Somewhere along the Tasman Highway in the countryside on the Launceston side of Springfield, is the Springfield Tea Room. As I drive up the driveway, I don’t realise it at first, initially thinking that the ladies in the tea room are in costume, but this is the real deal, a true blue working Amish farm. My partner is instantly uncomfortable and I have to coax him out of the car. The tea room is too warm today as there’s no ventilation and a skylight adds to the warmth, which I suspect are the perfect conditions for chilly Tasmanian days. Luckily there are a few tables of people, creating a more welcoming atmosphere, as I feel awkward with the subdued Amish waitress sitting in the corner with her calculator. The room is set up for sewing classes with reams of fabric and sewing bits ‘n’ bobs lining the walls. There is also homemade stone ground bread, cakes, and jams and jellies for sale. This DT is probably the bargain of the century; a measly $5 buys two scones, a grand choice of homemade jams, thickly whipped cream and a range of loose-leaf teas that tops most cafes I’ve been to. The scones are served at room temperature and although not light and fluffy, tastes fresh enough. It’s a hard choice; the jams and jellies are all too good. I decide to try something different and go for the crab apple jelly, which is light and subtle. Open Monday to Saturday.

Scones: 

Jam: 

Cream: 

Tea: An extensive range of interesting loose-leaf teas served in a teapot.

Price: $

Overall: An interesting experience.

Location: 1139 Ten Mile Track, Springfield TAS 7304 

Reviewed in December, 2016