We arrive at Cafe Belle Fleur, situated in Flower Power Glenhaven, at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon. There are quite a few scones in the cabinet but by the time someone bothers to seat us and look our way, I notice the scone supply dwindling. I take matters into my own hands and ask one of the three wait staff at their station a few metres from where I sit whether I was too late for scones. I manage to nab the last one of the day – woo hoo, as Glenhaven is not in my neighbourhood. The order arrives fairly promptly and I am guessing I have the mixed berry, pear and cinnamon jam (dark) as it’s definitely not the mango, peach and vanilla (light) that is scribbled up on the blackboard. It’s hard to say, as I can’t taste any cinnamon or pear. The crispy date scone has potential and I am sure if it were earlier in the day, it would be really good, rather than just pretty good. The double thick cream gives it a nice finish and I kick myself for not getting here earlier so I could have a full serve of scones. When I leave I wait at the cash til longer than I should have to, as wait staff wander by fully aware that I am there. It’s not until I get home and scan reviews about the cafe online that I realise it wasn’t my imagination about the slack service, actually, my experience was quite good compared to some of the previous unfortunate diners.

Scones:

Jam: 

Cream: 

Tea: A few varieties of loose-leaf teas served in a functional pot.

Price: $$

Overall: Combine shopping for home and garden with morning or afternoon tea.

Picton is one of those historic towns that’s an easy stop if you are in the area or visiting the NSW Rail Transport Museum in nearby Thirlmere. With the colonial heritage pub, George the IV Inn, and a few shops to peruse, you may find yourself stopping in Picton for longer than you think. After spying a funky new cafe on Argyle Street, but unfortunately too cool for scones, I find Come By Chance Cafe. It’s not particularly busy, especially when we arrive, and although we order and pay at the counter, for some reason the tables around us receive their meals before us. My pot of tea arrives promptly, but by the time my scones arrive the tea is lukewarm. The scones are like rock cakes, dry and stale. The cream is freshly whipped but light and the jam is okay. Maybe the scones are fresh on a Monday?

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream:

Tea: Small selection of teabags served in a small pot.

Price: $$

Overall: Pleasant outdoor seating in a lovely historic town.