The Squadron - Rosey Lea tea room North Weald airfield

 On Friday I took my friend to a lovely tea room that was recommended to me by a work colleague. Its called Rosey Lea Tea rooms and they have 4 branches in Essex and Hertfordshire. We went to the once called The Squadron. 

It's at North Weald airfield in Essex. Once you enter the gates to the airfield it's about a 2 mile drive along the road and runways and we were told to be careful of any small light aircraft and go on the grass if they are on the runway. You just keep following the road and red line to the end were the tea room and carpark is. 

The building like a large shed from the outside with large windows onto an outdoor seating area  which looks out onto the runway. You get a great view of the small planes taking off and air ambulance helicopters flying past. 

We got there about 12.15 and it was already getting busy. It was nice and light and airy inside with simple marble effect tables and wooden chairs. Along the back wall was a wooden sideboard laid out with homemade cakes under glass domes. There were about 7 different ones plus some very large homemade scones.  

The menu has a good choice of hot and cold food including breakfast dishes, salads, jacket potatoes and different types of sandwiches. I must say the food is rather expensive but the potions are generous.  

We both choose the afternoon tea prices at £20.25 each. For this you get to choose a sandwich and slice of cake each plus you get a scone each with jam and clotted cream. I ordered a toasted brie, bacon and cranberry sandwich in granary bread and we both choose a slice of the Raspberry and white chocolate cake. 

The afternoon tea comes with a refillable pot of tea but we ordered a cappuccino each instead which the waiter said there would be a small extra charge for.  

We waited about 20 minutes for the food to arrive which came out on a traditional cake stand 

My toasted sandwich had loads of filling inside as as very tasty. 

Next we both had our scones that had been warmed up. They were huge and very nice especially with the jam and clotted cream. It was a struggle to eat it all even for me !!!!!!

We both ordered an Americana coffee each with milk on the side to finish with. 

There was no way that I could eat the cake as far to full after the scone so we asked for a box to take them home in. 

I eat the cake later that day at home and it was very nice with a light raspberry flavored sponge with a thin coating of buttercream. 

Overall a lovely cafe with good food, lovely homemade cakes and the staff are very friendly. 

Nearest Station : Not sure as I drove there.

Best bits : The wide choice of homemade cakes and sandwiches.   

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention  

   

Value for money :  It is expensive compared to other cafes I have been too but the food quality and service is good.  

Would I go back? : Yes I will take my mum there

    

 

 

Fantastic Kopi Tai afternoon tea in the Orchard lounge Pan Pacific hotel - London

 Saturday I treated my husband to a fantastic afternoon tea. It's one we went to before and really enjoyed. The menu was different this time and as usual I got a great deal by buying a voucher with discount code from Buyagift. I used my discount code so only paid £108 for both of us. This is a better way to do it as the price in the menu was £62 each. 

The hotel is very close to Liverpool Street station. It is a tall building and modern in design. 

When we arrived it was very busy however there was a nice table for us towards the back of the lounge. It was a low style table with big velvet armchairs. The table was simply laid with china with a very pretty floral bird design the same as we had on our last visit. It had the hotel name on the bottom so must of been specially made for them

. 

We was handed the menu and asked if we had any allergies. The waiter also explained the two different types of afternoon tea Traditional or Kopi Tai.  We both opted for the Kopi Tai one below as it sounded nice.  

SELECTION OF  ASIAN SAVOURIES

 Siu Mai Basket Spinach, Carrot, Sesame (VG) (G, SE) 

Shitake & Maitake Mushroom, Corn (G, S) 

Prawn, Caviar, Spring Onion (D, E, G, MO, SE)

 Beef, Onion, Oyster Sauce (F, G, S, SE) 

Steamed Lotus Bun (D, E, G) Salted Egg Yolk, Custard Sauce 

Steamed Sweet Potato Bun (D, G, SD) Sugar, Milk, Glutinous Rice, Coconut Flakes 

PLAIN & STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE SCONE (D, E, G)                                                          Cornish Clotted Cream,                        

 Homemade Strawberry-Rhubarb Preserve  and  Lemon Curd

 ICE LOLLIE (VE) Apple and Elderflower

 SELECTION OF   HAND-MADE PASTRIES 

Lemon Drop (D, E, F, G, S) Lemon Verbena, Raspberry, Peach 

Mint Breeze (A, D, E, F, G, S)  Mint, Lime, Bacardi 

Basil Smash (D, E, F, N, SD) Strawberry, Basil, Kalamansi 

Tropical Storm (D, E, F, G, S) Dulcey, Banana, Mango  

 

We ordered a bottle of English sparking wine from the menu which had a good selection of English wines to chose from. The cheapest being £74 a bottle. 

My husband ordered a pot of Breakfast tea from the large choice of teas on the menu and I ordered the lemon tea. 

It took around 15 minutes for the food to arrive which was served in a wooden type steam basket and the buns on a plate. The waiter explained what they were and that I had extra beef one instead of the salmon which was perfect. 

 

The mini dumplings were very tasty especially the beef one. 

The sweet potato buns were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. The waiter gave us a dish of condensed milk to dip them into which I thought was strange but it made them taste even better. 

The large lotus bun was very unusual but in a good way. Soft on the outside with a rich thick sweet custard inside. 

It was so different to anything I have tasted before but in a good way !!!!

 

Next came the scones on a plate along with a silver stand with three small dishes on. The dishes contained thick clotted cream, homemade Rhubarb strawberry and ginger jam plus a lemon curd. 

The scones were still warm and very moist and sponge like inside. I loved the lemon curd as it was really tangy and went perfect with the strawberry chocolate scones. My husband is not a big fan of scones unlike me but said these were one of the best he had tasted. 

The scones were a good size and we had to ask for more clotted  cream which the waiter brought straight out to us. 

After the scones the waiter then brought out two small ice lollies 

These were apple and elderflower sorbet coated in green chocolate with meringue sprinkles. 

It was very nice and refreshing

 

Lastly it was time for the cakes which were more like little desserts and extremely nice. We got our own plate of 4 different ones each

The first one was called Lemon Drop which was strange as it was pink and not a lemon color. Then I read the menu and saw it had raspberry and peach too hence the color. This was a delicious creamy lemon tangy mouse covered in pink chocolate on top on a thin  biscuit topped with fresh peaches and crispy bits 

 

Next we both had the Strawberry Basil Smash one. Sweet meringue filled with a cream with a hint of basil topped with fresh strawberry slices and a strawberry gel sheet 

Next to be eaten was the Mint Breeze which tasted just like a Mojito, it looked good too. My husband was not keen on this one maybe because he does not like Mojito cocktails. I liked it and thought that they had got the balance of flavors just right. It was unusual with the taste of fresh mint mixed with the citrus of lime. 

Lastly we had the Tropical Storm one, not quite sure why it was called this but it was a great hilt with both of us. Sweet pretty biscuit on both sides  with a soft cream filling of caramel and fresh banana pieces sat on a thin sheet of chocolate topped biscuit and topped with more chocolate and a little butterfly on a mango gel 

After eating all the lovely food we were both rather full.  We were not offered any extra food but I noticed that the table next to us asked for extra savories each and then more cakes at the end which they gave them.  I guess if you do not ask you don't get but I always think that in the 5 star hotels when you pay so much they should always offer extra to you. 

Its probably a good job they did not offer us extra as we would of been so full up !!!!!

To finish what was a lovely afternoon tea we both had a coffee each. 

Nearest Station : Liverpool Street station - about 8 minute walk

Best bits : The lovely food which I could not fault and great service    

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention  

   

Value for money : Yes I think it was as not as expensive as some of the well known 5 star hotels and we got quite a lot of food. 

Would I go back? : Yes defiantly for a third time     

Afternoon Tea in Palm Court Langham Hotel , London

 For our 32nd wedding anniversary we went for Afternoon Tea at the 5 star Langham Hotel which is situated in Portland Place London.  

It was priced at £75 per person and unfortunately I could not find an offer voucher for this. 

The afternoon tea is served in the Palm court which is just off the large hotel lobby. 

We arrived over half hour early and luckily they had a table available for us. It was a wet day so did not want to walk around the shops in nearby Oxford street. 

The table was small with two large armchairs and at the side of the room . This was a good location as the middle of the room was more busy and tables quite close together. In the middle of the room was a large table flower display and above this  large modern style chandeliers. 

The table was laid in a simple style with Wedgewood china upon a crisp white tablecloth. 

They also gave me a little stool just for my handbag which was cute !!!!!

We were handed the menu by our waiter and he asked if we had any allergies. I informed him I do not eat fish and he offered me extra chicken sandwich instead. 

Afternoon Tea

A supplementary glass of Champagne or English sparkling wine 150ml

COPENHAGEN Organic Sparkling Tea £10

Wild Idol Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé £10

Gusbourne Brut Reserve £10

Tattinger Brut Reserve £15

Taittinger Rose £20

 

 

Choose from our extensive range of teas with the assistance of our tea sommelier

 

A selection of indulgent finger sandwiches including

Scottish smoked salmon, sour cream, dill, tomato bread
Coronation Chicken, lambs lettuce, garam masala bread
Cornish Burford Brown eggs, celery salt, pain de mie roll
Classic cucumber, cream cheese, chives, white bread

(234 cal)

 

Ploughman’s cheese scone, Westcombe cheddar, tomato chutney (165 kcal)

 

 

Classic and raisin scones from our Palm Court bakery served with
lemon curd and chef’s seasonal preserves
(315 kcal)

 

Our exquisite pastries inspired by the nation’s favourite treats (293kcal)

Crème de la Crème

Caramelised white chocolate shell, Madagascan vanilla cream and crunch

 

Copy n Paste

Caramelised brioche, vanilla diplomat, apricot compote and sable

 

Chocolate + Fudge = Cake…

Double chocolate sponge, ultra creamy chocolate and fudge

 

Ninety 9…

Strawberry ice cream, dulcey cone and cream

 

Strawberries and Cream…

Vanilla sponge, strawberry compote, clotted cream

 

— £75 person

 

 The cakes on the menu sounded very nice and so did the cheese scones. I noticed the selection of teas was not as big as some of the menus I had seen in the past. They did not have any fruit teas so I ordered a cappuccino. 

As it was our anniversary we ordered a bottle of Gustbourne English sparkling wine £68 which I must say was lovely. We  liked it so much that we are planning a vineyard tour and tasting to  their vineyard in Kent. 

It was nice just sipping our sparkling wine whilst people watching and listening to the piano music in the background. 

After about 15 minutes the sandwiches arrived on our own plates. 

The waiter also brought us the cheese scones with cheese and chutney. This was a bit disappointing as the were very tiny. 

 

The sandwiches were in different types of bread and very fresh and tasty. I really liked the little savory scone with the cheese and chutney. 

We did not get offered more sandwiches but I asked the waiter if it was possible to have some more. He said yes and brought us both another round of the same but without the little cheese scone. 

After eating the second lot I must say I felt a bit full and that's before the cakes !!!!!

The waiter brought my hubby a fresh pot of tea to go with the cakes and we decided to order a glass of the same sparkling wine we had in the bottle for additional £10 each.  

We  got our own plate of four little cakes each and the waiter explained what each one was. 

The custard cream one was the first one we both tried and wow it did not disappoint. It was covered in my favorite Caramac type chocolate with a soft creamy center and biscuit crunch..  Next we had the round chocolate one which was nice and rich and creamy. The little ice cream cone was filled with strawberry ice-cream  in a chocolate cone topped with cream and tiny flake. We liked this one best followed by the Custard  Cream. Lastly we had the apricot and vanilla one which was nice too. 

The waiter also brought us a large strawberry dessert on a plate with a Happy Anniversary chocolate plaque on it which was a nice touch. This was part of the menu called Strawberry and cream. 

 

This dessert was a thin crisp pastry base with a cream sponge surrounded by a lovely strawberry soft jelly and topped with three scoops of clotted cream. We only managed to eat half of it between us as still had the sweet scones to come. 

Lastly we got the scones on the cake stand and we ordered another  coffee each. 

We got a plain and fruit one each plus apricot and strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. The menu states lemon curd but we got apricot jam which was nice. 

The scones were not warm but you could tell they were freshly baked. They were very light and fluffy but I could only managed half of each of them. 

When the bill arrived it was not cheap but you only celebrate your wedding anniversary once a year.

Overall a nice Afternoon Tea with good food. 

 Nearest Station : Oxford Circus underground station - about 10 minute walk

Best bits : The tiny cheese scones , mini cakes and sparkling English wine .    

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention     

Value for money : Its expensive but that's what you expect to pay at 5 Star London hotels   

would I go back? : Maybe for another special occasion if the menu changes    

  

Ampersand Science themed Afternoon Tea 2nd visit - South Kensington London

 On Saturday I went to a Science themed afternoon tea with my friend. This is my second visit to this hotel and last time I went with my mum in October 2020. I did say on my review then that I would come back.

The Ampersand is a small boutique style hotel just a few minutes walk from South Kensington underground station . I booked via website www.afternoontea.co.uk and there were no offers at the time. The standard menu price is £49 each which is reasonable. 

The afternoon tea is served in the small bright drawing room with lovely sofas and velvet arm chairs . 

We sat at a small round table by the window which was simply laid with a crisp white tablecloth and napkins and white china. 

We were handed the menu and asked if we had any allergies. I just asked if i could swap my salmon blinis for an extra chicken bun. Which turned out to be a good move as the salmon one was very tiny and the Chicken bun was large in comparison and tasted very nice. 

There was not  much tea selection so I opted for the Orange Rooibus one as generally I do not like the taste of tea but the waitress said that it tasted more fruity than actual tea. It tasted OK but still had that tea taste !!!!!!

Whilst waiting for the food we was given a drink experiment to do which involved mixing colored   water with sodium bicarbonate power and then adding flavoring. It did not taste nice just a bit of fun to add to the science theme. 

When the tea stand arrived it looked very full and nice. The waitress explained what each item was and then created an smoke effect from the top plate with dry ice..........it was all rather dramatic and lasted for a good few minutes.

Once I had taken a few photos of the food we tucked in as both feeling very hungary. 

For the savories I got two chicken basil and lemon buns, a beef brioche roll and a very mini cheese quiche. 

The chicken was like a soft pate mixed with mayonnaise, lemon and basil that made it a bright green color  !!!! It tasted very nice and so did the rare slices of beef in the brioche roll. The quiche was slightly dry and overcooked. 

Next we had the scones which were unfortunately  not served warm. We got a plain one each and a cranberry one which was supposed to also have white chocolate but I could not see or taste this. 

As well as strawberry jam and clotted cream we got three test tubes with sprinkles inside to put on the scones. There were milk and white chocolate crunchy peals, freeze dried raspberries and freeze dried pineapple. 

The scones were disappointing as dry inside and did not taste freshly baked. 

By now our teapots were empty so we both ordered a cappuccino . Our waitress also asked if we wanted anymore sandwiches which was a bit too late to ask since we had moved onto the cakes. 

Lastly we both tucked into the cakes which did look very nice and went well with the science theme

The first cake we had was both our favorite, Dulcey chocolate and blakcurrant planet. 

White chocolate sphere filled with blackcurrant mouse on a light sponge base. It was lovely and creamy inside and I liked the spotted white chocolate ring around it. 

Next I had the mixed berry macaron and my friend tried the jelly in the petri dish as she does not like macarons. 

There was a pipette of lemon juice to squeeze into the macaron which added to the flavor. it was a very nice macaron. My friend was not so keen on the mandarin and cherry flavor jelly in the petri dish. I think is was more of just a gimmick to go with the theme !!!!

Lastly we had the raspberry pistachio almond cake with  a chocolate spaceman. 

This was a nice pistachio sponge cake with a strong raspberry taste topping. We were surprised to find that the chocolate spaceman also had a raspberry taste. 

We both decided to order another coffee each to finish with. We had to call the waitress over to order this as they were very busy. I thought that the service had not been very good as they never came over to offer more drinks we had to track them down and ask them. 

Whilst drinking our coffees I released that we had not had our mini dinosaur biscuit and chocolate fossils in wooden box that was stated on the menu.  I also remember getting this last time I came. 

We once again called the waitress over which took a while as they were all busy. She said ' Oh you have not had this yet ' with a surprised look on her face.  She then went to the kitchen and came back with just one box.  I asked if we should get another box  and she said that they were cleaning them and if we wanted another one that we would have to wait 10 minutes.....we said this was fine as not in a rush. We got the impression they did not want to give us another one !!!!!!

Finally we both got a box each . The chocolates inside are buried under the soil so you need to use the paintbrush to uncover and dig around.  I got three dark chocolate fossils inside whilst my fiend got milk chocolate ones.  Neither of us got a biscuit as stated on the menu which was disappointing. 

It feel like we just got what was left from other peoples boxes chucked in at the last minute. Hopefully I am wrong on this !!!!

Overall a nice themed afternoon tea served in a lovely relaxing drawing room. However the service was not up to the standard I experienced  before which may put me off coming again. 

Nearest Station : South Kensington underground station - about 5 minute walk

Best bits : The sandwiches and the planet cake.    

Worst bits :  Dry scones and the service    

Value for money : Its not too expensive compared to some afternoon teas.  

would I go back? :  Probably not unless they have a new theme