Surely one of the greatest joys of cycling at any level is the opportunity created to sample the finest cakes in the county, whether it’s on our doorstep or in the far flung corners of Essex.
You can rest assured that the author and his fellow Jambusters take this aspect of cycling very seriously, therefore inclusion on the following list is based on merit. Not only is cake quality assessed, but also bike parking facilities, general cycling friendliness, winter open fires, his and her’s conveniences (if you know what I mean!), and even discounts offered for cyclists – oh how times have changed. One day I’ll post suggested routes but for now you’ll just have to make do with a list which has been produced in a totally random order. If they are stinkers they don’t make it in.
The Exchange – Church Road, Tiptree
Plenty of space inside and out, fine coffee and cake selection, perfect location for days when you can’t face leaving the village.
The Loft – Tollesbury
Super, quirky location, vast and varied selection of speciality teas and unusual cakes. Always a gluten free option.
Paper Mill Lock – Little Baddow Map Location
Simply the finest flapjack in the Country, a slice of this will not only fuel your journey home and beyond but also contains your statutory five a day. Great location to sit outside.
The Layer Fox – Layer De La Haye
Fabulous open fire, always welcoming. No cake but a great stop none the less and the bacon baps are good.
Blake End Craft Centre – Blake End, Nr Braintree
A warm stop in the winter, plenty of space outside in the summer. Used by clubs from all over the county.
Various establishments at Tiptree, Heybridge Basin, Osea, Writtle. Dependable fare and waitress service. Best behaviour please.
Finchingfield
Two options on the green: A big place populated by the the motorcycling fraternity or a smaller more traditional tea room opposite.
Parrishes – Thaxted
Pub / Cafe across the road to the old Guildhall. Good place to watch the world go by in the summer.
The Blue Egg – Great Bardfield
The chance of bumping into Alex Dowsett or Mark Cavendish or loads of others hoping to do the same. Organic options.
The White Hart Tea Rooms – Great Sailing
Tea Rooms recently opened, home made cakes, pastries and lunches, good service, somewhere new to go to on the Blake End ride!
Owls Hill Tea Rooms – Terling
Pear Tree Pantry – Ulting
Bakes and Blooms – Coggeshall
Hyacinths Cafe – Greenstead Green
The Glasshouse Cafe – Peldon