My big issue is buttercream. Wrong on so many levels. What you want is a Victoria sponge with just jam, and proper cream on the side if you want to be fancy, but it’s optional.
Home made quite sharp jam. So many quite posh places have cheap jam thar just tastes of sugar, it’s so disappointing.
Cake that isn’t triple chocolate salted caramel with a flake and whipped cream. The Uk has loads of great flavoured cakes that don’t give you diabetes and a migraine after 3 mouthfuls - but places that serve them are increasingly rare things that use seasonal fruit are good
I also think the UK is short of Danish pastries these days
A place near me does a mini ploughman’s type thing which a cheese scone and soup which is nice. Good soup is generally good at lunchtime.
Given the plethora of diets these days, have something that’s gluten free always, and something vegan, but also packets of nuts so low carbers can come in with their sugar loving mates.
Good builders tea. I like Punjana. People do seem to enjoy fancy teas, diffusers and timers though. Ice for cold drinks in summer.
Decent chairs. Tea shops do have a tendency to have arse destroying chairs.
A loo that you don’t have to practically climb over the seat to shut the door. Tiny lips are also a feature.
Ideally a double front door / porch so it isn’t freezing
People like a fire, so even one of those electric flame ones is quite a good idea in winter
Selling home made bread and nice cards is a good way to have people popping in
Offer a bit of a group deal for meet up groups in quiet slots
People like tea shops that feel like the heart of the community I think so a book swap shelf, locally made cards and art on the walls you can buy and maybe a mini notice board are good
I love how much MN has to say about tea shops..