Beeston gets a new 'tea house' and an 'outdoor' shop

We paid our first visit to the new Rudyards 'tea house' on Beeston High Road at the end of last week and enjoyed lovely cups of tea, together with a scone and Irish tea bread, all for just over £6, which we thought good value for quality teas and cake.

The two ladies looking after things were bright and cheery, which always makes a difference and Rudyards light airy inside added to the sense of restfulness one had. There felt no need to rush, to move on, and with its large front windows overlooking the High Road it was the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.

I am sure we will visit again below too long, but one of the problems of living a few minutes walk from Beeston High Road is that we do not stop for tea or coffee enough. The urge is always there to get home where we are guaranteed a good cup of tea or coffee.

Loose tea in Rudyards is pricey —  £4.50 for 100g, whereas we buy Taylors of Harrogate Earl Grey and Assam in bulk from Park Stores on Derby Road, near the north entrance to The Park Estate for £2.50. It's excellent tea, which we blend together and have done so for the last forty years.

So, in the order of things, where do I rate Rudyards? Well, I have to say they are up there with Time for Tea on Wollaton Road for quality and service, with an ambiance to match, but when it comes to the view, then Rudyards is the winner.

For now though, Time for Tea does better cake and serves other food as well. I have written about their poached eggs before and this seems like a perfect moment to remind of what you are missing if you have not experienced Time for Teas poached eggs:

I understand Rudyards are planning to serve other food as well, so it is still early days. I will go back in the next couple of weeks to update myself. In the meantime, why not go Rudyards and make up your mind about their tea(s) and cake. Go on, treat yourself. You know you deserve it!

Then there is the Magic Mountain, due to 'open shortly' according to a sign in the window. This little shop is tucked away, behind the High Road, on Vernon Avenue, which runs between Villa Street and Wollaton Road, so you will have to go in search of the Magic Mountain if you want to find it.

Right now, all you can do is peer through the windows, but I walk down Villa Street several times a week, so I will keep checking and let you know when it opens. Their website says 'Your newest outdoor retailer is opening on 24th June 2016'. It's fully stocked with goodies and has been for some weeks.