Dining Out – Meynell Langley Gardens & Tea Rooms
Which ever way your journey takes you, the approach to Meynell Langley Nursery is through the most pleasant, verdant, typically English countryside that you could wish for. Meandering down twisting country lanes you could imagine yourself back in the days of the grand country house, where kitchens were supplied with produce, lovingly cultivated in the shelter of walled gardens run by gardeners with years of experience at their fingertips.
It’s no surprise therefore that when you drive down the lane to Meynell Langley Nursery that you are already feeling more relaxed. The pine wood lodge of the Tea Rooms is warm and inviting and on cooler days the log burning stove provides a welcome warmth. Friendly staff are soon on hand to help, and once you have chosen your table you can look through their varied menu. Lunches range from sandwiches and toasties to hot food and are served to your table.
As a regular visitor here I always enjoy the home-made quiche served with a fresh salad, crisps and coleslaw, although this particular day I decided to try the fish platter. This had generous portions of smoked salmon, prawns and mackerel. Served with gherkins, salad and chunks of bread it was a lovely summer lunch. My husband chose the home-made lasagne, served in an individual dish with salad, crisps and coleslaw, this seems to be his favourite which I think speaks for itself.
You can also enjoy an ‘afternoon tea’ of finger sandwiches, a selection of hand-made cakes, fruit scone with jam and clotted cream all served freshly with tea or filter coffee (but you’ll need to book).
At the bar there are a delicious array of home-made cakes including many gluten free (which makes a refreshing change) to choose from. These include old favourites along with some interesting new ones. Taking our time over a cake, fresh coffee and cup of tea, we saw some friends whom we hadn’t seen for 6 years, so it was an added treat to catch up with their news.
There is such a lovely atmosphere here, it’s difficult to put into words but it draws me back time and time again……..oh, and the nursery too where you can still get proper horticultural advice which is priceless. I’m off to choose a tree now, ‘another says my husband’ but I’m only doing my bit for the environment!!!
My thanks to Karen and her staff for another lovely lunch; always consistent, always relaxing.
Tea Room open times are weekdays10-4.30 (summer), 10-4 (winter) Sundays 10-4. Nursery open times are weekdays 9-5 (Sunday 10-4)
