The Story of Badgers Tea House & The Old Village Bakery
At the Heart of Historic Alfriston Since 1510
Alfriston was granted its market charter in 1406, and The Old Village Bakery - now home to Badgers Tea House - dates back to 1510, placing our historic building at the heart of village life for more than 500 years.
The Old Village Bakery was at the heart of life in Alfriston for around 200 years, serving as the village bakery until 1933. Local residents would bring their own cakes to be baked here, and in the 1700s the bakery was run by Richard Harryott - appropriately known as “Doughy”.
As domestic ovens became more affordable, village bakeries like this gradually disappeared, but the building’s connection with homemade food lives on. Today, Badgers Tea House continues that tradition with freshly baked scones, homemade cakes and traditional cream teas served within these historic walls.
The building has played other roles in Alfriston’s history too. In the late 18th century, “Dissenters” from St Andrew’s Church met here before establishing their own independent church in 1801. There’s even a historic Standing Stone in the pavement outside our front door.
Alfriston has centuries of stories to discover, so why not continue exploring this beautiful historic village after your visit to Badgers at The Old Village Bakery?
Badgers Tea House Today
More than 500 years after The Old Village Bakery first became part of Alfriston’s story, food and hospitality remain at the heart of this historic building.
Today, Badgers is a family-run tea house where homemade cakes, freshly baked scones and traditional cream teas are served on fine bone china, with tea poured from silver teapots. Whether you find a cosy spot inside or relax in our beautiful walled garden, we want every visit to feel like a little taste of traditional English hospitality.
Named the UK’s No.1 Tea Room by National Geographic
We’re incredibly proud that Badgers was named No.1 in National Geographic’s “7 of the Best Tea Rooms in the UK” recognition of the experience our family and team work hard to create every day.
From a village bakery with a history stretching back centuries to the tea house you see today, it’s a privilege to continue the story of this special building.
We look forward to welcoming you to Badgers Tea House at The Old Village Bakery, and to becoming a small part of your own visit to Alfriston.