they haven't. We've even tried take away...

Went for light lunch, seemed very disorganised and did not seem to be able to get a table sorted out so said we wold do take away and sit in the lovely grounds, Assistant started to take order and made a mistake, went to ask...

For my birthday, Pam decoded to treat me to breakfast at the Orangery. We had the breakfast platter whick was delicious. Granola, pancakes, pastries and fruit. You have 1 drink included in the price subsequent drinks are extra. As they knew it was my birthday,...

It has been wonderful visiting here with my partner. We have done takeaways and sat by the river with so much yummy cakes and hot chocolates. We have sat outside at the outdoor seating area. Staff are friendly and helpful. Can be slow but this...

Having got over the disappointment of no full English, the delightful Sarah pointed out the Orangery is TEA ROOMS it was made up by the enormous sausage roll we had (massive) we enjoyed the experience and had a great time. Beautiful surroundings and fabulous setting......

Hard to fault, always delivers high quality food and great service. The setting is stunning and the options available are perfect. The breakfast board is amazing, a real delight with freshly made pancakes definitely the highlight.

Recently visited The Orangery with friends for lunch. Service was fab & really friendly. Sandwiches were lovely and was followed by coffee/tea & cake - so many to choose from, so we all shared a piece of each! All made on the premises fresh every...

I was excited to go here at last, a pleasant cycle ride from south Norwich. however I will never go back as although it's a very nice setting and the coffee and scone were fine I have never been treated so badly, I was upset...

A small group of us booked for breakfast. Menu very disappointing. Staff however are magnificent. Bacon sandwich cost £5.95 and very bland - literally 2 bacon rashers plonked inside cheap tasting sliced bread. No cooked breakfast option. Vegan guest was catered for. Fantastic setting ....

A perfect afternoon tea in delightful surroundings. We went to celebrate a couple of birthdays and couldn't have chosen a better venue. This is up there with the best. All the usual suspects..finger sandwiches (cucumber and cream cheese, ham hock for my meat eating friends...

Went to try the breakfast menu in the new marquee extension. Had pancakes with Prosecco ... and stayed long enough that it stretched to paninis and Prosecco for lunch! We were lovely and warm in the terrace extension. Really sorry that lockdown ‘the remix’ means...

Classy snacks. Lovely location for walks, and great historic atmosphere with very friendly staff, they are new and plan a marque in the future.

A pleasant place to stroll and delicious freshly made sandwiches. Good cake too. We will definitely return for another lunch.

We had food boxed up to take away, because weather was bad, it was excellent there was plenty and a good variety. Would recommend to anyone

We are a family of four adults and we chose a blazing hot Sunday morning to enjoy a brilliant outdoors Tea at the Orangery. The service was refreshingly friendly and non-intrusive, the layers of savouries and cakes was very high quality, and the coffees amazing....

Booked a social distance table with friends for a get together since lockdown started. Friday night's weather was predicted to be wet, as such the ladies from the Orangery called the day before to offer a boxed platter to take away rather than cancel. Rearranged...

We had a really lovely Afternoon Tea in a truly wonderful setting with our friends. The staff were really friendly and had made a note of the dietary requirements made on booking and the Victoria Sponge was really clever. The only criticism would be that...

What a wonderful experience. The most wonderful Afternoon Tea we've ever had as the portion sizes were just perfect. Lovely sandwiches and great scones and little cakes all served on the beautiful terrace overlooking the lake. Idyllic afternoon. Thanks to all the wonderful staff doing...

Beautiful setting in Ketteringham hall, however sadly the standard of the tea room was disappointing. We ordered and there was one gentleman in front of us, despite this we stood waiting 20 mins for one scone, one sausage roll, one slice of cake and two...

Delicious food in a gorgeous spot with very helpful staff. Thank you for being so kind and patient with a dizzy pregnant lady in the sun today.

I can not recommend this highly enough, the afternoon tea was beautifully presented and delicious, with a large selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones. The venue is currently offering a take away service but is in an idyllic setting beside a lake and customers can...

Went today for the first time with my partner and what a great find. Staff were friendly, food was delicious and surroundings beautiful. Had a walk round the lake. Will definitely visit again in the summer.

I cannot recommend The Orangery tearooms enough. I've been a few times now and it quickly became my favourite place to be. The staff are so friendly, the prices are reasonable and the hot drinks and cakes are so tasty. I had afternoon tea here...

I chose The Orangery for afternoon tea to celebrate my 60th birthday! I had vegetarians and vegans in my party and everyone was excellently catered for. My guests were so impressed I think I may have started an annual tradition ... tho’ I will be...

Faultless service and quality of food, but it is the location that really wows. The tea room is set at the back of the very picturesque and beautiful Ketteringham Hall. It's nice in the Winter, and I imagine even nicer in the Summer. There are...

First time visit but will definitely go back.Only had Latte this time but the cakes looked lovely so will try one next time.Off the beaten track but well worth finding.Great views over the water and 2 friendly ladies serving.

My husband and 2 dogs visited enroute to family on a lovely sunny day. Absolutely beautiful spot by the river and stunning views. Had the falafel and hummus sandwich, followed by a latte and chocolate brownie and my husband had the victoria sandwich with a...

Went this morning for coffee and cakes with the kids to celebrate my 58th birthday. Don't know why I'm never been before as it is a delightful venue with lots of history. Staff were lovely and the tea rooms were spotless. Will definitely go again...

Really great spot with wonderful cakes (fresh scones came out of the oven whilst we were at the counter as well!) The staff were very attentive and we had really good coffee. Ketteringham Hall is a lovely place to spend an hour or two with...

Went for an early coffee on a whim and will definitely go back. Beautiful location with friendly and helpful staff and lemon and blueberry cake to die for! Would highly recommend.

Stunning location, less than stunning food, poor choice, odd filling in rolls. Over priced for what was served.

Went for coffee and scones with friends sorry but have to say had a long wait for the food which wasn’t that nice and there wasn’t much choice also scones seemed dry ..Have to say come back the piano rooms they had a really good...

I have now been back several times to The Orangery and can honestly say it is one of the best tea rooms I have visited, which as a keen cyclist is quite a few. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpfull and the food was...

We visited here for afternoon tea on a quiet wet Sunday, we had tea and milkshakes and four different cakes all of which were pretty good and seemed to be home made. I would definitely visit again but as per previous reviews staff was not...

The Orangery does have a lot to live up to as it's predecessor was much loved. However, we received a warm welcome when we arrived and they were helpful with our party of six, recommending we sit outside in order to keep cool and arranging...

Previously when this was called the Piano Room, it was first class all round. Now as the Orangery it is a real let down. The staff are not at all welcoming and the menu is extremely limited. We visited mid morning and ordered coffee and...

Overlooking a lake and parkland, in a quiet rural location yet close to the A11 and Norwich, this place is a real find. Nice food, excellent coffee and great service, combine to make this a perfect venue