The tea room is tucked away in a corner of the impressive courtyard of “Chirk Castle.”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/stately_homes_castles/wales/chirk/index.html On fine days there is additional seating in the courtyard or there is extra seating in the bottom of the corner tower.
There is a small serving area in the old kitchen, still with a spit on the wall and cast iron warming cupboard. The tower has a low ceiling with hanging ‘lantern lights’. Tables and chairs are dark wood.
Being mid afternoon, most of us went for cake, although son in law decided on soup to warm him up as it was a cold, damp day. This was leek and potato and quickly appeared in a big bowl with big chunks of bread. He said it was delicious and at £4.50 was good value.
I chose the coffee and walnut cake (£2.75) which was a big slice of moist coffee sponge with pieces of walnut and half walnuts arranged on the icing. My only criticism would be the chips of peanuts round the sides of the cake, as I am not a great one for peanuts. The two grandchildren shared a slice of chocolate cake (£2.75) which disappeared rapidly and, apart from a few crumbs, there was nothing for me to sample.
Daughter had a scone and jam which, with a cup of tea was classified as a ‘Cream tea for £4, even though she didn’t want the cream with it. It was a big scone and came with a small jar of Tiptree strawberry jam. She enjoyed it.
There was also Victoria sponge or shortbread biscuits and they do hot meals at lunchtimes.
We always enjoy National Trust cafes which usually provide a range of good cakes and reasonable prices. This is no exception.
