Abbey Tea Rooms - Craven

My review has two parts: our visit to the cafe, and what happened to spoil our visit. Firstly, we parked , and read the notice saying parking was just whilst customers were eating, which we thought was a bit off, but as we planned to visit the ruined abbey, didn’t particularly concern us. We very much enjoyed our filter coffees and a delicious toasted tea cake. While I was looking at the tourist leaflets, my husband crossed the road in search of a public car park, as we had no intention of outstaying our welcome in the cafe car park, and I then went across to show him one about Grassington being the set for Darrowby. Secondly, as I was about to do so, a man who had been grating lemon in the kitchen called out to us. He told us to leave their car park, shouting to us across the road ‘Hey Guys…’ and told us to leave. ‘ We’re going now,’ I replied, but told him that although we had very much enjoyed our food and drink, this rude shouting had spoilt the memory of what had been a pleasant visit. We left. However, very shortly we learnt the background to their policy, when we attempted to go to see the abbey, something we intended to complete within 20 minutes, before visiting the steam railway., we were absolutely shocked to read that it would set us back £15 to park for the abbey. I suppose if a family had decided to spend the entire day there, it would have been less shocking, but for a twenty minute quick look, it appalled us. I guess that the tea rooms have had a fair bit of trouble with customers parking in their car park to walk up to the abbey, so that new customers cannot park and patronise their tea room. The village badly needs a large free car park, but meanwhile, it would be preferable to avoid shouting at customers, telling them to leave promptly!

I was part of a 6 American contingent that visited your tea room on June 23. Our server, Haley, was wonderful in helping us experience our first scones. I promised to try scones across the UK, including a very posh London tea room, and I am pleased to report that after sampling over 12 scones in 9 days, the Abbey Tea Room won! Perfectly baked with a slight crunch on the outside and a subtle sweetness on the inside, the scones, served with butter, jam, and fresh clotted cream were a revelation! Stop here for outstanding service, delicious home-baked products, and sumptuously stuffed sandwiches.

We came to Abbey Tearooms for a late lunch with our little dog and as it was glorious weather we ate outside. There was an extensive and varied menu and also a specials board. My daughter and I could honestly say it was the best cheese and tomato quiche we had ever had and the portions are really generous. We bought a lemon meringue pie to bring home and we have just consumed it. It was absolutely delicious and again probably the best we have ever tasted. Incredible little gem of a place and will definitely be returning! Thankyou to all the lovely staff.

Called in to the Tea Room for a mid morning brunch, what a great place, the all day breakfasts are great, and great value for money, the girls are really friendly and happy to welcome you. The food is cooked and presented well and is really tasty. Couldn't have gone to a better place to eat. It's a shame for us that they are so far from Margate or would be here all the time. If you are near Bolton Abbey this is the place to eat. They do scones, cakes and all manner or bits to eat. Visit and you will enjoy.

Beautiful homemade scones fresh out of the oven Good price and very helpful and polite staff.Consistantly good.