the willow tea room in Moray

I love this place Very quaint, very friendly, food is absolutely amazing always I love the old worldy feel to this restaurant They go out of their way to serve excellent food

I visited on a friend’s recommendation and she was right…. I love this place. All the genuine vintage touches, 40s soft music , delicious homemade food, fabulous teas from around the world…..such a delightful change to the mass produced afternoon tea you get elsewhere. I can’t wait to go back & take friends & family with me.

9 of us visited for lunch and had the most wonderful food. Lovely friendly service too. Beautiful surroundings with vintage linen and china and relaxing background music. Highly recommend a visit here. Take your time and enjoy the ambiance and wonderful food.

Visited on a friend's recommendation. Had coffee and tea and cheese scone and egg and mustard mayo sandwich. Slightly disappointed overall. Service was slow (we were the only ones there on arrival). After we had snack and drink had a look at the gallery and shop and a walk in the gardens. All is a bit run down and needs a bit of TLC. A shame as it is in a lovely quiet off the beaten track location.

We had a wonderful afternoon tea from Deskford Galleries in the comfort of our own garden. Absolutely perfect. Lovely sandwiches and beautiful cakes and pastries! Lovely helpful staff too! Thank you!

With COVID-19 Rules & Regulations being followed, I drove to pick up our 4 people's x takeaway boxed meals ("Afternoon Tea Box", VO/GFO) at an allocated time. There's a discount for the number of meals we ordered, taking the total price to £40. This was ideal for a special occasion. The main course and dessert course (a box each, therefore 2 boxes per person) were ample and delicious. The details being; Finger sandwich selection: Whipped cream cheese with chive & mushroom pate; mini egg, cress & mustard mayo roll; a savoury tartlet; cheese & tomato pinwheel; apple, sultana & cinnamon scone; plum & vanilla cream horn & two deskford dainties. A treat. Most enjoyable. Thank you.

Beautiful setting, mismatched china, wide choice of teas, excellent scones. Do book ahead. Lots of vintage items on sale surrounding you.

The embroidered linen table-cloths and napkins hint that this is not just an ordinary cafe. It is stylish, vegetarian and with a subdued soundtrack from the 40s and 50s. Soup is hot and home made. Nut roast sandwich is delicious and the ice-cream that follows is their own make and lives up to the name; it is like eating flavoured, chilled cream. Gorgeous! Well worth the 4 mile drive from Cullen

Love this quaint out of the way cafe that is away from the hussle and bussle of the hundred mile a hour lifestyle the 99% of the population have found themselves in. Relaxing, charming, almost like a time forgot but in a good way. Always welcoming, professional, attentive and proper good home cooking and baking. Afternoon cake stand is to die for.

This is a lovely traditional tea-room - a real delight. It has a lovely selection of cakes and scones and a good variety of teas and coffee, all served in delightful crockery. A sense of quality homemade food. Friendly service too. Interesting decor. Worth the effort finding it!

This tearoom is like going back in time! Situated in an old cottage, cloth table covers, linen napkins, and teacups which are all different add to the charm of the place. Friendly and helpful waiting staff and a separate vegan menu makes it a lovely place to visit. The food is wonderful and fairly priced too.

I'm sure I've reviewed this place before, but it's worth two reviews even if i have! Discovered it by chance a few years ago while i was out cycling and did a few too many hills than I had brought snacks for. With blood sugars dipping below sea level, my husband and I spotted a sign for a tea shop and art gallery and wheeled in. I am SO glad we did, and we visit every time we are in the area now! It's just so DIFFERENT to everything else around. It has a phenomenal selection of teas (and does a mean hot chocolate as well - just make sure you ask for all the trimmings!), it serves it in quaint, mismatched china (but it is cute, not hipster!), and has this great menu that is completely vegetarian! My meat loving friends don't seem to mind, there is enough choice to keep everyone happy. And the cake selection is just spot on (I don't know why i never see bikes outside this place!) The service is fab too! Love love love it!

We had a lovely visit. Friendly prompt service. Big selection of quality teas. Lunch was great...everything seemed homemade. We even had the homemade deserts. There is also a shop out back for paintings...soaps...wooded Christmas trees....and then a path to an out building antique shop. I found a cheeky little whisky flask. This hidden gem of a place is worth the visit. Thanks

I took ourselves with some friends to this haven, for tea lovers, our first visit. We were met by a charming young lady, Flora, who seated us and brought the tea menu followed by the food menu. An unbelievable choice of teas from around the world. Honestly I had never seen such a choice. We all ordered our options with home made cakes and fantastic special toast.The cakes were so good in taste, but light and moist, a real thrill for our taste buds. They even served great coffee, according to hubby. This was a real gem to find with lovely surroundings and very pleasant staff. A visit a must if you like great food and worldly teas. We will all be back and thank you for a great experience.

Very pleasant place. Good food, friendly staff, lovely location and unusual new and old items for sale.

7 of us had reserved a table for a "wedding food trial". We were lucky with the sunny Saturday afternoon weather, which added to the overall ambience of the day's visit. Greeted by the lovely Flo, we were shown to our table. We find the surroundings so relaxing, quaint and special. The place was busy and respectfully quiet with 1940's music quietly playing in the background.Our food / tea was lovely (you'd never guess it was a vegetarian tearoom). The service is the best. A splendid visit. Our wedding food will be coming from The Willows Tearoom.After, we walked to the wee pond on the grounds and sat to observe the ducks and Moor Hen. In the distance we could see and could hear hundreds of Canadian Geese in a nearby field. Then a visit to the antique shop (next door to the tearoom) was a must. Still sunny as we drove off slowly from this special tearoom. Thanks Flo and staff. We'll be back.

Popped in for lunch whilst visiting family, Flora who waited on us was very chatty and sweet. I had celery soup and homemade cheese scone mmmm delicious which if I had the room to eat it all over again. Definitely a must visit if in the area

This tea room may not be so easy to find if you don't know the area, but it is well worth the hunt ! It's an interesting mixture of antique shop and tea room. The food is absolutely delicious. We have eaten there at lunchtime and also in the afternoon, for "tea". The food is freshly made and always excellent. The staff have always been lovely and very friendly. Some people would call it "quaint" , but I prefer "eclectic" ! If I had to pick a favourite reason to visit, it would be for the afternoon tea menu. The cakes are just so good. We have never missed a visit to the Willows, when we are in Cullen visiting family !

This quaint, fairly small tearoom is a wonderful place to visit for either a meal or a scrumptious cake or scone and tea / coffee. The service is excellent and every customer is made to feel valued. The staff are not only friendly and courteous but speedy and efficient.

Wow - full marks for a wonderful dinner experience tonight whilst imagining a cruise around the Greek Islands. Lots of Greek meze type dishes to choose from - we had 6 between us - all perfectly delicious. This was followed by 2 deserts to die for! All this washed down with a mocktail Sangria of pomegranate seeds Med fruits and non alcoholic sparkling wine (you can bring your own alcoholic wine). Service was first class too - 10/10. Will definitely return for a themed evening dining experience in the future. Until then - see you soon for lunch!

He visitado aquí durante unos cuantos años y he escrito una reseña de antes, pero tengo que decir que ha mejorado mucho a lo largo de los años. Siempre nos dieron una buena comida y lindas tartas aquí, pero las cenas durante el verano son excelentes. La noche libanesa en particular fue el mejor.

Fuimos con unos amigos que estaban en el sur de Gales y tanto vegetarianas, así the Willows se ajustaba perfectamente. . . .

Entorno realmente encantador en el off road en la zona rural Banffshire. Visitamos su

Desayunamos en vacaciones desde los estados unidos. El dueño era muy agradable y el antiguo propietario cuando era su casa estaba allí. Todos pasamos una agradable charla y la historia de la zona. Se sentía como estar en casa en mi propia cocina con amigos. Buena comida y té.

The scones and cakes are wonderful, the tea choice is vast. It's a tiny place with lovely waiting staff. I'd go more often but my waistline would suffer!

Cafe estrafalarios sirve scones caseros, pasteles y comida! Todo es precioso y encantador pequeño sirve en tazas de porcelana y platos. El té de la tarde preciosa x

Our large family outing for lunch at this venue to celebrate "an engagement" was a splendid occasion. We keep coming back as it's a local favourite.The decorations for our family member's engagement were placed by the staff in the lovely quaint dinning area. It looked so nice and made the day so special for the 14 of us.Top service and excellent food was produced yet again. No drop in standards at all. Thank you to all the staff at the Willows Tearoom.

Arrived on a beautiful sunny day to this country tearoom which is a few miles from Cullen. It is in a beautiful peaceful setting with plenty parking. We visited the antique shop then went through the conservatory (which is like a step back in time) with its fig trees and grape vines (get the picture as to how big it is?). We continued through to the wee tearoom which feels like arriving in a family members front room. The staff were lovely, welcoming and helpful. We had a lovely afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones cream and jam and quiche and cakes on an old fashioned cake stand. The tea and coffe is seven in China cups. When we were leaving, we were offered a box to take the cakes we had been unable to eat - which we accepted. The food was scrumptious. We were told about their theme nights they are holding - around the world in 80 days. Sounds lovely and we will be back. They do not sell alcohol, but you can bring your own for these. We had been before so we knew that we would have to pay cash or cheque so it was not a problem. This place is so worth a visit - it's so quaint - we love it.

We are not vegetarians, but made no difference. Excellent mains, cakes, coffees and service (hospitality really). Wouldn't hesitate to go back and will.

Lovely meal in evening. It was the far eastern themed night. Fantastic food & excellent service. Highly recommend.Delicious

Very nice cake. Coffee small for the price but nice. Very friendly helpful waitress. Pretty and quirky surroundings.

Popped in with a friend and her 2 year old wee one, very accommodating and quirky. Loved the miss matched china and the cake and coffee was lovely. definitely be going back! Really cute antique shop round the back, a bit like a Hansel and Gretal Cottage without the witch!

I'd been going here for 2 or three years before I realised that it was vegetarian! The food is so varied & interesting that I didn't even notice there was no meat! A fab place with lovely staff, wonderful food & charming ambience. They only lose a point because it can be chilly in there at times.

lovely little tearoom,excellent staff very welcoming and friendly.food tastes so different from other places recommend cheese scone with cream cheese and chutney.

Despite being reasonably familiar with Cullen and the surrounding area, we hadn't heard of The Willow Tea Room until we were researching vegan-friendly eateries in the area for our latest trip. It's important to note that the Willow is in Deskford, not Cullen (as suggested by the TripAdvisor map). We visited on a Saturday lunchtime and enjoyed an excellent lunch and friendly service. The vegan rosti (not on the menu, but one of the vegan options they offered us) was very good as was the "Hungry Fairmer " - the quiche and the sautee potatoes were particularly good!

Greeted and served by charming staff, we opted for a brilliant and extensive cream tea. Nothing too much trouble for staff and the catering was brilliant. Odd old fashioned crockery was unmatched and made it a bit like visiting your favourite old auntie. Visit the antique shop too.

Visited this lovely tea room several times now, the waitress who greets you is kind, beautiful and friendly. The initial feeling you get, is this tea room is a family run, intimate and honest 'business'. It has always seemed busy when I've visited, the tea room is slightly cold but that wasn't an issue at all. It feels as if you've stepped into somebodies living room, very relaxed. They usually have lovely, old fashioned music playing which adds to the atmosphere. All the tea sets are mix match which I think is beautiful.. everything feels very ornate and fancy. I ordered the cream tea I think, it was approx £8.95 per person and was absolutely value for money. I shared the tray with my mum, it was a lovely delight, presented in a special way, with delicious home made cakes, yummy little sandwiches, top up of tea and freshly made scones. It was really delicious. I feel happy when I visit the tea rooms and will definitely visit again very soon! You only see the one waitress, she seems very hardworking and is always informative and polite. A lovely lady. Not only does the place offer you food/drink but it also has an add on of antiques and crafts. This makes it extra special!Overall a lovely place.!!

Our family of 6 booked a table for lunch at this lovely location in the countryside.A very quaint wee place, in this family run, vegetarian, vintage themed tea room. Friendly helpful staff, good food, not expensive and in a peaceful setting.Cream-tea for 2 at £17.90 (a lot of sandwiches, pastries, cakes, scones and tea), 3 people had cream leek and celery soup, bread and a half round of sandwiches (2 sandwiches for each person, from a selected choice) for £19.50, 1 person just had the soup and bread at £4, then a large sticky toffee pudding at £4. Coffee for 1 at £1.80, a fairly small orange juice for 1 at £1.60 and 2 teas at £3.95. A total of £52.75 for a most enjoyable lunch.Within the tea room there are items for sale e.g. pictures, plates. Along the corridor more arts and crafts on sale. An orangery opened up next to these rooms, with plants and other items on sale. Outside and close by was the cheapest (best value) small antique shop I've seen in a long time. Also a pleasant short walk to a pond helped stretch the legs after our meal.A fine afternoon out and we'll be back.

We went with friends on a cold winters evening for a French bistro style dinner. The food was very good, not too expensive and served quickly. Unfortunately, the restaurant was very cold which spoilt the experience. Lovely surroundings and would visit again but not in winter.

This is the perfect tea room with beautiful surroundings, friendly staff and amazing food, the home bakes are delicious

A great selection of loose leaf teas and home bakes plus a varied lunch menu make this a place to visit.There is also a gift shop,antiques and a pond to explore.

Great selection of home made meals and cakes. Quaint odd China adds to the natural charm of the place.

A step back in time ... charming , quaint with good old fashioned service with a smile ... .....A definite place to visit ...... Oh and the music playing in the background was from the dance band era ... and classical .... Food and cakes yum .. Large selection of unusual teas on offer .. Oh and before or after you have eaten a browse round the "antiques" is a must ..... Morag from Peterhead.

First the map and location shown for the Willows Tea Room is rubbish and it is not where it shows it to be. Elderly father up on holiday so decided to take him out for a drive and something to eat checked Trip Adviser saw the reviews and thought that sounds fab. Drove to location shown on Trip Advisor map and got stuck down a dead end road and no Tea Room fortunately the nice man at the tourist information in Cullen gave us a leaflet and pointed us back out of Cullen and down the Keith road.Well worth the disastrous start and later than planned arrival. We had one of the high teas with some excellent advacado sandwiches and asparus rolls, must steal the recipe☺ A lovely selection of homemade dainty cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam. Lovely homely atmosphere with friendly staff.

I took my family to this fabulous and quaint tearooms on 20/07/15 we all choose the willow cream tea which consisted of freshly made well filled dainty sandwiches a small roll filled with the best egg mayo I have tasted in years, a mini quiche to die for all this in itself was great but when we started on the cake selection it got even better, I am not usually one for sweet things but wow the lemon drizzle and cream filled mini Victoria sandwich was so so good and my parents loved the old fashioned traditional treacle tart equally as much. at this stage we were feeling very full but still more to go as there were huge home made scones with cream, jam and butter staring temptingly at us, so like brave soldiers we went for it and oh yes they were the best scones I have had since moving here 14 years ago, all this was washed down with on my part a lovely refreshing elderflower cordial and the others chose from a selection of teas, all in all a fantastic experience and at half the price of other local hotels offering a similar but far less enjoyable high tea

My friend and I visited today and found it to be a lovely relaxing place. We browsed the antique shop and had a lovely light lunch in the tea room. We'll definitely be returning before too long.

Had an absolutely lovely lunch followed by tea and cake! This place is a little gem. The food was obviously home cooked and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The cake was one of the best I have ever tasted. Just an all round charming place and the waitress was so polite and friendly. Well done! Will definitely go back. Great to find somewhere with a difference and giving value for money. Quality food and service.

Lovely couple of hours spent here. Food is great, plenty little rooms to browse through and then a wee walk roundabout. Definitely recommend !

excellent lunch in delightful surroundings, highly recommended We'll be back! Often! a bonus are the curios collectables and antiques, also the pottery at the end of the road

Recently went here thinking we had booked a table for us all to be told on arrival they had no note of it, anyway this didn't matter as there was luckily a free table for the 8 of us. When ordering drinks there was only one tin of diet coke left so I choose lemonade instead as two of us had choose this, later I ordered another one and that was finished so I took the next option I was offered. One of the girls wanted one of the scottish teas which was also unavailable. The cream tea that 3 of us ordered came on one stand so we had to re arrange as we were all sat in different places. The food itself was good but overall a bit of a let down due to things not being available and general disorganisation. The staff didn't apologise or take even a drink of the bill to compensate. Considering it wasn't what we wanted - rather a case of having to take it as there wasn't any other options, I get its a tea room so they don't have massive selection in cold drinks but this was poor. However, since I have had several pleasant visits at the tea rooms this may have just been an off day!

First visit there for something to eat, was there the previous Sunday to conduct a Civil Marriage, and thought must visit soon to enjoy it properly. My wife and I enjoyed it right from going through the front door. Super atmosphere with background music, tables quaintly set with china cups and embroidered tablecloths. We both had the Hungry Fairmer, and served on huge dishes we weren't hungry when we finished, it was delicious and more than ample. Mind you I still had a wee bit of room for a marvellously tasty slice of banana cake with cream, walnuts and honey, boy it was tasty! An extensive menu, which was completely different from most other cafes and restaurants, and more than ample portions at sensible prices.We were the only ones in the place for a start, but then suddenly quite a few folk converged and three or four tables in the quaintly decorated room were occupied. Our meal was served by a young, friendly and helpful waitress, we polished off with a cappuccino and a coffee, then had a meander through the corridor into two or three small rooms furnished with a an array of jewellery, pictures, paintings etc all for sale.The setting is absolutely brilliant as while we waited for our food, not a long wait I hasten to add, we were able to watch a blackbird appear on a tree outside and start pecking at some berries, then one or two different types of sparrow and tits appeared flying in and around the wooded area just across from the entrance.We'll definitely be making a return visit - Why had we not been before? We didn't know about it, but it's 10 miles from Keith, where we stay, and four miles from Cullen you see the flags flying from the roadside, head down the farm road and you are there, ready for a relaxing visit as it turned out.

A nice quaint little tearoom and a handy place to visit after a trip to Cullen. My wife and I both had the hungary fairmer and we both found that the table was just big enough for both of them. I will definitely go back.

Wonderful place - such a lovely setting, and so atmospheric inside too - like stepping back in time. Beautiful crockery, tablecloths etc. and lovely friendly service. Food delicious whatever you have, and plenty of veggie options. Prices very reasonable. Then after you've eaten you can browse in the gift and antique shop and walk round the pond. Full of charm and character - a real gem in every way.

Great place, somewhere different. Great food and service. Just one small thing, please get some paper towels for hand drying in ladies!

This is an unusual and atmospheric place, full of china cups, embroidered napkins and 1940s music. The food, particularly the cakes, really is superb and the staff are friendly and personable even when (justifiably) busy.This was the latest of many visits here, and we will continue to enjoy this place.

It's a tea and cake wonder experience, we loved it, just like a fortnum and masons in a country paradise!

If you are in the area of Cullen or surrounding area and feeling a bit hungry, this is a place not to be missed (on the road between Keith, and Cullen, near Deskford). The Tea room is part of a local gallery and antique shop, and you get that quirky feel straight away as you look at the mis-matched crockery. We went twice in a matter of days, the first time enjoying a huge slice of Mushroom quiche, (with potatoes and salad), and then returning a couple of days later to sample the 'Afternoon tea'For around £8 (per person), the afternoon tea comprises a pot of tea from a choice of around a dozen, some small sandwiches, small tart, slices of cake, and a large fruit scone with jam and cream. All the food was very fresh , and even though we hadnt had lunch, we needed a 'doggy bag' to take home some of the bits we couldnt manage. The value is difficult to beat.The staff were very friendly on both our visits, and we understand is very popular with the locals, and deserves wider appeal.

Went to the Deskford Garden Galleries with family and it was lovely! Definitely recommend the Deskford Dainties-you get a pot of tea (or coffee if you prefer) and three little cakes and they were delicious. It is a family run place and the staff are so nice. If you've time have a look around the antique centre and garden.

Love it ! Lovely wee tea room hidden away outside cullen. Lovely fresh vegetarian food served by people who obviously care.Lovely young waitresses who deserve their wages. Might be a good idea to book at the weekend as it can get very busy.

Nice meals - plenty of choice for vegetarians. The cakes were vey nice, fresh and moist. Not the cheapest place in the area, but the food was good. Well worth a visit.

Fabulous homemade to order lunch with the freshest of ingredients. We had asparagus and mushroom crepes, But and Ben platter ( cheese selection with salad and crusty bread), home made soup with crusty bread and a selection of gorgeous home made cakes. We also had a huge pot of tea and a soft drink, all for under £30. Can't wait to go back!

We have heard so many good things about this 'tearoom with antiques' and have wanted to visit for some time. Yesterday, it was to be the highlight of our day, after a drive along the coast and a brief stop to purchase some excellent walnut oil at the Harbour Shop in Portsoy. We found the location easily enough as there is a large sign visible from the road, however after a drive up a bumpy track we arrived to find the whole place firmly and completely shut. Only a vaguely worded wee note pinned to the tearoom door confirmed that they were indeed meant to be open. As we left another person arrived, no doubt they were disappointed also. It is a long way to drive from Forres only to have appetites thwarted by erratic opening times. A 'CLOSED' sign on the main board at the roadside would have saved prospective customers from a disappointing detour. Thankfully, as dusk fell, a beautiful sunset lifted our spirits.Will we try again? I don't know.

Literally just five minutes drive from the beautiful coastal town of Cullen is the lovely Deskford Garden Galleries and Willows Tea Room.If you pop along from Cullen on the B9018 toward Keith you’ll come across this hidden gem.The place is a converted old farmhouse which the owner has thankfully decorated and finished to reflect a bygone era that fits in perfectly with what’s on offer – tea, cakes and antiques.The menu provides an extensive array of good value, quality home-bakes and teas from all corners of the world. We’ve been here quite a few times and the food is always lovely, served with a smile and a fresh tablecloth every time.There’s also plenty of antiques to be had which are spread over the old stables, greenhouse and outbuildings.And if it’s a nice dry day I highly recommend you go for a wee stroll around the gardens where you’ll stumble upon a little pond and boat house.Delightful.

This tearoom is part of a converted farm steading which houses art and antique galleries. It is a family run business. The tearoom has lovely old chintzy crockery, proper cutlery and nice tablecloths. Time for a good dose of nostalgia. The home cooking is limited in range but of good quality and served in a friendly manner and the whole experience is very comfortable and good value for money.

nestled down a track road it's a lovely old fashioned tea room serving delicious cream teas the way they should be done, plenty of home baking with service with a smile. The shops are full of finds and the duck pond is hidden round the corner. Very good value for money and a charming, quirky place.

This is the second time i have been to the Deskford Garden galleries and have to say the food was even better than i remembered.Located just off the road between Cullen and Deskford, this tea room is a great find, set in an idyllic location, surrounded by a lovely lake and woodland walk. Attached to the tea room is a gallery and conservatory full of unique paintings and plants which you are free to walk through while waiting for a table or once youve had your meal.Available at the tea room is a wide selection of homemade cakes, scones, cream teas and deli sandwiches as well as their daily specials. On my first visit i opted for a chedder cheese and homemade sweet tomato chutney sandwich which was served with a dressed side salad and crisps. It was delicious and best thing of all it was so fresh!!Today i tried the open sandwich which compiled of - 2 pieces of large bread topped with a homemade caremalised onion chutney, tomato and 3 different cheeses (brie, wensleydale with cranberry and chedder with chive). This was also accomanied by a side salad and crisps. My mum opted for the soup of the day which was Roasted red pepper and butternut squash - which she said was delicious!! After our lunch we were so full, however we did not want to miss out on their cakes, so asked if we could take away. The staff were more than willing to let us take away and prepared our cakes while we browsed the gallery/conservatory.Overall i find the Willow Tea room, exceptional value for money, set in a beautiful location with very helpful staff and cannot fault the delicous fresh food!!Can't wait to go back again!!

this is gorgeous - and not at all expensive.Fairytale setting,cute wee tea shop with mismatched bone china and lovely food - especially the baking! Don't forget to visit the antique shop and the gallery with the wonderful conservatory and vast vine hung with grapes. Down at the bottom of the road there is a good pottery too - and get an ice cream cone at Cullen on the way home!If you go in high summer on a good day you might believe you were in rural Italy - though the locals here are SO much nicer! It was a treat to be served by a keen local girl in her teens. Incidentally, it is about 3 miles down the B road between Cullen and Keith and it's proper name is Ardoch of Cottertown. As you leave Cullen on the road out, towards Banff, you take the road signed for Deskford and Keith that is on the right. It's a fair way - but lovely rural countryside.

Went with my daughter and had fabulous afternoon tea. It is exceptional value for money, lots of home produced cakes, sandwiches, scones. All delicious. We have a lovely time browsing around the antique shop and art etc