This is one of my favourite local cafes, if only for their scones. I may have said this elsewhere, but I’ll risk repeating myself to explain that one of my benchmarks for judgement of any cafe is their scones. They need to be a good size. Piddly little arty-farty one-bite bits are not what I look for. In the Fountain they’re big. Scones must also be firm and crunchy on the outside with a lovely soft interior. They need flavour, of course. And not just one flavour, I like variety. At the Fountain they do a good range of scones including Plain, Mixed fruit, White Chocolate & Cherry, Cheddar & Sun-dried Tomato and – my favourite – Stilton & Walnut. They do lots of other lovely snacks and full meals too.
In the summer it’s very pleasant to sit at one of the outside tables and watch the world go by. Having said that, not much of the world goes by in Bonsall. It’s a charming, quiet sort of place – except on “Open garden” weekend, then it positively heaves with people.
Over the years I’ve organised many Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions and I regularly make sure that the participants’ finish point is the Fountain Cafe, so I can sit and wait for them enjoying a coffee and scone in the sunshine. (Yes, it does shine here in Derbyshire.)
http://www.thefountainbonsall.co.uk/index.php
July 2023 Update
Sadly, recent visits have not been very good, especially the last one a few weeks ago. I was walking with a friend and purposely planned the walk so that we would return via Bonsall and the tea rooms. We ordered and, as it was a pleasant day, we sat outside waiting…. and waiting… and waiting. They weren’t especially busy, so after about fifteen minutes I decided, reluctantly, to go inside to enquire. The response was far from apologetic and not even polite. The food, when it arrived still later (without basics such as salt and pepper) was reasonable, but the whole experience was not a good one. I will not be rushing back.
Retired Bloke on Food n stuff 