The Isle of Wight isn’t just about the scenery – it’s also about the food and drink! And if you want the quintessential English holiday experience, you must visit a tearoom. Whether you’re after some freshly baked scones, a warming drink, or a cosy spot to rest your feet after a long stroll, these tearooms cater for it all.
1. The Old Thatch Teashop, Shanklin
One of the highlights of Shanklin Old Village , the Old Thatch Teashop is picture-perfect. With a pink exterior, thatched roof, and even a fairy garden, this whimsical place is a must-visit. They serve special cream teas, pancakes, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and “lite bites”, so there’s plenty on the menu to choose from.
2. Lady Scarlett’s Tea Parlour, Ventnor
Travel back in time to the 1940s at Lady Scarlett’s Tea Parlour, a World War 2 inspired tearoom. There’s lots to see on the walls whilst you indulge in a tea or coffee, lunch, or dessert – all homemade. Found on Ventnor Esplanade, you can sit and admire the unspoilt view of the sea if you’re lucky to nab a table outside in the summer months.
3. The Quirky Teapot, Newport
An historic estate of approximately 150 acres, Staplehurst Grange is a working sheep farm well away from the noise and bustle of modern life. Along with an antiques shop, it is home to The Quirky Teapot, a tearoom inspired by the romance of a bygone era. They serve afternoon teas, cream teas, and the usual lunch items, plus they regularly host vintage-themed events.
4. Tandem Tea Rooms, Brighstone
Tandem Tea Rooms can be found in the lovely village of Brighstone. The building has had an eventful history over the past 100 years, once being the village post office, and also a bistro, and a bed and breakfast, before its current status as a tearoom. They offer a big breakfast menu, plus lunches, cakes, puddings, and cream teas. Where possible they use local suppliers and products to support the local community.
5. Gods Providence House, Newport
This grade II listed building in Newport has an interesting story to tell. It got its name because it was reputed to be the only house in the town where there were no deaths from the plague, said to be due to “Gods providence”. Nowadays, Gods Providence House is a traditional and elegant tearoom. The head chef has been there for years, using recipes handed down through generations. Open 7 days a week you can expect incredible sweet treats and even roast dinner on Sundays.
6. Vernon Cottage, Shanklin
The beautiful, thatched Vernon Cottage dates back to 1817 and was at the very heart of the Island’s smuggling empire in the early 19th century. It has a long tunnel which runs all the way from beneath the cottage to the bottom of the magnificent Shanklin Chine! The present day brings less contraband but more cakes, with some truly decadent homemade options or a cream tea with unique Isle of Wight-shaped scones. The cottage has won a number of awards, including for its gardens, which you can admire whilst sipping your tea.
7. Quarr Abbey Tea Shop, Ryde
Quarr Abbey is a monastery near Ryde, situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and home to a small group of Benedictine monks. As well as visiting the Abbey you can enjoy a light lunch at their tearoom, all freshly prepared and making the most of their organic produce grown on-site. Watch wildlife from the comfort of your chair as red squirrels hop about the lawn and robins perch waiting for a crumb.
Ready to head to the Isle of Wight for plenty of afternoon tea? Check out our handpicked collection of holiday homes available to book now!
