Weeks Tea Rooms | 12 High Street | Goudhurst| Cranbrook | Kent | TN17 1AG | Tel: 01580 211380

***Joe Ellis’ Tea Room Guide English Tea Room***

Joe’s Review…

Goudhurst is one of the most beautiful villages in Kent and the slow drive through the village gives you a sense of tradition. A few shops, a pub and a tea room all within eye distance of the village pond makes a visit a must for the visitor.

I have driven past Weeks Tea Rooms on numerous occasions but due to limited parking, had never actually visited the tea room. However, I decided to leave home in Herne Bay and have lunch in the Weeks Tea Rooms. The journey is 49 miles so after the time I took to drive to the village, I desperately needed a pot of tea.

To get into the tea room you have to go through the main door of Weeks Bakers. The bakers shop on Wednesday 14 October 2009 at 1.40pm was empty with two members of staff, one of whom guided me through to the tea room. Signs within the tea room stated that lunch is served until 3.45pm and lunch menus were clearly on display.

Having studied the menu for some time, disappointingly I then had to place the order and pay at the counter. I wanted a meal consisting of chicken pie with a pot of tea. I was upset to have been told that they will only be serving tea and cakes, despite the table and board menus on display.

The visit was a complete waste of time and again, Miss Mollett’s High Class Tea Room in Appledore catered for my needs, albeit another 19 miles driving, but well worth it. As viewers will know, I frequently visit Miss Mollett’s, a perfect traditional English tea room.

Weeks Tea Room is extremely small and could be very cramped on a hot summers day. However, Goudhurst is a quaint village that is crying out for an English tea room, sadly Weeks Tea Room isn't it. Customer care leaves a lot to be desired and needs much improvement before a serious review can be given.

STATUS

I cannot recommend Weeks Tea Room but to be fair, I would expect a better service in mid summer. Giving the impression of a tea room with a set of table and chairs outside is a false impression and I also hope that the two members of staff are not members of Weeks Management.

I will return again in the coming months and write a follow up review.

UPDATED: 01 JULY 2010