Ahh, nothing beats a good old-fashioned tearoom. An array of homemade cakes, a steaming pot of tea, a perusal of the lunch menu… Somehow we always have room for just one more petit four. And when that tearoom hunger strikes, we know to hot-foot it over to Felsted – to the charming Wood Cottage Tea Room.

Why? Well, firstly it’s adorable. Delicate vintage china, cheerful aprons, bunting and floral motifs galore. But besides its charming Famous Five looks, it’s the amazing food that attract patrons from all over the county – it’s not for nothing that one reviewer raved: “I challenge anyone to find a better brownie globally” (now that’s a challenge!). Thanks to pastry chef and owner Steven Tittle (see pic above), the tearoom has a counter groaning with goodies, plus lunches, brunches, daily specials and more.

We’ve yet to regret ordering a thing (the mushrooms on farmhouse toast is heavenly), but it’s the seasonal afternoon tea that really shines. This autumn you can choose from a selection that includes blackberry and almond frangipane, St Clement’s cake, plump tea breads, and chocolate indulgence, all on top of the essential scones and savouries. BRB, clearing our schedule now.

Although the tearoom is based in Felsted, the owner lives in the buzzy Leigh-on-Sea – small wonder, when it’s a town so full of Muddy Awards finalists and a couple of winners. Watch out for this local indie at next year’s Awards!