The Moat Tea Rooms — Restaurant in Canterbury

Very odd experience yesterday - Arrived at 1.45pm to an empty inside seating area. They mentioned we couldn't sit outside as they had a booking. Waited 15 minutes to be served, so I went to find the waiter myself. Although, he mentioned they only had plain scones left, I still ordered the cream tea option. Not long after, the waiter said that they made a batch of scones for the booking outside but there weren't enough for us, so we would have to wait 20 minutes for a new batch to be prepared. As we had already been waiting for 15 minutes and felt strange that they were prioritising other customers, we decided to leave. The waiter was apologetic in a "what can we do about it" manner and said we could still buy the tea if we wanted to take it away, but that isn't what we wanted to experience. My friend is on a working holiday from the Czech Republic and was extremely excited to be in such a historic place and to get a real "English tea" experience for the first time. I felt quite embarrassed by the service and let down. I live in England and frequent Canterbury often, but will choose to take my friends elsewhere in the future. I blame the management and felt sorry for the waiter, who clearly didn't seem to have a clue what was going on. I'm sure there'll be some excuse or response to this complaint from the owners, but as you are all logical readers, you can draw your own conclusion...

The Moat Tea Rooms is a wonderfully cozy spot, tucked away in a charming old crooked Tudor building that feels like stepping back in time. My visit here was a delightful experience. The quaint and intimate atmosphere, paired with the history radiating from the walls, makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

We ordered Russian Caravan tea, which had a rich, smoky flavor that felt just right for the setting, alongside a smooth and comforting latte. Despite not being very hungry, we couldn’t resist sharing a slice of cherry and nut pie, which was a great choice. The pie was delicious, with the tartness of the cherries perfectly complemented by the crunch of the nuts. It was a small indulgence, more for the soul than the stomach, and it lifted our spirits on a quiet day.

What stood out, besides the food and ambiance, was the warm and friendly staff. They were incredibly kind and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. Their hospitality made us feel truly welcome, and it’s clear they take pride in creating a pleasant and relaxing environment for their guests.

I highly recommend The Moat Tea Rooms for anyone looking to escape the bustle of daily life and soak in some historic charm. Whether you're there for a full meal or just a soothing cup of tea, it’s a lovely spot to unwind and...

This is where you go in Canterbury when you want a proper cup of real, loose tea, and some wonderful homemade food and cake. We're regulars, so we already love the Moat. But we had to leave a review after our recent, superb cream tea in the garden. The sandwiches were exceptional (incredibly tasty, great range, perfectly presented); the scones were freshly baked; the cakes were - as always - delicious. The huge range of real, loose tea is pretty much unique nowadays, as coffee dominates, so the tea is a reason to drop in even if you're only thirsty and you want to remember what real tea tastes like! (They do have lots and lots of top-quality coffee, too.) As always, the staff were welcoming, expert and friendly. The garden was really pretty and it's a relaxing place to sit. It's lovely to see the place reopened after lockdown (even if 'outside only' when we went, in line with the rules). Thank you...