More about Ocean Villas Tea Rooms

We are situated in the village of Auchonvillers, which was an important behind-the-lines centre for allied troops from the start of the Great War right through until the major battles in 1918.  The village was not far enough behind the lines, however, to avoid the effects of German artillery fire, and was almost completely destroyed by the time the Somme campaign ground to an end in November 1916.

Auchonvillers was a key centre: the attacks of the 1st July 1916 started a few hundred yards away on Hawthorn Ridge, with the explosion of the mine, and the 1918 Kaiserslatch was halted just outside the village, which at the time was garrisoned by ANZAC troops; New Zealanders in this instance.

The name 'Ocean Villas' is a phonetic pronunciation of the village name as coined by the Tommies, most of whom were not French speakers - to say the least.

The Ocean Villas Tea Rooms are located next door to Avril Williams' well known, and well loved, Guest House, and are set in beautiful gardens, in which you are free to enjoy your food and drink.  Of course, you don't have to sit in the garden; diners are also welcome to take advantage of our warm, welcoming, and, some might say, cozy, restaurant. 

Public toilettes are a bit of a rarity on the Somme, especially for the ladies, so you will be pleased to know that we also have 'facilities', which are kept very clean.

Along with a beautiful and very convenient location, we offer a full range of good, home-cooked, food, made with care from only the finest produce.

As a service to the great many battle field tourers, walkers and explorers, who visit the area, we offer packed lunches at only €6.50 each.

We welcome coach parties and other large groups, but in order to avoid disappointment, and, let's face it, chaos, please make prior arrangements.

The Ocean Villas Tea Rooms are managed by Avril Williams' .  The other staff are charming natives of Albert and Mailly-Maillet, our neighbouring village.