Eat My Words: We review Vintage Lindy Lou tea room in Crayford, near Dartford
![Eat My Words: We review Vintage Lindy Lou tea room in Crayford, near Dartford](https://www.kentonline.co.uk/_media/img/330x0/BPVMTYX6J2K1R6N6HHER.jpg)
If you’d have told me I’d be having lunch while sitting in a green bathtub, I’d assume we were visiting some Insta-famous influencer hotspot in London where quirky aesthetics rule.
Instead, I found myself sipping tea and nibbling finger sandwiches in Crayford in perhaps the most unusual tea room I’ve ever visited.
![Vintage Lindy Lou in Crayford might look plain from the outside - but it's anything but on the inside. All pictures: Sam Lawrie](https://www.kentonline.co.uk/_media/img/KXHNXN02DZ8FQG6T17XO.jpg)
Vintage Lindy Lou is a hidden gem tucked away on the town’s green and, while it might look like a plain brick building from the outside, you completely forget you’re surrounded by corner shops and one-way traffic from the moment you step foot in the door.
The lobby welcomed us with a floral armchair straight out of nan’s living room and a wall of bright red poppies.
We were then greeted by Fay, who runs the place single-handedly and only opens from Thursday to Sunday.
![The retro tea room is brimming with eye-catching ornaments and items from the '40s and '50s](https://www.kentonline.co.uk/_media/img/OJ044VBFW1O427FGR2C0.jpg)
As the name suggests, Fay, who was sporting a 1940s headscarf, is obviously a fan of all things vintage.
The entire place was adorned with trinkets, my eyes simply didn’t know where to look. On the short walk to our table I spotted military jackets, fringed lampshades, a grandfather clock, stacks of sepia-tinged documents and an old-fashioned sewing machine.
![The repurposed green bathtub where I had lunch](https://www.kentonline.co.uk/_media/img/6KMCNU7II3E5SO018ZG4.jpg)
When we arrived at our seats, I quickly realised that I’d be dining inside a mint-green bathtub, which was propped up at the table and decorated with Union Jack scatter cushions and knitted blankets. It’s not where I thought I’d be having lunch, but I do like surprises.
After a quick scan of the menu, my eyes were drawn to the ‘short stack’ afternoon tea.
It’s a smaller, cheaper option than the full shebang, offering four finger sandwiches, your choice of scone or cake and unlimited tea and coffee.
I felt like this dainty delicacy would be much more fitting for the traditional vibe of the place, as did my lunch buddy, so we opted for two.
I also had to check with Fay about vegetarian options and was pleased to hear her rattle off at least four sandwiches that were meat-free.
I went for cheddar and onion chutney and egg mayonnaise sandwiches and a giant New York cookie stuffed with chocolate brownie for my cake.
Our drinks came first - a pot of green tea for me, complete with delicate teacups, matching saucers and a tea strainer, and a pot of black coffee for my friend.
![Perhaps my favourite part of the decor was the many teacups hanging precariously from the ceiling](https://www.kentonline.co.uk/_media/img/AB8O6YLPMZUSEU512EBB.jpg)
It was only once we were waiting for our food that I had a chance to look up and spot the countless teacups hanging from the ceiling - another fun addition to this unique cafe.
I also noticed a piano tucked away in the corner that I’m told is often occupied on the weekends, but sadly no-one stepped up to tickle the ivories during our visit.
The sandwiches soon arrived, presented with a flourish on a silver afternoon tea stand. They looked perfectly symmetrical, crusts expertly removed, and the cookie was absolutely monstrous, taking over the entire top tier.
![The 'short stack' afternoon tea came with four finger sandwiches, a huge cake and unlimited hot drinks](https://www.kentonline.co.uk/_media/img/E43IPZ9J2AK28INXIL36.jpg)
While neither cheese or egg mayo are my favourite fillings, I have to hold my hands up - all four finger sandwiches were utterly delicious. The balance of flavours was just right and they had enough filling to abate my hunger without being too much.
I was also reliably informed by my friend that her sandwiches - turkey and cranberry and coronation chicken - were equally tasty.
Then it was time to tackle the cookies.
These beasts were the ultimate sweet treat, packed with a decadent combination of cookie dough, chocolate chips and gooey brownie. Neither of us could finish them, managing about half a cookie before admitting defeat, but the staff were happy to provide takeaway boxes.
![It might have been a miniature version of the classic afternoon tea but it was filling enough for us](https://www.kentonline.co.uk/_media/img/PH5NPJCWT5T1BF8Q3A56.jpg)
We took our time and never felt rushed. Fay even gave us a few tips on how to read our tea leaves once we finished and it felt like we could’ve sat there all afternoon soaking up the cafe’s many sights and no-one would have minded.
On the way out, we paid up and added a little tip. I was told that any gratuity is donated to Bexley Women’s Aid - another great touch from the owner.
It wasn’t what I expected, but the phrase ‘never judge a book by its cover’ couldn’t be truer here. Vintage Lindy Lou ticked all the boxes - a friendly atmosphere, finger-licking food and entirely fascinating decor.
Out of five:
Food: The afternoon tea was delightful, even though the sandwiches weren’t my favourite flavours I still thoroughly enjoyed them ****
Drink: The unlimited tea and coffee was great, and there were lots of choices other than your usual English breakfast tea and filter coffee ****
Decor: Every inch of the place is covered in fun knick-knacks and a lot of time and effort has clearly gone into the decorating *****
Staff: Fay was a wonderful host, and the other server was friendly and efficient *****
Price: Our ‘short stack’ afternoon tea was £17.80 each, a bit pricer than the sandwich and cuppa I had in mind but it tasted great and we couldn’t even finish ours so I can’t say it’s not good value for money ****