Tea for two & two for tea

Afternoon tea is one of my absolute favourite things to do in the world when catching up with friends, so when I found a voucher offering this at a nearby country house (Crathorne Hall), my 'eat healthier in 2015' new year's resolution went straight out the window and I was promptly on the phone making a reservation for me and my fellow food loving friend, Rachel. 

The outside of the house was stunning, so I can see why it's such a popular wedding venue in our area. It has gorgeous wooded grounds as well. The trees reminded me of Twilight and I half expected Robert Pattinson to pop out at any moment..he didn't. 

 On our arrival, we were greeted by a very lovely lady at reception, who walked us through to the 'grand drawing room.' It was very cosy despite it being a pretty big room! There was a fire roaring away at one end and then a large window at the other that looked onto the pretty woodland outside. 

 You can't help but feel a little posh having loose tea leaves! 

I couldn't help but imagine  living in a house like this, curling up by the window, engrossed in a book..

For those of you that like the deets, the sandwiches were Smoked Salmon, Wensleydale Cheese & Tomato, Ham & Mustard and then of course Cucumber! We then had a fruit scone and a plain scone each with clotted cream (my favourite!!) and strawberry jam.

Sweet treats wise, we had a Chocolate & Orange marmalade tart, Victoria Sponge, Apple & Rhubarb Trifle and Fruit Cake with Wensleydale Cheese.

The scones were very light and fluffy in the middle, as a scone should be! Jam first or cream first? - we  of course had that ol' biscuit of a debate. 

I did get a little snap happy with the food, but everything looked so dainty and cute that I couldn't hold back. Don't be fooled though, as dainty and cute as it may look, it was very filling and we didn't move for about an hour after we finished everything. Yep everything! I felt anything but dainty and cute after all of that!

If you've never been for afternoon tea then I highly highly recommend it! It's something a bit different to just going out for lunch and feels quite special actually :) 

Anna, the 7th Dutchess of Bedford started Afternoon Tea in the early 19th century when she complained about having "that sinking feeling" in the late afternoon. I feel like we would have been the best of friends. Anna, you know the score!