Wednesday 4 September 2013

(One of) Oxfordshire's best kept secrets

When I was ten years old, I told a girl that I knew there was going to be a sleeping bag in the Guide jumble sale the following weekend that I desperately wanted to buy. That girl bought that sleeping bag before I got there!

Life's events teach you many lessons, I'm very selective now about what information that I share with people and of course who I share it with. You should be very honoured that I am about to share one of Oxfordshire's very best kept secrets......

This one is sooo worth sharing!

Some things just have to be shared simply because if we don't, then they may not keep going. If something is good and you like it then tell the world!

Anyway, enough of my ranting and waffling and straight to the subject I am referring to. Nestled away at the back of beyond, near the disused quarry in Kirtlington Oxfordshire and next to the canal, you will find the most quaint and quirky little tea room ever.




This place does not possess the squeaky clean appeal of your average tea room but that my friends is exactly the reason why this place is so enchanting and well worth a visit.
A distinctly unmatched collection of tables and chairs carefully positioned under canopies, gazebos and apple trees, form the perfect relaxing spot for devouring a delicious slice of homemade cake, or in my case  some scrumptious quiche with salad, to be washed down with some peppermint tea.
There's not a hint of plastic to be seen, everything is served on vintage china and from silver teapots and trays. This place really is something special to write home about!



 
This sign was on the toilet door....





The lady who set up this delightful little venture, purchased her canal side plot as wasteland some years ago, and has transformed what was a dumping ground for canal dredging, into a very productive small holding. She is indeed a woman of my own heart. I have lived the good life in many ways but has yet have still not managed full self sufficiency, (it's a lot of work!) At present I am further from that dream than ever before. But I can dream and sitting at the heart of the canal side retreat on Sunday, satisfied my craving and desire for the time being.
I sat with my food eating slowly and absorbing the true delights of my surroundings with every mouthful......



 
Yummy!!

The hand painted signs at the gate, the old prams (I had one for the smalls), hanging vintage teacups, patchwork quilts covering the sofas (yes sofas in the garden!!), chickens and doves roaming, an old caravan (oh how I would love one of these to spruce up and have as my garden bolt hole)...hehe, this woman is sooooo like me....


You can find out more about Jane's little tea room here, seeing is definitely believing......





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