Topic ID 1579
Has anyone been here?? I went yesterday and have to say how lovely it is. Great gardens, lovely cafe, and the food was good and reasonably priced too - about £4.50 from memory for a cream tea. A great addition to hertford.[:p][:p][:p]
Reply ID 19370
Where abouts is it?
Reply ID 19371
Its accessed via gate in wall at top end of church st. Mrs Jimbo has enjoyed this new establishment and I can't wait for an opportunity to go there.
Reply ID 19373
is it wheelchair accessible ??
Reply ID 19380
i went in with a pram, and there wasn't a problem. it is a downstairs room, so no stairs involved. only issue might be that the tables are quite close together. but staff were helpful and i'm sure would move tables/chairs out of the way if need be.
Reply ID 19381
It is in the house where Stewart Humphries the Osteopath used to live. It is a lovely setting. Their scones are huge, eat one of those and you won't be hungry for a long time.
Reply ID 19384
ohh i keep seeing the sign from Gascoyne Way! Do they have high chairs in there??
Reply ID 19411
It is very refreshing to see The Old Vicarage Tea Room open. It is nice to be able to order from a really good selection of teas and without having to use words such as 'grande'. The garden is lovely there and the staff were spot on.
Reply ID 19509
Cannot recommend this enough! Went yesterday and I am definately going back - would love to go everyday but can't see that 2 massive scones are going to do the waistline any justice on a daily consumption. Decided on a weekly treat. Sat out in the garden and it was like being at a stately home. Had the 2 scone, pot of tea deal (£4.75) and have to say it was worth every penny. They need more chairs and tables outside though as a number of people came in and were disappointed to have to sit inside on such a lovely day. Saw someone leave as they wanted a sandwich which the cafe don't provide - only teas, scones and cakes. I didn't mind this at all but maybe it would be worth considering Old Vicarage if you want to make an extra buck. Nothing fancy just some little cucumber sandwiches or something....... Will definately be bringing in some of the friends and family from abroad in there so they can experience a true English tea and scone (yah dahhling). Great work - can't recommend it enough!!!
Reply ID 19510
quote:Couldn't agree more. We went for the two-scone cream tea at the weekend and ended up so full that we decided to walk home the long way round, pushing the pram up Port Hill to try and work off some of the clotted cream. A delightful place - great to have proper leaf tea from a proper pot out of proper cups. Don't mind about not doing sarnies - cakes and biscuits will do me just fine [:p]
Originally posted by sasswa
Cannot recommend this enough! Went yesterday and I am definately going back - would love to go everyday but can't see that 2 massive scones are going to do the waistline any justice on a daily consumption. Decided on a weekly treat. Sat out in the garden and it was like being at a stately home. Had the 2 scone, pot of tea deal (£4.75) and have to say it was worth every penny. They need more chairs and tables outside though as a number of people came in and were disappointed to have to sit inside on such a lovely day. Saw someone leave as they wanted a sandwich which the cafe don't provide - only teas, scones and cakes. I didn't mind this at all but maybe it would be worth considering Old Vicarage if you want to make an extra buck. Nothing fancy just some little cucumber sandwiches or something....... Will definately be bringing in some of the friends and family from abroad in there so they can experience a true English tea and scone (yah dahhling). Great work - can't recommend it enough!!!
Reply ID 19579
Went in just after opening time (noon) on Wednesday and the tables were already all occupied. I think there were only four or five on the lawn and one outside the cafe. Space for a few more I would say.
Reply ID 19725
My friend and I went there last Saturday. It was lovely, weather made it also. we were sitting in the garden with a pot of tea and cream scone - what more could you ask for?
Reply ID 19738
Is it noisy being near the A414?
Reply ID 19755
quote:Yes. And it is more than noticeable but the measure of the place is that nobody who has been there has wanted to raise this point as a criticism.
Originally posted by Willow
Is it noisy being near the A414?
Reply ID 19758
quote:The 12ft high wall does cut out the worst of it. Once you're sat with your mouth stuffed with scone, you hardly notice the noise [8D]
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Yes. And it is more than noticeable but the measure of the place is that nobody who has been there has wanted to raise this point as a criticism.
Originally posted by Willow
Is it noisy being near the A414?
Reply ID 19769
Thanks - may well give it a try this w/e.
Reply ID 21164
Mrs Joby went for her usual Wednesday scone today only to find they have doubled the price of a cream tea to £9! Can't say that sounds like a good move - how many people are going to fork out the best part of a tenner for a couple of scones? Lovely as it is, I shan't be going back with prices like that. I guess they must be struggling - a real shame.
Reply ID 21165
Ouch! Was it a mistake???? Betty's in York and Sally Lunn's in Bath will see you spend no more than £6.50 for the same.
Reply ID 21168
quote:Bit of a scone afficionado then?
Originally posted by Ewoowar
Ouch! Was it a mistake???? Betty's in York and Sally Lunn's in Bath will see you spend no more than £6.50 for the same.
Reply ID 21262
My first visit there today - nearly fell off my chair when the bill arrived. 2 teas, 3 mineral waters and 3 apple juices came to nearly 27 quid! [:0] As we left we spotted a notice apologising for the recent price hike - bone china, has to be washed by hand etc. Good service, lovely setting etc. etc., but at those prices no thanks.
Reply ID 21264
I think we can take it that they will not be in business very long. What a shame, what on earth do they think they are doing??
Reply ID 21269
quote:Beer today, scone tomorrow...........but perhaps not in Hertford.
Originally posted by justinquote:Bit of a scone afficionado then?
Originally posted by Ewoowar
Ouch! Was it a mistake???? Betty's in York and Sally Lunn's in Bath will see you spend no more than £6.50 for the same.
Reply ID 21270
I still haven't managed to visit the tea rooms - but at that price I will be giving it a wide berth.
Reply ID 21491
Christ alive £9! I was going to check it out this week but will have to give it a swerve. The last time I bought a cream tea was in not-cheap Aldeburgh and cost about five or six quid.
Reply ID 21506
Seem to remember when we went there it was a fiver for 2 teas. Lovely tea but shame its too expensive to consider going again.
Reply ID 22600
I was going there today with a friend - fortunately I happened to speak to another friend who informed of the price increase. So we've just been to Serendipity - £2.50 for a cream tea, yes a pot of tea, loads of clotted cream, 2 pats of butter and a small jar of jam, oh yes, and a scone. Why have the Old Vicarage had to DOUBLE their prices? Surely washing up by hand doesn't cost that much more. Hopefully they will read the forum comments and have a rethink.
Reply ID 22601
Serendipity - is that the place down near Waitrose in Bircheley Green?
Reply ID 22602
Yes - they have a HUGE menu that takes half your lunch-hour to read and decide what to have.
Reply ID 22614
Prices apart, is the new one like Scarboroughs of old? I think that was the name of the old tea rooms near the war memorial.
Reply ID 22629
Looks like I won't be popping in there with those prices. I've stopped going to Serendipity too because of their price Vs quality. Looks like I'm going to run out of places! Whats Alfies like???
Reply ID 22664
Just heard £3.30 a cup of tea now in Vic Tea Rooms ! That'll really keep the riff-raff out!!
Reply ID 22679
We walked up to the Vic Tea Rooms & had a look at the menu - at those prices we turned around straight away.
Reply ID 22888
If you're looking for somewhere unique then The Old Vicarage Tea Room is the place. Specialising in tasty homemade cakes (made by the proprietor I've heard) and quality loose leaf fine teas are a plenty, amongst other things. None of that mass produced stuff which you pay only a little less for. I've found that the service can't be matched anywhere else in the area and I particularly look forward to seeing what dainty china set has been chosen for me each time. The whole experience is like Laura Ashley meets a secret garden. Lets be honest, we all like the finer things in life occasionally or perhaps frequently for some, so to remark on what people have said about the prices then they simply reflect the great standards in every aspect!!
Reply ID 22898
i find waiting 1/2 an hour for any service at all slightly slow! i agree about prices though for loose leaf tea, delicious freshly made cakes and fine bone china, you get what you pay for.
Reply ID 23103
quote:Sorry twinny - is this a forum post or a press release? This is your first post, so assuming you are posting this as an 'independant' reviewer (and even if you are not), no one is doubting the quality of the product. But people will none the less weigh up the cost - and as we have seen from the majority of posts, vote with their feet. Tea at the Ritz it ain't.
If you're looking for somewhere unique then The Old Vicarage Tea Room is the place. Specialising in tasty homemade cakes (made by the proprietor I've heard) and quality loose leaf fine teas are a plenty, amongst other things. None of that mass produced stuff which you pay only a little less for. I've found that the service can't be matched anywhere else in the area and I particularly look forward to seeing what dainty china set has been chosen for me each time. The whole experience is like Laura Ashley meets a secret garden. Lets be honest, we all like the finer things in life occasionally or perhaps frequently for some, so to remark on what people have said about the prices then they simply reflect the great standards in every aspect!!
Reply ID 23108
quote:Twinny's post did not read like a press release to me but more like that of someone who enjoyed the Old Vicarage. Given the recent negative posts I found it refreshing to see something positive. Let's face it, they still offer something diffrent.
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Sorry twinny - is this a forum post or a press release? This is your first post, so assuming you are posting this as an 'independant' reviewer (and even if you are not), no one is doubting the quality of the product. But people will none the less weigh up the cost - and as we have seen from the majority of posts, vote with their feet. Tea at the Ritz it ain't.
If you're looking for somewhere unique then The Old Vicarage Tea Room is the place. Specialising in tasty homemade cakes (made by the proprietor I've heard) and quality loose leaf fine teas are a plenty, amongst other things. None of that mass produced stuff which you pay only a little less for. I've found that the service can't be matched anywhere else in the area and I particularly look forward to seeing what dainty china set has been chosen for me each time. The whole experience is like Laura Ashley meets a secret garden. Lets be honest, we all like the finer things in life occasionally or perhaps frequently for some, so to remark on what people have said about the prices then they simply reflect the great standards in every aspect!!
Reply ID 23116
I haven't been but will go and take a look – as it makes a change, although if I don’t think its value for money then I simply won’t go again and I suspect that is the same for many people. Re: Twinny. It did read like a press release. I’m sure it is from an independent reviewer. However, it’s just strange that their first ever post, and their only post (to date), seemed to read like it was from someone perhaps not so indpenant. They took the trouble to read the terms, create an account, read through the forums, decide to post a review and then leave never wanting to have a say on anything else.
Reply ID 23118
Deff a tweaked press release ! - will deff give it a try soon though (1 tea and scone to share between 3...)
Reply ID 23403
And still Twinny fails to return!....hmmmmm
Reply ID 23634
I find it very sad that the people criticising this tearoom seem more concerned with a few pounds then the quality of the tea and cakes. Obviously goes to show that if all you can afford is greasy spoon cafe prices than that’s where you need to stay. As for the recent critique of someone who was rather intelligently vocal on the upstanding quality of the Tea Rooms merchandise I can only say, do you have nothing better to do?
Reply ID 23636
I find it very sad that someone joins a forum just to have a go at other members, rather than making a positive contribution to a discussion.
Reply ID 23637
quote:If you read the whole thread you will see many posts commenting on the quality of the Old Vicarage Tea Rooms and the food they serve. I think most people were very positive. However when the prices went up people quite rightly commented negatively. I don't think anybody has said that the quality has deteriorated.
Originally posted by TeaRoomWarrior
I find it very sad that the people criticising this tearoom seem more concerned with a few pounds then the quality of the tea and cakes. Obviously goes to show that if all you can afford is greasy spoon cafe prices than that’s where you need to stay. As for the recent critique of someone who was rather intelligently vocal on the upstanding quality of the Tea Rooms merchandise I can only say, do you have nothing better to do?
Reply ID 23641
quote:[:)]Lol. My sadness remains towards those who negatively debate the worthwhile comments of those who enjoy the fine ambience, service and quality of the Vicarage Tea Rooms and those who quibble over a few pounds. As everyone else seems to be welcome with their negative comments towards those who have worthwhile comments I obviously stick out as a trouble maker. I enjoy comments of those who have had positive experiences of these Hertofrd Tea Rooms and comiserate with those who find it just a little too pricy for them, but the fact remains this is a unique and fine establishment that is worth the custom of those who are refined in their Tea and Cake indulgences. And yes I have read the previous posts. Thanks.
Originally posted by Steve
I find it very sad that someone joins a forum just to have a go at other members, rather than making a positive contribution to a discussion.
Reply ID 23645
quote:As far as I can tell, nobody has ever questioned the quality. But this is more than "a few pounds" - the prices virtually doubled overnight, and any business doing that is going to draw a negative reaction. Deservedly so. The new prices don't reflect what the product is worth, but rather the price needed to keep the place afloat. If you're happy to pay for someone's poor business planning, then fair enough. Whichever way you look at it, £9 for a cream tea is extortionate, however 'refined your tea and cake indulgences.' I'm happy to pay for quality, and generally do so, but I don't appreciate being ripped off.
Originally posted by TeaRoomWarrior
I find it very sad that the people criticising this tearoom seem more concerned with a few pounds then the quality of the tea and cakes. Obviously goes to show that if all you can afford is greasy spoon cafe prices than that’s where you need to stay. As for the recent critique of someone who was rather intelligently vocal on the upstanding quality of the Tea Rooms merchandise I can only say, do you have nothing better to do?
Reply ID 23646
quote:At £9 for a cream tea I don't think a 'quibble' as you quaintly put it is unjustified! The posts on this were 100% positive until the price hike. I have just arrived back from a week in Devon/Cornwall where a cream tea in Tintagel (i.e as touristy as you can get - so charge whatever you want) costs no more than £3.95 for two massive scones, mountains of cream and jam, and a cup of decent tea in a china cup. It seems to me that the OVTR proprietors (if not you TeaRoomWarrior!)are trying to maximise income while the summer sun has been shining (admittedly not this week)because the pleasant garden surroundings are undoubtedly an attraction. I can't see the same amount of customer flow in the middle of November at those prices. The tea room may have delicate little cups but dont try and make us into mugs.
those who quibble over a few pounds
Reply ID 23650
quote:I am really bored with jargon and I am not that bothered about the price of cream teas to be honest. Help me, what does OVTR mean? Am I the only one losing the will to live?
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:At £9 for a cream tea I don't think a 'quibble' as you quaintly put it is unjustified! The posts on this were 100% positive until the price hike. I have just arrived back from a week in Devon/Cornwall where a cream tea in Tintagel (i.e as touristy as you can get - so charge whatever you want) costs no more than £3.95 for two massive scones, mountains of cream and jam, and a cup of decent tea in a china cup. It seems to me that the OVTR proprietors (if not you TeaRoomWarrior!)are trying to maximise income while the summer sun has been shining (admittedly not this week)because the pleasant garden surroundings are undoubtedly an attraction. I can't see the same amount of customer flow in the middle of November at those prices. The tea room may have delicate little cups but dont try and make us into mugs.
those who quibble over a few pounds
Reply ID 23653
quote:Have a wild guess berbatov
Originally posted by Berbatovquote:I am really bored with jargon and I am not that bothered about the price of cream teas to be honest. Help me, what does OVTR mean? Am I the only one losing the will to live?
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:At £9 for a cream tea I don't think a 'quibble' as you quaintly put it is unjustified! The posts on this were 100% positive until the price hike. I have just arrived back from a week in Devon/Cornwall where a cream tea in Tintagel (i.e as touristy as you can get - so charge whatever you want) costs no more than £3.95 for two massive scones, mountains of cream and jam, and a cup of decent tea in a china cup. It seems to me that the OVTR proprietors (if not you TeaRoomWarrior!)are trying to maximise income while the summer sun has been shining (admittedly not this week)because the pleasant garden surroundings are undoubtedly an attraction. I can't see the same amount of customer flow in the middle of November at those prices. The tea room may have delicate little cups but dont try and make us into mugs.
those who quibble over a few pounds
Reply ID 23661
quote:I will give you a clue. The title of the thread is Old Vicarage Tea Rooms. Doh!!
Originally posted by Berbatovquote:I am really bored with jargon and I am not that bothered about the price of cream teas to be honest. Help me, what does OVTR mean? Am I the only one losing the will to live?
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:At £9 for a cream tea I don't think a 'quibble' as you quaintly put it is unjustified! The posts on this were 100% positive until the price hike. I have just arrived back from a week in Devon/Cornwall where a cream tea in Tintagel (i.e as touristy as you can get - so charge whatever you want) costs no more than £3.95 for two massive scones, mountains of cream and jam, and a cup of decent tea in a china cup. It seems to me that the OVTR proprietors (if not you TeaRoomWarrior!)are trying to maximise income while the summer sun has been shining (admittedly not this week)because the pleasant garden surroundings are undoubtedly an attraction. I can't see the same amount of customer flow in the middle of November at those prices. The tea room may have delicate little cups but dont try and make us into mugs.
those who quibble over a few pounds
Reply ID 23709
It's a shame about the price increases as it is a lovely venue. I hope it does not put them out of business. Maybe they could have changed the crockery to something machine washable and kept the prices down! I have been for a couple of treats but can't justify the new prices to myself, shame.[:(]
Reply ID 23820
quote:Whilst enjoying the finer elements of the tea trade, you unfortunately seem to be somewhat lacking in the field of retail business. Price verses quality is not quantifiable, and is therefore lead by the customer in every case. It is not for you, or anyone else, to dictate what is an acceptable standard or level. You misguided post is attacking the nature of those who are willing to voice an opinion about the prices, which in market terms, are very high. Unfortunately, if the tea room takes your business approach, it will find itself out of business a lot quicker than the greasy spoon you seem to look down upon. The greasy spoons of Hertford seem to understand their customers. Judging by the posts I am reading here, the Tea Room does not.
Originally posted by TeaRoomWarrior
I find it very sad that the people criticising this tearoom seem more concerned with a few pounds then the quality of the tea and cakes. Obviously goes to show that if all you can afford is greasy spoon cafe prices than that’s where you need to stay. As for the recent critique of someone who was rather intelligently vocal on the upstanding quality of the Tea Rooms merchandise I can only say, do you have nothing better to do?
Reply ID 23842
Doubling prices over night can damage - and probably has damaged - the reputation of this business. A good reputation is a difficult thing to claw back and the public can be fickle. If OVTR's business plan was flawed enough to cause this hike I worry for the longevity of the business as this is a reflection of the proprietor's business skills. Bear in mind that in the specialised food industry it can take up to 3 years to make a profit and for word of mouth to spread to ensure regular levels of custom. It is wiser to introduce new lines at a larger price than to increase the original price by such a huge margin. A possibli-tea (sorry) is to reduce the price to £5 for cream teas and introduce a £15 tea along the style of the London hotels: a set number of pots of tea per person and a selection of bite-sized fancies on a tiered cake stand - again with a set number of refills. Admittedly, the London hotel's teas are bottomles, but they have the rooms to offset the cost of production. How about catering for parties for all ages? Hertford is a tricky market and full of discerning people with a canny eye for expenditure.[:)] BTW has anyone seen their advertising? I'd be interested to read it.[:)]
Reply ID 23854
quote:Exactly Mr P and unfortunately in this case I reckon the word of mouth will go something like "it's really nice there but the prices......" Also, I would add that "if all you can afford is greasy spoon cafe prices than that’s where you need to stay" may be the most downright bloody patronising and insulting comment I have ever read on this forum. If, as I strongly suspect, TeaRoomWarrier is connected with the OVTR then with that arrogant attitude they don't deserve the business, even if they were selling cakes for tuppence.
it can take up to 3 years to make a profit and for word of mouth to spread to ensure regular levels of custom
Reply ID 23866
quote:And a comment adding more damage to OVTR's reputation. I haven't yet been to OVTR. I'm curious about them because they have been praised by many and not just by people on this forum. I was going to drag along the beloved and then the prices went up; it put me off until a particular occasion merited a visit (like a visit from the mother-in-law[xx(][:D]). TRW's posts have put me off altogether. I like being teated as an equal, not pigeon-holed into a financial strata of someone else's perceptions of society. It would appear that TRW has not judged Hertford's demographics effectively.
Originally posted by Leo Densian
... "if all you can afford is greasy spoon cafe prices than that’s where you need to stay" may be the most downright bloody patronising and insulting comment... If, as I strongly suspect, TeaRoomWarrier is connected with the OVTR ...
Reply ID 23919
I don't think TRW has said he is connected to the tea rooms, I would agree it is likely, but we should be careful and say he is 'allegedly' connected to the tea rooms.[;)]
Reply ID 24357
Well, having read the comments made about me and my feedback on the OVTR I'm astonished! I happen to be just a normal member of the public not an 'independent reviewer'!!!!! So what if I 'only just joined and I haven't written since'. If a venue is noteworthy (from personal experience) then I will write. This is supposed to be a forum for individual feedback on places we have visited whether it be a positive or negative experience, not a forum to slate other peoples perceptions or calculate who they are. Some of you members are getting rather carried away, please revert to concentrating on writing reviews about places not other members!
Reply ID 24362
If you had made posts on other subjects as well as the Tea Rooms it may have made me, for one, less suspicious!
Reply ID 24366
quote:or SHE!!! Or is twinny and TRW, one and the same?? Admin - you can tell can't you!
Originally posted by wizkid
I don't think TRW has said he is connected to the tea rooms, I would agree it is likely, but we should be careful and say he is 'allegedly' connected to the tea rooms.[;)]
Reply ID 24367
Multiple registrations are prohibited
Reply ID 24371
[:)] To all those who feel the need to wrangle/debate and subsequently get thoroughly confused as to whether I am the proprieter. Let me CLEAR IT UP FOR YA! I AM NOT! Oh but you probably will still get your knickers in a twist anyway. LOL As to whether the prices indicate good business acumen or not that is really not what this forum is for. The Tea and Cakes are still great by the way and the price suits me fine for such quality. Oh and Tintagel tea rooms for the masses, I don't think quite qualify for the finer establishment of the year award, whether their prices are cheap or not.
Reply ID 24373
... as is cross-posting
Reply ID 24400
Twinny 2 posts, Tea Room Warrier 4 posts - all in staunch support of the OVTR. But they both have no connection with the OVTR, honest. No, really - stop laughing at the back - they dont. Convinced? Nah, me neither!
Reply ID 24401
And whats the 'finer establishment of the year award' when its at home?
Reply ID 24424
My friend who is currently unwaged (she has a baby) used to pop into the OVTR for an occasional treat but on her first visit after the price hike she failed to check the menu and see the new prices. She ordered her usual for herself and her friend (wondering vaguely why the place was so much emptier than it used to be) then couldn't believe her eyes when the bill came! The poor girl said she felt sick for two days - the extra tenner for two cream teas is a lot of money when you don't have much income. [V] Obviously my friend and everyone to whom she's described this experience, will not be going back. I cannot believe that any business, no matter how good their quality and service, can withstand so much negative word-of-mouth in such an overcrowded market. They must have forseen their costs in their business plan - why didn't they call their initial good-value prices an 'introductory offer', then at least the price hike would have been understood (if not accepted) without so much ill feeling? As Sloop pointed out in another thread, Hertford is a cafe culture now as it is only these places that have the mark-ups to withstand our town's overheads. (Apparently a proper cappuchino coffee costs around 17p to make and a pot of good quality leaf tea costs about the same so that demonstrates the sort of gross profit you can make on drinks.) It really puzzles me how a business like OVTR can make such crass mistakes on their pricing with such disregard for customer loyalty. Although there's one answer that would make sense - money laundering! [;)][:)]
Reply ID 24437
quote:Q.E.D
Originally posted by Rachel
(wondering vaguely why the place was so much emptier than it used to be)
quote:Good point Rachel - although I think I'm correct in saying that the OVTR is also's the proprietors home too so in that respect their overheads should be lower.
Originally posted by Rachel Hertford is a cafe culture now as it is only these places that have the mark-ups to withstand our town's overheads
Reply ID 25014
I heard they make omellettes from Faberge eggs?
Reply ID 25419
quote:Now thats just plain silly! Leo your advert for the Tintagel tearoom is what does not qualify for "the finer establishment of the year award." Lets be frank its tea for tourism, and my comment is tongue in cheek to that end. And Leo Leo when will you get over who I am and who Twinny is? We are not the focus of this forum thread, so please build a bridge...(and get over it!) And Rachel's recent post. I think we are all in agreement that OVTR is a little on the pricey side and some mistakes might have been made but oh well!!! You know, come on folks who are we to judge someones business acumen? Do any of you run tearooms? Lets make comments by all means, but lets play fair. And lets look at the proof in the pudding. OVTR may have driven away some customers by their prices but if you go there today they still do a healthy trade.
Originally posted by Herbert Lemons
I heard they make omellettes from Faberge eggs?
Reply ID 25421
I've only visited once - pre the price hike. But I would say that half the customers at twice the price in any business (if it isn't empire-building) equals less work and outlay for the same profit. Here is once POSSIBLE reason for OVTR price increase. When I visited OVTR (on a Friday morning during term-time) the tearoom was seething with Mums and toddlers/babies in buggies. The Mums will sit and chat for a couple of hours over 1 cup of tea while toddlers run amock. Now before all the yummy-mummies out there post back at me in horror, I have been one of these tea-room Mums so I speak from experience. Our toddlers make a mess at the tables and on the floor, we spend a long time in the toilets changing nappies then filling the bin up with them, and our toddlers can create a fair amount of noisy chaos - (which we are used to so it doesn't bother us), and we ask for bottles to be warmed. We crash about trying to squeeze buggies up steps and through narrow gaps. We take up more room than we should. All for the price of a cup of tea! The tea-room might make a quid profit out of us if they are lucky, for all their trouble. Is it possible the Mummies are putting off the sort of people who might prefer to pay more for a quiet cup of tea in genteel surroundings? If I were the owner of a genteel tea-room, aiming at a certain clientele, I think I would put my prices up too. I would either want to make more out of the Mummy tea-room brigade, or discourage them. Especially if it were a hobby business in my own house.
Reply ID 25426
Very good points, Nora. [^] When I've stuck my head round the gate to see how busy OVTR is lately, the only customers I've seen have been mums and babies/toddlers. You're quite right, with the gross profit margins OVTR is now enjoying, they don't need many covers to run a successful business. Why should they be a community service providing fairly-priced food and drinks that all sections of the Hertford population can enjoy? As Tea Room Warrier points out, they can run their business how they like. For myself, I don't like being ripped off and I wouldn't go in there but I have to admit it does Hertford no harm to have OVTR as one of the choices available.
Reply ID 25441
I agree with Nora and Rachel. And it is good to have a fresh view on the subject.
Reply ID 25472
quote:The proof of the pudding will be how many custmers are in on a wet, cold day in winter.
Originally posted by TeaRoomWarrior And lets look at the proof in the pudding. OVTR may have driven away some customers by their prices but if you go there today they still do a healthy trade.
Reply ID 25545
quote:Called 'Ye Olde Anti-Semitic Tea Shoppe' by any chance Nora [:D]
Originally posted by nora batty If I were the owner of a gentile tea-room
Reply ID 25566
quote:Yikes!!! Big clanger. I did of course mean genteel Thanks, Leo. (Even worse, it could have been a genital tea-room!)
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Called 'Ye Olde Anti-Semitic Tea Shoppe' by any chance Nora [:D]
Originally posted by nora batty If I were the owner of a gentile tea-room
Reply ID 25569
quote:"Stir your tea for you, madam?" Crikey!
Originally posted by nora battyquote:Yikes!!! Big clanger. I did of course mean genteel Thanks, Leo. (Even worse, it could have been a genital tea-room!)
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Called 'Ye Olde Anti-Semitic Tea Shoppe' by any chance Nora [:D]
Originally posted by nora batty If I were the owner of a gentile tea-room
Reply ID 25581
quote:A cream tea for only £9.50 suddenly seems on the cheap side considering the service [}:)][:D] (Sorry Admin)
Originally posted by shuntquote:"Stir your tea for you, madam?" Crikey!
Originally posted by nora battyquote:Yikes!!! Big clanger. I did of course mean genteel Thanks, Leo. (Even worse, it could have been a genital tea-room!)
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Called 'Ye Olde Anti-Semitic Tea Shoppe' by any chance Nora [:D]
Originally posted by nora batty If I were the owner of a gentile tea-room
Reply ID 25583
Sticky buns, anyone?[:I]
Reply ID 25584
quote:Is that an offer?[;)]
Originally posted by nora batty
Sticky buns, anyone?[:I]
Reply ID 25597
quote:A rival for Hartham Pool in the pubic hair supply department?
Originally posted by nora battyquote:Yikes!!! Big clanger. I did of course mean genteel Thanks, Leo. (Even worse, it could have been a genital tea-room!)
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Called 'Ye Olde Anti-Semitic Tea Shoppe' by any chance Nora [:D]
Originally posted by nora batty If I were the owner of a gentile tea-room
Reply ID 25599
Off topic, maybe, but ain't it great when we all take a break from bitching about whatever upsets us and apply the collective intelligence to schoolyard humour?
Reply ID 26691
Tea Rooms now closed for the winter I understand.
Reply ID 26885
Think they'll open again?
Reply ID 27104
quote:Could always open as a soup kitchen in the winter. Home made soup in dainty bone china bowls with triangles of bread instead of a crusty roll. Just an idea!!!
Originally posted by minnie
Think they'll open again?
Reply ID 27865
You know, i have never been to that place, NEVER EVER EVER! Untill now, my friend and I walked into the tearoom for a laugh and a cream scone and we left feeling a bit snubbed, so i am probably never going again!
Reply ID 27870
quote:I thought it is closed now?
Originally posted by magicbuspass
You know, i have never been to that place, NEVER EVER EVER! Untill now, my friend and I walked into the tearoom for a laugh and a cream scone and we left feeling a bit snubbed, so i am probably never going again!
Reply ID 28030
I've just read this thread and the earlier exchanges following Nora's slip up have given me a good laugh. Thanks and yes Shunt, agree entirely with your sentiments.
Reply ID 28120
quote:How did I miss this one? Genital tea rooms are fine, so long as you don't want your crusts cut off...............
quote:A rival for Hartham Pool in the pubic hair supply department?
Yikes!!! Big clanger. I did of course mean genteel Thanks, Leo. (Even worse, it could have been a genital tea-room!)
Reply ID 39660
I enjoyed several cream teas here last Summer (pre price hike and pre diet). [^] Does anyone know if this "genteel tea shoppe" will be open again for business this Summer?
Reply ID 40069
Are the tea rooms still open?
Reply ID 40072
quote:The sign wasn't up last weekend.
Originally posted by Melissap
Are the tea rooms still open?
Reply ID 41604
quote:Won't be opening again this year so I have heard
Originally posted by Ewoowar The sign wasn't up last weekend.
Reply ID 41606
Shame. It was something a bit different for Hertford.