The Tea Barn

Featured reviews

• V

  V S

  ·3 months ago

  “I wouldn't say i was a regular, I've been a few times. The barn (cafe) is confusing. There's usually a sign to say wait here to be seated at a clear table but no one ever comes to show you (yes the sign is there from first thing). The toast is lovely - i know not many compliment toast. The black pudding is a huge no, i love black pudding but it has a weird fruity taste, the scrambled eggs and bacon sandwich would also be a thumbs up. Plenty of tea in the teapot. There's also a bakery attached on to the cafe area. Bit of a hit and miss with the ones who serve. In a customer facing role they're not always outgoing/ chatty (and yes I have worked in a customer facing role for over 30 years so I do have the experience myself) The wares however are lovely. Lovely bread and breadbuns, teacakes, scones and cream cakes. Plenty of fruit in the fruit scones- not like some places which lack. Huge cream cakes but unlike some places that are tasteless these ones are lovely. Plenty of parking. A friend recently visited and brought me a special of the day I think they're called - scone - dates, nuts and chocolate- wow is all i can say - these need to be made a regular on the menu. I've bought in the past shin beef pie - to die for- so tasty. I would recommend here”

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• A

  Alex Ross

  ·4 months ago

  “I got a chicken mayo sandwich with homemade coleslaw (really good) for £10.50, then the cheesecake and a can of Pepsi max brought the price to £17, so it’s slightly pricey but does taste good”

• J

  Jean R

  ·4 months ago

  “Went on a busy Bank Holiday and waited about 10mins for a table, but we needed dog friendly area. Ordered Corned beef pie which was superb, nice to find a pie that actually has corned beef in it and not all potato. Chips perfectly cooked, though a small portion. Spotted delicious looking cakes being served so could not resist. Ginger slice, 10/10, partner had caramel custard éclair. It was huge and he also gave it 10/10. Staff were very busy but all very friendly and helpful. Nice ambience, very clean, highly recommend.”

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• K

  Kira Wolfe

  ·5 months ago

  “Got two tarts from the bakery/to go section and they were both absolutely incredible 🤤 I also got a focaccia which was very delicious. The lady at the counter who served me was lovely and I didn't have to wait long.”

• J

  Jafni Jiken

  ·10 months ago

  “Totally love this place. The atmosphere is classic, and the food is so 'Wow!' I love the Black Forest Cake!”

• L

  Lauren Stobbs

  ·1 year ago

  “Visited the tea barn today with my son and daughter. I was advised to find a table, I could only find one that was not cleared so we had chose this one and I went to order. I advised the lady on the till that our table needed clearing which she said she would request. This lady was pleasant and took my order in a friendly manner. Several staff passed out table and didn't clear it. Ten minutes later our drinks arrived, and only at this point were the previous customers crockery removed from the table. The table was not wiped down which I find extremely poor. The staff members were unpleasant, didn't say hello, no smile or interaction whilst bringing drinks and food. My children commented on how unpleasant and unfriendly the staff were. In a world where we teach our children to be kind shouldn't adults also be displaying this? Basic manners cost nothing. I run a successful small local business and I know customer service is one of the most important aspects of what we do. The food was average, coffee was good. My daughter's glass of apple juice was filthy - shes 16 and she commented on how water marked the glass was. Probably won't be back here unfortunately with is a shame as we do enjoy coming here for plants and our Christmas tree!”

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• C

  Carolyn Connolly

  ·1 year ago

  “*Breakfast was overpriced and very disappointing* On entering, we were told to sit anywhere we wanted. I saw the breakfast was quite expensive but figured it would be worth it as I expected really good quality. When I ordered at the till, I don't think the person who took my order was the best at customer service (felt more like McDonald's experience as they are always so busy) it was £30.90 for 2 English breakfasts and 2 small pots of tea. The breakfast was very disappointing as the 2 sausages were slim chipolata size, the piece of black pudding was quite a thick square piece but had a strange sweet flavour that I couldn't explain. The 2 eggs on both plates hadn't been cooked properly so they were slimey on the top beside the yolk. There was no mushrooms or even half a grilled tomato Very disappointing for the price. Won't be rushing back”

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• B

  B R

  ·1 year ago

  “We love The Tea Barn! Consistently lovely food, generous portions (especially the cakes!), happy smiley service and really comfortable places to sit (inside and out). We visit lunch spots all over Co.Durham and The Tea Barn @ Pity Me Nursery is always a lovely and delicious visit. Onside bakery shop is very impressive too!”

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• R

  R.M

  ·1 year ago

  “Parking is plenty and is a one way system, so don't try to get to the front out of laziness or you could get stuck during busier times and end up having to go back out and round into the main dual carriage way and roundabout if there is too much traffic. The parking is free and it is a gravel car park . As you enter there is a sign to wait to be seated, but don't wait if there are plenty of seats, as you'll be there forever. I think the sign should be put away during quiet times and brought out in busier times. Once seated it's easy to order, choose what you want from the menu and go to the counter (remember what your table number is). Massive cake/sweet selection at the till area so I suggest having a look there as well for sure! At first glance £4(something) for a Melba is a bit much but then when you see the size of it, it's fair. Delicious too! They have take away boxes as well, yum! The last time I went I tried the hot beef bap and it was really good, no chewy, gristle or fatty bits in the meat at all. Spot on. Time before was the cheese pie which I absolutely loved (my lactose intolerant body however rejected it, but was still worth it and I'll do it again NGL). The majority of the staff are lovely, I've never felt anyone has been rude (even when they seemed to be having a crappy and busy day). Have been a few times now and definitely will go again. Edit: it's also (well behaved) dog friendly.”

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• I

  Irina (IP)

  ·3 years ago

  “In winter people come here to sit at the fire and meet friends. In summer there is outside seating under tents. You feel cosy and closer to nature in this typical garden centre tea shop! The atmosphere is fantastic and the service is very friendly. Order at the till, you would need to know your table number, and the food will be brought to the table to you. There are stylish glass dividers between the tables, so if anyone coughs it stays with them. There is one spaceous hall and two smaller ones, all very cosy with typical English garden nursery charms. The food is of a good quality, but also it isn't a restourant. Cakes are very sugary (personally I try to withdraw). There is a very good choice, but those that pretend to be continental aren't really. The tea is good but I would like to see more choice for a place of that name. Certainly needs more than just the tea bags! You better make sure you say you need your quiche warm, it isn't nice cold, and I had to ask to warm it again once. Saying all that I mean there is space for improvement, but this place is still very much worth a visit. The fireplaces are modern logburners with glass doors, of modest sturdy look, but very efficient, plus added funs despersing heat. So, add some scout points for that. About 4 of them are certainly a good feature of this place. The toilets are at the left from the till. I think the Pity Me Nursery is a separate business, but since The Tea Barn is just there, you have a good chance to also browse and buy the plants at the nursery. The plants are not of as good quality as in The Poplar Tree Garden Centre, but then the prices are lower.”

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