King John’s Hunting Lodge – Tea in a Wiltshire Pocket of Time

Jun 9

Written By Sky

In the postcard-perfect village of Lacock, tucked behind a small garden of poppies and wildflowers, sits King John's Hunting Lodge Tea Room. The building itself dates to the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, its low Tudor form set quietly back from the lane.

Arriving along the ancient lane, you glide through the gate into the garden, soaking in the pure British charm of the scene. Pitchedroofs, weathered brick, dripping leaded windows, and an almost lavish display of flowers create the scene for a dreamy teahouse.

We arrived on a cool, early spring day. Cold followed us inside but politely departed as we soaked up the warm ambience. Once settled, we indulged in the King John’s Royal Tea. Plates arrived bearing neat sandwiches, warm and crumbly scones, local fruit jams, and organic Jersey clotted cream; also a yummy Welsh Rarebit for me – (wish I had one now!).

The scones deserved their moment. Soft, fragrant, and sturdy enough to support generous layers of jam and cream, in their origins, they are seen as the perfect calorie-rich breakfast for farmers before a long day’s work—calorific and restorative in the best sense.
For a more modest option, Margaret’s Cream Tea keeps things simple with scones, jam, and cream, served on traditional blue-and-white china that fits Lacock perfectly. The daily menu also offers soups, homemade bread, pastries, mackerel cakes, and a carefully chosen selection of drinks, from proper tea and coffee to elderflower pressé and spiced apple and hot berry bliss, along with a little shop for takeaways.