COLUMN: SICK to the back teeth of coffee bars, shops and cafes? Fed up with trying to find anywhere that offers a good, old-fashioned cup of tea?

Then why not join us in a celebration of all things genteel, English and cucumbered.

Every month, Earl Grey uncovers those bastions of morning and afternoon tea that have somehow managed to survive beneath the ever-choking canopy of coffee culture.

This week, Earl Grey made his way to one of Bath's more quaint tearooms, The Bath Bun, after reader Tom Clarke sent us an impassioned plea to investigate.

"I would vote the Bath Bun tea shop, near the Abbey Green, as the quaintest and most quintessential tea shop in Bath. During the warmer months it is a little corner of paradise," he said.

In light of this glowing tribute, how could we possibly resist paying a visit?

Temple of Tea: The Bath Bun, 3 Lilliput Court, North Parade Passage (close to Abbey Green).

Cost: £3.95 for a cream tea, which includes two large (and very fresh) scones, plus pot of top brew.

Quality: Served refeshingly warm, the scones were large, light and easily enough for two. The pot of clotted cream was equally impressive none of your inky-dinky finger portions here, but a large bowl overflowing with Devonshire goodness. As for the jam, well, that was smaller, but only just. And the tea? Hot, wet and very satisfying.

Decor: A trifle twee and, as you might expect, very, very pristine. Not at all trendy and right-on like all those caring-sharing coffee bars, but properly English with just a pinch of Remains of The Day austerity.

Service: Delightful, friendly, immediate and genuinely welcoming, we actually felt they were pleased to see us (Hell, they told us they were).

Most memorably, they were even there to pick up the pieces when we expressed defeat at the hurdle of the second scone. "Can we wrap it up for you?" they asked. "Isn't there any way we can help you enjoy it?"

I tell you, we were almost in tears by the time we left.

Last drop: Maybe not the kind of place to chew over the wounds of your failing marriage or even discuss the results of your latest medical as it is VERY quiet (whispering is most definitely de rigueur), but certainly the type of venue to wallow in all things Enid Blyton and Anthony Buckeridge.