Monday 30 December 2013

Fruit Broo Tea - Winter Warmers

We've recently discovered a brand new range of delicious fruit teas - Fruit Broo - and what better way to sample these than in front of the fire on a cold winter's afternoon...

FruitBroo 

Coming in six varieties, there's plenty to choose from, but after trying them all our favourite by far was the 'Rhubarb, Apple and Cinnamon' variety. 

The fruity apple and rhubarb, combined with festive cinnamon flavours were the perfect Xmas mood-setter - and ideal for those wanting to fight off the new year blues. 

Definitely worth a try if you're looking for something a bit different!

For more information and prices, please visit: http://fruitbroo.com/

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Tuesday 24 December 2013

Charlotte in the City: Cannizaro House Afternoon Tea Review

Last month our lovely lady in London, Charlotte Vowden, headed off to Cannizaro House for a very special festive afternoon tea. Here's how she got on.


There’s something quite comforting about pouring a hot brew from the pot and digging your knife into a buttery scone on a cold winter’s day, especially if you’re sitting next to a gently crackling open fire. This weekend I was lucky enough to discover a bolt hole in Wimbledon perfectly suited to play out such a scenario, and I think you should pay a visit too.


Built in the 18th century Cannizaro House has hosted countless characters throughout its history, including Oscar Wilde, and as soon as you step across the threshold its cosy decor and relaxed atmosphere make you feel right at home. 

After shedding several layers of clothing, plus bobble hat, I was seated in the lounge bar, a room with a log fire, grand piano and ornate pillars - far more impressive than its name implies.
After inspecting the menu I chose to have the Festive Tea, tis the season after all, with a glass of champagne and the Lovers’ Leap loose leaf tea. A light accompaniment. My mum, my regular afternoon tea companion, had the Planters Afternoon blend which was creamy and complimentary to the menu. 


Remaining untouched for the Christmas season the classic selection of finger sandwiches included tomato and ham, salmon, cucumber and egg mayonnaise. All very traditional, but I admit I may have left one or two in my haste to try the buttermilk scones. 

Spiced up with orange, cinnamon and angelica then dusted with icing sugar, they looked smelt and tasted amazing, while the homemade rhubarb, orange, vanilla, lemon and lime jam (a combination which could have been too overpowering) gave them a zesty kick to combat the sweetness. With cornish clotted cream plonked on the top they were by far the most inventive and well-baked scones I’ve had in a considerably long time. It’s no surprise the scones are so good though as the chef is from the West Country. He knows exactly what he’s doing. 


Pudding, the Pièce de résistance, was packed with Christmasy flavours. A cinnamon and ginger shortbread disc melted in the mouth but was slightly let down by the sugar paper topper that featured a snowman and the Cannizaro House name. It looked great but I had to eat the two components - biscuit and decoration - separately as the sugar paper was tough to bite through. 
A chocolate mousse dome with orange jelly at its centre was exceptional, as was the panna cotta shot spiced with mulled wine for the festive period. I enjoyed the single white chocolate and orange eclair but given have the chance I would have devoured several more.



It wouldn’t have been festive tea without a mince pie or two, and no bigger than a 50p piece the delicate little ones scattered among the larger sweets were 5 star. With a warm middle and crispy sugared top they were just right.

When I arrived at Cannizaro House I was chilly and in need of an afternoon tea of a particularly special nature to make the long tube journey from east London worthwhile. Atmosphere, friendly staff and a very high standard of edibles bring me to the conclusion that it's a journey I will make again.  

The Cannizaro HousevAfternoon Tea menu is priced at £25.  Add a glass of Alain Thienot champagne and strawberries - £41.00


Charlotte Vowden is a travel & lifestyle journalist who is as happy in the mountains as she is sipping champagne and eating cake. Writing for The Sunday Times keeps her busy but she’s always looking for her next adventure or afternoon tea destination.
Twitter: @charlottevowden

DISCLAIMER: As is common in the catering and leisure industry, we were provided with complimentary services for review purposes. Whilst this has not influenced our review, we believe in the full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. 
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Monday 9 December 2013

Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester

We're pretty much game for anything that comes with the promise of a festive twist so when one of our favourite Manchester tea rooms asked us to come and sample their Festive Afternoon Tea, let's just say we were a little excited. 

Festive Afternoon Tea

Decorated with seasonal red and green, this chic city restaurant looks even more inviting with a Christmas makeover and The Radisson Blu Edwardian's Opus One's street side views provide the perfect setting for a warm break away from the Christmas hustle and bustle. 

Christmas makeover.

Their traditional tea menu has been given a sprinkling of festive cheer with seasonal treats taking centre stage on the tea stand. 

The Radisson's fabulous double layer finger sandwiches now feature some new flavours including a very Christmassy, roast turkey, cranberry and stuffing. Yum!

The scones have even had a touch of Christmas magic in the form of a new cranberry and orange flavour. And we can confirm, they are delicious!

Turkey, Cranberry, Stuffing Sandwiches. 

Of course it wouldn't be Christmas without fruity Christmas cake and the Radisson has really stepped up its game with a selection of rich seasonal patisseries to top off their tea. Guests can expect; chocolate pudding, cream twirl and a lovely winter berry jelly. 

Winter treats. 

If you're looking for something extra special to treat yourself with after visiting Manchester's famous Christmas Markets, you really can't go wrong with Opus One. 

The menu is available until 24th December 2013 at £18.95pp. 

For more information and to book, please visit: http://www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/


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Sunday 8 December 2013

Charlotte in the City: BB Bakery Afternoon Tea Review


Time for Tea

A few weeks ago, our London lady Charlotte Vowden, headed off to BB Bakery in Covent Garden for an afternoon of tea and relaxation. Here's how she got on.

Husband and wife team Philippe and Brigitte Bloch are the brains behind BB Bakery, a French Salon de Thé in Covent Garden. Together they’ve created an afternoon tea stop-off with a clean and contemporary look that attracts city girls in chic outfits and stilettos, ladies of leisure and groups celebrating special occasions.

I popped in with a friend on what I thought would be a quiet Monday afternoon and to my surprise there were several other tables accommodating a tea stand. A tea stand that I must say makes you go ‘oooh’ before you’ve even tasted its contents.

Yummy Treats
I’ll start with the savouries. The ham and cheese baguette and smoked salmon on multigrain loaf were very nice indeed, but it was the miniature vegetarian quiche that had been warmed through which was the real winner. A nice French alternative to the finger sandwich it was light enough not to spoil my appetite.

Savouries

The golden brown scone was served freshly heated from the small pantry which sits at the back of the café. It had a tempting glaze on its top and just the right amount of crumble when I broke it in half to add the clotted cream and strawberry jam. You could still see the grooves from the dough cutter which added a pretty homemade quality.

On to the sweet treats. Made on a daily basis by a mix of French and English chefs they are mini temptations of bigger versions on sale at the cafés counter. Upscale on the way out so you have something to enjoy later on.

Cake!

I fell in love with the dark chocolate pecan brownie chunk, its moist, dense and sticky texture was moreish and as for the browned lemon meringue pie, Philippe’s favourite, it was a refreshing and zingy triumph. Other tasties included macaroons, mini cupcakes with neatly swirled buttercream, and sponge topped with raspberries and blueberries. The colourful and appetising display was served on pretty crockery that Philippe and Brigitte source from vintage markets and shops on a regular basis. To drink we had fresh orange juice and a pot of camomile tea.  

Delicious

We really took our time at BB’s and enjoyed watching people rush past on their way down to the Strand or up into the heart of Covent Garden. If you can’t make it to this branch there’s a sister café in County Hall and Philippe and Brigitte are cooking up plans to open a third BB Bakery in Mayfair. Unlike typical Salon de Thé’s BB’s serves alcohol, I suggest a glass of Champagne Rose La Romantique. 


Traditional tea is £26 per person, or £33 with champagne. Booking 24 hours in advance is required as afternoon tea is prepared fresh on a daily basis.

Charlotte Vowden is a travel & lifestyle journalist who is as happy in the mountains as she is sipping champagne and eating cake. Writing for The Sunday Times keeps her busy but she’s always looking for her next adventure or afternoon tea destination.
Twitter: @charlottevowden

DISCLAIMER: As is common in the catering and leisure industry, we were provided with complimentary services for review purposes. Whilst this has not influenced our review, we believe in the full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
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