We were feeling peckish and in need of a cup of tea so our 12.30 booking at the St Giles’ Cafe in Oxford was perfect, as it is very conveniently situated for theatre or cinema visits.

Having read the menu beforehand it was clear the stalwart of the Oxford cafe scene is passionate about food, everything being made freshly on the premises every day, the small cafe providing a friendly place with rustic charm, dark wooden tables leading to the kitchen at the far end.

It was very welcoming with a relaxed feel.

We ordered the afternoon tea at £9.50 per person and it arrived all on the same plate.

The sandwiches were very good, made with homemade bread that was sweet and delicious, oodles of good quality ham, tasty wholegrain mustard and dressed salad leaves.

Plus a roast chicken version with homemade mayo and salad.

We declined the cheese and tomato variety, just because we couldn't fit it all in.

The lemon drizzle cake was really yummy – it was moist all the way through, and the coffee and walnut, although very tasty, was a bit dry.

Again we didn’t have room for the chocolate brownie, but managed a plain scone each with both jam and clotted cream presented in pretty glass dishes. They weren’t particularly exciting but were still a glutinous treat.

The actual tea was a high point for us though – their own blend of Assam Leaf, Darjeeling Leaf and Kenyan Broken Pekoe. It was served in For Life tea pots with internal strainers.

We had big white cups and saucers and a very neat milk jug with good spout, so no drips.

I really liked the cafe and am sure it is a well-kept secret for those in the know.

I nearly forgot – they make their own ice cream as well. Mmm.

St Giles’ Cafe, 52 St Giles, Oxford

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