Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cream Tea?
Cream Tea is the best part of Afternoon Tea—Classic English Scones, Jam, and Clotted Cream, all served with a cup of tea.
What is the difference between an American scone and an English scone?
American scones are usually triangular with sugar granules or glazes on top. They are traditionally sweeter than English scones which are less sweet and speckled with dried fruits.
What is the difference between a scone and a biscuit?
Biscuits are buttery, flaky, and typically served with a savory meal, whereas English scones are more plain, dense, and served with clotted cream and jam for afternoon tea or cream tea.
What is clotted cream?
Clotted cream is made by gently baking full-fat cream for about 12 hours.
Coombe Castle Clotted Cream is shelf-stable until opened, but should be kept refrigerated for quality purposes. Some separation may occur during storage, so please stir the cream before consuming.
What if I don’t like jam and clotted cream?
English scones are traditionally eaten with jam and clotted cream, but there are no rules when it comes to what you prefer to put on your scones. Some people simply enjoy their scones with lashings of salted butter. You can add honey, marmalade, or raspberry jam—the options are limitless! Thunder and lightning is also a popular option if the combination of jam and cream isn’t your cup of tea. Add a clotted cream dollop on your scone and drizzle on some golden syrup. Delicious!
How do I store my scones?
Our scones are made without preservatives and shipped frozen with an ice pack that will thaw during delivery. If they are not consumed immediately, please freeze them upon receiving.
How do I prepare my scones?
It’s always best to heat your scones in a 300° oven or toaster for 8-10 minutes. To refrain from your scones drying out, please wait until your oven or toaster is completely done preheating before placing the scones inside and remove them promptly when completed.
Can I microwave my scones?
Yes, if you’re looking for a softer texture, as opposed to a crisp outside and fluffy middle, you can microwave your scones one at a time uncovered for about 7-10 seconds from room temperature. However, it’s best to consume them warm, or they may become tough as they cool. Also, microwaves vary, so please use your judgment and discretion when warming the scones.
Why do my scones vary in shape?
Although we haven't had anyone ask this before, we added this in for good measure. You may notice each scone is slightly different in height or shape. For example, some might be sloped somewhat or marginally taller than others. This is because every batch is hand-made, and each scone is unique. They’re not punched out by machines making them precisely uniform. That being said, we love the wonky ones because we believe it gives them a bit of character.
Do you sell your boxes in retail stores?
Our sampler bakery boxes are available at Butler's Orchard Market. Click here to find out more!
When will my order ship?
Due to the product's shelf-life, we only dispatch on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Order Monday → Ships by Tuesday
Order Tuesday → Ships by Wednesday
Order Wednesday → Ships by Monday
Order Thursday → Ships by Monday
Order Friday → Ships by Monday
Order Saturday → Ships by Monday
Order Sunday → Ships by Monday
Why do you only ship out on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays?
We cannot ship out on a Thursday or Friday as they would be held at a depot or truck for multiple days and possibly affect the freshness of our scones.
Why is shipping so expensive?
Due to the nature of our boxes containing perishable items, the boxes must arrive to you within a maximum of 2-business days. The shipping rates offered by our carriers are based on size, weight, and timeliness and we do not set these rates, nor do we make a profit on them. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Why don't you ship to PO Boxes?
Due to the nature of our boxes containing perishable items, the boxes must arrive to you within a maximum of 2-business days. This timeline is often not attainable when shipping to a PO Box.
What is the return policy?
Due to its perishable nature, we do not accept returns. However, if there is a problem with your order, please email us at info@mrsbakewells.com, and we will do what we can to make it right.
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FUN facts
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01.
Queen Elizabeth II took her scone the Cornish way.
Devon vs. Cornwall: The Devonshire way of assembling scones is in order: Cream first and then jam. The Cornish method is the opposite, with jam being applied first and then a dollop of clotted cream on top.
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02.
Having tea itself wasn't something new in England, but Anna, the 7th duchess of Bedford, set the trend and standards of the ritual of afternoon tea involving something sweet and savory with her tea to hold her over until dinner.
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03.
While this was mainly reserved for the upper class in the 1800s, there's been a resurgence of tea parties and meeting for afternoon tea in the modern world.