Opening Times: Mon - Fri: 10.00-4.30 Sat, Sun & Bank Hols: 10.00-5.00 (Jan-Feb: close at 4.00) Location 6km (4m) NW of Oakham SK810104

Nearby places to visit: Burough House Gardens (6km, 4m) Burough Hill (5km, 3m) Rutland Water (8km, 5m)

During my research for this book I began to realise that tea rooms and garden centres seem to go together rather well. That set me thinking - tea and gardening go together rather well at our home too. My husband gardens and I drink the tea!

Gates Nurseries Tea Room was a firm favourite for inclusion in my tea room guide right from the start. Cold Overton is a timeless village in the heart of the countryside. The breath taking scenery alone puts you on an emotional high. Then a walk through the well laid out nurseries brings you to the tea room, which I found to be equally scenic!

Beamed ceilings, a stone flagged floor, pine furniture and tasteful print curtains help create a real country ambience. Even when full, the spaciousness of the room prevents that over crowded feeling. Hours could have been spent just looking at the lovely pictures and prints for sale on the walls.

In today's society value for money is important, especially if you have children. A visit to some tea shops can almost cost an arm and a leg! At Gates Nurseries value for money is a high priority. The freshly made soup, savouries and cakes were very reasonably priced but, most importantly, the pot of tea was large. You don't need to spend time arguing over who's having a second cup! If you're a tea fanatic, try their large range of speciality and iced teas - well worth it!