Fortnum and Mason - Piccadilly - London

I’ve been wanting to come to Fortnum and Mason’s for quite a while and like everything you’ve been looking forward to for a long time, I had really built it up in my head. Luckily the beautiful ‘Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon’ lives up to the hype. Walking into the tea room you can immediately feel the sense of reverence with which afternoon tea is held here, as the blurb in the menu says, “tea at Fortnums is our most delicious tradition” and “whether our elegant tea salon is your home from home or you are joining us for the first time, tea at Fortnums is always a special occasion” And is treated as such.

When you walk from the staircase onto the four floor of this beautiful building, the first thing you are greeted with is a staff member behind a desk, ready to greet you  and take you to a table, behind them sits a pianist at a grand piano filling the two tearooms, one to either side, with lovely music. The tearooms are truly elegant, decorated in a beautiful Edwardian style in greens and creams, no doubt connected to the Fortnum and Mason colours ‘eau de nil’ green, white and gold, as displayed on the beautiful crockery used and sold throughout the building. All the staff are dressed in extremely smart white shirts and waistcoats complete with cravats, just adding to the elegant formal style of the room. The whole thing makes you feel rather special for being here at all.

After being shown to our seats by our extremely friendly waitress and choosing the vegetarian afternoon tea from the list of delicious looking teas sadly it took quite a while for anything to get to us. The Vegetarian Afternoon Tea, when it arrived, was a beautifully laid out triple-layer stand full of crustless wholemeal bread sandwiches (a surprising number of who’s complicated contents included pesto…) gorgeous warm fruit and plain scones and an array of desserts decorated with flowers. The tea also came with a second, smaller stand of three unopened jars of jam, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry.

Everything was delicious, especially the scones, which were so lovely we ordered a few more when asked. We had to wait a while for them (and our drinks) to arrive though, so long, in fact that the waitress came over with a worried look on her face and asked if we’d had them yet. After going off to track them down… they arrived at our table and when our waitress returned… she brought more! Though we couldn’t eat twelve scones, no matter how tasty, luckily, along with what was left of the jam (yes, the whole jars, even the one we didn’t open) and a slice of cake of our choice each from the cake table, we were given the rest to take home with us in a lovely box and bag.

A lovely time in this truly elegant tearoom with delicious food and great drinks, the only one thing that bothered me was that when we attempted to order one (rather expensive) tea to share, we were told that they “don’t do sharing”. I think this is a real shame as the teas are plenty to share, especially as they fall over themselves to refill your plates and the price is quite a bit more than I would usually pay for an afternoon tea making it a very special occasion, doubling the price when we arrive because they “don’t do sharing” (making it over £100) seems unfair. Apart from that, in the packed room, we can’t blame them for the slow service and the staff were so lovely and apologetic, I don’t mind spending a bit more time in this beautiful room!

I would recommend Fortnum and Mason to anyone looking for a much nicer (if more expensive) traditional tearoom experience in this beautiful building.

Instagram: fortnums

Twitter: @Fortnums

Wedsite: fortnumandmason.com

Address: 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER

Nancy's Beauty and the Beast Afternoon Tea - Tonbridge

I wrote about this beautiful tearoom last year (yes, last year, and I only posted it this month… don’t ask) and if you read that post, you may remember me mentioning their upcoming Beauty and the Beast Afternoon Tea (and being really excited about it!) Months later I finally decided to check it out and I took along a fellow Disney lover and we had a great time!

As I mentioned in my original post about Nancy’s, this tearoom is exactly what I imagine mine would look like if I had a tearoom of my own and this themed afternoon tea makes it even more perfect, (bringing to mind ideas of loads of Disney themed afternoon teas and how I would do them!) It’s so lovely here that walking back into this space is like coming home. The big difference this time is that a table has been laid out in preparation for our afternoon tea, complete with decoration; a red rose – the enchanted rose – in a glass dome surrounded by red, heart-shaped lights (a little valentines-esque for me but beautiful all the same.)

The first things to be brought to our table are two Mrs Potts teapots full of gorgeous breakfast tea, which we chose at the counter on the way in. I’m loving this already! Unfortunately the spouts of these are more true to character (not a bad thing!) than good for pouring and I ended up spilling a fair bit of mine on the table! (Sorry!) Next to arrive are tiered stands of small sandwiches which we chose at the counter on our way in, along with the tea. There are also some extra fillings to add to the sandwiches, should we choose. These were lovely, fresh and delicious. We moved onto scones next, one huge scone each, covered in ‘magic’ (edible glitter) they were so lovely and warm but very filling and came  accompanied by two Chip mugs, one full of jam and one full of cream. By the time we ordered another pot of tea each and moved on to the last course, a very large slice of cake of our choice and some small cakes, we were full and had to order most of it to go. (Unfortunately, I left the box full of cake out on the kitchen counter at home and the cat got to it… no cake for me…)

Altogether this was a really lovely experience for me and really made my day. As a tea lover and huge Disney fan, I enjoyed the details, such as the ‘enchanted’ rose and the appearance of Mrs Potts and Chip and despite his mild embarrassment, I think my friend really enjoyed it too! Perfect for kids and big kids, I recommend this gorgeous afternoon tea for everyone, now I’m off to watch the film again!

On my way out I was told that the next special afternoon tea they are doing is ‘unicorn’ themed, so watch this space!

Facebook: /nancys-tearoom

Address: Lamberts Yard, Tonbridge, TN9 1ER

To book a table for one of the special afternoon teas at Nancy’s drop them a message on Facebook or give them a call on 01732 668055

Beyond the Grounds - Tonbridge

A short but really beautiful walk from my last Blog, Nancys, is Beyond The Grounds. This modern-looking café really puts you on the riverside with the customers who are sat outside sitting right next the wall separating the path from the river, in the glorious sunshine. With my pale skin though, I think I’ll sit inside!

The brightly coloured inside of this coffee house/café is not what you’d expect from its black and white exterior. The mix of purple, grey and green is modern and stylish while still being comfy and inviting. I’m shown to a lovely little table in the corner with a great view of the riverside outside and the rest of the room inside, perfect (exactly the kind of table I love to have!) I’m happy to see, from the collection behind the counter and in a cabinet next to me, that the Teapigs epidemic is growing, they are wonderful teas and the proof of that is in the increasing number of places using them!

As its warm I forgo my usual pot of tea for a lovely cool sparkling elderflower, another favorite of mine and get up to take a look at the cake table… and look…and look...they all look so good! From a lemon and poppyseed loaf to a chocolate Oreo cake with actual Oreos on top which looks too good to miss! Which it is, one of the best chocolate cakes I have ever had, in fact (the only problem I have is that the Oreo on the top has gone soft…) and the Fentimans elderflower is delicious.

It looks like a lot goes on here, just the full name of the café, ‘Beyond the Grounds Café and Meeting Place’ suggests that they want it to me be place for the community, with quiz nights, antenatal classes and a felt workshop on the way soon, I can see it working. This is the perfect place for a casual meeting, to have lunch with friends or to sit alone and think (or write!)

A truly flexible and gorgeous place, perfect for anyone and anything and a fantastic centre for the community.

Twitter: @beyondthegrounds

Instagram: beyondthegrounds

Website: beyondthegrounds.com

Address: 1 River Walk, Tonbridge, TN9 1DT

Nancy's - Tonbridge

I missed this amazing little tearoom when I was in town for Finch House and The Bakehouse at 124 because its tucked down a little side street off the high street, hidden from view. However, the best and tearooms always are and Nancy’s is certainly such a treasure.

Having only been open for 8 months (at the time of this visit), I am massively impressed with how gorgeous and well put together it is. I think if I had a tearoom (a personal dream) it would look something like this. Set out in bright whites, creams and bare woods. The upstairs room which also functions as a private hire room is full of tearoom knick-knacks. A small tea-chest opposite me holds a lovely Aynsley tea set and other pieces for the tearoom’s Beauty and the Beast themed afternoon tea (which, as a massive Disney fan, I am super excited about!) Bunting hangs across two of the walls but the back wall is the statement piece, covered in wallpaper that makes it look like a full bookcase, stunning!

I opted for a cream tea and while the tea itself is delicious, the presentation is what I really love. Served in a beautiful tea-for-one set (the teapot sat in the cup, sat on the saucer) covered in a golden swirls design. I want tea served to me like this all the time! The warm, home-made scones are lovely too and melt in the mouth perfectly.

If you’ve read any of my posts you’ll know it’s always the little things that I love, here it is  the beautiful ramekins for my jam and butter which are shaped like little origami boats (so sweet!), the walls are dotted with little canvases showing pictures of tea, birds and butterflies and most of all the lovely fact that Nancy’s is named after the owner’s daughter. With these things and everything else about this tearoom (but for the screaming child downstairs, which can’t be helped) I think I’ve found heaven.

Boasting a menu full of pastries, hot and cold lunches and not one but two delicious-looking afternoon teas and with really lovely, friendly and welcoming staff, I would recommend Nancy’s to people of all ages for any celebration (or is it just me that celebrates everything with tea?) any meeting or lunch with friends and family. Nancy’s, I will certainly be back to ‘be your guest’ again soon!

Facebook: /nancys-tearoom

Address: Lamberts Yard, Tonbridge, TN9 1ER

The Bakehouse at 124 - Tonbridge

This lovely café resides in a gorgeous Tudor building with bare beams, wooden floors and large working fireplaces. I could sit here for hours refilling my tea and the gorgeous lemon cake I had last time I was here or the tasty-looking croissant I have this time! (that lovely cake unfortunately missing today.) This building is truly beautiful and it’s well worth sitting upstairs and getting a look at more of it. The atmosphere up here is like going back in time to the gorgeous house this must once have been. With the window open next to me, the noise of the traffic and the modern chairs around me are the only things that tether me to the present day as my mind whirls off into what it must have been like back then.

The tea is really lovely and following the trend of ‘teas I’ve never heard of before’ this ‘Kandula breakfast tea’ is really tasty, full of flavor and just a little spice, the best tea I’ve had in a while (even if I almost covered myself in it due to a wobbly table!) I love a croissants but this one is just a little tough and greasy for me (a matter of taste, I’m sure) and makes me long even more for that gorgeous lemon cake from last time.

As always, it’s the little details that catch my eye, jugs that look like tiny milk urns, butter twist-wrapped so that it looks like sweets (don’t eat it whole though!), the hooks in the bathroom made from bent spoon handles attached to the door by their flattened bowls and the way this café still feels like a house, not just a building.

Honestly one of the most beautiful cafes I’ve ever visited, The Bakehouse at 124 has a lovely homely feeling and just oozes charm. I cant blame them for a wobbly table when they have original floors! However I was a bit disappointed by the food this time, having been so happy with it last time is was here.

This is a lovely place to come for brunch, have a meeting or just hide away from the world with several cups (hem… pots…) of tea for a day.

Twitter: @bakehouseat124

Instagram: thebakehouseat124

Website: thebakehouseat124.co.uk

Address: 124 High street, Tonbridge, TN9 1AS

Finch House - Tonbridge

Being from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge’s neighboring town and rival of sorts the picture I had of it wasn’t the best but wandering down the high street to meet a friend recently I realized just how much the town has to offer, especially in cafes!

This particular one, The Finch House, was the first to catch my eye. Its name and sweet little finch logo across the front caught my eye, proclaming it to be a ‘café and fine food store’.  The inside has a lovely, spacious and calm feel to it, the high ceilings and minimal design makes it feel like the only place with air in a town full of crowds and noise, especially on a lovely sunny day like this. I especially love the back wall, taken up entirely by a huge shelving unit with several different sizes of shelves full of blue and white teapots and jugs, beautiful flowers and a little toy owl watching over the customers as they eat and drink. There’s even a little white tree in the top, almost hidden against the white shelving. Thought it’s full of items, each has its own section, making it tidy and clear and in fitting with the rest of the place. The staff, all dressed in smart black, are helpful and efficient while managing to smile and be friendly, making it seem like it must be as nice to work here as it is to come here.

The counter fits into the space well, just bringing a little colour into the off-white surroundings, making it stand out. Large boards behind it boast the fantastic selection of sandwiches, soups, paninis and hot and cold drinks. The café’s tagline ‘made by us’ (which I think is lovely) is reflected perfectly in the delicious looking cakes and pastries (including some gorgeous-looking gluten free treats) lining the front of the counter. Its enough to make you drool, good thing there’s a glass cover on them! My tea, by Drury Tea and Coffee, (another one I’ve never had before!) tastes really lovely and lovely as those cakes look, the tea is enough for me today.

A breath of fresh air, Finch house is perfect for lunch with mum or tea with friends, they even have a great kids menu, including the intriguing ‘kids tapas’. I will be back with all my friends!

Twitter: @finchhouseton

Instagram: finchhousecafe

Website: finchhouse.co.uk

Address: unit 15, the Pavillion Shopping Centre, High street, Tonbridge, TN9 1TE