Bob Bob Ricard (Soho)

Just a quickie for now for Bob Bob Ricard.

Mr B and I popped in on the off chance for a coffee and something a bit stronger. Very glad we did. As we walked off the busy Soho street into BBR we were welcomed by friendly staff. The first thing that struck us was the decor...just like being in first class on the Orient Express but with a twist. We were ushered to the bar area where we could see the whole room being worked by efficient staff.

We ordered two coffees and a 12 year old Macallan and sat back to enjoy the peace and quiet and to watch the food being served to the diners, especially the Beef Wellington. The coffee was good but the whiskey was better, we were served by a great bar tender who was really enthusiastic and knew his drinks. We got chatting with him and the restaurant manager Jeremiah, it was really refreshing to meet staff and management who were genuinely happy to see us and to answer our questions. We found out why Bob Bob Ricard was called Bob Bob Ricard, who the owners are, how many covers, how many rooms, opening times we were also invited to see the downstairs bar and more but alas another afternoon tea review was beckoning us over in Mayfair.

Before we left Jeremiah gave us the BBR afternoon tea menu and it looks great...Mr B and I are most definitely going back again. Who can resist some of these tempting examples from the menu; English Rose Profiterole / Battenburg / Raspberry & Custard Tart / Scones with homemade jam and clotted cream / a finger sandwich selection made with tantalising breads and a selection of teas to make you weep /AND an option of home made pink lemonade or the best champers ever - Pol Roger (if it's good enough for Winston Churchill, it's good enough for Teasemaid)....afternoon tea review coming soon x

The Bingham (Richmond)

Love that Bingham. Mr B and I took afternoon tea in the cocktail lounge on a lazy Sunday. As soon as we walked in and were shown to our delightful table we were seduced by the grand dame that is The Bingham. Our table was set between two huge french windows, a gentle breeze was wafting in and billowing the sheer voiles...it was very romantic, enchanting and dare I say it sexy?

We ordered a glass of Demoiselle Vranken Champagne and soaked up the atmosphere of the indulgent cocktail bar. The carpet was deep and soft, the chairs we were sitting in were white leather that enveloped you in comfort and ease. The room was bathed in diffused light with hints of greys, silver and white. The chandelier hung in the centre of the room effortlessly stylish and the ceiling was covered in silver gilt echoing the huge mirrors mounted onto every wall.

Tea came (EGT from Jing for me and Mr B ordred rose bud). As one would expect the crockery was specially made for The Bingham. When the food arrived it was a real sense of occassion - a lot of thought had been put into it.  The snadwiches were deleicate morsels of cucumber,  salmon, egg and ham. The second tier was host to the tastiest mini scones, shortbread and banana bread and the top tier was home to strawberry macarons, mini lemon meringue, fruit tart and the richest carrot cake ever to have been made. The whole experience was a delight. The service from the staff was impeccable. Even when the power went down!

The Bingham is a boutique hotel nesting by the Thames near Richmond Bridge. The building itself harks back to the Georgian times, you can just imagine the parties that were had! There is a real sense of decadence and style. next time we visit I think Mr B has plans on staying for few nights xx

Palm Court (The Langham)

I decided to pop into The Langham after 2 hours of interviews and tests, and what a good decision it was. I was ushered to a lovely table set in the corner of this great room. I soon forgot my hectic 2 hours. I ordered Earl Grey and muffin as all the breakfast pastries had gone. Was told that afternoon tea started at 1330, I could already see that a couple of people had already started with the Champagne afternoon tea (how decadent!) and it was only 12.30! Anyway back to the tea and cake. It was served in Wedgewood and silver plated Gainsborough. There was enough tea for 4 cups and the muffin was delightful if a little deceiving, on the outside it was very prim and proper (wholemeal and mixed seeds and nuts) but the inside was full of unctuous cream ( you naughty muffin). This is a great place to bring your selected friends and have an unforgettable afternoon lounging in beautiful surroundings. There will be a review about the afternoon tea, can't wait, can you?