Good Afternoon readers! It's Friday!
Now we can all enjoy another relaxing weekend, hopefully blessed with some more of this gorgeous weather. However, as I'm writing this, there are dollop sized raindrops tip tapping on my sky light window- it is so unpredictable!
Anyway, if you are looking for something delectable and slightly decadent to do this weekend and live in Yorkshire (those of you who don't could perhaps plan a trip to God's Own County?) then why not take a trip over to the picturesque village of Hepworth where a delightful little tea room and restaurant has opened. As yesterday was Yorkshire Day (1st August) I thought I'd pinpoint what I now class as one of my culinary hotspots to go to in the stunning, rolling hills of West Yorkshire.
The Spiced Pear is the place I'm talking about and is the new venture of TV chef Timothy Bilton, and owner of The Butchers Arms, which has since unfortunately closed down. Not so unfortunate though as what has taken its place is a superbly quaint place to go for a drink, meal and even Afternoon Tea in their 1940s Tea Room, The Fourteas.
It was the afternoon tea that drew me in with the menu being so inviting and different and a margin of the price of an afternoon tea that I have enjoyed at hotels in London. If the friendly price tag of £12.50 doesn't grab your attention then The Spiced Pear even go as far as justifying it for you with the history of Afternoon Tea:
"The Duchess of Bedford is said to have complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon and was credited for the creation of Afternoon Tea."
I can certainly sympathise with that "sinking feeling" and will never say no to a round (or two) of sandwiches and cakes. However, the savoury sitting of the afternoon tea I opted for was not your usual cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off. I did something that the Duchess of Bedford perhaps wouldn't have approved of and chose the Gentleman's Afternoon Tea, which, it has to be said, was the deal breaker for me.
When ordering, I even asked the waitress if I was allowed the Gentleman's Afternoon Tea, to which she smiled sweetly and assured me that I wasn't the only lady who had indulged in some so-called 'Gentleman's' culinary delights.
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| I must admit I required a little help! |
The savoury selection included a scotch egg, bread & dripping, pork pie, a yorkshire pudding with roast beef and caramelised onions. When looking at all that, one might suggest a side order of Gaviscon is required, but jokes aside, it was absolutely delicious, with each part of the course carefully made to perfection, and with the heartiest of flavours.
The cakes were equally tasty with a melt-in-the-mouth scone (with clotted cream and jam of course!), 2 types of sponge cake, pastries and a strawberry macaroon à la française!
Every tea cup, tea pot, napkin and side plate are all of a different pattern which adds to the quaint experience. It really is a lovely place to go and somewhere I thoroughly recommend!
Sorry I didn't take any more photos but I had a serious date with a Yorkshire pudding and a clotted cream scone! I hope you can still get a good idea.
That's all for now,
Enjoy your weekends!
Ess Double You.
