Why is it that cyclists just love tea stops? Is it because they look nice or serve nice drinks and cakes – or is it that we are so knackered we would stop anywhere? Hopefully not.
This is our selection of tea stops we’ve come across and visited over the years, and they all welcome cyclists as long as you don’t make the floor dirty – particularly in the winter. All mileages shown are return to Sun Corner, Billericay which is where all our Novice, Club, Training and Distance rides start and finish.
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BLACKMORE
‘Jericho Cottage and Antique Centre’ is situated in the corner of ‘The Green’ in the village of Blackmore. Tea, coffees and homemade cakes are available. You can sit inside or outside in the pretty garden at the rear. There are rings set in the wall where you can lock your bikes up. Opening hours are 11am-5pm every day except Mondays and Tuesdays. Telephone 01277 821031/822170.
16 miles.
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EPPING HIGH STREET
The ‘Poppy Café’ is located on the right hand side of the High Street (going in a Northern direction), very close to a pedestrian crossing. A pot of tea will cost you 75p, and a full English £3.50. 40 / 45 miles.
FINCHINGFIELD
‘Jemima's Tea Rooms’, The Green, Finchingfield. Serves teas, coffees, cooked breakfasts and lunch. Telephone 01371 810 605. 25 / 30 miles.
HIGH EASTER
Post Office Cafe, Lodges Garage, The Street. 9am-4pm Mon-Fri except Weds 9am-1pm. Telephone 01245 231 230 (may open on weekends for large groups on request). 16 miles.
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ABRIDGE
‘Abridge Log Cabin’ is on the left hand-side in London Road as you leave Abridge in the direction of Loughton/ Chigwell. 36/38 miles.
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CROWTHERS GARDEN CENTRE
The Centre which is Ongar Road just past Stapleford Tawney Airfield when you approach from Passingford Bridge. 34/36 miles.
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WHITE RODING
‘Bretts Buttery’ on the A1060. Avoid lunch times unless you want a meal. 40/42 miles.
INGATESTONE
‘Ingatestone Garden Centre’, Roman Road just before the Civic amenities site on the slip road that joins the A12 London Bound. Opens 10.30am. 20/25 miles.
WIDFORD
‘Rose Café’ is on the left hand side on the old A12 if coming from Chelmsford, directly opposite the gates to Hylands park. It’s a proper truck drivers café. 30/40 miles.
STAPLEFORD TAWNEY
Stapleford Tawney Airfield, in the club house. On the A113 between Passingford Bridge and Abridge. Tea/coffee, toast, bacon sandwichs but not an extensive menu.
WRITTLE
Hylands house. Best accessed via Paradise Rd, Writtle. Go through gate then use the cycle path under the A414, continue into park (watch out for the speed humps), follow path to Hylands house and café.
WRITTLE
‘Hanging Basket Garden Centre’. Basically its on the road from Hylands park to Ongar near the road that goes to Blackmore. Approx 30/40 miles.
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LITTLE BADDOW (Paper Mill Lock)
‘Paper Mill Lock’ is at the bottom of North Hill, Danbury by the Chelmer and Blackwater canal. This is one of the most attractive tea stops we know, which is just as well if you have to cycle up North Hill afterwards. 30/35 miles.
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ULTING
‘Pear Tree Pantry’, Spring Lane. Go south from Does Corner towards Langford and turn left into Spring Lane, its on the left hand side in about 400m. ONLY OPEN Monday to Friday, lunches only 12 till 2. Good tea and cakes. 40/45 miles.
MALDON
Safron Tea Rooms, top of Maldon High street. Best accessed from Gate Street via rear entrance. 35/40 miles.
MUNDON
‘Roundbush Public House’. Best route via Purleigh, up the hill by the church past Bell PH in about 1m bear right and follow road until you find the pub. 40/45 miles.
BURNHAM ON CROUCH
Various cafes in High street and on the water front. There is also a café in an equestrian centre on the out skirts of Burnham. It’s on the last bend on the right hand side if you are coming in on the road from Althorne. It’s in an old cow shed and it’s cold in winter. 50/60 miles.
WOODHAM FERRERS
‘Marsh Farm Country Park’, follow signs from Woodham Ferrers. 20/25 miles.
BATTLESBRIDGE
In the ‘Mill Antique Centre’, as its on the top floor its not easy to walk up 5 flights in cycling shoes. However the views are good. 20/25 miles.
SOUTH HANNINGFIELD
‘Waters Edge’, which is at the visitors centre at the reservoir. 10/17 miles.
MORETON
‘LOUs Café', Browns Farm, Moreton Rd, Moreton (Halfway between Moreton and Ongar). Nice little café, but only open Monday to Friday. Mug Tea and a toasted tea cake (with butter and jam) £1.50 (Feb 2008). Approx. 30 miles return Billericay.
HATFIELD HEATH
‘The Village Teashop', Hatfield Heath. Open 7 days a week. Lots of room. A great alternative to Bretts Buttery and only about 4m west of Bretts. Best accessed by going via Matching Green then up to Hatfield Heath as this keeps you off of the main roads. Approx. 50 miles return Billericay.
GREENSTEAD GREEN
‘Greenstead Green farm shop and Café', Greenstead Green. To get there go via Cressing and Stisted and then on to Greenstead Green. Lovelly café in a restored barn.
For more information contact:
Club Secretary
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