Cream Tea vs. Cornish Tea: The Great Debate and Where to Taste the Best

Few culinary debates stir as much passion as the ongoing battle between Devon and Cornwall over how to serve the perfect cream tea. The fundamental difference is simple: in Devon, it’s cream first, then jam, while in Cornwall, the order is jam first, then cream. But the debate is more than just an argument over layers—it’s about tradition, regional pride, and the quest for the ultimate afternoon indulgence.

Whether you’re a loyal advocate of the Devonshire method or prefer the Cornish way, one thing is certain: there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a warm scone, clotted cream, fruity jam, and a pot of perfectly brewed tea. If you’re looking to settle the debate for yourself, here are five of the best places in Devon and Cornwall to taste a truly exceptional cream tea.

1. The Old Forge, Chagford: A Traditional Devonshire Experience

Tucked away in the charming town of Chagford on Dartmoor, The Old Forge is a haven for cream tea lovers. This cosy tearoom, set within a beautifully restored blacksmith’s forge, serves up some of the best homemade scones in Devon, along with generous dollops of thick Devonshire clotted cream and locally sourced strawberry jam.

At The Old Forge, the Devonshire tradition reigns supreme, with cream going on the scone first, followed by a topping of jam. The setting adds to the experience, with rustic wooden beams, a roaring fire in winter, and a delightful garden for warmer months. If you’re exploring Dartmoor, this is the perfect place to refuel and experience cream tea the Devon way. After a long day of hiking the moors, retreating to one of the nearby holiday cottages like the Cofton Holidays provides the ideal end to a quintessential West Country day.

2. The Cream Tea Café, Torquay: A Coastal Delight

Situated in the heart of the English Riviera, The Cream Tea Café in Torquay is known for its rich and buttery scones, which are always served warm, fresh from the oven. The owners take pride in using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every element of their cream tea is authentic and delicious.

Here, you’ll find plenty of debate over whether to follow the Devonshire or Cornish method. While the staff firmly advocate for cream first (it is Devon, after all), they welcome customers who insist on spreading jam first. With a cosy indoor setting and a lovely terrace where you can enjoy sea views, this café is an excellent stop after a day exploring the stunning South Devon coastline. If you’re planning an extended stay, there are plenty of holiday cottages near Dawlish that provide a comfortable and scenic base for your Devon adventure.

3. The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach: A Cornish Classic

If you’re crossing the Tamar into Cornwall, The Hidden Hut on Porthcurnick Beach is a must-visit. This rustic beachside café is known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning coastal views, making it the perfect spot to indulge in a Cornish cream tea while watching the waves roll in.

In true Cornish fashion, the scones here are served with jam first, then topped with a generous helping of Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream. Everything is homemade, from the fluffy scones to the sweet, locally sourced jam. The open-air setting makes the experience even more special—there’s nothing quite like enjoying a cream tea with the salty sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves in the background. If you’re looking to combine a love for coastal walks with delicious food, The Hidden Hut is a top contender.

4. The Cornish Bakery, St Ives: Award-Winning Bakes

St Ives is famous for its artistic heritage, stunning beaches, and, of course, its food scene. The Cornish Bakery is an award-winning spot that takes pride in serving a perfect Cornish cream tea. Their scones are light and crumbly, made fresh daily, and served with lashings of jam and thick clotted cream—always in the correct Cornish order.

This bakery is an excellent place to take a break from exploring the town’s winding streets and art galleries. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional methods. St Ives is also a great base for a longer stay in Cornwall, with plenty of charming self-catering cottages available, allowing you to experience more of the county’s stunning coastline and culinary delights.

5. Angels, Babbacombe: A Luxury Cream Tea Experience

For those looking to elevate their cream tea experience, Angels in Babbacombe, near Torquay, offers an elegant yet indulgent take on this classic treat. This tearoom is famous for its lavish afternoon teas, which include enormous homemade scones, locally produced jam, and the richest Devonshire clotted cream.

Angels takes pride in presentation, serving cream teas on delicate vintage china with beautifully arranged floral table settings. The setting adds to the charm, with views over the Babbacombe coastline that make for a memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is a place where you can sit back, relax, and truly savour the best of Devon’s traditions. The staff here are firm believers in the Devon method, so expect to be served your scone with cream first—though they won’t stop you if you prefer to rebel with the Cornish style!

Find Your Favourite Cream Tea in Devon and Cornwall

The great cream tea debate is unlikely to be settled anytime soon, but that’s all the more reason to try both methods and decide for yourself. Whether you prefer the rich tradition of Devon’s cream-first approach or the sweet simplicity of Cornwall’s jam-first method, there’s no denying that both offer an unbeatable afternoon treat.

To fully enjoy the best cream teas the South West has to offer, consider staying in one of the many holiday cottages in Devon, giving you easy access to these legendary tearooms and bakeries. Whichever side of the debate you find yourself on, one thing remains certain—there’s nothing quite like the perfect cream tea enjoyed in the heart of the West Country.