Our New Year’s Message to YOU
Our New Year's Message
As we enter our fifth year with gratitude (and a little fire in our bellies)
January gives us a chance to pause, reset and regroup.
After the twinkly lights come down and the Christmas rush quietens, The Tea Rooms feels different — calmer, softer, almost as if it’s taking a breath with us.
It’s in these quieter moments that we often find ourselves looking around the rooms and thinking, how did we get here?
Just over four years ago, this was simply a little idea and a lot of hope. A dream built from the love of baking and a belief that people still longed for places that felt kind — somewhere cosy that could exist in a busy, hurried world.
Back then, we had no idea what the journey would really look like. The highs, the challenges, the laughter, the learning, and the moments that would shape us along the way.
What we did know was that we wanted to create more than just a café.
Over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to witness some truly special moments. Watching strangers meet for the first time and become regulars, celebrating birthdays and milestones. Even being part of the planning for a surprise engagement in our function room — a moment we’ll never forget.
We’ve watched children grow taller with every visit, returning again and again for hot chocolate and waffles. We’ve welcomed new faces who leave as friends.
Running a small, independent business isn’t always easy, especially in a world that can feel uncertain at times. But what has carried us through, every single step of the way, has always been the same thing:
YOU
Your support.
Your loyalty.
Your smile at the door.
Your stories shared over tea.
Your trust in us to host your special moments.
Every visit, every kind word, every recommendation to a friend has helped this little place continue to grow, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.
The Tea Rooms have never been just about food.
Yes, we bake cakes and brew tea — but more than that, we strive to create a place where people feel safe, welcomed and at home. Somewhere, you can slow down. Somewhere you can bring your worries or your celebrations.
A place where you can sit for a while and feel looked after.
That’s why our tagline, “Arrive as a customer and leave as a friend,” isn’t just a phrase to us — it’s at the heart of everything we do.
As we step into this new year, we do so with gratitude in our hearts and a renewed sense of purpose. January is a time for comfort, warmth and gentle moments — and that’s exactly what we hope to continue offering you here.
And just between us… Behind the scenes, we’re quietly working on some exciting new ideas and experiences for the year ahead. We can’t wait to share them with you and to create even more special memories together.
So whether you’re popping in for a quiet cuppa, indulging in a slice of cake, or sharing an afternoon tea with someone special, please know how much it means to us that you choose to spend your time here.
Here’s to another year of stories, laughter, cake crumbs, and friendships around our tables.
From all of us at The Tea Rooms, thank you for being part of our journey.
With love and gratitude,
Natalie, Vicki & the whole Tea Rooms team
Festive Afternoon Teas & Christmas Magic at The Tea Rooms
It’s the most magical time of the year — and at The Tea Rooms, we love nothing more than turning our cosy space into a festive escape.
Whether you’re meeting friends before the madness, planning a special Christmas treat, or looking for a local gift that’s a little different — we’ve got you covered this December.
🎄 1. Festive Afternoon Teas That Feel Like a Hug
Our Christmas Afternoon Teas are full of seasonal flavours, sparkly touches, and cosy moments. From mini yule logs to spiced fruit scones and festive drinks, everything is homemade and full of cheer.
We recommend booking early — this is one of our most popular treats of the year, and tables go quickly!
🎁 2. Gift Cards & Treat Boxes Make Perfect Presents
Not sure what to get someone this year? Our gift cards are always a hit — and can be used for food, drink, or one of our themed afternoon teas.
Plus, we’ll be offering a limited run of festive treat boxes — keep an eye on our social media to grab one before they go.
🌟 3. A Moment of Calm in the Busy Season
December can be chaotic — but your time with us doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re popping in for a hot drink or booking a full tea, we want you to feel relaxed, welcomed, and full of cake.
If you're planning a small celebration or get-together, ask about our Wizard or Alice Rooms — they make a magical setting for festive fun.
🎅 Booking & Gifting Info:
Christmas Afternoon Teas run throughout December
Gift Cards available online or in store
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for updates on festive boxes and specials
Cosy Season at The Tea Rooms – Our Favourite Things About November
November might be the month between spooky season and full-on festive chaos, but here at The Tea Rooms, it’s one of our favourites.
It’s the time for slower mornings, warming drinks, and little treats to lift the darker days. If you’re craving calm, comfort, and maybe a good slice of something sweet — here’s what we’re loving this month.
☕ 1. Hot Drinks That Feel Like Hugs
Whether it’s a frothy cappuccino, a proper pot of tea, or a spiced seasonal latte, we serve all our drinks with care and attention. Our customers call them “comfort in a cup” — and that’s exactly what we’re going for.
🍰 2. Cakes That Taste Like Home
From warm ginger loaves to sticky toffee cake, we lean into flavours that feel nostalgic and grounding this time of year. You never really know what will be on the counter — that’s part of the fun — but it’s always homemade and full of flavour.
🧣 3. The Calm Before the Christmas Storm
November is that rare month where you can actually enjoy a moment of peace. Our Tea Room is the perfect spot to slow down, meet a friend, or sit with a book and a biscuit.
We’re also quietly prepping behind the scenes for some big festive moments — so stay tuned. ✨
🍽️ Book a Table
Whether you’re popping in for breakfast, lunch, or a relaxing afternoon tea, we’d love to welcome you.
Halloween in the Gothic Room – A Deliciously Dark Afternoon Tea Experience
When the nights get darker and the candles flicker a little more mysteriously, you know Halloween is creeping closer…
At The Tea Rooms, we lean all the way into spooky season with our Gothic Afternoon Tea — and October is when it truly shines. Here’s what to expect if you’re thinking of booking a table in our shadowy, candlelit Gothic Room this Halloween.
🕯️ 1. The Atmosphere Is Everything
Candlelight, skull accents, black lace… we don’t do “a few cobwebs in the corner.” Our Gothic Room is already beautifully moody year-round, but during Halloween, it goes next-level.
Expect a dark, decadent, and theatrical vibe — perfect for spooky selfies and themed outfits (which we definitely encourage).
🍰 2. Themed Treats for the Season
You’ll get our signature Gothic Afternoon Tea menu — with a few spooky surprises added in for October. Think black cocoa brownies, blood-red berry fillings, rich chocolate potions, and hauntingly good flavours.
It’s not a gimmick — it’s a full experience. Delicious food, stunning presentation, and a beautifully eerie atmosphere to enjoy it all in.
🕷️ 3. A Perfect Halloween Treat (Without the Trick)
Whether you’re looking for a grown-up Halloween celebration, a date night with a difference, or a way to treat yourself without facing the high street chaos, our Gothic Room is here to give you something completely unique.
Afternoon Tea meets October magic — and no costume required (unless you really want to).
🗓️ October Dates:
We only run a few Gothic Teas in October, and they always book out early.
October Half Term
Reserve your table soon — before it disappears into the shadows...
DRAG BINGO AT THE READY
✨ Drag Bingo at The Tea Rooms – A Night to Remember! 🎉
Get ready, Folkestone — something fabulous is coming your way! 💃✨
On Saturday 11th October 2025, The Tea Rooms will transform into a glittering stage for Drag Bingo, hosted by the one and only Betty Late’N Never. Expect an evening packed with:
🎤 Sassy entertainment & outrageous fun
🎁 Fantastic prizes to be won
🍸 A fully licensed bar to keep the drinks flowing
🎉 A buzzing atmosphere you’ll never forget
This is not your average bingo night — it’s bold, it’s hilarious, and it’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends and let your hair down.
📅 Date: Saturday 11th October 2025
🕢 Time: 7.30pm – 10.30pm
💷 Tickets: £15 per person
📍 Venue: The Tea Rooms, 29 Sandgate Rd, Folkestone
🎟️ Tickets are limited — so book today!
👉 Call us on 01303 251364 or pop in-store to secure your place.
Don’t miss out — let’s make this a night Folkestone will be talking about long after the last number is called!
#DragBingo #FolkestoneEvents #TheTeaRoomsFolkestone #NightOut #BingoWithATwist
DRAG BINGO AT THE READY
✨ Drag Bingo at The Tea Rooms – A Night to Remember! 🎉
Get ready, Folkestone — something fabulous is coming your way! 💃✨
On Saturday 11th October 2025, The Tea Rooms will transform into a glittering stage for Drag Bingo, hosted by the one and only Betty Late’N Never. Expect an evening packed with:
🎤 Sassy entertainment & outrageous fun
🎁 Fantastic prizes to be won
🍸 A fully licensed bar to keep the drinks flowing
🎉 A buzzing atmosphere you’ll never forget
This is not your average bingo night — it’s bold, it’s hilarious, and it’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends and let your hair down.
📅 Date: Saturday 11th October 2025
🕢 Time: 7.30pm – 10.30pm
💷 Tickets: £15 per person
📍 Venue: The Tea Rooms, 29 Sandgate Rd, Folkestone
🎟️ Tickets are limited — so book today!
👉 Call us on 01303 251364 or pop in-store to secure your place.
Don’t miss out — let’s make this a night Folkestone will be talking about long after the last number is called!
#DragBingo #FolkestoneEvents #TheTeaRoomsFolkestone #NightOut #BingoWithATwist
DRAG BINGO AT THE READY
✨ Drag Bingo at The Tea Rooms – A Night to Remember! 🎉
Get ready, Folkestone — something fabulous is coming your way! 💃✨
On Saturday 11th October 2025, The Tea Rooms will transform into a glittering stage for Drag Bingo, hosted by the one and only Betty Late’N Never. Expect an evening packed with:
🎤 Sassy entertainment & outrageous fun
🎁 Fantastic prizes to be won
🍸 A fully licensed bar to keep the drinks flowing
🎉 A buzzing atmosphere you’ll never forget
This is not your average bingo night — it’s bold, it’s hilarious, and it’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends and let your hair down.
📅 Date: Saturday 11th October 2025
🕢 Time: 7.30pm – 10.30pm
💷 Tickets: £15 per person
📍 Venue: The Tea Rooms, 29 Sandgate Rd, Folkestone
🎟️ Tickets are limited — so book today!
👉 Call us on 01303 251364 or pop in-store to secure your place.
Don’t miss out — let’s make this a night Folkestone will be talking about long after the last number is called!
#DragBingo #FolkestoneEvents #TheTeaRoomsFolkestone #NightOut #BingoWithATwist
Afternoon Tea Etiquette – The Tea Rooms Way
Afternoon Tea might be rooted in tradition, but here at The Tea Rooms, we like to mix classic charm with a big dollop of personality.
So whether you’re visiting for your first ever Afternoon Tea or you’re a seasoned scone-scoffer, here’s our light-hearted guide to Afternoon Tea etiquette — The Tea Rooms way.
☕ 1. Pinkies Up? Totally Optional.
You can hold your teacup however you like — pinkie out, in, or wrapped around the whole thing like it’s your lifeline. We won’t judge. (Okay, maybe just a tiny bit if it’s two hands and slurping 😆)
🍰 2. Scones: Cream or Jam First?
This is the age-old debate. In Kent, we do love a bit of jam on first… but honestly, we’re happy as long as you’re enjoying yourself and not starting a food fight.
Just please, don’t call them "skawns" — it’s "scones" as in “cones”. (We’re kidding. Kind of.)
🧁 3. It's Totally Fine to Eat the Top Tier First
Tradition says to start with savouries and work your way up, but hey — life’s short and that lemon drizzle might be calling your name. We believe in cake before rules.
🥂 4. It’s an Occasion, So Make it Yours
Afternoon Tea should feel like a treat — whether it’s a birthday, catch-up, date day, or solo break. Dress up, dress down, sip slowly or devour every crumb. There’s no right way… only your way.
💬 Planning Your First Visit?
We’d love to welcome you. Whether you’re booking our standard Afternoon Tea or going all-out with a themed experience in the Wizard, Alice, or Gothic Room — we promise it’ll be special.
Behind the Scenes: What Goes Into Our Cakes at The Tea Rooms
Ever wonder what it takes to make those beautiful cakes you see on our counter — or in the party rooms?
At The Tea Rooms, every single cake is made from scratch with care, creativity, and a whole lot of love (plus a bit of icing sugar in our hair). In this post, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show you what really goes into the bakes that make our customers smile.
🧁 1. It Starts Early (and With a Very Good Playlist)
We’re in the kitchen before the sun’s up, prepping ingredients, preheating ovens, and setting the tone for the day. The smell of melted chocolate and baked sponge before 8am? It’s the dream. (Well, some mornings 😅)
And yes — there’s always music playing. Baking without a good soundtrack is just mixing.
🎂 2. Every Cake Has a Story
From custom birthday cakes to themed party desserts and afternoon tea favourites, each bake is made with someone in mind. We consider flavours, decorations, colours, and often get customer requests that add a personal twist.
Whether it’s a gothic treat for a themed event, or a stack of cupcakes for a child’s party — every single item is decorated by hand with love and care.
🧺 3. It’s Not Just About Looks — It’s About Quality
We use real ingredients (no cake mix shortcuts here), and we store and serve everything with care. That’s part of why our cakes taste as good as they look — and why we keep hearing, “That was the best cake I’ve ever had.”
💬 Want to Order a Cake?
If you’re planning a celebration, a themed event, or just want something a bit special — get in touch! We offer bespoke cakes, treat boxes, and can often add personalised extras too.
Why Our Wizard Room Is the Most Magical Party Spot in Folkestone
If you’re looking for a birthday party, celebration, or afternoon tea with a little extra magic, our Wizard Room might just be the perfect escape from the ordinary.
Hidden behind a brick wall and flickering candlelight, this themed room at The Tea Rooms in Folkestone is something really special. Here’s why it’s become one of the most talked-about party rooms around:
🪄 1. It Feels Like Stepping Into Another World
From enchanted décor and potion bottles to spellbound snacks and floating candles, the entire space has been designed to feel like a wizarding classroom — but much cosier (and tastier!).
It’s full of charm and mystery, perfect for fans of a certain magical world or anyone who loves a bit of fantasy with their afternoon tea.
🍰 2. The Food is Worthy of a Great Hall
Our Wizard Afternoon Tea includes a mix of magical savoury bites and sweet treats, themed drinks like Polyjuice Punch and Butterbeer, and even optional extras like a Potion Class to really bring the magic to life.
We also offer full Wizard Birthday Party Packages, including games, a party host, and themed decorations — you just bring the guests and we handle the magic!
🎉 3. It’s Made for Special Occasions (and Great Photos)
Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, family day out, or surprise gift for a fan, the Wizard Room is all about making memories. We’ve had witches, wizards, and even dragons celebrate here — and everyone leaves smiling.
🗓️ Booking Info:
The Wizard Room is available to book for private events, and Wizard Afternoon Teas run on select dates during school holidays.
Spaces are limited and fill up quickly — especially during half term — so we always recommend booking in advance.
3 Reasons People Are Talking About Our Gothic Afternoon Tea in Folkestone
From candlelight to cake stands – here's why our Gothic Afternoon Tea is turning heads in Folkestone.
If you’ve been hunting for an afternoon tea that’s a little less pastel and a little more dramatic — you’ve just found it.
Our Gothic Afternoon Tea isn’t just about food (though yes, it’s delicious). It’s about the atmosphere, the detail, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into another world. Here’s why people can’t stop talking about it:
🕯️ 1. The Setting is Pure Theatre
From flickering candles, to moody stautes, our gothic setup is all about immersive atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just love a darker aesthetic, it’s moody, magical, and totally Instagram-worthy.
🧁 2. The Food is to Die For
We’ve taken the traditional afternoon tea and given it a luxurious twist — think rich flavours, seasonal ingredients, and a balance of sweet and savoury that leaves you satisfied and enchanted. Served with you r very own blood bag drink, and the option to add a cheeky potion (Vodka), if you're feeling fancy.
🎃 3. It’s a One-of-a-Kind Experience in Folkestone
You won’t find anything like this locally. It’s alternative, beautifully done, and a total treat whether you’re coming as a couple, a group of friends, or celebrating a special occasion.
🖤 Upcoming Gothic Afternoon Tea Dates:
Sunday June 22nd 12:30-14:30
Booking is essential — spaces go quickly and we keep the experience intimate.