The Tea Rooms

This place is very sweet with a decent selection of cakes and sandwiches for afternoon tea, along with the option of a glass of Prosecco, something I didn't expect. Everything is served in unmatching crockery - some of which I recognised from my seventies childhood which was quite fun! However, with one loo, there was always someone hovering, which felt a little odd, and you didn't quite get that feeling that you could really relax and spend all afternoon there, as you do in a hotel. It's lovely for a break whilst you potter around Stokey, but if you're looking for a treat I would say just go the extra mile and try a central London hotel.

Stoke Newington's own little tea shop – on a strip filled with coffee-first cafes – is a quaint spot for a spot of tea. The space isn't big – with room for probably six tables of two to four, but has a homely feel to it. Our visit was bad timing, for half of the menu wasn't available, but the spinach and red pepper quiche was fluffy with just the right amount of cheese. The cheese scone was warmed up, and helped soak up the Lapsang souchong black tea – oaky like a peated whisky, without the alcoholic sting – and quite strong. By the third cup it was overwhelming.