27 May Lavender, gardens and cake
If a homemade savoury cheese scone with bacon drizzled in maple syrup, or lavender and coconut macaroons, sound like your sort of daytime indulgence then the New Forest Lavender Tearooms just off the main A36 at Plaitford is a place to head to.
If you’re a keen gardener, as well as a cake lover, then this is a destination which is a must.
The gardens are cottage-style and beautifully kept, a photographer’s dream. Amble through them slowly as you make your way to the tearooms – you can even take the dog, on a lead of course.
Tables neatly dotted around the gardens provide the opportunity to take in the sights and scents over your cappuccino or pot of English breakfast, a slice of lavender shortbread or toasted brioche with preserves.
The cakes are all homemade by owner Melanie and her two daughters Sarah and Debbie and the blackboard menu has a ‘cake of the day’ feel. Each comes with a light dusting of icing sugar and an obligatory two sprigs of lavender grown on the farm.
We visited in May, early for the lavender but we’re told the fields are spectacular later in the summer. We’ve decided we’ll head back for a second visit to take in the bright blue brush strokes on the hillside and the heady, quintessentially English scent – and of course some more cake!
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