THERE is something particularly comforting about having afternoon tea on a blustery November afternoon.

In recent years more eating establishments seem to have gone back to the tradition of serving sandwiches, cakes and coffee as something of a special treat.

So as a surprise for one of my friends who is expecting a baby, 16 of us headed to the Spread Eagle Inn in Sawley to celebrate her forthcoming arrival.

We were presented with lovely platters of sandwiches that included cheese and tomato, salmon, ham and cucumber as well as tea and coffee.

The sandwiches were presented on beautiful china plates, however the selection was a bit limited and the bread used was uninteresting, having only the choice of brown and white.

However the sandwiches tasted great, the bread was fresh and were very appetising.

To follow we were presented with three tall stacks of cake stands brimming with scones with fresh clotted cream and a selection of jams, eccles cakes, parkin and lemon drizzle cakes. The selection again could have included a few more options but the cakes were out of this world and more than enough to fill us all.

The setting of the Spread Eagle, in the beautiful Ribble Valley, and the decor inside is welcoming and makes you feel like you are experiencing a real treat.

At only £6.50 per person the afternoon tea was fantastic value for money and certainly something I’m hoping to do again.

VERDICT

  • Food: 9
  • Drink: 8
  • Service: 8
  • Atmosphere: 7
  • Value: 9