Burridges Cafe and Tea Rooms

Lovely little old fashioned tearoom with friendly staff, great scones and a prime position overlooking the Marina in the heart of Torquay’s shopping district. The outdoor seating is a welcome feature as the sun always shines on the English Riviera. No really!

Contemporary white pots with floral chinaware, though can see a mixture of tableware. Pleasant staff, great location– indoor and outdoor seating. Local crab sandwiches– though not on the high tea, not sure how local remaining food is. Big high 5 on food hygiene. Tableware available to buy, local décor pictures, nice café menu. The Devon tea– nowt special, no flavour explosion — something you’d experience to of typhoo– so ok for those wanting a
normal cuppa. Good looking high tea. Tasty 3 finger sandwiches ham/​mustard, egg mayo, cheese/​pickle– though as hungry have ordered a tuna sandwich and local crab– before devouring the fruit scone, apple muffin and walnut cakes. Open to all ages. Plenty of nik naks, not a quirky place, but a nice café for a quick bite. The chairs and tables are solid wood, so not cushioned, and in the 20ins I’ve been here are getting uncomfortable — and probably going to be here another 30 mins. Tea strainer is basic, this is an in the middle tea room, just a few tweaks like seating — though these tables are easy to put together for larger groups, to make it softer on the eye and bum would help. For £5.50 for a local crab sarnie, with a few crisps and red cabbage slaw– as this a highly promoted dish of theirs– it’s overpriced — thinner bread and more filling please– all I can remember is bread!. Waited 25 mins for the sarnie, did get a refill on the teapot by taking it to the counter. Taken an hr before any background music– which ends up to be awful, and turned off– no ambiance. The Highlight of high tea– the scone: fruit scone, bland and doughy –strawberry jam– average shop bought, the clotted cream is ok– poor effort on a classic! Mostly a 3– but as 2 of the most popular dishes are sub standard, and the wait– knocking a point off. Don’t think we’d return, shame as is great potential. Did the chef have a day off!!!

Lovely tea room. I found staff really friendly and helpful despite some reviews to the contrary on other sites. The setting was nice and the décor and quaintness of it was particularly enjoyed by my girlfriend, (why do girls love that sort of thing so much) the tea for 2 was served in a large tea pot which was easily enough for 3 containing about 6 cups worth.
The scones cream and jam were lovely and were washed down with the tea was just what I needed after a long walk around the town.
We’ll worth a stop by if you’re in the area.

Very quiet when we visited in early February which was to be expected. Even so, great value for money with a varied menu and very pleasant staff. Recommend as a morning coffee/​afternoon tea treat.