Pre Covid-19, Style Acre tea room was one of our regular lunch haunts. Whilst it initially closed during lockdown it reopened over the summer, first as a takeaway and now for eat in dining. What did we think of our recent visit?
Style Acre tea room
The tea room sits in the grounds of Savages in Blewbury. Style Acre is a charity which supports people with learning disabilities and autism. The tea room is a social enterprise that offers work experience to some of those supported by Style Acre.
Covid-19 safety measures
Although I’m eating out regularly again my preference is to sit outside when the weather allows. Fortunately Style Acre tea room has plenty of outdoor picnic benches along with a partially covered area. I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be able to dine outdoors but there are limited tables inside too.
The tea room is operating a one way system, track and trace, appropriately spaced tables and distancing between staff and customers. Food is currently served on disposable plates; I hope they can return to the usual crockery soon.
All in all, I felt completely safe eating at Style Acre.
Menu
The menu is a simplified version of the one previously available. It includes a variety of sandwiches and paninis, breakfast items, cakes and drinks. The full English breakfasts, jacket potatoes, salads and daily specials are missing. Whilst there is not as much choice available as previously it’s understandable given the constraints.
Panini and sandwich fillings include cheese, ham, egg, tuna and chicken plus there are a variety of extras such as chutney and salad items.
Eggs feature strongly on the breakfast items menu. Options include scrambled, poached and fried eggs on toast. If you’re pining for a full English opt for the breakfast bap!
Food quality
My son and I ordered paninis; the teen had cheese and ham whilst I opted for cheese and chutney. My partner enjoyed his breakfast sandwich (baps had run out) which included bacon, egg and sausage.
I did miss the substantial salad garnish that used to come with the food; it added colour and taste. However the teen always left his so nothing was amiss from his perspective.
We finished with a couple of cakes. I had an excellent generously sized slice of fruit cake, one of the best I’ve had in ages. My son had a fruit and seed flapjack. I’m sure it was good but it was gone before I could get a taster.
Costs
I cannot remember how much individual items were on the menu previously but I believe the currently available options are cheaper. Sandwiches cost £4, paninis £4.25, extra fillings are 50p each.
‘Things on toast‘ (eggs, beans) are £4.50 for two slices, a breakfast bap is £4.95.
The verdict
It’s great to be eating at Style Acre tea room again. It feels safe, the food is good quality and prices reasonable. I am looking forward to full service being restored, whenever that may be!
More info
Address: Savages Garden Centre, London Rd, Blewbury, OX11 9HB.
Opening times: Wed-Sat 9am-4pm, Sundays 10am-4pm.
Food hygiene score: 5 stars as of February 2020.
