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

The Tea Box [Richmond]

Fridays, to me, are synonomus with tea reviews and this one is no exception. I pootled off the Richmond in the afternoon, it was raining but that didn't dampen my spirits. Upon entering the shop I was greeted with charming sights and sounds. The sight of an impressive chandelier, old fashioned hats adorning the coat stand and the sounds of chatter and the old fashioned door bell jingling away. It was most welcoming.

The place has an oriental feel about it, like something from the victorian times where some intrepid explorer has brought home their finds from overseas and displayed them around the shop. I chose to sit at the back where it was quite dark and cosy and I could see most of the shop as it was on a split level. The table and two chairs were Moroccan in style - a very sweet spot.

I ordered a pot of Darjeeling 2nd flush from the Margaret Hope Estate and a slice of ginger cake. When my order arrived it came with something I have never come across before; a tea timer which can assist the drinker in obtaining the perfect cuppa (see the pics below). I thought this was a really thoughtful touch...I knew then that the owners were serious about their tea. The tea is loose leaf and served in a white tea pot. The cup and saucer are bone china and mismatched (which I love). The cake was the best ginger cake I've had in a long time. So good was it that I murmoured out loud as I savoured the first bite.

The Tea Box is more than just somewhere to go for tea and cake (there is a fantastic selection of both available). There are weekly events held here such as comedy nights, poetry jams, knitting (social knitwork) and live music. It's also a very kid friendly place where they can have afternoon tea's created especially for them. The owners have come up with a  clever menu of snacks and nibbles and it is also licensed. There you can also indulge in 'tipsy teas' what a revelation! And champagne afternoon tea.

I met one of the owners (Gemma) and she kindly showed me their special selections of Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong which they get directly from the suppliers in India and China. The smells from these teas were so evocative it transported me to another place for a moment. The staff here are very friendly and passionate about tea and cake, they are very easy to have a chat with and you'll probably learn something you didn't know before. Theyare also on hand to encourage you to blend your own tea depending on what you like. I'd probably have a blend of Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong!

Petersham Nursery Cafe

Mmmm imagine having a cup of tea and a nice slice surrounded by flowers and plants set in a quirky yet stylish fashion. Please go to Petersham Nurseries you won't be disappointed. Tea is served in a pot (loose leaf) and I have to say that the Earl Grey is delicious. To accompany I had a fig and almond cake it's very moist and most filling. Totally scrumpy.

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?

Liberty Cafe (Liberty)

Liberty offer a mighty fine cup of Earl Grey. The tea pot and tea cup and saucer are lovely and you get enough tea to keep you occupied for oooh a good hour if it takes your fancy. The service was good too. Will go again, this time to sample a nice slice of cakey.