Hotel wins tea-rooms 'Oscar' by brewing up perfect cuppa

The Black Swan Tearoom and Patisserie, part of the Black Swan Hotel, Helmsley, has been awarded a prestigious Tea Guild award.

Opened three years ago, the tea room has amassed an army of fans for its locally-made teas and sumptuous home-made pastries.

And staff say the accolade – known as an Oscar of the tea world – is the icing on the cake.

Assistant manager Sarah Wood, 22, of Helmsley, said: "It is just wonderful and we are all over the moon.

"We celebrated by throwing a big afternoon tea party for about 30 of our most loyal customers, friends and family.

"We pride ourselves on serving the finest tea and coffee but this is a real honour."

The tea room was opened in 2007 by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White and its specialities include luxury tea from Pollards in Sheffield, and a home-made blend brewed with spring waters near Helmsley, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.

Its famous carrot cake also draws thousands of customers from across the region every year.

The award is a stained glass window etched with The Tea Guild's Top Tea Place award.