Shropshire Hills Tourism launch ‘The Great Shropshire Hills Cream Tea Trail’
News from our partners
Shropshire Hills Tourism are inviting visitors to taste test the best cream teas in the Shropshire Hills this summer.
Cyclists on The Portway on The Long Mynd by Simon Whaley
We have selected a baker’s dozen of the finest cafes and tea shops from across the area to compete for the Cream Tea Trail Awards.
Customers will be invited to review their experience online. The top scoring eateries will be ‘mystery-shopped’ and the winner will be announced at the Ludlow Food Festival in September.
But what makes a Shropshire Hills Cream Tea?
Well, we think it’s the jam. You can have your strawberry or your raspberry (and there are many that do) – but we believe, to have a truly Shropshire experience, it has to be locally-made damson jam.
We know it’s controversial, but here’s why: The Shropshire Prune Damson, is a rare, local variety introduced by the Romans. It packs a big flavour, is sought after by top chefs, and many say it’s tops all other jams, especially on a scone. But if damson isn’t quite your thing, all 13 contestants will be serving other local jams…(well, you can take a horse to water, but)…
The trail will be live this Easter, but there’s no harm in getting some practice in early. Go to the website to pick your tearoom or cafe and look out for the leaflets and posters across the area.
Paul Davis, Chair of Shropshire Hills Tourism ‘We are delighted to be working with Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, Ludlow Farmshop, Ludlow Food Festival and Slow Food Ludlow-Marches to launch this magnificent trail. It will be a real boost to our market towns and help promote the Shropshire Hills as a great place for a holiday.’
The Trail has been set up by Shropshire Hills Tourism working with Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership’s Sustainable Tourism Officer. It has been sponsored by Ludlow Farmshop and is being supported by Ludlow Food Festival and Slow Food Ludlow-Marches.
The Trail will be launched at the Shropshire Hills Tourism Expo on April 3rd at Ludlow Racecourse.
More details can be found at www.shropshirecreamtea.co.uk
Or contact Paul Davis at chair@visitshropshirehills.co.uk
