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Auntie’s Tea Shop posted on 1 January 2012

A little bit of History

Sited on St Mary’s Passage, Aunties is steeped in history, the building is famous for the artificial windows that adorn the top floor (the central window being the only real window). The first public electricity supply started in the basement of the next door shop (No 2 St Mary’s Passage) and it overlooks Great St Mary’s Church, originally the venue for degree ceremonies until the Senate House was built in 1730. The church is also noted for the “town and gown” disturbances. The most famous of which was the peasants revolt in 1381 when the Mayor and the townspeople burnt the contents of the university Chest, held within the Church.

Auntie’s Tea Shop, established in 1979 by the owner Yvonne Prevett, is a traditional English Tea Room, very much in keeping with its historic surroundings, Overlooking the University Senate House as well as Great St Mary’s Church. The world famous Kings College Chapel is only 500 yards away and all the other Colleges are within a short distance.

It would have been very easy to have a food outlet so typical of every high street, but at Aunties they have resisted the temptation and instead created a little haven in the midst of a modern world.

Aunties Now

Auntie’s Tea Shop has been serving Cambridge shoppers and visitors for over 30 years. The first thing you notice when entering the Tea Shop is a friendly smile to greet you at the door, there are no fridges full to the brim with prepackaged sandwiches, just a welcoming atmosphere.
Auntie’s is lovingly decorated and presented with lace table cloths, china teacups and waitress service. Once seated, you can browse the menu at your leisure – and the choice of dishes are so mouthwateringly inviting, that you’ll find it difficult to choose only one!

The Menu

As a tea shop Aunties prides itself in being able to offer a wide selection of teas, from their very own blend of breakfast tea, fruit and herbal infusions to a wonderful range from Tea Pigs, offering some of the most enticing flavours available - Liquorice and Mint, Chilli Tea and the better known Chai Tea all stand out as flavours that simply must be tried.

Auntie’s Tea Shop is the perfect place to pop in for bite to eat, whether it is a well earned all day breakfast, a light lunch or an afternoon cream tea, all dishes on the menu are freshly prepared to order and cakes are baked daily on the premises.
The menu not only includes their wonderful selection of freshly baked cakes and desserts but also Auntie’s own range of Jams, Jellies, Marmalades, Chutneys and Mustards a perfect gift or treat to take away.

The Salads section offers some delicious and filling meal options, including dishes such as Bacon, Stilton and Walnut – Smoked Salmon and Prawn – and the Country Salad, (a mixed salad topped with grilled bacon, chicken, baby potatoes and onions), perfect for a winters day!
As well as a daily changing specials board, there are freshly prepared homemade soups with fresh bread, panini’s, baguettes, baked potatoes and much more available.

Special Diets

Auntie’s offer their full range of sandwiches on a choice of either normal or gluten free bread, and have a selection of gluten and dairy free cakes to suit most dietary needs, so no one need miss out.

Merchandise

Having started a few years ago selling their own brand of jams, mustards and pickles, Aunties have expanded into selling a wide selection of teas, (the most popular of which are the Tea Pigs range), as well as mugs, tea pots, aprons and many other gifts.

Opening Hours

During the winter months Auntie’s Tea Shop is open from 09:30 – 17:30 Mon-Fri, staying open until 18:30 on Saturdays and during the brighter summer months from 09:30 – 18:00. Open 7 Days per week.

For more information give the team a call on 01223 315641 or visit them online at www.auntiesteashop.co.uk

This article relates to the following Cambridge A-Z entry: Auntie’s Tea Shop

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