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