Situated on the eastside of East Linton, the drive up to Smeaton Tearoom promises Manderlay at least and once there you have to find your way through a plant nursery (umbrellas offered when weather inclement) to the tearoom housed in a low brick building at the back.It’s well worth the effort as the tearoom is bright, airy and colourful. It is in what would have been the greenhouse where plants were once grown. An apricot tree has been trained against the wall and the windows look out onto a formal walled garden and the Lammermuir Hills beyond. Craft work is for sale and it is spread out on a shelf along the window adding to the colour.
It has a varied menu offering soup, sandwiches, baked potatoes, panini, baguettes, cakes, tray bakes and scones. There are various specials: morning treats which offers tea/coffee served with a selection of homemade biscuits and shortbread: a Poacher’s Afternoon Tea with smoked salmon sandwiches, a scone, cake and tea/coffee or a Highlander’s Tea which is oatcakes and cheese with tea/coffee – who says crime doesn’t pay? There is also a children’s menu where sandwiches are served with crisps and fruit slices. Everything is beautifully presented: the crockery having a garden theme.
Why would I go there? Bright airy venue with excellent food.
Any Negatives? It’s a long way up the drive.
Before or After
1. At the top of the drive before the road swings right there is a small gate. This takes you to Smeaton Lake which is a pleasant 20 minute walk. Trees from all over the world have been planted around the long narrow lake which was used for curling in Victorian times.
2. Preston Mill, dating from the 18th century, is nearby. In season, you can see it working.
3. Join the John Muir Path at the bottom of the drive. The path leaves the main road here and cuts down towards the River Tyne and passes Preston Mill.
Coffee Shops and Tearooms Scotland Scottish Tearooms
