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

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