Southern Cross Tea Rooms in East Devon

Took my mum here for a Mother’s Day/birthday treat, we had a cream tea, and it was absolutely amazing we’ve been before and it’s always been brilliant, the scones are fresh and warm, and crunchy on the outside and so soft in the middle, generous amount of cream and jam, prices are very good too, Would definitely recommend it for cream tea

Dropped in off the back of trip advisor reviews. We were on a day trip on long the coast but couldn’t find a decent tea room. Came across this little gem on trip advisor and took a chance. Arrived and asked for cream teas for four. As it was a little wet that day we settled for inside, but there is seating outside in the garden. The place is a quaint little cottage, our waitress was delightful, engaged and very personable. Choice of teas and scones was varied. There were other items on menu as venue is a guest house too. Well, when the scones arrived they were fresh, warm and huge. Lots of cream and jam, top up water for the teas. Really impressed!! Very very tasty. Overall the service was friendly attentive, engaging and efficient. Venue was a quaint little English cottage - very fitting for Devon and a cream tea delight. Scones were delicious and plentiful with no need to request a top up of jam, cream or tea. Perfect in every way.. When back in the area again - we will be back - thank you! What a great find.

Gorgeous cream tea in cute garden area. Excellent service, friendly and helpful. We leave Devon feeling we have had a 'proper' cream tea at the Southern Cross Hotel. Thank you.

The tea rooms are nestled in a very quaint little village and the building itself oozed character! The owners were absolutely delightful and extremely accommodating and the room I stayed in was very charming with a comfy bed, so a fab nights sleep. Would recommend and will revisit if I find myself in this neck of the woods again - Thanks for the stay!

Famous for Excellent Cream Teas.Never disappoints. Been going there for years. Tucked away off the main road in a delightful garden.Generous scones and plenty of delicious clotted cream. Run by lovely friendly family. Highly Recommend.

Absolutely wonderful cream teas, warm scones and very generous clotted cram and strawberry jam- amazing and such a lovely garden setting

Can't fault the cream teas or garden surroundings here. Nice and laid back, gentile, no racing about. Inside area is a little dark but only to be expected as it is a very old thatched building with small windows, but comfortable enough and decorated nice at Christmas time. Outside, a very pleasant loo in the garden, another inside upstairs. Ran by two guys, brothers I believe, both pleasant enough and a little dry-humoured, but nothing wrong with that! Not everyone in life runs around with a forced and insincere smiley-grin on their face....thank goodness! We love it..

We all really enjoyed our cream tea after a long dog walk. Excellent scones, plenty of jam & cream. And to quote my 3yr old “ these milkshakes are lovely”. The best cream tea I’ve had.

Used to go to the place when I was a youth on holiday. First visit for many years and we had a lovely experience. Friendly service in quaint surroundings. Excellent scones with plenty of beautiful strawberry jam and gorgeous clotted cream. Took my elderly Mother in a wheelchair and access was easy. Hope to be back before too long. Thoroughly recommend.

We called in to buy some takeaway scones after visiting last year. They only had day old scones available but we heated them up in the oven as directed and they were lovely. All their scones are cooked fresh which you do not get in many places. I have lost count of the number of stale scones I have endured over the years! You can rely on this place and we will be back again in a few weeks time.

Had a garden table for a family birthday cream tea - such a pretty garden and a super cream tea - huge warm scones, lashings of clotted cream and lovely jam.....large teapots and hot water jug etc. Good service and very well priced - a lovely time thank you!

Arrived at 1230pm at the back entrance. Asked a chap if they were open, he grumbled as long as we didn’t want anything other than cake and begrudgingly opened the back door. We were the only people in there and the ambience was overbearing as said chap made no attempt to make conversation and a lady miserably went up a d down the stairs (possibly a cleaner) without a smile or an hello. We were made to feel very uncomfortable and as if our custom was not wanted. The chap never came back to ask if everything was OK so we left out £15 on the table for our cream tea and left. On a good point the scones, cream, jam and tea were all plentiful and delicious but should have been served with a smile in my opinion. We wouldn’t go back again as there are numerous places in Sidmouth that serve cream teas with a nicer ambience and better customer service.

Fabulous Devon Cream Tea in a Beautiful garden location. Lucky to have a good day to sit outside to enjoy the amazing warm home made scones with lovely strawberry jam and clotted cream, pot of tea and a cafetierre of coffee. All presented on lovely china. Best cream tea on our 2 week visit to Cornwall and Devon. Owner was so nice and we enjoyed our chat with him. Would definitely recommend and return if back in Devon.

I have eaten many cream teas over the years and I’ve got to say this is probably one of the best ones I’ve had. I am ashamed to say that I have lived in Devon most of my life, and this is my first visit here, but, it will not be the last. More than Highly recommended.

The way cream tea should be made and also made a batch of gluten free ones for my wife to enjoy. My wife eat here 20 years ago and decided to visit here again and we were so glad we did. Loads of cream and jam came with serving, which is a sign of knowing your customers (hate having to ask for more of both).

This was the best cream tea I have ever had. Freshly baked large scones and very generous portions of cream and jam. Very reasonably priced. Beautiful tea garden.

Beautiful gardens with plenty of space and privacy. Fresh scones, thick clotted cream, good strawberry jam and properly brewed tea with China cups. Just lovely

This has to be the most understated and most fabulous place to eat cream teas. Set just off the road you have the pleasure of enjoying the lovely cottage garden whilst eating freshly prepared scones and the biggest bowls of clotted cream and jam. All...

We stayed for 3 nights in this picture-perfect quaint little thatched roof B and B and whilst there enjoyed delicious breakfasts and an absolutely fabulous and generous cream tea. Especially recommended are the Apple scones and the chef kindly made me up a special order...

This delightful tea rooms is on my doorstep but yet I’ve not enjoyed it until now! Took my sister and niece for a cream tea that did not disappoint. Generous portions at a reasonable price. The cheese scone with chutney was to die for and...

This lovely tea room came highly recommended by the locals and it didn’t disappoint. Beautiful cottage (and garden but typical summertime rain didn’t allow!) and a quintessential feel. Scones very fresh and a full cream tea was a generous portion at £7.50. Nice selection of...

I stayed for three nights and this is exactly what I wanted for a short stay. Breakfast is good not too large like some places . The room I stayed in did not en suite but it was not a problem when you are staying...

Lovely little place. I had a half cream tea and my husband had a cheese scone with apple chutney and a coffee, which was very much enjoyed. The lady who served us was very COVID safe, she had a mask on and kept her distance...

Lovely lunchtime cream tea yesterday. Beautiful garden, no rush, and my gluten free scones were absolutely delicious. Highly recommended.

Such a wonderful place to go for afternoon tea. Generous portions, choice of traditional cream tea, cakes and savoury options. Friendly owners who always happy to help. The garden is wonderful picture of colour and growth. Thank you for a lovely afternoon.

Excellent Cream Tea in a lovely English garden, what could be more ideal. Great scones, no skimping on the jam and cream and a huge pot of tea! ….and the sun came out to complete the picture.

Very nice cream tea in a beautiful, peaceful garden. Nice warm scones, with generous helping of clotted cream. Cute china cup and saucers, just how tea should be served !!

Happened to pass this tea room in the pouring rain but found they had ample covid secure seating with umbrellas, all set in a pretty cottage garden. Tea in a large pot with china cups and plenty of hot water. Delicious light fluffy scones and...

I first visited these tea rooms almost 40 years ago when I was at university. They came highly recommended then and I have re-visited on occasions in the past but it's not a part of the world I visit very often. I was apprehensive incase...

Needs updating. Carpets dirty, walls crumbling. Bedding nylon and questionable. Could do with some attention.

I visited Southern cross tea rooms with my mum during our stay near Exmouth for a long weekend. We were both so impressed with everything about it. The gentlemen running the place were kind, attentive and really made an effort. They put together an afternoon...

We stumbled upon the Southern Cross Tea Rooms last week. Desperate for tea and a bun we swung into their car park, and found that it is a proper thatched country cottage. What a fantastic decision. A pot of excellent tea (with hot water to top up), a cheese scone with home made chutney and a scone with strawberry jam. Good sized portions too. The staff (owners?) were very friendly. Well worth a visit.

We had an extraordinary cream tea here -- sitting out on a lovely September's day in the garden. Scones were gorgeous, and the man serving us (the owner?) was friendly and helpful, chatty, but not too chatty -- just right. We felt very lucky to find this place for the perfect cream tea.

Popped into Southern Cross Tea Rooms the other day, what a little gem hidden away in Newton Poppleford. Sat out in the garden, good social distancing and attention to detail when it came to cross infection control during the current Coronavirus pandemic.Great cream tea, would thoroughly recommend.

The very best cream teas in Devon that we have ever tasted, they really are amazing, great value, heaps of clotted cream and jam, homemade scones on the premises by Tim and Andy.... lovely family, family run business. We are regular visitors all year around to this must try tearoom/garden, you certainly will not be disappointed..... dog friendly too. Suzanne Steve and Barley

We had an amazing afternoon tea here last week, all the food was lovely particularly the scones which were served warm. The tea room felt very safe and being dog friendly was an additional benefit to us. Highly recommended.

Went here after reading all the reviews here and can only confirm how incredible the scones are! Freshly made, warm, crunchy on the outside, yet crumbly and moist on the inside. The setting it wonderful in the garden and the staff are friendly! Such a gem! Could t recommend it more!

After visiting the Southern Cross over many years I can safely say that they still make the best cream tea in the world. Wonderful scones, delicious jam and cream plus a superb pot of tea. Absolutely sublime.

Stopped for a cream tea. Best I've ever had with lashings of clotted cream. Highly recommended and well worth a visit.

We went to Southern Cross yesterday for a birthday celebration and it has to be the best cream tea I've ever tasted - and I've tasted a few! The scones are out of this world and are accompanied by plenty of clotted cream and strawberry jam ... and the staff are delightful. The garden too is so pretty and despite being close to the main road you would never know it as it is extremely peaceful.

Quite possibly the best cream tea in England. So pleased that this fantastic tea room has managed to adapt in these challenging times to make everyone feel safe whilst still delivering the most amazing scones. The most beautiful gardens and setting to take some time to appreciate the nice things in life. We would go back every day if we could and can’t wait to be there again.

We have visited this tearoom on many holidays in the past and were happy to see that it was still open. Everything about our visit was superb, from the attention to detail on the covid front, to the sublime scones (we all had the traditional Devon cream tea.). The garden is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, eating and drinking!

Set in a lovely garden setting, or indoor seating, this tearoom has a deserved reputation of many decades. Friendly service and unbeatably delicious cream tea. Scones very light, clotted cream melts in your mouth and it’s easy to eat much more than you should..so go on spoil yourself. This is a must when visiting the area. Thankyou to the present owners for keeping up the reputation of the Southern Cross..will definitely be back!

Lovely to sit in the gardens here and enjoy a cream tea. Excellent value. The scones are warm, fresh and just so tasty. A very generous dish of clotted cream and equally so of strawberry jam.Sonething quite quaint and old fashioned - not fast food. Everything efficient but at a lovely pace. A place to relax and indulge.

Visited recently as a family to have cream tea and some breakfast. All food was delicious, the cream teas very filling, and the gardens beautiful. Our daughter was kept entertained feeding the guinea pig ! Highly recommended.

I have visited many many tea rooms in Devon ,but this in my mind is unbeatable If it is raining , you can enjoy the ambience inside of this light and airy cottage With its original features .If sunny you can sit outside in their glorious enclosed gardens ,and admire all the Beautiful plants and shrubs ,whilst sipping your tea , and eating the most Delicious hot out of the oven scones with lashings and I mean lashings of Rich Devon cream ,and a choice of delicious Jams , it is all served traditionally Lovely bone china teapot and bone china cups and plates .One very big point ,completely dog friendly ,my little Daxies love it ,and are Always welcomed with open arms .I do urge anyone who hasn't tried it to try it , you will not be disappointed .

Walked into a Full and Lively Southern Cross Tea room and managed to sit at the last available table very prompt service and nothing too much trouble delightful waitress warm scones heaps of very yummy Clotted Cream spoonfuls of sweet Strawberry jam and a very large Pot of Tea with full jug of milk and an even bigger jug of Scalding Hot Water to top up the Pot ,the very best of Devon on a plate in old world surroundings a perfect Afternoon treat cant wait to return once more

Although it was too chilly for us to sit outside, the gardens looked tidy, well kept and intimate. There was a guinea pig in a nice little wooden run. The tea rooms have the traditional small windows, low ceiling, protruding beams and uneven floor. The random set tables have their own individual familiar charm. There was no table cloths. We were attended to as we sat down. We choose cream teas for all 3 of us. The guy who took our orders was entertaining, polite and proud of the establishment. He amusingly recanted the joys of running the place for the last 12years. We were presented with Warm, crisp outer with a soft inner, fruit filled Scones. Sweet fruity jam and heavenly, stringy, clotted cream. All washed down with freshly brewed tea. We will make every effort to head back there next time we are in the area. Hopefully have our next one outside in the garden.

Beautiful tea and gorgeous apple scones with homemade blackcurrant jam and clotted cream. All served by a lovely gentleman in a beautiful garden.

We come here frequently, it’s the best cream tea we’ve ever had. I believe the clotted cream, jam and scones are all home made. The owners are lovely, and the garden is an excellent setting. It never disappoints!

Arrived early and claimed our table in the lovely walled garden,perfect setting for our lunch..Was promptly greeted by charming owner who left us to mull over the menu..as its a tea room concentrating mainly on afternoon tea,the lunch menu was small and snack based but we decided on cheese on toast served with salad and delicious apple chutney,was yummy and left enough room to share a fabulous cream tea...The cream tea arrived...warm scones,delicate china teacups and saucers and pretty tea plates...just as a cream tea should be served! The cream was sumptuous and very plentiful as was the strawberry jam...The pot of tea came with hot water and easily enough for 6 cups...everything was perfect and put other establishments not to many miles away to shame! We couldn`t fault the whole occasion,it was heavenly and the sun shone throughout..Will be returning very soon...Don`t try anywhere else folks...head for Southern Cross Tearooms,you won`t be disappointed,and there is car parking too! 5* experience..

Perfect cream tea on a Sunday afternoon, fresh warm and moist scone, jam and cream superb Definitely.recommend and will be stopping again

I went with my family over Easter, the gardens are stunning. Owners really friendly and the food fantastic, the biggest tastiest scones ever, plenty of jam and cream offered. I had the savoury feta cheese and sun-dried tomato scone, it melted in my mouth. A must to visit.

The lovely owners of the Southern Cross tea rooms consistently produce the best ever scones for cream tea and the prices are very competitive. There are options for gluten free cake (chocolate and almond yesterday) and scones. These are a particular favourite with my friend. The garden is pretty and dog friendly. We spent a blissful afternoon in the sheltered garden yesterday in the sun. The service is quiet and unobtrusive. Do not miss the entrance! If you do, make the effort to turn around and go back. Delicious! There are fabulous walks in the area so we like to combine a walk with lunch or afternoon tea. We love the Southern Cross.

I had a lovely time here. The accommodation was lovely, the staff were splendid and the breakfast was great. Even though it is off-season, nothing was too much trouble for them. The place has a relaxed, friendly and peaceful atmosphere and I am already looking forward to going back.

Found this tea room by chance . Totally charming surroundings . Lovely freshly baked scones and plenty of jam and cream . We also had cheese and apple scones both delicious . Well worth a visit .

We were recommend the Southern Cross tea rooms and duly went. We had checked first that they were open at lunchtime and that it was possible to have something other than a cream tea. We were able to sit in the garden which was a bonus despite the wasps. We intended having a mixture of cream tea items and savoury. Now Sept 2nd is not, to my mind, out of season but we were rather disappointed that baked potatoes, to begin with, were not available but then we were informed they had found some in the freezer, further comment not necessary.

Just beautiful and the best you will get in Devon and we have eaten our share of cream teas believe Me!! Biscuity texture on the outside of the scone and wonderful soft in the middle, what a deliciously perfect combo. The apple and cinnamon scone with blackcurrant scone is one of my favourites but the plan and fruit ones are too and I truly can't decide; even though they are huge I still have two scones so I can have one of each lol. All homemade with lashings of cream and jam and nothing is to much trouble. If you want to impress guests or simple treat yourself, please go here. It's not expensive and £5.70 for a full cream tea which consists of two scones and either tea or coffee. Can't be beaten and thanks guys as you make us feel at home every time!! Dad had a cheese scone today with butter and apple and plum chutnet; the fruit is grown in the garden and is beautiful as all scones are served warm so you can imagine how good thus place smells... yummy

We passed the Southern Cross everytime we went out or in of Sidmouth and my aunt a local said it had great reviews. It was quaint and even though service was slow for saying it was empty the homemade warm scones were excellent. The best I've had, we tried a cheese scone, Apple and blackcurrant (100% my favourite with the best jam!)and traditional. I recommend this place for anyone who is in Sidmouth,Exmouth or Exeter.

Been living in Devon for 18 years, have driven past the tea shop endless times, but today we called in for a Devon cream tea. what a wonderful treat.

We come to Devon 2 or 3 timer per year and we always make sure to stop by at southern croaa. The cream tea is so good, the scones are always cooked and warm, the portions are massive as well. A great little corner of traditional England, the staff are very nice and welcoming too.

We live in Exmouth, to get some of the nicest scones in the area we drive over to Southern Cross, they are large scones all home made, we didn't stop today as we bought them home with us, they are lovely and fresh, well worth a visit, excellent value, would love to be able to make scones to this standard. Thank you again

My husband ate here 30 years ago when he was a student and had fond memories. We visited today for a cream tea and it was excellent! I liked the fact that the tea was plentiful, China cups and extra hot water. The scones were warm with lashings of clotted cream and homemade jam. Mmmm. Gorgeous!

I cannot rate this tea room highly enough! The cream tea is the best you will find anywhere, and they really do not skimp on the cream like so many other places!

Had a wonderful cream tea with the family. What a great way to spend the afternoon. One not to miss.

A really quaint place. My husband and I were in the area to meet up with some friends who booked us in for a cream tea during our visit. There were 7 of us in all. 2 had the eggs and salmon meal which looked absolutely delicious, 1 just had a rather generous portion of cake and the other 4 of us decided to have the cream tea.

Came to the Southern Cross as an American student in 1981 and remembered it so well I wanted to return on my next visit. Unfortunately, it took 36 years to get back to Devon. The owner is new (since 10 years) but he has kept up the Southern Cross's reputation for excellence. It is still THE BEST cream tea room in the UK. It was raining so we were inside and had a chance to visit with the owner/cook. He was very gracious. The scones were perfect - fresh out of the oven - and the clotted cream was piled high (unlike too many places that skimp on the cream). The tea and jam were perfect too. I had very high expectations and they were all met! This is well worth adding to any itinerary in Devon.

30 years since having our first Cream Tea at the Southern Cross and was pleased to find that the quality and quantity was still as good if not better. Highly recommend.

We've used these tea rooms for nearly 40 years and although ownership has changed the cream teas are consistent. Great garden setting if the weather is good. A little taste of heaven in Devon

Enjoyed a delicious late lunch, followed by cream tea. Scones were delicious, with dishes of cream and jam plentiful. We were even given pots to take our left over jam and cream home( or in our case back to the caravan to be enjoyed the next day!) Young waiter seemed to struggle a bit with bringing correct number of cutlery and plates. Would love to have been able to sit outside, especially as we had kids and it all felt to quaint to relax with them! But was very wet, almost felt like the fire needed to be lit! We were reccomended this tea room by a local, so says it all!

Absolutely wonderful cream teas, we have become regular visitors this summer taking all of our friends here! Scones are always wonderfully light, you get loads of jam and cream! Would highly recommend :)

Llegamos a este encantador salón de té a las 3 pm y pudimos sentarnos en el bonito jardín donde había 6 mesas con muchas más cubre por dentro.

El propietario amable, gran comedor para el almuerzo y té helado. La habitación está bien, las instalaciones necesitan un poco de renovación, pero sirve su propósito. El desayuno era muy bueno, variedad y servicio.

Este es el mejor té helado jamás! ! .

The garden at the Southern Cross is the perfect setting for a cream tea. The interior is a little dark and dreary so if you have the chance visit on a sunny day. There aren't many elements to a cream tea so everything has to just so; the scones here are cooked to perfection, not overworked or rolled too much. They are very light but don't crumble in your hand, they are a lovely golden brown and big enough to know there will be a broad platform to build on. There is a decent selection of different teas, not wild and exotic but plenty for most palates. The cream is thick and a buttery yellow, hugely calorific but glorious. There is a danger that you may think the Half Cream Tea of one scone only will be too small, but it should suffice for most. The full version of two scones can become a real challenge if you subscribe to the practice of balancing as much cream and jam onto you scone as possible. Not too expensive and a real treat.

We stopped off here earlier today, sat in the garden as was nice and we had our dog with us, 3 of us, 2 Jacket Potatoes with Tuna and salad, very full with a fresh nice Tuna mix, 1 cheese on toast with a homemade chutney, a really thick piece of proper bread, I wanted to buy a jar of the chutney, this was followed by a half cream tea each. I huge freshly baked scone each a huge bowl of clotted cream and lovely Jam again I wanted to buy a Jar. A large pot of tea and a large jug of water. Excellent service by the owner, highly recommended. We will be back. Thank you

I'm a support worker and take my service users on holiday to the devon/Dorset area each year. We ALWAYS have a cream tea here. (as in if we didn't there would be a rebellion and we would all be happy to drive an hour for a cream tea here!) The staff are fantastic, thoughtful and friendly. Service is always 5* and you seriously can't beat fresh homemade scones that are to die for.

This is a belated review however the visit was so enjoyable I felt I must complete a review. This little tea rooms is lovely, lots of home made goodies, including home made jam for the cream teas. The pretty garden which you can sit in was lovely when we visited. All the flowers in bloom and lovely and warm. The food was great and reasonably priced too. We will be returning this summer for definite. Well worth a visit.

Every time I used to pass through Newton Poppleford with my parents, they always used to rave about the cream tea they had there once. So of course it had to be given a go in my quest to find the greatest cream tea in Devon. Entering the Southern Cross, I got a little apprehensive because it looked a bit shabby and tired. Everything was quite old-fashioned, but I should have left my prejudices at home, because it more than made up for it in the food. The menu looked really good; there was an options for a half cream tea, which I always think is a good idea. There were also a couple of savoury scone options, including a feta and sun-dried tomato one (how good does that sound?!). So we decided to mix it up a bit this time and go for a savoury scone and the half cream tea. The feta scone was incredible, served with a pot of butter to go on it, warm and a real experience. The cream teas were also great, the scones lovely and warm with slightly crusty exteriors. They were served with probably the largest pots of jam and clotted cream I have seen so far, both of which were very good. Like usual, I got mine with a coffee, and unlike other places I have gone I got a whole cafetière which lasted about three cups instead of just the one small cup. The atmosphere was a bit hushed at first, because it wasn't very busy, but it picked up a bit when more people arrived (I think about 3 in the afternoon is a good time for scones). The prices there are very reasonable, better than lots of the places I have visited recently. The guy who served us was quiet and friendly and there was customer parking which was very handy.I've put the Southern Cross on my list of places to return SOON, just because I don't think that savoury scone can be beaten for taste. If you're near or passing through, I would definitely recommend a visit if you can - a really pleasant place.

As Tina Turner says, 'Simply the best'. Ive eaten scones at the best of the best in Devon, paying £30pp and for less than £6, plus a massive pot of tea and traditionally served - this is amazing. The place inside is dated but tbh, this gives it character. The jam and cream is perfect and the scones freshly out of the oven; crispy and unxiously soft inside, its hard to beat. The guys who own it are so polite and make you feel welcome from the second you set foot in the door, a truly brilliant experience. I had Assam tea with mine and it was perfect... If it was open now, id drive there specially. Seriously, people you should visit as you won't be disappointed.

This is such a gem! Truly the best cream tea in Devon. The scones are beautiful, homemade warm and huge! The cream is gorgeous and plentiful, as is the jam. Tea comes in different tea pots. It's all very quirky and hotchpotch which makes it a really charming little place, full of character and very eccentric. Can't wait to go back!

We have had lots of cream tea's over the years (I have lived in Devon for 25 years and my wife was born and grew up here). The cream tea we got here was excellent value for money and also delicious. They are freshly made and served up warm with a generous about of cream and jam (not forgetting the large china teapot of tea and jug of hot water to top it up). We were only expecting one scone each, but to our surprise were served two!! We have lived in this are for many years but never visited this place before. We highly recommend that if you are in the area, check it out, you will not be disappointed. My wife has heard other people say that it is the best place in Devon for cream tea's - we can now confirm that this is true (in comparison to all the other places we have had cream teas). This place is a small guest house also, it serves breakfasts and lunches too. We will definitely be back to sample more!! Thank you Southern Cross! :-)

The scones were warm, the cream and jam delicious and plentiful. Everything was served in beautiful old fashioned china. Trust me, I have tried a lot of cream teas and this is easily the best. The gardens provided a beautiful setting and a perfect finish after a long country walk.

Brilliant cream tea in a quaint village cottage type tea room business although we are ours in the lovely wild garden. No mod cons or corporate images etc, just a lovely real Devon cream tea in a homely atmosphere. Will visit again during next years holiday. Excellent.

We were staying nearby and found this recommend as one of the top ten cream teas in Devon The garden was lovely the scones enormous and still warm from the oven and the cream and jam were plentiful.A lovely cream tea in a picturesque setting band reasonably priced too.

Been passing this place for years. Finally visited. Yep the cream tea was excellent, loads of cream and jam. Large scones, large pot of tea. Excellent value. They do more than just cream teas. Place could do with a little spruce up but that wouldn't stop me going back again.

Good reviews prompted visit. Friendly service and really nice cream tea with lots of home made jam and clotted cream.The tea room however needs a facelift and the immediate impression is uninviting. . There are better tea rooms nearby .

Recently I have been a tad disappointed with cream teas I have had. At last I can report on an excellent one A choice of teas,I had Darjeeling it came in an earthen ware pot along with seperate extra hot water. Nice tea cups. Two scones, WARM as they should be, lashings of cloted cream and strawberry jam. The scones a good size, really pleasant texture and taste. Cream Very good. The jam home made great flavour , however, slightly not set enough. Oh paper serviette rather than napkin so only 9 out of 10. Great value! Recommend a visit.

Absolutely wonderful warm and enormous scones served with a bowl of lashings of clotted cream and another of jam. Exellent and the cup of tea was good too.

We've been there a couple of times for a cream tea and we've enjoyed a lot. Delicious scones, huge portions, nice old cottage, beautiful garden, kind staff...On the other hand, maybe they should update the place a little bit and it would be nice to have homemade jam.

Have visited here on various occasions - have always enjoyed fantastic home made scones, oodles of jam and lush clotted cream - visit here if you can ...

Passing this place, just by luck we saw a sign board that showed they do Cream Teas. Choice of eating in an Olde Worlde English Garden .... with wasps unfortunately; or in the restaurant so we chose to eat inside. A room full of character in an ancient cottage with oak beams. The scones were large and still soft and warm from the oven, but the portions of jam and cream were the biggest we've ever had. One and a half scones defeated my wife's appetite!! Lovely fancy china and the owners - Tim and Andrew - were so friendly and couldn't have been more helpful. We really enjoyed this place and wished we lived nearer than our current 185 miles !! Will definitely be back when we are next in the West Country.

A lovely end to a birthday celebration for our granddaughter . No pressure ,we opened presents, had a fabulous cream tea. Even a candle in her scone! Have never seen such a large serving of cream and jam. We are local and have had many cream teas, this has to be the best. Thank you for making it a bit special.:-)

I live locally and have been going here for nearly 30 years with friends from Essex when they come to stay and it's always the highlight of their visit ...following my divorce I haven't been there in absolutely ages ... So I took my new partner there on Sunday for his first time plus our cocker spaniel. And we are not disappointdf .. We received a very warm welcome and they were happy for us to sit with the dog in the delightful and Quintessentially English Garden with a haven of plants and flowers .. The cream tea was even better than I remembered ... Warm high risen scones straight from the oven ... Gorgeous yellow crusted and deliciously gooey clotted cream piled high and home made strawberry jam ... YUM!!!! Although a Devon Girl I was brought up by a Cornish mother and the best way to serve it is with the jam first and then the cream -- my Easr Ender boyfriend tried both ways on each scone and agreed!! A convert - he's definitely a keeper !!

We came for the famous cream teas and by Jove we got one! I've never been defeated by a cream tea yet, but on this occasion I was very glad I shared one.. The scones were large and still soft and warm from the oven, but the portions of jam and cream were the biggest I've ever had. Cream tea heaven! I can't comment on the decor as we sat in the garden in warm sunshine, surrounded by camellias, magnolia and flowering currant. Perfect! We'll be back in the summer (I'm looking forward to it already!)

Revisited this place after about 20 years on a mad whistle stop tour of East Devon. Famed for the old lady who used to serve large bowls of clotted cream . Now under new owners the place is truly time warped and feels stuck in a former era. I was the only diner, there the chap running it was very friendly and served good food and clotted cream. Just felt the place was a little sad and good do with a modern injection whilst preserving the traditional cuisine. If I hadn't known this place existed I am sure I wouldn't have stopped.

A little off the beaten track but well worth the trip. Its the only place I have ever been where the cream and jam comes in such a large bowl and the value is fantastic. The old house the lovely garden and the people go to make this a must visit location

and then a jump to the right. Entering Southern Cross is like doing the time warp, I couldn't quite believe the shabby contract carpet, plastic framed prints from the 60's, the faux candle light fittings and mish mash of crockery obviously all from old sets. Think jumping back to the 50's and the 60's and you'll get an idea of what the interior is like.However look beyond the initial impressions of faded tat and you will be impressed by the enormous home baked scones, crusty cream and gorgeous fruity jam that make this one of the best places in the south west to enjoy a cream tea !Just proves not to take things at face value ....

Oh my, the warm scones, deliciously fruity jam and the most generous portion of clotted cream imaginable -- absolutely delightful! A must if in the area or well worth coming off the motorway for.

It says it all in the title, scones warm from the oven, enough clotted cream to go round twice, delicious jam and tea in a china pot. We've tried other cream teas in the West Country, but nothing beats this. Went here for the 1st time about 12 years ago, the owners may have changed, but the quality is still the same.I'm afraid I can't tell you about the rest of their menu as I can't resist the cream tea, once you've eaten one your so full you don't want anything else.