We visit the hidden gem seaside cafe with delicious homemade cakes and a fascinating history 

With its colourful bunting, leather sofas and counter of homemade cakes, Dr Fox’s Tearoom is a welcome sight after a walk along the windswept promenade.

Perched on the end of Knightstone Island, with sea views from the outdoor seats when the weather allows, this tucked away cafe is still one of Weston-super-Mare’s true hidden gems.

Dr Fox’s Tearoom opened in 2011 and it’s now onto its third proprietor. Alyson Medley took on the business in June 2019, a few months before the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

But it has picked up where it left off and after shortened opening times during the winter, it’s back fully open and ready for what will hopefully be another busy summer.

The building itself dates from the 1830s when pioneering psychiatrist Dr Edward Long Fox used it as a therapeutic spa and treatment rooms for patients with mental health problems.

Part of a cluster of stunning buildings, the nearby swimming pool from the same period has now been converted and extended into luxury flats, along with the Knightstone Pavilion overlooking Marine Lake.

A light and airy space with high windows, decorative original plasterwork, church pews and scrubbed pine tables, Dr Fox’s is a traditional tearoom with an open kitchen.

All cakes, soups and scones are made on the premises and there is a range of locally produced juices and soft drinks.

The traditional afternoon tea (£22.50) is one speciality and they are so popular that booking is advisable.

A large blackboard has the daily specials chalked up. On the day of my visit, these included a hearty tomato and lentil soup served with a savoury scone (£6.75) and mature Cheddar and red onion chutney panini (£7.25).

The homemade cakes are £4, with traybakes £3.50 and teacakes £2.20. Cakes on the counter this time included chocolate and Guinness, Victoria sponge and lemon drizzle - all the classics, basically.

I went for the coffee cake - thick slices of light sponge cemented with a layer of coffee buttercream and topped with more of the same. Served on a flowery vintage plate, it was utterly delicious and washed down with a well made Americano coffee (£3).

The historic building may have started life as a place to heal people under the watchful eye of Dr Fox but these days, this wonderful little tearoom offers visitors to the seaside delicious restoratives of a very different kind.

Dr Fox's Tearoom, Knightstone Causeway, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2AD.