With the name ‘The Enchanted Tea Garden,’ I wasn’t too sure what to expect as I made way down to Witney Road in the pretty village of Ducklington. When I walked through the gates and met Donna and her daughters, their welcome was warm, and I quickly realised that the new location for what was once Jane’s Enchanted Tea Garden in Kirtlington was still very ‘enchanting.’
With a part-time job already working in retail, when Donna went to visit the previous ‘Enchanted Tea Garden’ she wasn’t expecting to come away having agreed to buy the business. However, having worked for many years in the hospitality industry, and with a love of baking delicious cakes and pastries, Donna knew immediately that she wanted to give the ‘Enchanted Tea Garden’ a new home on the edge of the family’s small holding in Ducklington. Whilst she was taking on a successful business that was closing due to the owner’s retirement, Donna had ideas on how she could make it her own and create a delightful space.
With the help of her son who is a builder, a new kitchen was created on land that was previously part of the chicken run. Now it is an absolutely charming well-fitted catering kitchen which opens up to look onto the first part of the tea garden seating area. The outside of the kitchen is festooned with pretty knick-knacks and locally grown fresh flowers, all so appropriate for the rustic quirky setting.
The atmosphere of what is now called ‘Larkins Enchanted Tea Garden’ is wonderful. On the afternoon I visited, the blackbirds were singing loudly in the trees, their melodic tunes filling the air and blocking out the low rumble of the road noise. Looking across at the paddocks and the grazing horses to the trees beyond, one felt that an afternoon tea in the beautifully decorated marquee would indeed be something special.
Donna is able to seat a maximum of 70 guests in the marquee which in good weather is opened on two sides so people can enjoy the scenery. The space is also the perfect location for an evening celebration as it takes on a fairy like ambience. Not only does Donna offer full afternoon teas on a Saturday and Sunday, the ‘Enchanted Tea Garden’ can be booked for celebration birthday parties, anniversary’s, even small weddings. There is a horse box which has been converted into a bar, ideal for when more than tea or coffee is required!
As Christmas approaches, wreath making workshops are held in November and December. The mood is very festive with Christmas music, mulled wine and Cotswold cheese and home-made crackers served whilst people learn how to make beautiful wreaths to adorn their homes. During the summer, other craft workshops are held so look on the Facebook page to see when they are happening.
To enjoy the afternoon tea which Donna serves, you need to allow several hours. Listen to the Jazz Band which plays on a Sunday or the small orchestral band which plays on a Saturday whilst you enjoy both savoury and sweet teatime treats, served with tea or coffee and a glass of Prosecco. The Military Wives Choir from Carterton will also be performing this summer, along with the local Morris Dancers. On Saturdays, tea service is more of a ‘high tea’ as it is served from 5.30pm until 9.30pm. On Sundays, service is from 12.30pm to 5.30pm.
The venue is both dog and child friendly. There are play facilities for children and when weather permits an enclosed area is set up for croquet, ball games and pretend archery, all providing further entertainment.
Wherever possible, Donna supports local suppliers and small local businesses have the chance to sell their wares too. The honey she sells comes from hives in the village, the flowers are grown locally, the salad ingredients and cress are grown by her father on his allotment and all the meat she uses comes from Patrick Strainge Butchers in Bampton.
This is very much a vintage style afternoon tea all served with tea pots and tea cosy, milk jugs and an eclectic mix of china, all ideal for the occasion. Donna bakes old fashioned cake recipes that our mothers and grandmothers would make, and which have been forgotten over time. When you taste them however, you realise why they all bring back such happy childhood memories. The savoury delights range from obvious sandwiches with delicious fillings to cheese and chutney scones and sausage rolls, to name but a few. If you are not able to spend the afternoon at ‘The Enchanted Tea Garden,’ you can order take-away afternoon tea boxes which come complete with sandwiches, savoury treats, cakes, scones, and macaroons. All dietary requirements are catered for but must be pre-booked in advance.
To book a table you need to contact Donna via Facebook at Jane’s Enchanted Tea Garden. As it is a closed members group you just have to message her to be able to join. I certainly plan to make a booking and am waiting for the first special celebratory occasion to do it for.
