The Hayloft

I had my first meal in England here.
My family and I stayed in a cottage just a minute away and the owners had suggested The Hay Loft Tea Shoppe for breakfast since we checked in early. It was my first introduction to the first, legit English breakfast of my life.
When you arrive in the parking lot, there are peacocks roaming everywhere! It was pretty cool and they’re such beautiful creatures.
Starved from a 14-​hour flight, we walked through the brick doorway and hastily ordered the full «brekkie» with the earl grey tea. We waited more than 25 minutes for our food and let me tell you, when you’re starving, it seems like an hour.
Finally, the waitress brought our full plates with sausage, «bacon,» eggs, mushrooms (they were ON POINT!), beans and black pudding. Everything was great, a bit bland, but I’m used to the salty and overly sweet flavors that we have in Hawaii. My U.S. palate needed a clean, country detox.
The only thing on my plate that surprised me was the «bacon.» It was a thick piece of fried ham that tasted so salty and good. It was the most flavorful thing on our table.
My brother had a toastie with «bacon» and eggs. He scarfed that down quickly. My parents and I all had the full breakfast and enjoyed every bit of it.
Once we were done, we walked over to the register to pay and THEN we saw the most appetizing, pretty mini pies, cookies and fluffy pastries in the display counter. I regret not buying some to take back to our cottage! They looked so good!
This is such a picturesque place to eat and if you don’t mind the long wait, they make a good breakfast and lots of pastries (which I didn’t have the chance to try).

Oh no…
We walked in absolutely starved for the lady in there to tell us «we can do tea and coffee but no food because the chef has decided to go home».
Oh no, no, no, no, no, no.

Even in midwinter, with those parts of the farmyard beyond the car park turned to a muddy quagmire, The Hay Loft Tea Shoppe radiates a warm and welcoming glow to the weary walker.
Isabel A rightly mentions the duck pond right outside the tearoom door. There is quite the menagerie of other feathered friends roaming freely here with the dozen or so peacocks naturally being the stars of the show!
The old farmhouse which houses the tearoom is inscribed ‘1741’ and the whole operation has an authentic traditional feel to it. On my only visit here so far, I had a fruit scone and butter with my friend enjoying a plum crumble with custard and a pot of tea — all quality stuff, sizeable portions and a very nice price of £5.65.
Looking at the cake display and also the daily specials board, I would estimate The Hay Loft to have substantial culinary firepower. I was pleasantly surprised to note the numerous vegetarian options, with daily specials including broccoli & Stilton soup, roast vegetable lasagna and a vegetable curry. Price wise, for proper food cooked on the premises, I would think this place is practically unbeatable.
Also, another vote from our party for the friendly service received here.
I would definitely go out my way to come back here, and I would recommend this a great choice for food and refreshment after a walk in Formby Beach or Nature Reserve or seeing the animals/​tractor riding at Farmer Ted’s (kids!) For the summer, Cheshire Farms ice cream is available here, definitely one of the northwest’s top premium ice creams.
Lydiate Farm Shoppe is on the other side of the farmyard — I will review it separately.
In conclusion, of Lancashire farm eateries, there maybe some which are larger or more posh — but it wouldn’t be surprise me if The Hayloft outpointed even full-​blown farm restaurants on an overall score of food, hospitality and comfort.

In picturesque surroundings, with a delightful duck pond outside, the Hayloft is a popular venue for all tea junkies and café lovers.
Before 11:30am they do great breakfasts with all the trimmings. A selection of home-​made cakes are on offer as well as delicious snacks. In rural settings you can sit outside on a nice day and enjoy the country air, whilst indulging in a pot of tea and a cream bun.
Reasonably priced, too, and excellent service.
Convenient for the Cheshire Lines walking route across Lydiate.
I’ll definitely be visiting again!