Rest A While tea garden - a welcome stop on the coastal walk
Charming South West tea garden spot visited by big-time celebrity chef
The owner serves customers from a window hatch in his house.
Padstow’s Obby Oss event has been held for centuries to mark the end of spring and the coming of summer with music, singing and dancing around a maypole.
A charming tea garden tucked away in Cornwall operates with such laid-back informality that it doesn’t adhere to conventional opening hours—with the proprietor serving patrons directly through a window hatch in his home.
Rest A While Tea Garden, situated at Hawkers Cove near Padstow, occupies former coastguard accommodation perched right on the coastal path with stunning bay views. The establishment offers homemade treats throughout the week (subject to weather conditions) and boasts excellent online reviews.
Operated by Martin Holmes, 70, the former DJ turned baker produces 100 scones daily and occasionally prepares around half a dozen quiches.
Remarkably, he manages this largely single-handedly—assisted by his partner Dawn for a fortnight each month and some helpful, amiable neighbours, reports Cornwall Live.
“I’ve lived here for 29 years and we’ve been doing the tea garden for 15 years this year,” Mr Holmes explains. “We don’t have back doors in these old coastguard houses so I’ve just taken the hinges off a window and put on a couple of clips so I can serve people straight through the hatch.”
He acknowledges having to “jump through hoops” over the years to secure permission, though the neighbours remain entirely supportive. “If they are ever out of butter, sugar or milk or anything, we’ve always got plenty, so it’s handy because we’re two miles away from the nearest shop.”
Celebrated for its relaxed approach to commerce, the venue even earned praise from comedian Miranda Hart, who once posted a photograph of the tea garden’s opening sign, which states: “We are normally open 11am to 3pm. Sometimes we open earlier or later… sometimes we close later, or earlier… all depends on demand and the weather.”
The Miranda star responded: “I love this. Even more if they said ‘all depends if I need a nap or want to go and spend some time joyfully being in nature or doing a hobby I have neglected’.
“To me that is someone who works hard and when they are at work they are committed to it and doing their best. Not exhausted and cutting corners.
“Culture says this way is ineffective and not acceptable. I disagree. If only we all had more space and time for what we long to do outside of work. Dare to say no. Dare to find joy. Dare to sleep more. Dare to stop for 10 minutes.”
The tea garden has welcomed other famous faces too, including plenty from Rick Stein.
“It would be nice if Gordon Ramsay popped in,” Mr Holmes adds. “He’s over the other side of the river so maybe one day. I might drop him a message.”
Rest A While Tea Garden operates seven days weekly, typically, between 11am and 3pm – though times may vary. Daily opening information can be found on the establishment’s Facebook page.