Alfriston and the surrounding area are always worth a visit. The little pocket of countryside in between Polegate to the east, Seaford to the south west and Drusilla’s Zoo to the north has so many “not so” hidden treasures, you could easily lose yourself here for a week. There’s Rathfinny vineyard, a brewery, the Long Man at Wilmington and the White Horse, stories of smugglers, Filching Manor Motor Museum, Friston Place and Forest, The Clergy House, and so the list goes on. And as you drift around the area in a bubble of history, stunning views and great local produce, you could do a lot worse than come to land at The Singing Kettle Teahouse in the centre of Alfriston.
Where is it?
Set in a 15thcentury flint cottage and former smithy, The Singing Kettle is right in the heart of the village, looking on to the Market Cross. It’s close to the amazing village shop (which dates back to 1406) and almost next to Ye Olde Smugglers Inne and one of the best bookshops I’ve ever visited (Much Ado About Books). The Singing Kettle has seating on the pavement in the front, inside and in a tiny and very sweet little courtyard at the back. It’s a great little spot for watching the world go by from and on a sunny day, a happy sun trap!
What’s on the menu?
They have a breakfast menu and lunch menu (with vegan and vegetarian options) as well as an afternoon tea and cake menu with homemade cakes (including gluten-free and vegan options). Happy days. Trying to be healthy, we opted for salads. Think roasted beetroot and grilled goat’s cheese, toasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses for me and smoked salmon and avocado for my friend.
We were served swiftly and our food was beautifully presented and so healthy that we felt honour bound to ourselves to wash it all down with a wholesome slice of cake and some local Folkington’s fruit juice (as we had just visited their HQ). Our salads were less than £10 each.
We didn’t have time to linger but as you might expect from a teahouse, they have a fabulous range of teas too!
What makes them special?
Well apart from their amazing location (you must visit the bookshop) and picture-postcard looks, our service was superb and our waitress couldn’t have been more helpful, charming and bubbly! Big thumbs up from us and we’ll be back!
If you’ve enjoyed this Pitts-Stop at The Singing Kettle Teahouse, Alfriston, you may also like:
