Afternoon Tea near Chelmsford - Recommendations

[wilbobob]

We're thinking that daughter-in-laws parents might enjoy afternoon tea in pleasant surroundings in or around Chelmsford. We've never been to Chelmsford, and it's about 80 miles from us. We've done the googling bit, but either we're not very good, or the County Hotel is the only option. Looks OK on the inside, but the outside isn't inviting. Do fellow pips have any recommendations? Within about 15 miles/half an hour's driving of Chelmsford would be ideal. And it will need to be the sort of place that will sell us a voucher for them to redeem.

[Slarti]

We're thinking that daughter-in-laws parents might enjoy afternoon tea in pleasant surroundings in or around Chelmsford. We've never been to Chelmsford, and it's about 80 miles from us. We've done the googling bit, but either we're not very good, or the County Hotel is the only option. Looks OK on the inside, but the outside isn't inviting. Do fellow pips have any recommendations? Within about 15 miles/half an hour's driving of Chelmsford would be ideal. And it will need to be the sort of place that will sell us a voucher for them to redeem.

Not the sort of thing we've ever done, but yes The County is the only place of quality in Chelmsford and it used to be nice inside.

Worth investigating are
Pontlands Park Country Hotel which was nice when I went to a wedding there. Don't know if they do teas or vouchers though
Best Western Ivy Hill
Mulberry House hotel, Ongar
Cairnsworths Delicatessen & Tea Room, Little Waltham
Tea on The Green, Danbury.

None of the above are recommendations, just places to investigate

Slarti

Edit - How could I forget 'the lock' Tea Room - Wilkin & Sons Ltd at Heybridge Basin? Though I am more likely to use The Old Ship which does good beer and food, though perhaps not afternoon tea.

[will89]

Another vote for one of the Wilkin & Sons places, ideally in Tiptree, but that's a bit of a trek.

[wilbobob]

Fantastic information from you both, Slarti and will89. Thank you. We're extremely grateful. We've bought a Tiptree voucher that will enable our in-laws to have their Afternoon Tea at any of the Tiptree tea rooms. My choice would be The Lock. Tea, cake, and boats to look at, what more could you want.

[Slarti]

Another vote for one of the Wilkin & Sons places, ideally in Tiptree, but that's a bit of a trek.

The Heybridge Basin one has the advantage of views out over the Blackwater and, if tides are right people messing about in boats.


Slarti