I've been having a little break - holidaying in England and visiting the south coast, Devon and Bath. I've lots of news and lovely pictures to share of some of the places I've been to, and I thought I'd start with Bath.
First up is a fabulous new teashop I've discovered.
Bea's Vintage Tea Rooms, 6-8 Saville Row, Bath BA1 2QP, has not been open long - I'd have visited earlier if not for my poor old hip, as it's quite a climb up to Saville Row, just by the Assembly Rooms.
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| Bea's Vintage Tea Rooms |
From the second you walk through the door and the bell tinkles in response, you're transported back in time. A soundtrack of songs from the thirties and forties, tables adorned with embroidered linen, dressers full of china, fresh flowers and a cabinet full of cake all help to create the perfect ambience for taking tea. The friendly staff look as if they might just have stepped out of an art deco magazine themselves - waitresses dressed in black with white pinafores are cheerful and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble - you can see I'm a huge fan of this establishment!
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| A pot of Earl Grey Tea and a Ginger Beer |
I had a toasted sandwich and a pot of Earl Grey tea - both delicious! The menu offers tempting plates from savoury to sweet. Breakfast fare, lunches, soup and sandwiches, pies and quiche, cream teas and cake - all are homemade. My husband had scrambled eggs on toast, and was full of praise. On another occasion we were tempted by scones with cream and jam and a piece of coffee cake - truly wonderful!
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| A Glass Cabinet of Cake |
The attention to detail is what helps to make it feel so authentic. The eclectic mix of china - pretty porcelain cups and saucers, patterned teapots, mirrors and lighting all add to the atmosphere - I can't think of a nicer way to while away an hour or so!
Jane Austen talked of Molland's in
Persuasion. This was a real tea shop in Milsom Street, a pastry cook's and confectioners. It's the scene of one of the most heart-stopping parts of the book.
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| Libby, one of the lovely waitresses, laying the table |
Another lovely cafe in Bath is
The Wild Cafe in Queen Street, a stone's throw from Trim Street where Jane used to live. Not only did she live up the road, but it seems she actually loved this establishment for its breakfast fare.
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| This always makes me smile! Board outside The Wild Cafe |
The mint tea and salads are my particular favourites, but I'm sure Jane knew what she was talking about : ) More tea rooms coming soon! (Someone has to research tea rooms, after all!!!)
