Anyone for tea? We’ve been in search of the perfect cuppa

There is nothing cosier than cup of tea or drinking coffee a rainy morning; sometimes the simple pleasures in life evoke happiness!

While I was a student living in Bath I visited different coffee shops to write my assignments – I dread to think how much of my loan went towards millionaire shortbread and coffee!

Besides the caffeine and sugar, it gave me the chance to explore the city I was living in. I have been back home for a year and I have explored the cafes that Sussex has to offer and I have found some real gems!

Sabrina’s Sweet Things is a delightfully comfortable tea room in Handcross with a varied menu including homemade cakes and a speciality selection of teas and coffees.

It has four rooms: The Vintage Tea Room, The Tate & Modern, The Chic Room and finally The Library. It is wheelchair friendly and in the Tate & Modern room there’s a children’s play area with a baby changing facility.

The Library is the perfect room to get snuggly with a good book, play a game of chess and to try one of their flavoured coffees. For all you Mary Berry lovers, there is even a shop selling baking supplies and goodies.

Shopping and cake is a match made in heaven. The Toll House in Lindfield is a 17th Century building converted into perhaps the smallest department shop in the world.

It has three floors selling vintage and homeware treasures. It’s not only the perfect gift shop but it has a lovely café on the second floor. The Toll House café serves delicious cakes, lunches and refreshments.

The Gardenia Tea House in Cuckfield is tucked away behind the High Street and is quaint and elegant. As you walk in it’s like stepping back into the 1940s.

The tea house dates back to the 18th century, with a secluded courtyard, and the owners are very welcoming. Lunches, teas and refreshments are served in vintage crockery which is for hire for a tea party of your own.

If you’re a workaholic and fancy a change of scenery, try the Café Cosy, based on London Road, Burgess Hill. With free Wi-Fi and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to work on a rainy morning.

An independent café, it cares what it provides to its customers, from the freshness of its food and drinks, to the quality of the service. They have a reasonably price menu serving breakfasts, brunches and lunches.

If you’re feeling particularly naughty, I would highly recommend treating yourself to their hot chocolate – their bread, cakes and pastries are supplied daily from an artisan bakery.

There are so many incredible tea and coffee shops in Sussex; these are only a few that I have recently discovered. Head out this February and enjoy the best brews and beans locally!

[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=”600″]We’d love to hear about your favourite Mid Sussex tea and coffee shops! [/box]