Bertram's, Burnley, Lancashire

Bertram's Burnley 13th October 2013

Called on the Saturday for the Sunday to book a table for two and had no problem with getting a reservation. I have had afternoon tea once before here as part of a networking event but wanted to try it out for real as a treat and in detail with hubby. The cost was £13.95 per person so not the cheapest but not the most expensive.

We arrived early but this wasn't a problem (probably due to the fact that there were not many people there). We were seated by the window which overlooks the outside spa area with fields beyond. The restaurant is very relaxing, it is warm and quiet with relaxing music making it very comfortable. You are made to feel welcome and there is no rush.

We were offered tea and coffee as soon as we were seated and advised that the afternoon tea cam with a selection of sandwiches and cakes.

The tea was a very nice afternoon tea blend and was loose tea, on request there was no problem with getting further hot water to make further cups. The coffee was served in a small cafetiere with plenty of milk and sugar. More coffee was available at no extra cost.

The drinks were served with a small piece of home made flapjack which again was a very nice touch.

The food arrived and not on one two tier stand but two, we had one each. These tiers are incredibly heavy and made from slate, very nice.

As you can see from the photo the presentation is exceptional. There were four sandwich quarters, to egg and watercress and two ham and mustard. the bread was very fresh and of good quality. In addition, there was a very good parma ham focaccia and mozzarella and tomato crostini with tapenade.

The scone was a cherry scone served with strawberry jam in a nice little pot with plenty of fresh cream. The nice touch of having small spoons for different things was appreciated.

The deserts consisted of a chocolate and pistachio brownie, an expresso tiramisu and and raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake.

Overall this was a treat, I thought it was very good value for money and we were very full when we left. We certainly did not need to cook that evening. It is always surprising when you think about what you have in terms of four quarters of sandwiches and small cakes but it really was very filling. It was great to have refills of tea and coffee as you do need those extra cups when there is so much filling food.

The service was very good and the quality of the cutlery and crockery was very high, the attention to detail was there and that makes it special. 

Bertram's, Crow Wood, Burnley

The Hungry Duck, Ramsbottom

The Hungry Duck, Ramsbottom 29th September 2013

This trip was not booked, we turned up and chose the afternoon tea for two option from the menu. It is £8.50 per person or £14.50 for two and says a selection of sandwiches and cakes. The staff are very nice and we were attended to quickly.

We were served the tea and coffee quickly after ordering and it was OK, the tea was a tea bag not loose but a nice taste. The food is made to order so it does take time as expected, as afternoon tea should be an experience anyway this is more than fine. We were not offered extra tea of coffee as with some places but then again this is not as expensive as others.

The food was served on plain white matching crockery and a two tier afternoon tea tier and as for presentation again it was OK, nothing wrong with it but just didn't have the wow factor.

As you can see from the photo compared to other afternoon teas this is somewhat lacking. Don't get me wrong the actual food was excellent. I will say that the salmon sandwich was the nicest tasting that I have ever had. The other sandwiches were cheese and tomato and a lovely chicken with a tasty mayonnaise. The carrot cake was also very good indeed, lovely and moist but there was just one regular piece of cake not a selection of small ones as is usually the case.

As with the other food the scones were very fresh but they came pre cut with jam and cream already added. Some may like this but personally I like to add my own so that I can choose how much to add to it. The strawberry was a nice touch.

The Hungry Duck is a small restaurant/coffee shop in the centre of Ramsbottom. It is clean and welcoming but I would class it more as a coffee shop than a restaurant. The wooden tables and chairs are comfortable and for coffee and cake a great pit stop. The food is very good but for afternoon tea it is lacking that something that makes it a special occasion, I think it is a combination of the atmosphere and the presentation not having the wow factor when it arrives. 

If you are in town and looking for somewhere for something to eat or drink then I would say definitely go here as the quality of the food is very good. As for having afternoon tea here, it is one of the less expensive afternoon teas that we have had, but  for us not special enough. If you are looking for a special treat then there are other venues where for a little more you do get a true experience.

The Hungry Duck, Ramsbottom