Tea for two & two for tea

Tuesday 13 January 2015



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!


20 comments:

  1. That looks really nice and relaxing :)

    www.voguemystash.com

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  2. This looks lovely! It's seriously got me craving cake as well. Glad you had a lovely day!

    Antonia x | Fifi and the Diamonds

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  3. I've actually never had afternoon tea which makes me super jealous of this post because its something I've wanted to do for ages! It looks like you had a lovely time and everything you ate/drank looks awesome! :)

    Sarah / Sarah Smiles

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  4. i've never had afternoon tea before but I seriously want to now as it looks so cute and so yummy! You've made me super hungry with all the lovely photos of your food haha!

    Beth // Bethany Georgina

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  5. That looks delicious! Especially the little dessert in the glass :-)
    Afternoon Tea is just my most favourite thing!
    Laura | A Life With Frills

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  6. How amazing does that food look? Suddenly extremely hungry ;) Such a stunning building too, love this post hun!

    Elle
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

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  7. all the food looks so yum! seems like such a good day/high tea time x

    http://only4feet9.blogspot.com

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  8. This looks amazing Emma - I've always wanted to try afternoon tea (especially at Panoramic 34 in Liverpool)!

    I love your blog so I've nominated you for the 'One Lovely Blog Award' :) You can see your nomination here: http://pull-yourself-together.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/one-lovely-blog-award.html

    Happy blogging!! xx

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  9. That's so nice of you Hannah, thank you! :) I'll try and get my post done between revision!

    I'd love to go Panoramic 34 too! The photos of it look so good!

    Emma xx

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  10. Looks like such a nice place and everything looks yummy :)

    Jessica
    the.pyreflies.org

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  11. I've never been for afternoon tea and I've really wanted to go for such a long time! I just need to get on and organise it sometime! This looks amazing, the scones and sweet treats look delicious! Bet it was a lovely way to catch up with your friend xx

    Ioanna | Hearting.co.uk

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  12. Never had afternoon tea, well apart from a nibble on a biscuit with a cup of tea at home, looks delicious though. Will have to try it sometime, thanks for sharing!

    nimblenote.blogspot.com

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  13. Oh wow, it all looks so yummy! I've never been for afternoon tea, it's on my list though!

    Chrissy x
    www.chrissylilly.com

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  14. I have never been for afternoon tea I mean I got for a coffee but I never been to one of these . I don't even know where would have anything like this near by. Great post looked amazing. xox

    http://www.rainbowsandunicornsblog.co.uk/

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  15. That afternoon tea looks amazing! So yummy!!

    www.bellaraeblabber.com xx

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  16. Love this! I've nominated your blog for the Liebster Award, check it out!

    http://norenzo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/liebster-blog-award-2015.html

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  17. Oh my gosh it looks and sounds amazing xx

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  18. Looks like somebody else beat me to it, but I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. Congrats on your nominations!

    I love high tea. There is a fancy hotel in a city a few hours from me that serves lovely afternoon tea and I really enjoy going!

    Kiersten | KiwiCat

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    Replies
    1. Ah you should get yourself booked :)!!!

      Thank you for the nomination :) xx

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  19. Looks like you both had a great day. I want to visit more tea rooms this year, I've heard there's some nice ones in Bristol and Bath local to me.

    Ami xxx
    ami-rose.com

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