Sweet Mary

Last week I joined a group of friends who were going out to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers to have a set afternoon tea. If you would like to know more about this beautiful Hawkes Bay venue click here - all the information and lots of good photos. There are a series of "common"rooms for guests to use and as the conservatory had the best views over the Pacific ocean we gathered at one end around the comfy sofas. It was a stunning spring day even though officially spring was due to start the next day. We choose our individual teas from a varied selection and then waited (not long!) for the incredibly delicious food to arrive. I can happily tell you that the chocolate maccaroon was mouth wateringly good, followed closely by the smoked salmon sandwiches. I am still thinking about them a few days later. Another beautiful "common" room. I took this photo from the comfort of my soft seat while eating my near perfect afternoon tea. I say near perfect because, to me, afte...

What better way to spend an afternoon - meeting friends for high tea at The Old Church . It was a greyish afternoon but this grand building looked so inviting. Click on the name and then "About Us" to learn the history of this building, its very interesting. After years living in the north of England I thought I knew what a high tea was. Although the above spread was advertised as such it was actually a very delicious afternoon tea. Many different small cakes, scones, sandwiches and a very good cheese board. Pretty china teacups with an equally pretty teapot steaming with your choice of leaf tea. We left around 5pm when dusk was falling and the lights were on so couldn't resist this photo from above, of the extremely large chandelier. No doubt about it - this place has a lot of atmosphere.