If it wasn't for the tourists, and the fact that the seemingly linen tablecloth is actually plastic, this would be the best place to take your mum for an afternoon tea - Georgian style.

The Venue
The Regency Tea Room is located on the top floor of the Jane Austen Centre and it tries to recreate the atmosphere and decor of a Georgian tea room. The furniture is styled in the Regency period and includes cherry wood chairs and tables covered by two layers of white cloth (the uppermost lace-like layer is plastic, though).

The walls are baby blue, the doors are bright white, the curtains are cream and light blue with a period pattern, there's a fireplace and each table has a bunch of small and delicate real flowers. A portrait of Mr Darcy (a portrait of Colin Firth) hangs above the fireplace, while on the opposite wall framed prints of period figures display the fashion of the time. The room looks elegant and sober without any type of affectation.

The People
This is a place for ladies who lunch, but more often than not it's filled with tourists, who can be a bit loud and brash. After leaving the fascinating world of Jane Austen they all troop up here for a cuppa. Most visitors are women, often in their fifties or above, sometimes with a male companion or a younger companion, but most often with one or two friends of the same age.

There is the occasional lone male, sat reading a book or a newspaper, and it's hard to figure out whether he's a regular or a husband bored of hearing about how wonderful the museum is.

The Food
The food complements the tea and you can swoon while enjoying a Tea With Mr Darcy (the dream of many visitors). This includes the classic finger sandwiches, cake, scones with cream and jam and a pot of tea of your choice (£10 for one or £17.50 for two). A less expensive option is the Lady Catherine’s Proper Cream Tea (£7). There's also the wickedly gooey chocolate cake - Willoughby’s Chocolate Fudge (£3) and many other cakes and sweets from £2.50 to £3. The only savoury option available throughout the day is the Salmagundy (£9.50 for one or £17.50 for two), a true 18th century favourite made of mixed salad, cheese, meat, fruit and relishes served with a bread roll and a drink.

The Drink
Obviously tea is the most important option of the whole menu. You can choose from a regular English breakfast blend, the Jane Austen blend, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Assam, Lapsang and a few others (all £2 to £2.50). If you are looking for a stronger and more contemporary hot drink, don’t worry, they serve coffee as well. You can get a caffettiera for £3 or order a cup of latte, espresso, mocha, hot chocolate (£2.75). Cold soft drinks are also available.

The Last Word
The Regency Tea Room is a good place to take your mum, but make sure pick a quiet day during the week and bear with the foreign accents. You will enjoy a proper tea in an elegant environment. Most mums would approve.