As you pull up to the house, a gorgeous Georgian building, covered in creeping ivy, with the glow of Christmas lights warming you up outside, even on a freezing cold day, you know you're in for a treat. As I pushed the door open, using the over sized golden doorknob, I was greeted by a beautifully decorated 9ft Christmas Tree, an impressive sweeping staircase and a hallway full of smiling staff. It felt a little bit like home…a really really upmarket home, granted.
I walked into Reception and told them my name, at which point they didn't even look at the computer system, they simply seated me. You know you're in a place that's really on top of their game when they don't even need to check where there arrivals are to be seated.
We were then taken to a snug corner of 'The Sitting Room', right next to yet another beautifully decorated, luxe red and gold tree, where we were presented with two menus and seated at a proper table, with a proper table cloth…hurrah!
The room was impeccable, with wooden effect wallpaper, an over sized antique clock, a roaring fire lit throughout the whole afternoon, various large mirrors on all walls and three large bay windows to the side, which looked out over fields, which was wonderful on a crisp, clear late afternoon just as the sun was starting to go down.
After becoming thoroughly distracted, we chose the Full Afternoon Tea, priced at £19.50 per person, for two, with a pot of earl grey tea. A relatively uninspiring title but, my goodness, what a splash.
About ten minutes after we had placed our order, an unfalteringly polite waitress came to the table with a proper sized teapot (none of this 'thimble-full of tea' business you get at a lot of upmarket places) full of steaming hot earl grey and methodically, but gracefully poured my first cup for me, a fabulous start that made me feel thoroughly spoilt and looked after.
Then the same lady (who by the point was fast becoming my favourite person…) brought out three delectable tiers of happiness, each decorated with springs of cranberries or delicately sliced strawberries; the Bishopstrow guide to making a festive afternoon tea look easy, classy and rustic.
The first tier hosted two full sized sandwiches, cut into fingers, we chose Turkey and Cranberry (yes…the components of Bishopstrow's current afternoon tea are FESTIVE!) with other choices including Ham and Piccalilli, Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese or Cheese and Chutney. After the first tier we were nearly suitably full.
That must be one of my favourite things in the world, feeling quite full but knowing you still have lots of glutton to come…
On the second tier, we had two lightly dusted fruit scones, served with full on, Wiltshire clotted cream and gorgeous strawberry jam, both served in adorable little dishes with small handles on them.
In life, you get two types of scones/scone eaters…either slightly tougher scones with proper clotted cream or fluffier scones with a thinner cream. Personally, I'm all about the proper scone with the proper, heavy duty clotted cream, so I was happier than usual when I took my first bite of Bishopstrow's offering.
Following on from that, was our beautiful, decadent top tier, full of homemade cakes and desserts to include a shot glass filled with what tasted like the good bits of a blackberry cheesecake (hold the biscuit base), a small meringue macaroon, sandwiched together with passion fruit curd, a mini, but flavourful mince pie, a slice of Christmas Cake with a gorgeous slither of marzipan beneath the fondant icing and a fabulously gooey slice of banana loaf. Oh my. Breathe.
When Jack told me he 'couldn't eat his Christmas cake or mince pie', just imagine my face. Hello Christmas, I'm so glad you came early, I had hoped you would.
After the final crumb had been unceremoniously munched, I lent back momentarily, to see the sun just about slipping away behind the end of the field and wondered if this is what life is really all about…gorgeous places, fantastic food, Christmas music and beautiful decorations, interesting company, strong tea and undeniably great cake. I've decided that yes…yes, it definitely is. It's worth paying the best part of £40 for, just for that moment of personal luxury and unapologetic self-indulgence.
I strongly believe that Bishopstrow House offers one of the best afternoon tea experiences out there and, although I am ready for the challenge of bettering it, I can't help but think that it will reside in my mind when my afternoon tea search ends.
Bishopstrow, quite simply gets the full 10 teacups as I really can't fault it, even now...even the day afterwards when I've had time to stew and seek out potential moans. It's most unlike me. I can usually spot a criticism a mile off. Bloodhound style.
For all those of you who hate your job, or have had a rubbish day, or who are tired of screaming children or who simply want time for themselves or a lavish afternoon with a recommendable cup of tea and a good friend or a really great book…head to Bishopstrow. You'll probably see me there most weekends.
Until then…
Ching Ching,
K, x
"I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea."
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky
"I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea."
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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