Savoring a Classic English Afternoon Tea in Cambridge — Turns Out, This Is What Scones Really Taste Like!

Text and photos by /miss kitB

After punting along the River Cam in Cambridge, the sky had darkened and a light drizzle had begun to fall. Realizing I hadn’t had an English afternoon tea in days, I decided to find a charming café for one. Fitzbillies, located right on the main street, looked adorable just from its façade and signage. Peeking through the window, I spotted all kinds of lovely desserts, and the online reviews were great (this is how you use an overseas Wi-Fi router XD), so I knew I’d found the right place.

The “Chelsea Buns,” which looked very appealing, are one of Cambridge’s famous treats. I watched as the staff brought out tray after tray, and most customers who came in ordered them. It’s a historic dish—the café has been using the same recipe for decades, and they say the taste is classic. Essentially, it’s not too different from a cinnamon roll, with plenty of raisins in the middle and a generous drizzle of syrup on top. The result is soft, fragrant, and super sweet. You can enjoy these buns on-site or take them away—some people even buy a box of a few to bring home. I, uh… bought one to take back to my hostel and have it later that night. By the time I ate it cold, the syrup on the outside had turned super sticky. Also, I don’t eat raisins, haha. Honestly, cinnamon rolls are more my thing.

The café also sells some traditional English cakes and desserts. (But aren’t macarons originally from France? Haha.)

Compared to its quaint exterior, the seating area inside has a more modern vibe. It turns out the old restaurant changed ownership a few years ago—while the historic front was preserved, a café section was added next door. The traditional brand remains, while attracting a wider range of customers.

English cakes tend to have a rather honest appearance, though every now and then you’ll spot some cute animal-shaped ones.

Woho~ Here comes the Afternoon Tea Set！ Actually, I’m somewhat picky when it comes to food, and with a tray like this loaded with sweets, sandwiches, and food samples, it’s hard to like everything. That’s why I rarely go for afternoon tea meals, haha.

Scone + clotted cream + strawberry jam is essential. Before coming to the UK, I always thought scones were not tasty—dry and making your mouth feel all sticky and weird. But after having them a few times here, I realized that real scones are actually so delicious！Guess the ones I had in Hong Kong weren’t the real deal, hahaha.

As for the little desserts, they were just okay—not particularly tasty but not bad either, and the presentation was decent.


INFO
Fitzbillies
Address: 51-52 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RG
Phone: 01223 352 500
Business Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (Sunday to Friday), 09:00 – 18:00 (Saturday)
Website:http://www.fitzbillies.com
 

miss kitB
Core member of the “Unprofessional Association,” or perhaps a “multifunctional cross-media freelance creator.” Believes boredom is the mother of creativity, and happiness is life’s greatest asset. Eats breakfast every day and travels the Earth daily.
Blog:http://kitx.mysinablog.com/index.php