What better way to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon than surrounded by tea and cake.
To kick off #AfternoonTeaWeek I travelled into Bedfordshire.
Woburn Brasserie situated in the heart of the pretty Georgian town of Woburn which is only a short hop away from the bustle of Milton Keynes.
On the Sunday of my visit there was a live jazz band performing for guests which gave the most wonderfully sophisticated dining ambience which suited the afternoon tea perfectly.
A generous pot of hot tea was given along with a milk jug and sugar bowl complete with sugar lumps. I love sugar lumps, they make me feel like I’m a child again playing imaginary tea parties with no day dreaming required.
On the three tier stand were finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and the crowning tier was full of a selection of sweet cakes.
The sandwiches came in four varieties:
Ham and English mustard
Egg, rocket and tomato
Cheese and chutney
Smoked salmon with dill and crème fraiche
The flavours of the sandwiches were classic enough and they were neatly made and well presented in long fingers. Nicely filled, with no skimping on the fillings which made them cheerfully appropriate for satisfying a good healthy appetite. Nom.
The fruit scones, full of juicy raisins were a good size and you could tell they were freshly baked that day. Accompanied with pots of clotted cream and strawberry jam. The clotted cream was presented in a perfect scoop like it was ice cream, I loved it (I’m a sucker for great presentation). The scones were very pleasing with lashings of clotted cream and jam.
To finish was the crowning tier of sweets. Cakes included:
Chocolate brownie square
Cherry Kirsch Shortbread
Carrot cake
Mini Raspberry Pavlova
My most favourite part of having afternoon tea is always the cakes. The chocolate brownies were dark and rich and I was most surprised when I was told they were actually gluten free too! I never would have guessed it.
The cherry shortbread with the Kirsch soaked cherry on top was a very light and airy shortbread and the carrot cake was full of spice and sweetness.
If I had to choose a favourite, it would have to be the mini raspberry Pavlova which with the freshly whipped cream and tang raspberry on top was the perfect meal finisher for me.
A very enjoyable tea. Just like most things in Woburn, the Woburn Brasserie is relaxed with an air of understated elegance. The live jazz music was a lovely touch to the tea and occurs on a regular basis. Do check ahead if it’s something you’d like.
Afternoon Tea at the Woburn Brasserie costs £14.95 per person and like all good afternoon teas does require booking in advance.
