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, 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

Nutters Restaurant, Rochdale

Nutters, Saturday 1st June 2013

Another last minute booking for afternoon tea, we called the Friday evening and had no problem in booking in for 3:30pm the following day.

We arrived early as always and were seated in the modern bar area. The building is a 19th Century former hall and subsequent military hospital that has been renovated and is very impressive, both inside and out.

At exactly 3:30 we were shown to our table in an area that is similar to a conservatory with a great view.  The tables are all set with white linen and white matching crockery and then there was the paper based menu that seemed out of place, although it did have a nice, brief history of afternoon tea on the inside.

We opted for the usual traditional afternoon tea for two, one with tea and one with coffee. There are options for other teas and I understand that they will cater for vegetarians and other special diets on request.

Service was prompt and we were offered free refills when the drinks were served and we just needed to ask. As it happened, the two pots were very large and as such no refills were needed. The coffee pot was some sort of thermos cafetiere which was by far the largest that we have had and it did keep the coffee hot throughout - nice touch for coffee drinkers. The downside here was that the tea was in bags and not loose which was a little surprising for such an establishment.

The food was served on a three tier stand and there was plenty of it.

The sandwich selection consisted of smoked salmon and cucumber, chicken mustard mayo, goats cheese with red onion chutney (amazing) and salt beef with shallots (also amazing). The bread was very fresh and the fillings very tasty. 

The choice of mini cakes was very impressive as you can see. Two different slices of fruit bread each, a fruit tart, creme brûlée slice and a white chocolate eclair. All very fresh and exceptionally tasty.

We finished with the scones and at this point we were struggling, but we were in no rush and with plenty of tea and coffee to hand we carried on. (We did notice than some others were taking cakes home in a box). There are two mini scones each, one with traditional fruit and one was a chocolate chip one, both warm. I have to say that the fruit one was our favourite, the chocolate chip one wasn't quite there but we couldn't say why.

Overall the experience was excellent, just as afternoon tea should be and at £15 per person very good value for money. We were so full that there was no need for dinner later. Without a doubt I would recommend a visit here.

Nutters Restaurant

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

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