Tucked away in Kingston Springs, nestled within a cozy, whimsical setting, the Yorkshire Deli offers guests a one-of-a-kind, farm-to-table British experience, right here in Tennessee. Set on a charming property known as “The Land,” the deli’s surroundings enhance the experience, creating an idyllic backdrop for traditional British High Tea alongside a menu rooted in classic, time-honored dishes.
Lesley Mortimer-Wallace built both her team and the Yorkshire Deli experience from the ground up. An expatriate from Britain, she has lived and worked in the United States since 2006. Today, she works alongside business partner and longtime friend Genevieve Neace, and a diverse group – primarily women aged 15 to 65 – as well as one male team member, all of whom have helped cultivate the vibrant community that fills the deli each weekend.
With a thoughtfully curated menu of fewer than 20 items, each dish is crafted to be authentic, intentional, and perfected to the highest standard. In its early days, the menu rotated seasonally to introduce guests to British cuisine in an approachable way, but the traditional British staples quickly became favorites. Today, the focus is on these beloved dishes, while weekly Friday specials allow the team to stay creative and give regulars something new to anticipate. Some of the most popular items include Genevieve’s family recipe bacon and cheddar quiche, as well as Lesley’s personal favorites, like the jacket spud with cheese and beans or the classic cream cheese and cucumber sandwich.
“It has evolved beyond my wildest imagination,” Lesley explains. “We are so proud of what we built.” That pride stems from a personal understanding of what it means to be far from home.
“The most common thing that expatriates miss from their home, other than friends and family, is the food they grew up on,” Lesley explains.
Now, Lesley finds immense joy in sharing a piece of home with others, creating a space where both expatriates and locals can gather, connect, and experience the comfort and nostalgia of traditional British food.
Having called Kingston Springs home for nearly two decades, opening Yorkshire Deli there felt natural. Located just off Highway 70-S, the space invites patrons into a world of eclectic whimsy, where dining becomes an immersive experience, and the surroundings are as memorable as the menu. What started as a modest plan for a small, cozy sandwich shop for locals and tourists alike has transformed into a full-time destination. The deli and surrounding structures at The Land were thoughtfully built by Lesley’s husband, Steve Orchard, using primarily recycled and reclaimed materials, adding to the property’s distinctive charm and character.
“Kingston Springs is a beautiful, magical town filled with artists, a great community, and breathtaking nature and activities, she says. “So, when our place inspires someone to drive out here for lunch or afternoon tea, they also discover a new small town that is charming and authentic.”
Spring marks the deli’s busiest season, so guests are encouraged to arrive early for regular service, while those hoping to attend Tea Time should plan to book at least a few weeks in advance. Tea service is offered exclusively at 3 p.m., Friday through Sunday, by reservation only, while brunch and lunch are served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the same days. Among all Tea Time experiences, Mother’s Day remains the most sought-after of the year.
For more information or to book Tea Time, follow along on social media or reach out via email.
@theyorkshirefarmdeli
theyorkshirefarmdeli@gmail.com