Gail’s – Highgate

It was one of those days where it was lucky to have the sun come out. So a walk around Waterlow Park was wonderful. It was made even better to be able to see all the fragrant flowers and to take in the relaxing scent of the lavender by Lauderdale House.

Bettys – Harrogate

Bettys is the institution in Harrogate famed for its Afternoon Teas. It is now 100 years old and is still just as popular in this market town. Bettys was founded by Frederick Belmont who wanted to a cafe which combined his Swiss treats with good old warm Yorkshire hospitality.

Elder – Piece Hall, Halifax

Back in 1779, Piece Hall was a centre point of the cloth industry with it as a trading hall. In 2017, it was renovated and this glorious Georgian place is now home to independent shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Oliver’s Village Cafe – Belsize Park

To mark the start of an exciting new adventure for a close friend, it was an Afternoon Tea event. Oliver’s Village Cafe is a family run independent cafe away from the high street of Belsize Park. It prides itself on using local produce and producers for its food, including meats, smoked salmon and free range eggs.

Castle Cottage Tearoom – Pevensey

A friend I’m staying with in Hankham recommended having lunch at Castle Cottage Tearoom, located alongside the ancient walls of Pevensey Castle.

Sopwell House – St Albans

A day out in St Albans included taking in the sights of the magnificent Cathedral and the park with its lakes. A well deserved relaxed afternoon in a luxury setting was in store after all the walking around.

Gilly’s Fry Bar – Finsbury Park

Quoting a friend of mine, “any food tastes better when it’s fried”. But that doesn’t mean that the food isn’t already tasty before being fried.

The Travel Cafe – Holloway

A cold day and a hot coffee go hand in hand. The Travel Cafe is a wonderful cute cafe. Clean, spacious, exposed lighting, brick walls and the travel theme in the decor makes up the interior. There are wooden tree/log tables which add to the quirkiness.

Bill’s – Angel

It’s hard to pick a venue for a big gathering and it can be a bit of a gamble when it is a place that has not been to before. The main thing is that you want everything to go smoothly from the service to the quality of the food.