Did you know that it is really hard to single handedly fill the boot of a Mercedes with massive helium balloons? Planning a small impromptu baby shower was hard work! This is how my first trip to Jesmond Dene House for Afternoon Tea began and thankfully it ended on a much less stressful note!
With an early afternoon booking, our party got settled in the conservatory ready for the sugary onslaught of goodness. I have sampled the afternoon tea at St Marys Inn (here) which I was thoroughly impressed with so the grand setting of JDH made the trip feel extra special. We chose the plain Afternoon Tea (£20) – no alcohol for the mother to be or the designated driver – ME!
With my pot of Earl Grey Tea brewing, our 3 tier presentation arrived. After a well planned discussion on how we were going to swap the cakes around, we started with the savoury. As I don’t eat salmon, our server was only more than happy to switch around the sandwiches which was music to my ears as I have taken afternoon tea where they have refused point blank. We doubled up on the chicken + pesto alongside cheddar + apple pickle and ham with picallili.
I’m not going to lie, the sandwiches and scones are always my favourite bit so the dinky warmed scones with cream and jam hit the spot. We had to chase for butter for the cheese scones but they were definitely worth the wait. You simply cannot beat a warm scone with butter.
Moving on to the top tier, the piece de resistence and most peoples best bit. Sitting pretty, we were spoiled for choice – Orange + chocolate Macaron, Chocolate + Vanilla Marshmallow, Lemon Sponge and Banoffee Cheesecake Sundae.
The highlight for me was the orange macaron. Dusted with glinting gold edible shimmer, how could I not be drawn to that beauty? It helped that it was absolutely delicious. All the cakes were beautifully presented and delicious.
It’s always a bit sad when you get to the end of a great afternoon tea but for £20 pp I cannot fault this offering. Beautiful setting, fantastic service and high quality food.
Jesmond Dene House are also very good at accommodating dietary requirements if you let them know at the time of booking – which is great if you have special requests.
Every time I have dined at Jesmond Dene it has been without the Husband so I think it’s about time I took him for something a little special!