Nestled in the middle of the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, it would be easy for Little Pantry Co. to go undetected. With no view to speak of, the corner cafe gets a lot of passing trade purely because of it’s position on the busiest pedestrian stretch of the shopping/restaurant precinct. Plus it’s adjacent to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company shop, which is an unbelievable people magnet. The cafe has a corner dedicated to loose-leaf teas and pretty teaware if you are interested in a little shopping while you wait. Plain and date scones are usually available, but we are a tad late so settle for what’s left – date scones. With just the right injection of heat, the date scones present well and taste even better, although savoury lovers may balk at the over-sweetness. The raspberry jam is good enough, but is neither memorable nor spoiling. Unfortunately the let down here, is the cream. It’s super light and sweet and it wouldn’t surprise me if it came from a can, as it tastes synthetic. Impressed with the Planet Organic teas available.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream: 

Tea: A good range of Planet Organic loose-leaf teas.

Price: $$

Overall: A convenient location in the middle of the shopping village.