AFTERNOON tea has become a popular treat; for foodies on a budget it is a special dining experience at a much lower cost than a three-course dinner.
Fuelled in part by the rise of all things vintage, gathering friends for finger sandwiches, dainty cakes and - of course - scones with cream and jam, has become a popular pastime.
A friend was visiting, and I suggested lunch at Oswaldtwistle Mills’ Terrace Tea Room. I’d been attracted by the duck egg blue decor a few times while shopping there, but hadn’t had time to stop in.
Bypassing menus and a bright counter of cakes, we were instantly drawn to a card promoting their afternoon tea; £6.25 per person, or £12 for two.
And even more appealing - for another £1.50 each you get a glass of prosecco too.
Done deal, decision made.
Pretty cups, saucers and plates were stacked and a teapot filled while we waited, then we got comfy to wait for our treats to come.
Stacked on a three-tier cake stand, there were smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise and cucumber sandwiches on white and granary breads. These were well filled and very tasty.
The apple and cinnamon pastries were a little disappointing, a touch soft and a bit ‘nothingy’.
But these were soon sidelined for delicious slices of light farmhouse fruitcake and sticky lemon and ginger cake - brought as a kind replacement by our waitress, who remembered my friend’s comment about not liking raisins during a query about the scones when we ordered.
The scones were on the small side, but smothered with clotted cream and jam, made for a perfect end to our treat.
In fancy hotels you can expect to pay £15 per person for afternoon tea, without the fizz, so we were thrilled with our new find and were planning a return visit before even clearing out plates.
ANNA MANSELL RATINGS
Food ..............................................8
Drink .............................................8
Atmosphere ...............................8
Value .............................................9
Service .........................................9
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel