Tiptree Jam Museum - Colchester

Laurie F.

The 'museum' itself is fairly interesting, not a lot of jam related exhibits. Mostly praising up the family and the man who started it all. The museum is all in one room which is not very big so, don't expect to be there for a long time.
To get into and out of the museum you have to pass through the cafe. But to be seated at the cafe you need to go outside (may be raining) and queue on a patio until the staff deign you suitable to be seated, even though there were loads of tables available. The lady who pointed us towards the patio was not a happy person, very surly. Once seated she took our order, two cream teas. This she entered onto a tablet computer, printed a copy for us and left us to sit. Another lady brought a pot, two cups and a jug of full fat milk (no thought of those that may want skimmed). We poured tea, drank a cup full, sat for ten minutes, poured another cup full, drank it, sat for ten minutes and waited for our scones, jam and cream.
Eventually, I asked the second lady if the scones were likely to appear today. She went away and came back to tell us that the system hadn't put the order through. So, we decided to pay for the tea and leave.
They offered us a takeaway cream tea but we said no. At least they gave us the cups of tea for free.
Next into the shop.
Now, you'd think that being the producer of the jams etc, that the prices would be very reasonable. Not on your nelly!! A jar of jam, nearly £4.00. Ketchup, a smallish jar almost £4.00 and, it's only 360 grams.
Do they take us for gullible fools? They've got no added distribution costs, no transport costs and it's all from source. Rip off pricing.
I'm sorry to say that we went with high expectations and left very disappointed, never to return.

Elena N.

Interesting museum with this well known jam. It is a bit small but worth to come with the visit of the cafe.

Lollie

Lovely free museum to visit. It’s a large room but it’s jammed packed (if you pardon the pun) with the history of Tiptree Jam. There is a few activities for the kids available and a video to watch. We spent a good 45 minutes wandering around reading the displays. Would come back here again as the tea room offers delicious food and the shop has a nice variety of jams, sauces and alcohol on offer.

Highly recommend the Raspberry Gin and Salted Caramel Vodka.

Andrea S. C.

Lovely atmospheric cafe in keeping with the product. The cafe served good coffees and a lovely slice of cake. The menu for lunch looked good. The museum took about an hour to walk around and then the outside area with the vehicles was interesting ( especially if you love an old tractor). The shop contains a full range of Tiptree products and some other local suppliers.

Mark P.

Lovely place with a small but interesting museum but let down by the cafe. We asked to eat in the marquee but wasn't allowed as we forgot to bring a dog with us 🐕. Silly me. Ended up leaving without spending a penny.

David K.

Worth a look round before enjoying the wonderful café.

Paul A.

Fabulous lots going on, very enjoyable. The wife and my 3 sons convinced me to buy a real Christmas Tree this year (artificial one in the loft a no)
My wife is very picky but the two guys selling the trees were very helpful and polite, after choosing one they wrapped it and kindly carried it to our Renault Scenic.
Would highly recommend the Jam Factory Tea Room

Susannah H.

Very small but worth a visit if you have done a farm tour or been to the tea room. There some old machinery and merchandising, and a video of the factory. I really like the display on the old train line that used to run to Tollesbury. It was called the Crab and Winkle line but should have been called the Jam line!