Quintessential tea rooms near Kew Gardens with step free access and accessible toilet
5
5
Date of visit: February 2019
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Traditional tea rooms serving breakfast, luncheon and afternoon teas. They serve a variety of delicious pastries including "Maids of Honour" tarts, which were a favourite of Henry VIII.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Step free and level access throughout the tea rooms. On entering, on the left is a counter, at standing height where take away food can be purchased. There is also a couple of tables with chairs. On the right, is a large dining room. All the tables and chairs are free standing.
Parking & Transport
Good
The nearest tube station is Kew Gardens. It has limited accessibility for people with mobility disabilities. While there are ramps so wheelchair users can access both platforms, there is no lift interchange between the two sides of the station. This means that people travelling from Richmond on exiting find themselves on the same side of the railway line as Kew Gardens and The Original Maids of Honour. However people travelling to Richmond from Central London, are on the opposite side of the railway line and as there is no step free interchange they have to have take an extended route around the railway line to get to there. There is a bus that stops very close to the tea rooms. From Kew tube station follow the signs to Kew Gardens. When you are opposite the gardens turn right and the cafe is a couple of minutes away, on your right hand side.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
There is an accessible toilet. It's down a narrow corridor. Through the first door is a small room with a sink, this door locks and then a second door to the toilet. There is a grab rail. The accessible toilet is quite small and while it was suitable for me with my crutch, I don't think it is wide enough to accomodate a wheelchair.
Staff
Excellent
The staff were excellent. Very friendly and welcoming. When I arrived they were just serving a large group but they still made time to come over, talk to me and take my order. Service was prompt.
Additional Information
This is a charming and traditional tea room. They offer a variety of home made food choices and are very reasonably priced. I had a Maids of Honour afternoon tea, which consisted of 2 scones with jam and cream, a Maid of Honour tart and a pot of tea for £11. Food is nicely presented and atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming. Highly recommend.
