St. Mary's Church Tea Room

Church Road, Portchester, Fareham PO16 9QW, United Kingdom
+44 23 9232 5180
$$$ Cafe
(46 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled within the historic surroundings of Portchester Castle, the St. Mary's Church Tea Room provides a warm and inviting retreat for both locals and visitors. This charming cafe, run by a dedicated team of volunteers, serves as a hidden gem for those seeking delightful homemade treats and refreshing beverages.

Step inside to experience a cozy atmosphere where friendly faces and a welcoming vibe await. Customers have described St. Mary's as a "lovely tearoom with welcoming staff," making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the castle grounds. The menu showcases an array of enticing options, including exceptional homemade pies, tantalizing sandwiches, and a tempting selection of cakes and pastries that are sure to please every palate.

One of the standout offerings is the homemade sausage plait, which has garnered rave reviews for its unbeatable flavor. Pair that with a freshly brewed pot of tea or a rich, creamy coffee for a true afternoon indulgence. For those looking for healthier options, the quiche and salad are also highly recommended. As Wendy Callear said, "the homemade pies are amazing," and you simply cannot visit without trying one of their famous scones — some of the best you’ll ever taste!

The tea room’s unique setting, within the church itself or the scenic back area, offers an experience that goes beyond just food. Imagine enjoying your cake and milkshake while surrounded by the echoes of history and the serene ambience that only a place like St. Mary's can provide. Whether you’re seated indoors or outdoors, there’s a charm that envelops you, making it impossible not to feel relaxed and at home.

Many customers appreciate the reasonable prices for quality food, echoing sentiments like, "all at fantastic prices!" This affordability, combined with the personal touch of volunteers who genuinely care about their customers, makes every visit a memorable one. Emma Johnson shared a heartwarming story of an anniversary lunch, emphasizing the care that goes into special occasions at the tearoom.

As you savor your meal, take a moment to chat with the kind staff members, who have been praised for their friendly service. Our visitors describe St. Mary's Church Tea Room as a delightful spot, where kindness is abundant and every cuppa feels like a welcomed embrace. Don’t forget to grab some postcards to remember your visit, as cash is preferred.

In a world that often feels rushed, St. Mary’s Church Tea Room invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy the company of good friends and delicious food. It’s more than just a cafe; it’s a treasure to discover in Fareham. Make sure to stop by soon — your palate will thank you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

01:00 PM - 04:00 PM

46 Reviews
Wendy Callear

11 Sep 2025

A friendly, cosy place in St Mary's church, Portchester Castle. Great location. The home-made pies are amazing! Lots of other home-made cakes and pastries on offer. There is also the healthier option of quiche and salad. All at fantastic prices!

Briony Banks

19 Aug 2025

An absolutely lovely tearoom with welcoming staff and locals. A great place for cake and a milkshake!

Emma Johnson

05 Aug 2025

Anniversary lunch for a Diamond wedding (60th). Food was locally made by Ron, nice selection of sandwiches and cakes, bottomless tea or coffee. As two of the party did not want sandwiches, extra cake and savoury pastries were laid on. The food was exceptional, a special table was made up in one of the transepts. Service both friendly and prompt. Highly recommended, order in advance if for a special occasion.

jeremy parker

22 Jul 2025

Situated within the grounds of Portchester Castle, which is well worth visiting. This is a lovely tea room operated by volunteers who are fabulous. There is an excellent selection of sandwiches, hot & cold drinks,meals & cakes.. I had a cracking bacon sandwich , followed by a cream tea. Can't be beaten!!

Simon

16 Jul 2025

Quaint tea room attached to the church. We had cakes, tea and coffee. The cakes were superb. The place seems to be run by volunteers and it gave a friendly and wholesome vibe. Was very glad we stopped there - a bit of a hidden gem to be honest. You can eat in the tea room or in the back of the attached church. I recommend the latter!

Delaney Crocker

09 Jul 2025

A lovely spot for your afternoon cuppa. Baked goods made in-house or donated by volunteers. The folks running the place are all very kind and prices are incredibly reasonable. Cash preferred, especially if you also plan to get some postcards for your visit to the church. Reminds me of home.

Maggie Rule

01 Jul 2025

Never been here before and came across it today by chance. There were eight of us, 6 adults and 2 children, 1 of whom has severe nut and dairy allergies. There was something here for all of us and he could even have a pie as it was vegan! Made us all happy he could have something nice. The sausage plait was the best I have ever eaten and the mint aero cheesecake was homemade and delicious. We’re so pleased we came here and were proud to tell our friends we lived nearby this little gem. The whole staff were fantastic and even helped bring our order outside to the garden. We will definitely come back and cannot recommend this tea room highly enough.

Jennie Williamson

08 Jun 2025

The scones were some of the best ever tasted and went down well with coffee. Very reasonably priced, pleasant staff and all set in historic surroundings. Well worth going out of your way for.

Join the St. Mary's Church Tea Room Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.