Tucked away down a side street close to the seafront, Mock Turtle is an old-fashioned tearoom serving brunch, lunch, cakes and, of course, plenty of tea! Evoking an era when tea was sipped from china cups with pinkies outstretched, this little diamond has barely changed in decades - and loved by locals all the better for it. The walls of the tiny front parlour are crowded with oil paintings and china plates, while a rickety old Welsh dresser heaves under the weight of yet more crockery along with scones, Victoria sponges and doughnuts as large as cannonballs.
A minuscule kitchen at the back manages to rustle up homemade daily-changing soups, all-day breakfasts and fish and chips for those on the hunt for a proper meal. It also knows how to cook a mean omelette, and don’t miss its famous Welsh rarebit for a real seaside treat, which you can choose to pimp up with a poached egg or grilled tomatoes.
A breakfast and brunch menu features all the classics, from scrambled eggs on toast to classic sandwiches and sides. However, its traditional cream teas are indubitably the main attraction here. For less than a tenner you can enjoy a couple of white, wholemeal or fruit scones with jam, butter and whipped cream, plus a pot of tea. Elsewhere, a line-up of traditional cakes, meringues and ice cream offer plenty to tempt your sweet tooth.
Despite extra seating upstairs, space is always at a premium and it can get pretty hectic with people queuing out the door. Part of its appeal is sure to be the prices, with eggs on toast and sarnies available for less than a fiver.
Do note these guys are only open Friday to Sunday, but worth stopping by for a slice of cake at the weekend.