I grew up and went to school a stones throw away from Farmer Copley’s on the outskirts of Pontefract, West Yorkshire but until this visit for afternoon tea had never visited.

For a long time I thought it was going to be an overpriced farm shop and café, especially given it has won awards and hosts a variety of events throughout the year making it a bit of a tourist spot, but this visit proved me wrong.

The staff were all incredibly friendly and welcoming whilst assisting where possible and not at all rushing us throughout the whole experience. One of them had a lovely little chat about her nails and it’s simple interactions like that where it isn’t part of the experience in itself that really makes somewhere feel homely and that they see you as a person not just a customer on a seat.

We went for one of the classic afternoon teas and a savoury one and did some splitting, sharing and swapping to get a great combination for each of us. We also got pots of green tea and we were able to get these refilled as well so a lot of happy slurps were done.

I mainly had the savoury afternoon tea and I was truly impressed by a couple of items specifically; The scotch egg was great and you could tell it was made with passion and love to get it a good texture and ratio throughout and the piccalilli… The piccalilli came as a bit of a shock initially as it packed such a punch but it made me realise what really good stuff should be like with it. I might have to get some from the farm shop in the future when I run low on my current supply.

Both of the scones were fantastic as well, as we had half of these each, and the size was on the large size. You certainly cannot say that they skimp on the portions here either.

We shared some of the desserts, including that famous vanilla slice, and oh they were fantastic. I think you can buy some of the desserts to go or stand alone and that will certainly be something on my to-do list in the future based on this selection today. That vanilla slice was rich, indulgent, sticky and yet light and airy and of course full of flavour at the same time. I am unsure if I will ever be able to return to a more regular vanilla slice with quite the same enthusiasm after giving this one a go.

I feel so bad on sleeping on going to such a local spot for so many years but I am absolutely delighted to have finally visited and might take another trip soon (if I do I might share with you whatever I get or get up to) and especially with them having the pumpkin picking seasonal event perhaps I should get a cute little pumpkin to increase my autumnal/halloween vibes.

Farmer Copley’s Afternoon Tea and Savoury Afternoon Tea is £22 Per Person (or two for £40 after 3pm).
Booking in advance is not required and whilst the restaurant is large during peak times and days you may need to wait for a seat to be available.