The Apple Tree Kitchen, Clifton, Worcestershire

The Apple Tree Kitchen is a cafe near Clifton upon Teme, Worcestershire where we've been a couple of times now as my Mother-in-Law is relatively local.

 

The 2 times we've been, have been for breakfast. On this visit, the buttermilk pancakes were a huge hit - beautifully fluffy. My husband - who is the pancake chef in our house - says they were possibly the best pancakes he’s ever had. They were small and thick, with 4 of them in a serving (I say that because you're never quite sure, when you order pancakes, what you're going to get). The only problem with them is that they’re not on the kid’s menu - my guess is they’re actually quite a bit of effort so they don’t want to sell them for less than £10, which would be too much for anything on a kids menu. So we bought an adult portion and 2 kids shared it - although they both inhaled their 2 as they were really nice. I had poached eggs with an extra side of grilled tomato which was very nicely salted. If you’re particular about your poached eggs being runny when you cut into them, then you might not like these as they were more set, but personally I like that as you don’t lose the yolk as soon as you cut into them.

 

 

There are a few sections to the cafe, and if you’re going with kids we’d definately recommend trying to get the separate larger room beyond where you order - it’s like a large barn called The Woodhouse. That’s where we sat the first time we went and it was lovely whereas today we were in the first room, nearest the car park before the counter where you order. This is a much smaller room so as soon as we were seated I worried we were going to disrupt other people’s relaxing breakfasts. Our kids were all good, but a table of 10 just makes a lot of noise. We were also sat along a shelf of fine china on display, which wasn’t relaxing with kids around! It was also quite hot for some of our party - thanks to a large log fire! But it had died down by the time we left as I guess they didn’t see the need to stoke it! It's a lovely room, just not ideal for a large party with lots of children, but it was Easter Monday so they had lots of other parties already in The Woodhouse.

 

Outside there are beautiful grounds and ponds and lakes to wander around, including a play park for kids. There’s also a kitchen garden, some outdoor exercise equipment (which it didn’t say we couldn’t use), and some goats and chickens. It’s stunning on a sunny day and it was still lovely on a grey rainy day. There is also an area with a large outdoor chess board and table tennis table but that was sign posted today as being exclusively for use by people staying at the holiday accommodation on site - Pitlands Farm. The kids absolutely love going for breakfast here because of everything there is to see outside afterwards.

 

If you're local or holidaying nearby, The Apple Tree Cafe have pizza night on Fridays (eat in or take away) and host regular events - I saw posters for a Falconry Display on Saturday 3rd May.