Nestled in the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, Lucy’s Tearoom offers an inviting retreat for afternoon tea lovers. Stow itself is a treasure trove of English heritage, perched 800 feet above sea level and home to landmarks like the ancient Porch House inn and the evocative north door of St Edward’s Church. After exploring the town’s antique shops and picturesque streets, Lucy’s Tearoom is the perfect place to unwind and indulge.
Housed within a stunning 300-year-old Cotswold stone building just off the Market Square, Lucy’s combines rustic charm with contemporary comfort. The tearoom retains original features such as flagstone floors and wooden beams, creating an authentic and cozy atmosphere that echoes the town’s rich history despite a tasteful refurbishment nearly 15 years ago.
During a recent sunny Monday visit, I experienced firsthand the warm welcome and tempting menu at Lucy’s. Although I planned just a light bite, the abundance of options tempted us to order generously. The tearoom proudly offers a “legendary” cream tea, famed locally for its exceptional scones—a reputation well-earned, according to enthusiastic social media fans.
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The full afternoon tea, priced at £21.50 per person, features an elegant tiered stand with finger sandwiches—choose from cheese and pickle, ham and mustard, egg mayo, or cucumber and hummus—paired with a fruit or plain scone served with strawberry jam and clotted cream, alongside a pot of loose leaf tea or coffee. For a lighter option, a cream tea is available for £10.50, including a scone with jam and cream, and a hot beverage.
Beyond the traditional treats, Lucy’s offers savory delights such as a warmed cheese scone with butter (£5.75) or butter and chutney (£6.25). My family and I sampled a variety of dishes: two cream teas, a cheese scone with chutney, the Quiche of the Day filled with caramelised onion, beetroot and goat’s cheese (£12.75), a brie and cranberry toastie (£9), and most memorably, a fish finger sandwich (£10).
Despite my sweet tooth, the fish finger sandwich stole the show. Served on thick, fluffy white or granary bread, it was filled with warm fish fingers, crisp lettuce, melted cheddar, juicy gherkins, and a generous serving of tartare sauce. The combination was irresistible, and I almost kept it all to myself. Meanwhile, my dad thoroughly enjoyed the cheese scone with chutney, which proved equally delightful.
Though we didn’t try the freshly baked cakes from downstairs, the tempting display guarantees a sweet excuse to return. Our total bill of £67.25, averaging just £13.45 per person, offered great value for the generous selection. Whether you’re local or visiting the Cotswolds, Lucy’s Tearoom is a charming spot that promises a memorable afternoon tea experience.