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

Woods - Tunbridge Wells

I love the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, the gorgeous architecture speaks of a history worth listening to, from spa discovery and royalty to present day. It’s beauty and history is why I think it’s the perfect setting for a nice café or a tearoom, somewhere you can sit  and enjoy a proper afternoon or just a cup of tea and slice of cake. Places like The Cake Shed (http://time-for-tea-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/the-cake-shed-tunbridge-wells.html) and Shragers (http://time-for-tea-blog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/shragers-patisserie-tunbridge-wells.html) take full advantage of this with outdoor seating out in the open which is perfect on a sunny day. Though Woods in primarily a restaurant, not a tearoom, I think this only works in its favor. The space adapts from café in the morning to tearoom in the afternoon to restaurant in the evening easily and flexibly, making it perfect for any occasion and customer.

Sitting in here, it’s the kind of space I love to be in, every time you turn your head, you see something new and interesting. Take, for example, the gorgeous vintage box camera and tripod taking up a small bay window next to me up here on the balcony (the best place to sit, in case you were wondering, always try and get the balcony!) or the three paintings opposite me and my friend on the far wall that can only be seen properly from here and that I doubt I would have noticed them if I hadn’t been up here.

Our incredibly friendly waiter (who seems to be there every time we have been since) greeted us as soon as we entered and took us straight to the table we wanted, he was really helpful and patient, even when we called him back three times for milk and more tea!

As well as a tradidional breakfast menu, a brunch menu and a main menu (with kids options!) pride of place in the centre of the front page is a list of afternoon teas. All available from 2-5pm, there are 4 different afternoon tea avaliable. For one, the classic ‘Afternoon Tea’, for two, the one we had, ‘Tea For Two’ or the very special ‘Sparkiling Tea For Two’ with a glass of bubbly each but the one I really love is the ‘Children’s Tea’ consisting of a scone or piece of cake and soft drink or hot chocolate. I love this idea, start them young! It reminds me of the ‘Babychino’ some coffee shops are selling now, a cup of milk foam that a child can have alongside their parent having a coffee. A lovely idea to make them feel included.

As I was being treated by a friend we shared the Tea For Two which consisted of a huge platter of huge sandwiches which we only got half way through before moving on to the gorgeous two-tiered tray of sweets including rocky-road, victoria sponge and tiny meringues, all of which were perfect (especially the rocky-road, my favorite!) All this was accompanied by the biggest (and therefore heaviest!) pot of tea I have ever seen/drunk!

I would definitely recommend this charming restaurant/café/tearoom to people of all ages, they have made a real effort to cater to people of all ages and all sorts of events and everyone really looks like they are enjoying themselves. My friend smiled at me half way through our lunch and said “we should come here once a week” and you know what? It’s very tempting!

Instagram: woods_resturant

Twitter: @WoodsTWells

Facebook: Facebook.com/WoodsTWells

Website: woodsresturant.co.uk

Address: 62 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TN

Weird Things I do When I'm Writing

When I’m in a café or tearoom trying (hopefully) delicious foods and drink and writing about them, I often feel like I stick out a sore thumb. A girl sat alone in the corner scribbling away, sometimes I feel like everyone is staring at me! Thinking about what I must look from the outside, I can imagine that sometimes I might look just a little crazy, here are just a few examples:

1) I talk to myself

When I am writing, to make sure it makes sense and flows (to the best of my ability), I read it to myself under my breath.  Also, if I get distracted mid-sentence I have to go back and start from the beginning to pick up the flow of the again, so I often repeat myself too. The result is me, sat in the corner of a tearoom or café, hunched over a notebook mumbling to myself, I look like a crazy person!

2) I Stare Around

As well as the delicious food and drink in front of me I often write about the café itself, the chairs and tables, the way the menu is displayed and the general ambience of the place and even what the staff are wearing. I was once in a place that had some many pictures on the wall that I wanted to count them to find out just how many there were. Doing things like that can mean that staff stare and other customers wonder why I’m looking at their food. People give odd and sometimes even sad looks to the girl in the corner sitting alone and staring wistfully around.

3) Make ‘Yum’ faces

I can never be sure what I’m going to get with some places I visit and I am really a really fussy eater so when I am pleasantly surprised by a delicious meal I will scrunch up my face and go “mmm” quietly to myself. So now I’m the weird girl in the corner talking to herself and making faces(it’s a compliment really).

4) Take Pictures of my Food

It’s a thing nowadays to take pictures of your food and post it online with pride. I don’t normally do that unless its particularly impressive but when I’m writing about a new place I like to share my enthusiasm for the food, drink or décor with people by posting a picture on Twitter (@timeforteablog1) or Instagram (timeforteablog1) but however widespread taking pictures of your food may be now, you still get a lot of looks and tuts doing it in a nice tearoom.

5) Ask too many/weird questions

Occasionally, to help with my writing, I will drag an unfortunate waiter or waitress aside and ask them questions. They can be relatively normal questions, like “how many types of tea do you have?” or “why is this place called that?” or they can be slightly odd ones, like “what types of jam come with the toast” (when I am clearly eating cake) or “what year did this place open?” to a young waitress who has probably only been there a few weeks and has no idea! I hope that I come across as a curious customer and not a pest!

All in all I think I must look a bit strange when I’m concentration on my writing, sat alone in a place I’ve never been before and scribbling away, only stopping every so often to stare around and mutter to myself. The thing is, I focus on my writing and getting everything I notice down so much that I don’t think about it at the time.  Most importantly, I love what I’m doing and I can see myself carrying on for years to come!