Truly Scrumptious - Traditional English Tea Room in Oroklini

Tried & Tested: Truly Scrumptious, Oroklini

Cupcake heaven at Truly Scrumptious Tea Room, Oroklini

Nestled among the traditional 'kafeneia' (village coffee shops) dotted along the arterial, narrow street of the old village settlement of Oroklini, you can't fail to notice the beautifully restored, white-washed house with Greek island style blue adornment. It's the kind of house you dream about living in when you move to the Mediterranean region with an enclosed courtyard hidden away from the world. So, when it opened as a traditional English tea room this summer it gave everyone the perfect opportunity to live life right there, even if it was just for the duration of eating some cake.

For the summer months, 'Truly Scrumptious' has been the bolthole of choice when sweet teeth have demanded sugary treats: succulent banana bread with peanut butter frosting, damp and deliciously tangy lemon drizzle cake, farmhouse style fruit cakes, delicately spiced carrot cake with an orange scented frosting, classic Victoria sponge, scones with jam, cupcakes, and apple pie with fresh cream, all washed down with a frothy cappuccino dusted with chocolate and eaten al fresco in the tranquility of the picturesque, shaded courtyard. Perfect 'me time'.

Now the cooler days have arrived, the tea room has reinvented itself to be equally as inviting for winter and the festive season with it's snug fit tables laden with kitsch mis-matched china, roaring real log fire, the latest magazines to flick through and a wonderfully cosy atmosphere, not to mention a brand new, hot menu. 

Fashion designer turned cupcake baker, Emma Green, moved to Cyprus in the spring with the dream of setting up her own tea room in a traditional village setting. Offering teas, coffees, cloudy lemonade, and kid-friendly icecream milkshakes, her range of cakes and made-to-order celebration cupcakes have become a welcome addition to the picturesque premises - which also houses the popular arts and crafts workshop, Just So Crafty.

"For winter I've introduced home made, fresh soups, such as leek and potato, carrot and coriander, cream of broccoli and tomato and basil, with herbs grown in the garden," offers Emma, aptly dressed in a floral tea dress and pink pinny whilst scribbling down the day's specialties on the blackboard. "The frittata with spinach, feta and basil was really popular last week and now we're starting with hearty stews, traditional Lancashire hot-pot and quiche. The menu changes every day depending on the weather and what local produce is in season." 

The roaring fire and shabby chic decor make for a relaxing spot to enjoy the quaint village life

And for Christmas there's lots more on offer. "Festive treats, mulled wine and traditional mince pies, plus I'm taking lots of orders for Christmas cakes, puddings and cupcakes."

The Christmas cake is a hit - luxurious dried fruits seeped in brandy, marzipan and royal icing - and it's deliciously moist in stark contrast to the bland supermarket offerings. Cupcakes are available in a host of different, inventive designs and all seriously affordable and highly covetable - they make ideal gifts.

On the 10th and 17th of December there's a special event for children too. Christmas stories around the log fire, 11am-12.30pm, €5 per child including soft drink or milk and cookies and a surprise present on the day. I wonder if that includes 'big kids' too?

Truly Scrumptious Tea Room, Anerxartsias 5, Oroklini 7040, Larnaca.
Tel: 99775631  Email: trulyscrumptious@mail-me.com