Cake Break: Bean & Cole, Chester

When you've found somewhere that does that perfect latte and brownie combo, it can be very easy to get stuck in a routine of going to the same coffee spot week in, week out. Whilst we're all for cake-loyalty, that regularity can often mean you miss out on what that new coffee shop in town, the one you swear you've been meaning to try, has to offer. We found a perfect example this weekend when we popped into Bean & Cole, a new coffee house on Frodsham Street in Chester.

There is a lot to love about this place; cool stripped brick walls, colourful hippie-style seat cushions, selection of independent magazines, puppy-friendly atmosphere, but the stand-out feature of Bean & Cole has to be the coffee itself. We went for a latte and cappuccino, complete with smooth coffee art and colour block cups and saucers - perfect.

Of course, all good coffee deserves good cake, and Bean & Cole offers a range of pastries, tray bakes and generous slices to accompany its menu. We opted for a coffee cake and have to say, it was one of the best we've ever had. So good, we felt incredibly guilty leaving any trace on the plate but this time the chunky portions (which by no means should be changed based on this critique!) managed to defeat us - we will back.

Special mention must also go to the lovely team at Bean & Cole who were super friendly and made us so at home, we didn't want to leave.

The coffee scene in Chester is certainly growing and that makes us very happy. If you're heading to the city any time soon, why not skip your usual high street haunts and grab your coffee break here? We promise you won't be disappointed.

Laura

Cake Break: Marmalade, Rhos on Sea

Most people speak of soggy weekends away in the UK with a shudder and a swift ticket booked to sunny Spain. Well unlike the general consensus, I am partial to a cozy afternoon in a caravan on a rainy day in Wales. (Pack of playing cards and TV movies, hello?) 

Pretty pastels.

It was on one of these rainy days when I ventured into the lovely Rhos on Sea for a cup of tea. It’s been some time since I’ve been to the area so I was pleased to see that an abundance of sweet cafes and coffee shops had popped up in my absence. One in particular that caught my eye was Marmalade.

Latte.

This place has got cute shabby chic down to perfection. Pastel colours, restored furniture, mismatched chairs, bunting, graphic text artwork – just everything. There’s a real homely feel too and even a separate area with comfy lounge chairs and coffee table that look like they were pulled straight from a kooky French apartment.

Beautiful decoration.

There’s an impressive selection of cakes on offer too and the best bit is – they’re all less then £1.95 – pretty good when that includes a rather generous slice of chocolate cake topped with Malteasers. The lemon drizzle and chocolate brownies looked delicious too.

The drinks are also reasonably priced, with a range of hot and cold drinks including a choice of teas, that mean a cake and drink combo cost around £4.

I really appreciated the presentation here as our drinks arrived on a little wooden serving tray with a mini biscuit on the side for the latte and even a pretty pink glass for the cold drink – lovely.

Pink glasses!

Yet perhaps the most intriguing thing on the menu was the Welsh Afternoon Tea – pretty much your standard Afternoon Tea with a choice of sandwiches, cake and tea but with oversized scones to rival the beach pebbles that looked absolutely amazing.

Yummy cake.

I could have happily spent all day in here – it was welcoming, pretty, cozy, yummy – all of those lovely things. I may even pop back next weekend. An hour and a half drive for tea and cake? Yeah that’s worth it! - Laura

Home from home.

Marmalade is located on Rhos Road, Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay. The Welsh Afternoon Tea is available daily from 2.30pm. Find them on Twitter @MarmaladeRhos

Don't forget, it's #AfternoonTeaWeek this week so be sure to Tweet us your fave tea hotspots! @TeacupReview

Cake Break: Tea For Two, Widnes

There are so many great little tea shops popping up all over the place - we've been to our fair share as you can probably tell! What's more is, there's nothing better than when one crops up in your own town and so I was very excited when I spotted this cute little cafe called 

Tea For Two.

Tea For Two

Admittedly, I had noticed this shop before but hadn't yet visited due to force of habit taking me to my local - I know, shameful - bad blogger! However, I am so glad I decided to pop in last weekend as it is a completely different environment to anywhere else in the area. 

There's a retro vibe going on throughout with old posters, mismatched cups and saucers and even a beautiful serving trolley (I would have taken a pic but it was in use at the time and I didn't want to disturb another customer's Afternoon Tea!). Even the music is fitting to a time gone by with 1950's favourites playing throughout. The lovely lady who served us mentioned that some customers say they love visiting because it takes them back to their childhood which was lovely to hear. 

Cappuccino - minus one sip!

As this was just a quick coffee break, we just had drinks on this occasion but even they had little touches to make them a little more special. The cappuccino was generously coated in chocolate sprinkles and as you can see I was so eager to get started I took a sip before taking photos - bad blogger, again! The latte came with a cute heart decoration drawn on the side from chocolate topping too - simple but made for really nice presentation.

Lovely latte.

Overall, it was a lovely little find and a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. There's a lesson to be learned here - always try new things. I may have found my new local.

Laura.

Have you found any hidden tea shop gems? Comment or Tweet us @TeacupReview

Cake Break: Grandy Nook Tearooms, Hawkshead

A few weeks ago, I headed off to the Lake District in search of country settings, cagoules and cake - Luckily I found all three in abundance.

Lemon Drizzle Cake

Situated in the heart of Beatrix Potter's one-time-home, Hawkshead, Grandy Nook Tearooms offer traditional English food (and cake, lets not forget the cake) in relaxed-country settings. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a quick afternoon tea in Hawkshead. 

(Also look out for the Minstrels Gallery which is simply amazing)

(Caroline)