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

The Coffee House, but for Tea!

I'd heard great things about 'The Coffee House' it had remained off my radar as it's so sneakily hidden!

'It's on the same alley as Cucamaras' I had been told, this was not helpful as I think the only time i've visited Cucamaras I was decidedly worse for wear. 

We found the little alley after being accosted by a scary looking pitbull terrier and subsequently apologised to by a lovely but very pierced and tatooed gent! It felt like being in the lanes in Brighton, or the backstreets of Brussels, a far cry from Nottingham's usual roads and side streets. 

The place looked as cute as the pictures on it's website, with blackboards outside I knew this was somewhere I was going to like. 

We sat down, with only 3 tables downstairs there was a whimsical little sign saying we might have to make new friends as our table seated 4 (annoyed I didn't take a little photo!)

We were served quickly by a very friendly man. He offered only two types of normal cake and two types of gluten free but these both sounded like excellent choices. I wondered whether this was because it was a Thursday and they were running out, all the more reason to return I say!

I had a fabulous gluten free chocolate cake. I know I always like my cake, but this was exceptional! It had little chocolate chips in and I definitely could barely tell it was gluten free

P had a caramel cake which she said was delicious, and it sure was a generous serving too. 

We shared a pot of tea, just english breakfast. The tea selection was vast and all was loose leaf. So many different types of coffees from all around the world as well. It was a shame not to be able to try them all! Maybe next time

Definitely give this one a try, just be warned it's very cosy and hopefully is quite busy on the weekend. It deserves to be. 

Post Graduation Discovery

At the University of Nottingham we see frequent gestures to Jesse Boot of 'Boots the Chemist'. 
It seemed fitting therefore, to visit Jesse Boots' original apothecary for a post graduation dinner. After a day of donning gowns and caps, feeling wholly like wizards and perfecting our 10m walk across the stage to collect our degree the family and I retired to the hotel before taking a cab to 'near market bar' which was a strange request to hear uttered from my fathers mouth.




'The Larder on Goosgate' is nestled in Hockley, in a building that true to the occasion is a historical talking point of Nottingham. I had visited once before for afternoon tea and it definitely didn't fail to disappoint. The team at the Larder couldn't have been more accommodating to my wheat intolerance and went to great lengths to ensure that my scones, sandwiches and pastries were kept away from those of my friends 

It was the most fantastic afternoon, the gluten free bread was some of the nicest I have ever tasted, moist, light and fresh. The scones whilst they weren't quite as satisfying as the incredible bread were in usual afternoon tea practise used as boats for the jam and cream. The jam served in lovely little Le parfait jars with a healthy serving of clotted cream. Additionally the gluten free cakes were fantastic, I wasn't left feeling hard done by which tends to be the case when ordering gluten free and receiving an abundance of meringue. Overall we had such a brilliant time It would have been a shame to go any where else for a future special occasion. 

The ham hock and guinea fowl terrine, absolutely lovely, just donated my bread which apparently was fantastic

This has to be one of the nicest puddings I have ever eaten, the honey parfait, absolutely delicious. I don't know about you, but I always expect to be disappointed by icy puddings. Not this one!

It got a little dark and romantic, but the sticky toffee pudding definitely hit the spot. 

Thank you to the Larder for making a great day even better, cannot wait to visit again!