When in Yorkshire

Ive had two EXCELLENT foodie experiences whilst in Yorkshire the past few weekends.




The Grand Hotel, York
The first; one I've been looking forwards to for a long time. A Hendricks Gin and Tonic Afternoon Tea at Yorks Grand Hotel . I bought this for my best friend (she lives in York - the lucky devil) as a birthday present and have been excited to go ever since she picked me as the honoured guest!


We turned up at the Grand to be greeted by a doorman , complete with top and tails. He showed us to the door and advised us on how to get to the restaurant. We sat at a lovely table in the window donned with the usual silverware and white table cloths. We were greeted by a lovely waiter who explained he was the head waiter for afternoon tea that afternoon. We explained we were here for the Hendricks inparticular and the charade commenced.


We were asked which tea we wanted, Miss M went for a rose tea whilst I opted for the Grand special tea (a black tea). I reminded them that one order would be gluten free and they explained they were more than happy to accommodate me.

 
We were brought a teapot and two cups to start with, containing what looked like cucumber. 'I didn't know rose tea was served with cucumber, certainly bold to put their signature tea with a vegetable also' I thought. Silly me this was the gin and tonic. Hendricks had supplied special branded teapots and teacups containing copious amounts of gin and tonic to last us the duration.

 
We poured them into the cucumber laden cups and got drinking!

 
The tea came next, complete with strainer and fresh hot water.

 
Then came the best delivery, the tiered cake stand. Mine was a slight surprise, they'd not had a delivery of their normal gluten free bread so I was treated to four massive rolls/ (cobs/baps/buns) they still contained the delicious fillings though so I wasn't disappointed.

 
After munching back the finger sandwiches and cobs we moved onto the fruit scones. Kept warm in a little napkin pouch - delicious.

 
Then onto the cakes, Miss M had an array of different miniature cakes whilst I had 3 large slices of gluten free cake. Whilst it wasn't the traditional way of serving afternoon tea (what with the large slices) I was glad as they were all delicious. At least I wasn't left wanting more!


We had to take some home, but were given a lovely box and bag to carry/ (stagger) them home in.


All in all a wonderful experience.




I must also talk about my more recent experience at


The Fox Bar and Bistro, Ripponden


After a gorgeous wedding of a close friend on the outskirts of Leeds it was my job to create a birthday plan for the Mr (his birthday falling the day following the wedding).


Whilst I used to live in central Leeds, times have certainly changed, what with the opening of the Trinity centre and the development of the surrounding areas. I chose to go to a smaller town, to enjoy a 6.5mile walk in the morning and to book somewhere for afternoon tea (Mr M had never been before, a present for me you might ask!?)


I sought advice from the bride, she suggested two one being; The Spiced Pear at Hepworth and the other The Fox. I went for the latter but both deserve a mention as they both looked great. The Spiced Pear offers a boys and a girls afternoon tea, would have been a great choice too I think.


The Fox however specialises in Picnic Bench afternoon tea. This really is what it says on the tin, a picnic bench with the savouries on the seats and the sweets on the table.

 
I thought it was a good choice for the Mr as the savoury side wasn't just small finger sandwiches, it was nachos and chilli, soup, a chicken wrap, fish and chips and a small pesto salad. I had really great gluten free alternatives as well.

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think he did too. My only reservation was that I didn't have any scone. I get so excited for a scone when I've specifically requested gluten free and I have to say it was a heart sink moment when there wasn't one on my side of the bench. Other than that though I was very well looked after!

 
I hope anyone from Yorkshire gets a chance to visit these 3. The two I experienced were excellent and I'd without a doubt go back.


HAPPY AFTERNOON TEA-ING

Its been a while, I think its time we got back together!

It feels such a long time since I was part of the blogging world, but well, I miss it. Ive been inspired to rekindle my passion by a lovely lady starting her own blog, its brilliant id urge you to check it out (www.haneats.com) for if ever you're in Birmingham (or surrounding areas).   I might not have been writing about my adventures but I've certainly still been enjoying them. Still residing in Beeston I am gradually working my way around the restaurants in this quirky little town. Ive infrequently visited Nottingham city centre but I have to say when I have done so there's been some great finds. I've ventured to Yorkshire most recently too so have a few cracking recommendations for there if you're ever up that neck of the woods. I have been to Cafe Roya in Beeston recently, and it certainly didn't fail to disappoint once again. But i'll start with somewhere in Nottingham, seems appropriate for the first venture back.


RED's True BBQ: Let there be meat
I visited REDS for a girlie dinner. I am a big meat eater and never shy away from a large portion (this is what I'd heard on the grape vine) so I was excited for my first RED's experience. My Mr has always been a fan of RED's and he tends to be good with meat so again I was looking forward to it. IT was however, a big disappointment. Don't get me wrong, the company was exceptional, and I had a great time. The food however, not a patch on my friends in terms of satisfaction. 

I went for the half BBQ chicken, a safe choice I know, but one I've grown to love at places like Turtle Bay, like Bill's and even Nandos (sometimes!). I chose the normal fries as my side order, perhaps a bad choice in hindsight, never go for normal when there's sweet potato available.


The food came, it looked delicious, sadly didn't live up to its appearance. My chicken was incredibly dry, I couldn't actually finish it as it had the same effect as a number of ryvita! The chips were good, but nothing to write home about.


One of my pals opted for the ribs with a side of macaroni cheese, I heard no complaints from her and the macaroni cheese sure did look tasty!


Another friend, the pulled pork sandwich, she enjoyed it but said again, nothing special.


The atmosphere in REDs is very cool, feels very trendy. You sit on long tables with other meat eaters, there are anglepoise lamps (difficult to manoeuvre with big groups, but cool nevertheless)


The wine was good, we enjoyed a bottle of Jarrah Wood Pinot Grigio (Australia) - nice and refreshing.


I would probably visit again, but definitely not if wanting to impress guests with food options. I'd be wary of disappointment.

I hope you have better experiences but this one wasn't for me!