The Terrace Tea Room, Oswaldtwistle Mills

The Terrace Tea Room, Sunday 19th January 2014

The first afternoon tea of this year and it was decided at short notice and where we wanted to go we couldn't as they were fully booked up. (One for February perhaps). After some Googling stumbled on this tearoom at Oswaldtwistle Mils Accrington,no need to book so we went along.

The Tea Room is quite new and modern and set in one of the outside sections (for want of a better phrase) rather than inside the main Mill. As it is part of the general area and is more of a cafe it is self service. The staff were noticeably very polite and smiley and when I went to order there was no problem with a coffee as well as a tea. Although no option was offered for a cappuccino or latte. The menu did say it was loose tea but it was actually a tea bag, but never the less it was a decent brew.

The crockery was of vintage style setting the scene for afternoon tea.

The afternoon tea arrived on a traditional three tier stand in white and nicely presented.

There were three sandwich fingers each and the brown bread was especially fresh. The fillings were, Tuna, Salmon and Cream Cheese and the traditional cucumber swerved with a small bowl of crisps.

The scones were quite small, much smaller than most places but there was plenty of jam and cream and they were very nice and again fresh.

We had just two cakes a carrot cake and a fruit cake both of which where fresh and very nice although hubby was not happy with the topping on the carrot cake. This is one of his favourite cakes but realy didn't like that bit of it, personally I liked it. 

The cost of the afternoon tea is £12.50 for two, and I think this was worth the money especially if you compare to going to one of the large high street coffee chains for coffee and cake only. It is not however a special treat or occasion. The surroundings are nice but it is in a shop!

Having done this blog for about a year I think my ratings may need to change a little to allow for the big differences between the top hotels and restaurants to the small cafes and coffee shops. At present until I think of a better way of rating, I give this three cups, but there is absolutely nothing wrong it is just not a special occasion venue and to be honest they are not trying to be.

The Terrace Team Room, Oswaldtwistle Mills

The Chocolate Cafe, Ramsbottom

The Chocolate Cafe, 7th December 2013

The last afternoon tea of the year and this one was free! This was from a competition that I entered with Norther Star IFA and I won. The perfect prize from my perspective.

There was no need to book so we turned up on the Saturday afternoon with gift voucher in hand. 

We looked at the menu and noticed that it is the cafes own take on the afternoon tea and not what one would call truly traditional. You can choose any sandwich or drink from the menu rather than a selection of fingers.

  

We ordered tea (tea bag) and a latte and they were served in white crockery and very nice. Both drinks were served with a chocolate stick (I am sure there is a proper name for them) which was a nice touch.

We both opted for the beef sandwich which was with hindsight a rather silly thing to do; the sandwiches were served on chunky bread (very fresh) and in quarters so if we had chosen a different one each we could have shared. 

The afternoon tea was served on a three tier stand but it was in plastic! For us this was a bit of a let down as it cheapened the whole experience, I felt like I was at a children's party.

The sandwiches were served with salad, coleslaw and some crisps. The beef sandwiches were very good and as I said the bread was very fresh.

The scones were of a good size and there was plenty of jam and cream with them.

Being at the Chocolate Cafe, they specialise in chocolate so when it came to the treats/mini cakes on the top tier there was a great choice of things that you would not normally get. The coffee cake was lovely, and then the selection of chocolate pieces.

If we had paid for this it would have been £25 for the two us. The Chocolate Cafe is an experience to go to but not necessarily for their afternoon tea in the traditional sense. It has their own twist which is great but the plastic tier really did let the experience down for us, it cheapened it.  The food though was very good and I would recommend a trip to the cafe as there are so many great chocolate things to choose from it is something else.

The Chocolate Cafe

Bertram's, Woodland Spa, Crow Wood, Burnley

Bertram's 23rd May 2013

Today I was at a business networking event at Woodland Spa and to my surprise it included afternoon tea. It would be wrong not to write a post about it, but I will be going back with hubby for a true comparison at a later date (in other words quite soon).

The afternoon tea was served on a very heavy two tier slate stand, due to it being a networking party and a few attendees having special dietary needs, the normal ones came with afternoon tea for two per stand and then the special ones, came as one per person. I was very impressed that they cater for vegetarians, nut, fish and dairy allergies.

In this instance as the group we had waitress service constantly replenishing the tea and coffee and not the usual option of loose leaf tea. I am aware though that if you book the tea directly then you do get options of different teas and coffees.

The food was very well presented and very fresh and with an Italian element. There were four triangles per person consisting of two egg and cress and two with honey roast ham. In addition, there were a Parma Ham Focaccia, a Mozzarella and Tomato Crostini and Tapenade.

There were four cakes per person including a chocolate and pistachio brownie, a raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake, a mini cherry scone with lots of jam and cream and an expresso Tiramisu. On this point I would say that I left the Tiramisu as it was about 90% cream, looking at others they did seem to be proportioned better so I think this was a one off.

I cannot really comment on this as an experience as it was a large business group event, but the venue is very nice indeed with great views, new and very comfortable.

I will not give tea cups as it is not a fair comparison, but I will be back.

Bertram's

Sugar Junction, Northern Quarter, Manchester City Centre

Sugar Junction, 19th May 2013

This week was going to be a weekend off until a friend recommended we try Sugar Junction, in Manchester. To be honest we had never heard of it, but we got the link to the website and it looked really nice. Through a last minute couple of tweets with them I reserved a table for 2pm and very glad that I did as when we arrived it was very busy and within half an hour it had become a 30 minute wait for any new diners.

We eventually found this great vintage cafe in Tib Street in the Northern Quarter, courtesy of Google maps on the iPhone. If anyone is thinking of going and I highly recommend you do, then head for Afflecks Palace and keep going straight ahead. It is opposite a military clothing store.

As ever we were a little early and it was very busy, we were initially seated downstairs but very quickly a window table became available and we were offered the chance to move which we did. I had read a few reviews online and they suggested trying a milkshake so before the afternoon tea we ordered two. I opted for a vanilla and marshmallow one and Paul went with a Chai shake, I have to say mine was good but his was awesome.

The venue is very vintage in style and the girls are all dressed and made up to match. It is all odd and yet matching at the same time. It is very cosy but you are not squashed in, downstairs also has a mini mezzanine with two small tables for two.

As usual we opted for traditional afternoon tea, there is an option to have it with Prosecco if you prefer. I had English tea which was loose and Paul opted for his usual Latte. The tea came in a traditional vintage teapot with a strainer and saucer, the latte came in a very large tea cup - it worked though.

For the record there are a number of different teas and coffees available and the Japanese Cherry tea sounds really nice.

We could choose the type of sandwiches if we wanted to from a choice of four, ideal if you are vegetarian and they can cater for gluten free sufferers upon request. We ordered a selection as we like the element of surprise.

The afternoon tea was served on a traditional cake stand (all the crockery and cutlery is vintage in style).

The lowest tier came with six mini muffins (AKA baps or rolls), all white with ham and chutney, egg, salmon and cucumber and goats cheese with red pepper. The baps are made by one of the oldest local bakeries in Manchester and were very fresh and tasty. These are mini but much bigger than the usual fingers given with afternoon tea, so quite filling.

The middle tier had two very large fruit scones and these were served with what appeared to be homemade strawberry jam and two little pots of clotted cream. The middle tier was also used along with the top tier for the mini cakes.

The cakes included a blueberry muffin (AKA fairy cake) with three Cheerios on top with a blueberry, a  peanut butter muffin/fairy cake with peanut brittle on top, two chocolate brownies with half of a fresh strawberry on top and two macaroons.

All of the food was excellent and very fresh and with regard to service, part way through I was given extra water for the tea and then not long after offered a fresh pot. The service was very good indeed, with no pressure to rush and the atmosphere and setting makes it an excellent afternoon tea experience.

The price is £15.50 per person (£19.95 if Prosecco chosen) and although more expensive than some others, it is less than Opus One in the city and much better. We were so full, that we had to bring the chocolate brownies and macaroons home as we simply could not eat them. In fact we have only just had them some 5 hours later and no further food is needed as we are still full.

This is a great venue for many reasons and a must to visit if you are in Manchester City, but if you are planning a visit at the weekend then reserving a table is highly recommended or the likely hood is you wont get in.

Sugar Junction

Leckenby's, Bury

Leckenby's, Millgate Shopping Centre, Bury 5th May 2013

Today's afternoon tea visit to Leckenby's in Bury was not our first choice, it was on the list but we had seen The Pavilion at Birtle, Bury and were hoping to go there first simply because at £18.50 per person it was to be the most expensive by far and should be amazing. I emailed the Pavilion midweek to book and having had to chase them for a reply discovered that although they open Sundays they do not serve afternoon tea on that day (the website implies they do) and they do not check their emails daily so best to call. A little annoying to say the least, do not advertise your email if you do not check it daily and why not offer afternoon tea when open? We would have been greatly put out if we had gone and then found that out. Some of us work 6 days and only have Sundays for treats. Anyway, their loss was Leckenby's gain and that got moved up the list and to be honest are very glad it did.

I emailed them at night from their website and got a reply the following morning to confirm a reservation. 

Today we arrived fifteen minutes early and were greeted and shown to the reserved booth that had been set aside for us.

The young lady that greeted us and served us throughout our visit was very good at her job indeed, very polite and efficient and notably made the right amount of conversation. Asked about our trip into Bury and what our plans where but then left us to eat.

It was an excellent start being offered traditional, champagne or a vegetarian afternoon tea. That is the first time we have been offered a vegetarian option, not applicable to us but a very nice touch and a simple but effective idea. 

The tea rooms are very traditional in style and decor with a suitable 1920/30's feel. It is very well presented with nice small booths and centre tables. Naturally, more than afternoon tea is served and there is a selection of traditional cakes, biscuits and drinks area available to buy to take away as well as eating in options. 

We ordered the traditional afternoon tea, as usual with one tea and one coffee. The latte was the largest standard size latte I have seen and served with a biscuit. The tea was presented in matching tea pot and was loose tea, not a bag. I had forgotten how flavoursome loose tea was and this was a very nice change and on request I was very kindly given an extra pot of hot water. No biscuit for me though.

The service was excellent with very little wait time; the afternoon tea was served on a traditional 3 tier stand with nice matching small plates.

For the first time on our afternoon tea visits the sandwiches were served in triangles and not fingers. This makes no difference at all to the quality or tastes just a presentation difference. We had four triangles each, with egg mayo, turkey, tuna and ham, and were offered any dressing should we want any. Both white and brown bread were used. Between each one were slices of cucumber and cherry tomatoes, a nice touch. The sandwiches were very fresh and very nice.

The second middle tier had the fruit scones, pots of strawberry preserve and two small dishes of fresh cream and there was plenty of fresh cream. We were also provided with a number of butter packets. The scones were very fresh and tasty.

The top tier had four mini cakes provided by Slattery’s, a carrot cake, chocolate cake, strawberry mouse in a white chocolate casing and a lemon mouse in a dark chocolate casing. Downside of not having the same of each double up leaves a dilemma of who has what. What a dilemma to have, we cut the 2 cakes on half and shared and I opted for the lemon mouse. As it happens Paul was full so I also had the strawberry mousse.

All very good, especially the lemon mousse in my opinion. The carrot cake was not the best in my humble opinion as it was a bit too doughy but it is always personal choice and this maybe the general preference of Slattery’s customers.

We spent about a hour in Leckenby’s and it is fair to say that we were very full at the end and that is the first time we have said that after any afternoon tea we have had recently.

At £11.95 per person I would highly recommend going to Leckenby's and it doesn't need to be for a special occasion just allow an extra hour when shopping. Well worth it.

The upshot is my mother would love it and it is one to take her too on another day.

Leckenbys

The Marriott Hotel, Broughton Preston

The Marriott Hotel, Broughton Preston, 20th April 2013

I decided to take my mum out for a treat yesterday and booked online yesterday morning for afternoon tea closer to where she lives.

Afternoon tea is our thing, sweet things are what my mum lives for, bearing in mind this is the person who had 17 sugars in her two cups of coffee!

This was for no other occasion than it was something to do.

Booked online and arrived with a few minutes to spare. The afternoon tea was to be held in the lounge bar, which is a general area accommodating hotel guests who are just having a drink. There is a really nice conservatory type area leading to the courtyard. When we arrived there were other ladies having afternoon tea and there was a lacking of tables and chairs there, yet plenty of space. The bar man was very helpful in bring a chair for us and would have moved the table around if I had not already done it whilst he was getting the chair.

The service was good with the tea and coffee being ordered promptly and it was not too long before the food was served. 

It was not on a traditional tier but never the less served on nice plates, with nice napkins and cutlery.

The selection of finger sandwiches included salmon (and plenty of it), cucumber (true traditional style) and cheese with lettuce and a hint of mango chutney. Both white and wholemeal bread used and very fresh. The only odd thing is there were three of each, not usual to get a number not divisible by the number of people eating. 

We have four mini cakes each, and these were not that mini :) plus a fruit scone each. The selection of cakes included a chocolate eclair  individual Victoria Sponge, Coffee cake and Chocolate brownie.

The cakes were very fresh and the scones were server with plenty of butter, cream and pots of preserve.

The tea and coffee were refilled without being asked which is always a nice touch. 

The two of us spent two hours there enjoying the food with a nice view of the courtyard and no pressure. The afternoon tea was just £10.95 each and was exceptional value for money.

The Marriott

Willows Restaurant at Barton Grange Garden Centre, Preston

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

This trip out included not just me and hubby but also our mums. Booked a week in advance and at just £10.95 not bad value at all especially with it being Mother's Day.

The venue is very nice, you get to the restaurant through the garden centre and it is to the side of the river/brook. We were shown to a table in the corner overlooking the river so the position was great.

The staff there were very efficient and attentive as soon as we were seated. They made it very clear that tea and coffee was unlimited and to simply ask if we required more at any time. As it happens we didn't need to as they were quick off the mark at asking throughout the time there.

This was very leisurely and there was no rush which was appreciated. 

We had two tiered stands one for each couple. The sandwiches included, salmon and cream cheese, ham and Lancashire cheese. They were fresh and flavoursome.

The section of cakes included a mini fruit tartlet, Victoria sandwich, chocolate brownie, and a mini carrot cake. 

Not forgetting the fresh scone that was served with plenty of jam and cream.

The atmosphere being Mother's Day was very nice but I have no doubt that it is usually like that anyway.

On exit each of the mums (including me) where given a little pot plant which was a nice touch.

Very good value for money and would recommend at any time of the year.

Barton Grange 

Holden Vale Tea Rooms 14th April 2013

Holden Vale, Haslingden for Afternoon Tea

I am on a mission to try as many afternoon teas as possible mainly locally but also when out and about. Last Sunday myself and hubby decided at short notice to pop over to Holden Vale Tea Rooms, and try their afternoon tea.

It was during the tea that I decided to create blog to record my experiences and this is the first post although not the first afternoon tea that has been tried and tested.

We have eaten a number of times in the tea rooms and the food is excellent and they have a great deal of choice when it comes to cakes.

Locally, this is one of the most expensive Afternoon Teas at £11.95 per person and as such we were expecting a very good one.

We manged to get seated straightway, and a very nice young lad came over quite quickly, we knew what we wanted so the order was very easy, afternoon tea for two one with tea and one with coffee.

A few minutes later he returned to ask us what sandwiches we wanted and what cake. We thought this was quite odd as the menu did say a selection of sandwiches and normally a selection as decided by the venue is given. I asked what our options where and he was a bit puzzled by the question. I got the impression that he was quite new and had never been asked for afternoon tea before. I suggested that they provide a selection. 

We were then asked to choose a cake, in fairness when we read the detail of afternoon tea on the menu it did say a piece of cake, but again traditional teas include a selection of mini cakes. So we both went to the counter and as it happens chose the same cake, the coffee and walnut cake.

It was not long before the afternoon tea was served with a side order of salad, different! The presentation with afternoon tea is part of the event, so when it arrived on a metal/tin tray type thing, it was a bit of a let down. 

The sandwiches were simple fingers and nice, we got 3 fingers each including egg mayo, ham and chicken. No cucumber sandwiches though?

The cake that we chose was there with a couple of grapes and coulis, along with a very large scone. The fruit scone was served with jam and cream but I did think we had gone into ration mode as there was only just enough to cover each half of the scone.

In the end neither of us finished our cake as it was a tad dry and had quite an overpowering after taste, a small version alongside other small cakes would have been much better.

As far as my mission goes, this is my least favourite afternoon tea to date.

Holden Wood

 

Annie Peaches Afternoon tea

Annie Peaches, at Lamberts Mill

Visited quite close to the close of play on Sunday 3rd March, and did ask if we were OK for afternoon tea seeing they only had 40 minutes until shut down. Carole was very accommodating as she always is and said not a problem.

We eat at Annie Peaches on a regular basis usually for lunch or breakfast (hubby loves their full English). We had seen on the menu they did afternoon tea and decided it was a good idea for a Sunday.

Annie Peaches is a really good little cafe/coffee shop and the food is made by Carole and the service is very good indeed by all of the team there. With every tea or coffee you also get a tiny home made biscuit which is a nice little treat.

Back to the afternoon tea, we had left it quite late and to be honest I think we did put Carole on the spot some what but she was great and off she went, one with tea and one with coffee.

The presentation was very good indeed and on a tier. 

The lower tier offered 8 finger sandwiches with a selection of ham, egg, beef and chicken with some crisps on the side. The bread was very fresh and a section of white and brown.

The middle tier had 3 types of cakes cut in half and included the traditional Victoria sandwich, dime bar cake and lemon mouse tart. Again the cakes were very fresh and very tasty.

The top tier was left for the scones that were served with plenty of jam and cream. The scones were delicious and home made.

Annie Peaches is on Foursquare where you can see the photo we took at the time.

The price at £7.95 each was in my opinion very good value for money and I would not hesitate in having it all over again :)

Annie Peaches