County Durham garden centre cafe dubbed best-kept secret

Pity Me Tea Barn, found alongside Pity Me Nursery, offers an appealing menu, with breakfast options like a full English, bacon sandwich and beans on toast.

For lunch, there are cold sandwiches such as coronation chicken and tuna mayo, as well as prawn mayo and cheese & chutney.

If you fancy something a little warmer, there are hot sandwiches (hot pork in gravy and stuffing bap, and hot beef in gravy bap) that come with fresh salad, homemade coleslaw and crisps.

Not to mention, visitors can also choose from toasted sandwiches, jacket potatoes, pies and quiche.

Is this County Durham’s ‘best-kept secret’? The ‘adorable’ garden centre cafe

North East content creator @lozzappops shared in a recent TikTok video: “Is this the best-kept secret in County Durham? Let me tell you this did not disappoint.

“We headed down to the Pity Me Nursery and Tea Barn.”

@lozzappops added: “I have been here before but not recently, and let me tell you it was exactly as amazing as the first time I came.

“So this is actually a garden centre but it has a little tea barn and even a little bakery. Some of the pastries look incredible.

“It is so adorable in here and it’s actually doggy-friendly – we saw so many cute puppies when we were there.”

@lozzappops 📍Pity Me nursery & tea barn This is SUCH a hidden gem! If your a local or looking for a day out come here! So many hot food options and pastries,pies and cakes too choose from. It was quite busy so if you go deffo get there early! But we loved this place ! #durhamfoodie #durhamfoodspots #northeastfoodie #northeastfoodblogger #pitymenursery ♬ original sound – Lauren Grey 👸🏼✨💅🏽🌟🍊

@lozzappops also revealed: “They do have a huge case at the front with loads of different pies, pastries, and even specials.”

Over on Tripadvisor , the tea barn has been highlighted for its “very rustic” interior, “great” atmosphere, scones “to die for” and the “best” Victoria sponge cake.

Those who have recently visited also said there was “not one little bit of disappointment” while others claimed they “never leave feeling hungry” thanks to the hefty portions.

Someone wrote in a review: “What a lovely surprise when I sat down. Pretty little lights, very rustic in appearance.

“Food in general looked delicious. You ordered at the till then it was brought to your table.

“Service was swift and on a Sunday when busy too.

“The cheese scones were the best I have tasted in along time with lurpak butter to compliment.

“Plenty of choice from scones to cakes. Will definitely return soon…oh and it’s dog friendly in places too..win win.”

Another happy customer commented: “First time trying this little tea room and garden centre. Just on the off chance it would be open BH Monday.

“Not one little bit of disappointment, though upon seeing the array of baked goods, cakes and delights on offer, the hardest thing is what to choose.

“Fast & friendly service with delicious food including catered for allergies.. The scones were to die for (took one home) though my tummy won’t thank me later for eating it.”

This pleased guest posted: “Genuinly the best hot beef sandwich and victoria sponge cake I have ever tasted. Staff are so friendly and the place is so cute and cosy.”

Meanwhile, one account shared: “This morning I had scrambled eggs on brown bread toast. With a nice herbal tea and a glass of water.

This County Durham garden centre cafe is dog-friendly (Image: Tripadvisor)

“Food tasty and great portions, you never leave feeling hungry.

“Managed to back the table near the fire, was soon nice and toasty too.

“Venue is lovely and food and drink great.

“But the one of the best things about the Tea Barn is the staff. Professional, polite, and always full of smiles.”

A person who recommended a corned beef pie revealed: “Called in to have a catch up with friends i chose the corned beef pie with salad it was soo tasty and plenty of it the service was tops as always with a great atmosphere.

“For anyone with dogs they are welcome too.”

Recommending the tea barn for a weekend day out, an account put: “Lovely Sunday trip out! Dog friendly too! Service was quick especially considering how busy it was.”

Where is your favourite County Durham garden centre cafe? Let us know in the comments below.