An oldie but a goodie..

3 Years ago 3 single friends and I were looking for a place to 'drown our sorrows' / probably have a nicer time than we usually would, on Valentines day. It seems like Valentines day is an excuse for restaurants and cafe's alike to hike up the prices to try and ensnare unsuspecting boyfriends/fiances/husbands who are all in a panic having left it too late and there's nothing left at their usual haunts.  

This meant our search spread further than the usual places we'd visit in town. We came across Fothergills, we'd never heard of it, and subsequently i've found out there aren't many people who have. But we booked ourselves in for the 3 course Valentines menu and had a truly lovely time. 

I've since been back a few times, once with the same girls for an impromptu dinner and once with my Dad for a more laid back lunch. 

Pork Belly, the girls said it was fantastic, I'm not a one for crackling but it doesn't look 'alf bad!

Dressed Crab Salad, the crab was fantastic, left me feeling a lot fuller than I expected, never a bad thing!

The strange thing I found about Fothergills is how different the atmosphere can be each time you visit. On going with my Dad it felt extremely laid back, there was a very 'pub-esq' feel to lunch which although was nice and appropriate for the occasion I think had I been going for a slightly nicer lunch out with family it may have been a bit disappointing. 

It's very quiet during the day though, and by quiet I don't mean empty, it's just quite a nice place to chat with not too much noise or hustle and bustle that you do sometimes get in another favourite of mine 'Brown's'. Perfect for my hard of hearing Dad it has to be said!

I can't remember the exact name of this dish, it looks like a 'Hunter's Chicken' the mushy peas a really nice touch

Here he is having his Chicken and Ham Hock pie. No complains from Dad camp 

I really love the exposed brick in the background here

 Tackling dessert of course!

Warm Chocolate Brownie for Dad

Quite a lot of attention to detail with the snazzy sugar structures

And ice cream for me. I think this particular day they had some fabulous flavours so I couldn't really say no. 

It has to be said, for a change of scenery Fothergills is somewhere you should try. It is a really nice place to go for Valentines day (cheeky reminder to the boys!) but sometimes feels a little less 'smart' than you expect during the day. 

Valentines evening table

It's in a really nice part of town, with really lovely architecture; right opposite the Robin Hood statue in the shadow of the castle and is very welcoming to those just looking for a pint or a cup of coffee.

At the moment they're doing a 2 course lunch for £10.90, it'd be a shame to miss out!

It just wouldn't be fair not to mention....

Since it's opening in October 2011, my friends and I have been regular customers of Smythson's Deli, having visited on one of the very first days and had what we both described as the 'best hot chocolate ever' we never questioned where to go for a catch up and a cup of coffee. Gradually introducing all of our friends, it has now become a staple in many of our diets. 

So many 'after the last exam' lunches here

So many breaks from the library

Hangover breakfasts 

'Parents visiting' slices of cake. And even just for a quick chat with Jane or Janet

I was lucky enough to spend my 21st Birthday with some of my favourite people, in our favourite Cafe!

With prosecco flowing we were treated to all our favourites with the cafe all to ourselves

Even if there was a little bit too much!

I'm not sure what we'd all do without Smythson's in our lives, It is an absolutely lovely place to be, a fantastic atmosphere, the owners, Jane and Janet, so welcoming, and food which never disappoints (they even do Gluten free bread! and tasty it is too!)

Gluten free afternoon tea! Can this be?

Having grown up in a town/county where despite everyone being relatively 'faddy' the move towards 'gluten free' options hasn't really taken off

I have struggled at home to find a place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with friends, my Mum bringing me up to appreciate a good scone! In Nottingham, however, I have been overwhelmed with my options for tea with friends and have only ever been pleasantly surprised!

Thea Caffea, is a top favourite of mine, they do a complete gluten free afternoon tea, they never seem to be at all 'put out' are extremely accomodating and the food is absolutely delicious. Whilst the gluten free bread isn't a patch on the home made bread at 'The Larder' the scones more than make up for this in their light fluffy nature. 

Flowering jasmine tea - such an exciting moment!

Separate gluten free stand with a gorgeous cherry scone

The cakes are also, like the Larder, extremely delicious and it feels nice to have a meal albeit a feast, where you don't feel like the odd one out. Obviously the feast wasn't complete without a cheeky glass of Prosecco

I think all of us had a delicious meal and would highly recommend Thea Caffea to anyone looking for a nice cafe with good service, beautiful crockery and delicious food.