Eat My Words: We review Wymondham Windmill Tearoom
Most weekends my diary is filled with plans and I find it extremely hard to do nothing with my downtime.
So having spotted the other shops during a pottery class at Katherine Staples Clay Studio and Gallery at Wymondham Windmill, the minute I had some free time I decided to go there for a little wander - and to pick up my finished mug.
It was a cold and extremely wet Saturday morning when my husband and I drove over, so much so that flood water on Lincolnshire’s rural roads almost thwarted our trip.
But when we finally made it to the windmill, the horrible weather meant that the meander around that I’d pictured wasn’t quite so idyllic so we dived into the Wymondham Windmill Tearooms to take shelter.
The moment, however, that I spotted the brunch menu - and the fact it’s served all day - I decided we were staying put for food too. There was a good choice and combined with the lunch menu and the kid’s menu, as well as the weather, it’s easy to see why the tearoom was full in each of its little rooms.
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My husband, Richard, opted for the full English breakfast with no mushrooms, but black pudding which would usually come with an extra charge. They didn’t ask if we wanted something else instead and the receipt didn’t have a breakdown of costs so I’m not sure if it was a swap.
I opted for chicken and bacon which came with a honey drizzle, and with eyes bigger than my belly, chose to add fried chicken too.
Despite the blustery weather and the rain battering at the windows, my husband was tempted by a strawberry milkshake with the menu promising it was made with ice cream and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. An odd choice for me alongside a breakfast but each to their own. Having already had quite enough coffee that day and with the memory of an elderflower drink from a few days earlier, I chose the Fentimans variety.
Service was quick, and the staff who took my order at the counter and brought the food out, were friendly.
A marker for me of a good breakfast is whether the egg yolk is runny and as I watched Richard cut into his egg, orange oozed onto his plate. He said he enjoyed it.
My waffles were stacked eye-wateringly high and I struggled to finish it. It was hot - the kind of hot where you’re desperate to eat it but the minute you do you’re regretting it because it’s burning your mouth and throat - but if I have any complaint, it’s that there wasn’t enough honey drizzle (I’d have actually preferred maple syrup too) and the dish was a litte dry.
My husband was a tad disappointed at his milkshake, which wasn’t made with ice cream but just topped with a generous scoop floating on the top. Nevertheless, he polished it off. My drink was as anticipated - refreshing and crisp.
Afterwards we had an enjoyable wander around the other shops and picked up my mug from the clay studios, interrupting a class of women who were giving the pottery wheel a tentative go.
I’d definitely return to the windmills for the shops and the studios and I’d eat there again if I was passing, but I’m not sure the food itself would tempt me to make a special trip back to the tearooms if I’m honest.
Out of five:
Food: There was plenty of choice but my food was a little dry. Tiny tweaks and it could be perfect. I did especially like that I could enjoy brunch at any time of the day. ***
Drink: Rich felt the menu was a little misleading for his milkshake but my drink was lovely. ***
Decor: The decor was cosy and the rooms were clean with a lovely view out onto the fields beyond or the courtyard with the windmill. ****
Staff: The staff were friendly and service was quick. ****
Price: The prices seemed comparable to other brunches we’ve enjoyed locally - the total bill was £33.50. ****
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