Public Servant Lifestyle

Where in the UK would you find the country's most coveted cuppa? Nottinghamshire, it seems...

Ollerton Watermill Tea Shop has scooped first place in the 'Top Tea Place' Awards, making it officially the best tea room for afternoon tea in the UK.

The 'Top Tea Place' Awards - which are celebrating their 21st anniversary this year - continue to send out under cover Tea Guild tea tasters to secretly visit over 100 tea shops and Country House Hotels across the country, to search for the ultimate tea experience. The owners, sisters-in-law Kate and Ellen Mettam who serve tea in the historic surroundings of the only working watermill left in Nottinghamshire, on the edge of Sherwood Forest, have been awarded top marks for their brew.

Undercover

With 115 points to be lost or gained on the judge’s scorecard, only the very best candidates in each region went through to the final round of rigorous judging of the competition. Not only are candidates judged on the quality and knowledge of the teas served, the variety on offer, flavour, strength and temperature, but also, importantly, on the standard and presentation of food offered plus the attentiveness and attitude of staff and the overall ambience.

Ollerton Watermill Tea Shop beat off strong competition from prestigious tea shops nationwide including last year’s winner, Bird on the Rock in Shropshire and previous winners such as Trenance Cottage in Cornwall and Greystones Tea Room in Leek, Staffordshire. All winners are recommended in The Tea Guild’s guide book Britain’s Best Afternoon Tea published annually in conjunction with the AA.

Winning the award could mean big business for Ollerton’s tourist industry. Winner of the 'Top Tea' title in 2004, Bird on the Rock, Shropshire reported a huge boom in customers and tourists to the area shortly after winning the competition.

William Gorman, Executive Director for The Tea Council, comments: “Ollerton Watermill Tea Shop has always shown a consistently high level of tea quality over the years, winning an 'Award of Excellence' in 2004. Kate and Ellen Mettam pride themselves on their tea shop, opened originally to refresh the steady flow of visitors to the family-run mill, and have ensured that their tearoom is in no way secondary to its picturesque setting.”

Afternoon Tea

The awards highlight the ever-increasing popularity of afternoon tea by placing importance on the quality of the whole afternoon tea experience - the tea, the service, the surroundings and the delicious accompaniments.

William Gorman continues: “Kate and Ellen have proved they are dedicated to upholding the standards for top tea-making in the UK, with exceptional service and value, passion, and attention to detail - not to mention the mouthwatering homemade tarts, cakes and memorable scones - all resulting in a truly delightful experience. No wonder people are queuing to get in!”

The launch of new research earlier this year examining the health benefits gained from drinking 4 cups of tea a day, prove that tea is good for you in more ways than one. Now, not only can you relax with a cup of tea at home or indulge in award-winning afternoon tea overlooking stunning views, but, you can be sure that drinking tea also helps to keep you healthy!

Healthy

Drinking 4 cups of tea a day will help to keep you hydrated by counting towards your recommended daily fluid intake and will improve alertness and mood as well as delivering powerful antioxidants and fluoride. To get further information on all the health benefits visit: www.tea4health.com

Ollerton Watermill Tea Shop can be found at Ollerton Mill, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire NG22 9AA. Follow the link for more about Ollerton Mill - together with a few other great places to visit in and around Nottinghamshire.

The AA & Tea Council’s Britain's Best Afternoon Tea guide costs £9.99 and is available in all good bookshops or online at www.tea.co.uk.

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