Rayleigh Secret Garden tearoom opened behind Spread Eagle

Located in the gardens behind the town’s Spread Eagle pub in the High Street, The Secret Garden is accessible by a side alley at the popular drinking spot.

The idea of Spread Eagle landlord Russ Best’s two daughters Lucy and Katy, the tearoom serves up teas, sandwiches, baguettes and salads.

Pretty - the tearoom is hidden in the pub's gardens (Image: The Secret Garden)

Russ said: “The pub has a beautiful garden, and it was my two daughters’ idea to open a tearoom, they did the menu.

“We decided to open The Secret Garden as we have a lovely garden you can walk up into around the back of the Spread Eagle. I have a bar out the back which has become the coffee shop.

“We offer sandwiches, baguettes, paninis and something more high-end, it is a tea-room, so you have coffees, lattes, americanos and more as well as hot chocolate, teas and cold drinks.

“Then you have toasties, tea cakes, scones and a big selection of sandwiches, served with salads and coleslaws.”

Seating - inside the tearoom (Image: The Secret Garden)

The Secret Garden is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm and perfectly compliments the Spread Eagle pub that is closed Monday to Thursday, meaning customers can enjoy either the tearoom, pub and its gardens all week.

Meal - Food and drink at The Secret Garden (Image: The Secret Garden)

Russ added: “There is nothing like the Secret Garden in Rayleigh, we have an area where mums can come in with their prams.

Coffee and tea shops in Rayleigh are often upstairs or have limited space.

“There is also disabled access and disabled ramps and toilets, we cater for everyone.

“It is a beautiful tearoom and people should come down. We have had so many compliments about our staff, they are lovely, come in for great service and really lovely food.”

The Spread Eagle pub opens midday on Fridays to Sundays.