We are a young local family who have lived in and around Exmoor our whole lives, and we take great pride in building a business that is rooted in a strong sense of place and community.
Our journey began in 2019, in the village of Selworthy. We launched The Selworthy Pantry, producing homemade jams, chutneys, marmalades and pickles using traditional preserving methods. What started as a small honesty stall at the bottom of our drive, quickly grew into something we were incredibly proud of thanks to the loyal local support, growing recognition and numerous awards. As the business expanded, The Selworthy Pantry began offering catering, primarily from our converted Rice Horse Trailer. We travelled to local shows, events, weddings, and more widely known at our pitch on North Hill Tank Grounds. We soon became known for our Award Winning Cream Teas & hearty Ploughmans Lunches.
From The Selworthy Pantry to Allerford Tea Room
In 2023, the opportunity arose to move in to what was then the Allerford Post Office - a chance we jumped at. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, the post office closed in 2024. Undeterred, we reimagined our indoor space, transforming it in to the cosy tea room it is today. The space has grown in to a welcoming hub for both locals and visitors alike, and we are incredibly proud of what it has become.
Meet the Family
We’re a truly family-run business, and everyone plays their part.
Connor is usually the first face you’ll see when you walk through the door. He loves welcoming people, having a chat and making sure everyone has everything they need to feel at home. Often described as the ‘muscle’ of the business, Connor is the one lifting, carrying, building and fixing whatever needs doing. He is the chief repairs man and the practical backbone of the business. When he’s not behind the counter or busy keeping the tea room running, Connor can usually be seen out and about the local area running his side business in Landscape Gardening and Fencing. His hands-on skills, work ethic and friendly nature are a huge part of what makes the tea room what it is.
Emma is the heart of the kitchen and the driving force behind the business. From creating the menus and baking, to organising, planning and coming up with new ideas, she’s the one keeping everything moving forward.
With a love for traditional, homemade food done properly, Emma is passionate about quality, flavour and creating a menu that feels comforting and familiar, while still offering something special. Much of what you enjoy in the tea room starts with her ideas and attention to detail, from the food itself to the atmosphere and overall feel of the space.
Layla is our eldest, and currently taking a gap year before heading off to university, which means you’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the tea room.
Friendly, capable and always happy to help, Layla supports the team wherever she is needed, from serving customers to helping things run smoothly. Many of our regulars already know her well and she’s quickly become a familiar and welcoming face.
Henry is our youngest team member and takes his role very seriously..
When he’s not at school or out playing football with friends, he loves putting on his uniform and helping out wherever he can.
Whether he’s clearing tables, refreshing flowers or lending a hand behind the counter, Henry brings a lot of pride and enthusiasm in everything he does. He’s especially fond of his ‘important jobs’ and always enjoys being a part of the day- to day life of the tea room.
No visit would be complete without meeting our two dogs, Teddy & Norman. Teddy is everyone’s favourite shop dog and is always happy to accept fuss from customers. Norman is just as friendly and can often be found popping his nose through his special hole in the counter to say hello.
They’re usually only around in the mornings, so be sure to visit early if you would like to meet them.
Our Values & Life on Exmoor
Exmoor isn’t just where we work - it’s home. We care deeply about preserving the traditional feel of village life that makes this area so special.
Our aim has always been to create more than just a place to eat and drink. We want the tea room to be a warm, welcoming space where people can slow down, meet friends, bring their dogs and feel a part of our community.
Our values guide everything we do:
Supporting local producers and suppliers wherever possible
Keeping as much as we can homemade, honest and seasonal
Creating a family friendly, relaxed and inclusive environment
Help to keep village life alive and thriving
Why Visit Us
Visiting us is more than just tea and cake - it’s about taking a moment to pause, enjoying the simpler things and feeling a part of village life.
When you visit, you can expect a genuine family-run welcome, homemade food prepared with love and care, a relaxed atmosphere and a tea room that feels rooted in the village and the beautiful landscape surrounding it.
We hope you will join us soon and become a part of our story.
With Love,
Emma, Connor & Family x
