The Afternoon Tea Files: Jesmond Dene House

Afternoon Tea is one of the greatest pleasures in life. There isn't anything better than settling yourself down in a beautiful location only to know you're going to be spending a good few hours chatting, nibbling and relaxing. It's the perfect way to spend a rainy day (or sunny day, or any day really), which is exactly what we did recently at Jesmond Dene House.

 

I've been to Jesmond Dene House for afternoon tea a number of times but have never featured it on my blog, I've always been too busy chattering on and drinking champagne to even think about breaking the spell and picking my camera up.  So, when JDH contacted me and asked me to review their new Easter themed Afternoon Tea I was thrilled. Armed with my camera and trusty sidekick, Kris we jumped in the car and off to Jesmond we went.

I couldn't believe my eyes when our waiter placed the cake stand in front of us. The cakes were some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, delicate yet vibrant I couldn't wait to dig in.  Priced at £25pp I honestly think you'd struggle to find such quality patisserie at this price point, they've really pulled something special out of the bag here.

We, of course, started off with the savoury tier. This consisted of a cheese savoury and a ham, wholegrain mustard and tomato sandwich each. We were then delighted to discover a few cheeky characters lurking amongst the sandwiches, a cheese and butternut squash quiche and a bloody sausage roll! Any afternoon tea that features a sausage roll has instantly won me over. I mean, you can take the lass out of Newcastle and all that... 

Shimmying up a tier, it was scone time. A cheese scone which I slathered in butter, standard. I have to admit, it was pretty damn delicious, once of the best I've tasted. Next was a plain scone served with clotted cream and a choice of raspberry or strawberry jam (cream then jam, I'll fight anyone that says otherwise) then another festive addition, a fresh baked hot crossed bun. Hawt damn, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. May I add, the little nuggets of sugar on top were a revelation. Can all hot crossed buns have these in future? I'll start a campaign.

And now the part we've all been waiting for. The pièce de résistance, the cake tier *angelic music plays*. Ahh man, I can't even to begin to describe how delicious these little babes were.  I was faced with a dilemma, I knew I could only manage two at best relegating the other two to a box for later that evening. In the end I chose to eat the lime and raspberry macaron and the coconut and mango posset while saving the rhubarb crumble tart and chocolate mousse sable for when I got home and changed into my stretchy pants.

Sadly it just started raining again as we left, scuppering any plans I had of rambling through the beautiful dene but trust me when I say, it's an incredible place for an afternoon stroll. 

As always, Jesmond Dene House have knocked it out of the park, I've never had anything less than a wonderful experience whenever I've dined with them and this was no exception.  In the infamous words of Arnie, I'll be back.

Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE2 2EY
(0191) 212 3000

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A Typical Sunday with Travelodge

When Travelodge got in contact asking me to share my favorite things about Newcastle, my mind went into overdrive.  There are so many awesome aspects of the city that I call home, I had the hardest time narrowing my favorite parts down.  Saying that, I've cheated a little bit and shimmied out of Newcastle to one of my most loved destinations, Tynemouth.  

I'd say about eight out of ten Sundays (depending of severity of hangover) I can be found elbow deep in boxes of junk at the beloved Tynemouth Market.  Located in the Tynemouth Metro Station it's a very simple hop and jump from Newcastle City Centre, just one short train ride and you'll be stepping out onto a platform filled with eager bargain hunters and a plethora of adorable dogs.

You can find anything from vintage records to handmade sausages to antique trinkets, the market is a treasure hunters dream come true.  I can lose hours among the bric a brac, happily hunting out the perfect addition to my ever growing collections of 'old tat' as my boyfriend like to call it.

There's always a bit of nostalgia at Tynemouth Market, no matter what your age is. I had to drag myself away from the selection of 1980's My Little Ponies, and I may have found myself ferreting around in a box of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures.  The 80s man, what a time to be alive!

If you're a bit of a dog person you won't be disappointed.  The amount of adorable hounds, big and small, is just unbelievable.  You won't get more than two steps without a scarf wearing whippet snuffling at your feet, or a pampered Chihuahua all wrapped up in a fur lined parka giving you the eye. I always leave with the overwhelming urge to run to the dog shelter and rescue a Jack Russell, then I remember I have two cats who will simply pack their bags and move out if I dared turn up with a new canine addition to the family.

Once we're finished with our bargain hunting there's only one place I want to go, Longsands Fish Kitchen.  I first discovered this place when we couldn't get a table in nearby café Dil and the Bear, and I couldn't be happier that I did.  These are the best fish and chips that I've had in my life, but the real star of the show is the curry sauce.  Oh man, that stuff could end wars. I have intense cravings which  have to be fulfilled on the weekly.  My usual order is fish chips and mushy peas (side order of curry sauce, obvs) but today I went a bit fancy and opted for the tiger prawns with chilli jam. 

Finally, no day out is complete without us heading back into Newcastle and straight to our favorite cafe, The Wild Trapeze.  Located in the heart of Heaton, this is the only place I'll frequent for tea and cake, other than my own shop of course.  Family run and so damned adorable I cannot recommend this place highly enough, I just love it.  If you do decide to go, order the London Fog Latte, there really is nothing better.

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Holga for Nikon

Last week, my lovely boyfriend came home from work clutching a tiny little parcel.  Upon my inquiring on the contents he handed it over and said 'it's for you'.   Excitedly, and a little suspiciously, I opened the little white box to reveal a teeny lens for my camera.  Closer inspection told me it was none other than a Holga lens purpose built for a Nikon DSLR.  How fun!    We already own several Holga cameras but I'm sure fellow owners will probably share my distaste for the super expensive film and the uncertainty of the image quality.  So many times have I become owner to a little blue wallet full of black prints.  My amazing little lens takes all of that worry away, allowing you to view your images straight away.

I just love the gloomy atmosphere it gives to the image.  Just perfect for a winters stroll down the banks of the industrial River Tyne.

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Snapshots of Prague

I thought I'd share some snapshots from my recent trip to Prague.  Prague is the most stunningly beautiful place at Christmas, every door is adorned with a wreath and the scent of cinnamon lingers in the air.  I have never experienced the city at any time other than the festive season (six times and counting) but I'm hoping this Summer I shall rectify this with a trip with some close friends. 

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