Nestled away in Otley Chevin Forest Park, The Cheerful Chilli is a tea room that oozes charm. A great place to stop for cake or lunch, it’s a popular spot for families, walkers and cyclists.

Located in a converted farmhouse, the inside has a lovely laid back feel with mismatched furniture and cozy sofas to curl up in. The homemade cakes are always tempting and the cherry cheesecake is divine. The everchanging light lunch menu offers a variety of influences from Moroccan couscous dishes to Italian classics.

For me though, it’s all about eating outside in the sunshine in their courtyard garden. Rustic tables and chairs sit amongst pots of brightly coloured geraniums, roses climbing up old trellis and junk planters overflowing with scented perennials. Bees and butterflies went about their daily business as I enjoyed my lunch of homity pie washed down with a ginger beer.

The Cheerful Chilli is a place to unwind, relax and enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food in the prettiest of surroundings.

Images by Jen Chillingsworth