Welcome to Lily's Tea Garden in Shrewsbury

From the outside looking across from the bus station you might think all you are going to get at Lily’s is a gingham table cloth and a mug of tea. That is not the case.  Lily’s is a whole lot more.Where else in Shrewsbury are you likely to find stuffed monkeys hanging from trees, lantern-lit grottoes, swans gliding across lakes of mirror glass, a fairy castle, a naked doll sun-bathing on a doll-sized park bench and hedges stuffed with soft toys?

Stepping down into Lily’s,  flowers cascading over each other, trees vying for the light, hedge after hedge creating tunnels and secret corners, a splash of sunlight here, deep shade there and the shade, more often than not, lit up by fairy lights.

Lily’s Garden Cafe near the bus station on Smithfield Road in Shrewsbury is without doubt the best cafe in Shrewsbury. MytonightfromShrewsbury

That’s what makes Lily’s such a joy to find for the first time.  As you enter the garden, ducking down under a tunnel of shrubbery you suddenly find yourself in an extraordinary place full of golden sculptures, children’s toys, Chinese lanterns, railway engine lights and a pond made of mirrors and astro-turf.

It would be impossible for anyone to enter the garden and not be touched by the creations put together by Lily the owner of the cafe. Inspired by Monty Don, Lily has taken things to a more artistic level.  The garden plants, the installations and sculptures and lighting are all very personal to Lily and it is her personal touch that has created the magic. Findmyfood

You know the feeling. You are at Shrewsbury bus station and there is the best part of an hour to wait until the next service to Bridgnorth or Bishop's Castle. The good news is that you can get an excellent cup of tea across the road. From the red brick house at the front you would never guess that, down the rather precipitous steps, is a garden with views of the Severn. LiberalEngland

Gorgeous spot for a delicious pot of leaf tea in the garden beside the river before catching my train
back to London. EatShrewsbury

Set in a beautiful garden along side the river with lovely views. Serving breakfast, light lunches and afternoon teas at very reasonable prices. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Seating for 50 people. Ishropshire

Sip tea in a nook-and-cranny garden filled with teddy bears, Buddha statues and pear trees, overlooking the River Severn. Countryfile