Cricket balls or Scones
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England to me has always conjured up afternoon teas and scones. I still do not know why. While recently in Shropshire I spent a week of being totally disappointed by the quality of scones. Invariably they were heavy, doughy, totally lacking in flavour and in most cases the scone could have been substituted for a cricket ball in a cricket match.On our return journey to the ferry we decide to spend some time in the Jackfield Tile Museum one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. As we finished we noticed signs for Maws Craft Centre which turned out to be only a short amble down the road. What a find! A courtyard surrounded by craft shops and a café. Each and every shop is different but each worth a visit.Lastly we visited “The Tile Press” a beautiful café. It is located in the building where the tiles used to be made hence the name. It is bright and airy with plenty of space between tables. In one corner are sofas so, if it is a “sink in and get comfy” cuppa you are looking for they are ideal. In another corner is a large table which would easily seat 10 people comfortably. Then there are tables for two or four people interspersed around the floor.As we approached the counter I spied a tiered display of scones! Real scones; none of those mass-produced cricket balls. We quickly ordered scones with tea and coffee. I found myself with a silly grin on my face after eating these scones.They were light as a feather and incredibly moreish. I found out that Claire is the baker and it was the first day to have scones on the menu. Weren’t we lucky to find this goldmine?The glass fronted cup boards were home to delicious cakes, cup cakes and larger cakes which were equally as tempting. Each display was more enticing than the previous one.Now for those who prefer savoury there was the smell of carrot and coriander soup wafting its way which was equally as tempting. Together with beautiful breads and seasonal salads The Tile Press was catering for everyone.From the bright airy feel of the café, to the perfect cup of tea, to the enticing aromas, to those tempting cakes, and light as a feather scones this is a café not to be missed. The icing on the cake ~( if you will forgive the pun) was the welcome.