Once laughed at by all other nations for our land’s supposedly bland and flavourless food, the perception around our culinary capabilities in the United Kingdom has started to shift in the international community to a more favourable opinion. One thing we have always been good at, though, is our desserts; we’ve always had a knack for producing proper puddings, so let’s tuck in and take a look at some of the finest places on offer for delicious desserts in Stoke on Trent.
The Rabbit Hole Tea Room – 9 Glebe St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1HP
The Rabbit Hole is a cosy little spot located just across the road from Stoke Minister Church. The first thing that strikes you when you walk in is the decor; as their name would suggest, it’s like falling down the rabbit hole yourself and being transported to Wonderland to dine at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. The staff are super friendly and helpful, which is always something you want when dining out, and the owner is always present and on hand, keeping the place ticking along nicely while also chatting to customers and ensuring everyone is well looked after. It is evident when you feel the restaurant’s vibe and see how things are working that the staff are happy to be there and enjoy what they do.
The choice for dessert at the Rabbit Hole has to be the afternoon tea (they offer a savoury option as well, but today, we are here to focus on the desserts, although the sweet option also comes with sandwiches). This afternoon tea is mega and served with unlimited Tea, coffee and your choice of either apple or orange juice. All the food is made in-house and freshly prepared; you don’t get store-bought cakes and scones here! Like most afternoon teas, this comes as a set menu; the sandwiches are delicious and include Beef and stilton, Ham & Christmas Chutney, Turkey and stuffing, Mature Cheddar, and sticky Tomato or Brie and cranberry.
The main character of this story, though, is the dessert selection that comes with the banquet of beautiful morsels. This is like a dessert tapas. A cupcake and a chocolate dessert are included, but you also get to choose what flavour of cake and scone you want to indulge in (that’s right, you get a cake and a scone!). I had the Biscoff, Belgian White Chocolate, and salted Caramel scone. This blew my mind; served with a side of clotted creme and strawberry jam, the scone was in a league of its own. The Biscoff flavour, reminiscent of the famous spiced cookies, added a unique twist to the classic British scone. Its distinct taste, a blend of caramel and spice, set the stage for a unique scone-eating experience. The Belgian White Chocolate added a velvety smoothness that complemented the Biscoff beautifully. I desperately tried not to drop any crumbs on my shirt and plate to savour every morsel and not waste any food. If a Biscoff scone isn’t your jam, choose another flavour, such as Dark Chocolate & Cherry or a Terry’s Chocolate Orange with Orange Curd option.
The selection of cake was also just as impressive. I have a gigantic fluffy slice of home-baked luxury on a plate. I chose the Kinder Beuno cake, a slice of sponge cake with white chocolate icing and pieces of kinder bueno sprinkled on top; one portion is easily enough for two people, and they have some other incredible choices when it comes to cakes. Also on offer are Black Forest, Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Caramac (another favourite of mine), Strawberry Cheesecake, Pink Gin & Lemonade, Carrot Cake, and White Kinder Bueno.
Usually, I wouldn’t say I like to pick a favourite, but the Rabbit Hole is a clear stand-out in Stoke on Trent. People travel from as far as Tokyo to eat here, and once you have been and experienced the place for yourself, you will understand why.
Little Dessert Shop – 53 Stafford St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1SA
These guys have been around a while, and they have a few different locations in Staffordshire, as they have rightfully earned themselves a reputation as one of the county’s premium pudding vendors.
Various desserts are on offer, and they also do a banging hot chocolate. My go-to choice here is the cookie dough brownie, a Chocolate brownie topped with a heaped scoop of cookie dough and Yorkie. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is also a must. Another best seller is the milkshakes; I indulged myself with the Strawberries and cream Milkshake. Juicy fresh strawberries blended with Vanilla ice cream and milk topped with fresh cream and strawberry sauce
Sweet Moments – 433 Victoria Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3JF
Another location locals love is Sweet Moments; I have always had time for this spot. I used to go here after work mainly, but I also venture here when I have a particular craving for something sweet.
I’m a huge fan of doughnuts, and they offer a great selection here. I opt for the Sweet Moments Box, two delicious doughnuts served with Nutella, white chocolate and strawberries with a choice of 2 toppings. I wash this down with a large bubblegum slushy, and the world feels like a better place for a brief moment.
If desserts are your deal, get some grub at these three spots in Stoke on Trent. I’m sure you will leave with a smile on your face and a full stomach, just like I did.