The Esplanade Hotel Blog

At The Esplanade Hotel, there's nothing we enjoy more than a traditional cream tea (especially when it comes with stunning sea views!). So, we sat down with the experts at Rodda's to discover what makes their Cornish clotted cream the ultimate companion to elevate the experience.

Tell us the story behind Rodda’s..

In 1890 our great-great-grandmother, Eliza Jane Rodda started making Cornish clotted cream in her farmhouse kitchen here in the heart of Cornwall. Now we are in the fifth generation of the family business, and we still craft our Cornish clotted cream in the very same way, and at the same site, making Eliza Jane proud.

When Eliza Jane started making clotted cream in her kitchen over 130 years ago, little did she know that her family recipe would someday become a much-loved Cornish delicacy. And whilst we love to talk about our delicious products, there are also some amazing things happening behind the scenes at our Creamery. We are incredibly thrilled to announce that we recertified in B -Corp in December 2024 and achieved our highest score and highest score in the UK dairy industry (based on published B Corp scores).

Certified B Corp™ companies are committed to supporting the environment and the wider community in the way they do business. By being a B Corp™ certified it helps us show everyone all the fantastic work that is already going on here at Rodda’s. It’s a constant reminder to hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to our teams, the planet, and the people within it. Being a part of the B Corp community is so much more than just a title for us.

What makes Cornwall so unique?

Cornwall is renowned for its unique combination of natural beauty, rich history, and distinct culture, all of which contribute to the authenticity of the Rodda’s brand and its products.

The region has a long history of traditional farming, and Rodda’s has been making Cornish clotted cream since 1890, using time-honoured methods that have been perfected over generations supporting farms throughout the region and the local economy.

The Cornish culture, with its strong sense of tradition and pride in local products, plays a big role in Rodda’s brand identity. Cornish people have long been known for their deep-rooted values, and this authenticity resonates in every pot of Rodda’s clotted cream.

In short, Cornwall’s natural advantages, the region’s dairy heritage, and Rodda’s dedication to quality and tradition make them unique in the world of clotted cream.

Why is Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream so special?

You can’t make the best clotted cream without the best milk, so supporting our local farmers is key to everything that we do. All our milk is sourced within Cornwall, and in 2017 we created our Farming Family to strengthen our direct relationship with the farms and ensure we source the best quality milk, which has grown to over 45 farms. Our farmers also work to our Rodda’s bespoke farm assurance, which goes above and beyond industry requirements. It’s an important part of our family values that we enjoy lasting relationships with our local farmers and their families. They go the extra mile in caring for their livestock, to help create the best milk.

Our famous delicate golden crust, is a mark of quality and our family expertise to get it just right. The cream is gently baked and this is where the magic happens, the crust starts to appear as the tastiest and richest bits rise to the top in the cooking process. Nothing beats breaking through the seal with a spoon to experience the smoothness of the clotted cream below.

An easy question - jam first?

As a Cornish company we do of course enjoy jam first as we want to crown our cream tea with the splendour of Rodda’s clotted cream. However, whether you like jam first, or cream first, we don’t mind, as long as its Rodda’s.

There's a science behind the perfect scone. Tell us more..

There seems to be a lot of different opinions floating around about the best way to conduct a cream tea. We, however, have well over a hundred years of expertise on our side, and have even conducted a study by the University of Sheffield to back this us.

According to their research on the perfect cream tea, your scone should be 4-7cm in diameter and the jam should be spread on first (very important!), leaving a space around the edge. Finally, the clotted cream should sit proudly on top.

We naturally knew all this already, but it’s nice to have it scientifically backed up!

Beyond cream tea, what are some other ways you recommend enjoying your clotted cream?

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream beyond a traditional cream tea. During the summer months, fresh berries, particularly strawberries, are a popular pairing—especially during the Wimbledon weeks. It’s also perfect for spooning over desserts, and our newest addition, Vanilla Clotted Cream, pairs wonderfully with apple-based dishes and chocolate, especially brownies. Rodda’s clotted cream is also an essential part of festive treats and goes beautifully with Christmas pudding and a mince pie or two!

roddas.co.uk