I’m surrounded by sketched pictures of John Wayne, Ned Kelly, Clint Eastwood, Elvis Presley and a whole bunch of other famous folk I fail to recognise, while watching a group of 60-somethings huddle around the life-like Elvis statue in the corner for photos. Mountain Blue Cafe Springwood, attached to a gift shop and real estate agent, is relaxing quiet today, apart from the Elvis fans. Although I’ve tried their other property in Glenbrook, I’ve decided to see how the Devonshire Teas rate here. I’m not disappointed with the scones as they are simply amazing! Soft and fluffy with a creamy aftertaste, even the slight crumbling doesn’t bother. The jam is average and the cream, although fresh is a tad too light for me. A convenient stop off on the Great Western Highway if you are heading down from the mountains towards Sydney.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream: 

Tea: A small selection of teabags served in a small teapot.

Price: $$

Overall: If you’re feeling a little nostalgic for Elvis…

Location: 7 Great Western Hwy, Springwood NSW 2777 Ph: 02 4751 6677
Reviewed in January, 2014

I find myself at Beck’s P & C Bakery in downtown Bathurst, and I am surprised to see Devonshire Teas on the menu. I have a foreboding feeling but feel obliged to give it a try. What’s a true guide without the good, the bad, and the ugly, right? The bakery is modern and large with seating upstairs, downstairs and out the front, and isn’t big on atmosphere. The two scones arrive, already halved and dressed with a skerrick of jam and lashings of sweet cream. It’s Monday morning and I’m surprised that the scones aren’t fresh as they arrive stone cold and stale, most unappetising. The best thing is definitely the cream, although I remove three-quarters of it.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream: 

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

Price: $$

Overall: Forget it.

Location: 81-83 George St, Bathurst NSW 2795 Ph: 02 6332 6867
Reviewed in January, 2014

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’m not a fan of cafes in shopping malls unless the said food court resembles the one in Westfields Sydney. With this in mind I swallow my reservations and try Peoples Cafe in Orange. I try both the plain and the date scones, and although they arrive looking cool on a breadboard, the presentation doesn’t make up for the fairly disappointing Devonshire Tea. The scones are bread-like with the plain scone tasting better than the date. It comes with one sachet of jam, which is lousy and not nearly enough, so I ask for another. The cream is definitely out of a can; tasteless and almost liquid by the time it hits the scone. I must say that it’s a comfortable place to be out of the 35-degree heat though.

Scones: 

Jam:

Cream: 

Tea: A limited variety of T2 teabags.

Price: $$

Overall: Go as a last resort.

Location: Orange City Centre, Shop C8, Cnr Anson & Summer St Orange NSW 2800 Ph: 02 6362 7776
www.peoplecafe.com.au
Reviewed in January, 2014

Historic Mt Victoria is a real treat; it’s tranquil and relaxing and doesn’t get the mass tourism like Katoomba and Leura. Along with the grand dames, the Victoria and Albert Guesthouse and The Imperial Hotel, train buffs will appreciate the ornate Mt Vic train station with attached museum (limited opening hours) and movie goers the cinema – Mt Vic Flicks – set in an old community hall with the real deal old cinema seats. Petalura Eatery has taken over the premises of the old Bay Leaf Cafe and Lolly Shop that was cute and cosy and highlighted the historic building. The new owners have revamped the building, knocking down walls and creating larger seating areas both indoors and out. Although it removes some of the ambience, I’m not complaining, as the deck area is a pleasant place to be on a summer’s day. The Devonshire Tea also presents well, delivered on a breadboard with plenty of thick whipped cream and although I require double the amount of jam, it is house made and divine. It’s blackberry today, but the menu says that they also serve strawberry jam as well. The scones are large and although fresh and tasty, crumble as I pull them apart. By the looks of things, it’s a popular spot for scones. Open 8 – 4pm Thursday to Sunday, but be aware that the kitchen closes at 3pm and scones do sell out, so get in early.

Scones: 

Jam:  

Cream: 

Tea: A variety of loose-leaf teas including some innovative herbal concoctions like ‘Vitality 4 Her’ & ‘Him’.

Price: $$

Overall: A good stop on your way through Mt Vic.

Location: 26 Station St (Harley Ave), Mount Victoria NSW 2786 Ph: 02 4787 1220
Reviewed in January, 2014

Tucked amongst the bed, bath and kitchen ware on level 5 of Myers Sydney City is relaxed Foodoo Coffee Lounge, which is an oasis for shoppers who need a break from chasing after Christmas sales. I’ve been past the cafe before, checking for scones at different times of the year, but this is the first time I have seen the cafe’s cabinets so well stocked. Maybe it’s due to the busy Christmas period, I’m not sure, but I find scones wedged in the corner. Impressive are the 15 choices of Tea Tonic loose-leaf teas – a shame the teapots aren’t a tad bigger though. You can order as many scones as you like, so I try one and it arrives with one portion of jam, which is definitely not enough, and a big squirt of cream from a can. The scone isn’t bad at all and would punch above average if served with better quality jam and cream. When I asked, there was no problem getting more jam for the other half of the scone.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream: 

Tea: A surprisingly great choice of Tea Tonic loose-leaf teas and some tea bag varieties.

Price: $$

Overall: A nice spot for a cup of Tea Tonic tea, but skip the scone.

Location: Level 5, 436 George St, Sydney 2000 NSW Ph: 02 9238 9111
Reviewed in December, 2013