Cream Tea @Bills in Berkhamsted

163-165 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 3HB

http://bills-website.co.uk/restaurants/berkhamsted/   

Cream Tea at Bill’s is advertised with cakes and warm fruit scones, served with Bill’s strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream, served with a large pot of tea of your choice (7.95) or glass of Bill’s champagne (10.95)

Because there was no sandwiches this wasn’t technically an afternoon tea , but it was afternoon and there were scones so we feel it counted ! 

First thing that impressed us was the restaurant itself – I’ve been to a few Bills around but not this one – in fact last time I was in this building it was a fish restaurant but it was all different - all wood panelled and quirky , with lots of little nooks and crannies and some very splendid chandeliers and an appealing looking outside terrace. 

It was pouring with rain the day we went – would have been lovely to sit outside. The staff were also polite and helpful (and made me feel very old – they were all so YOUNG !! ) showing us to our table and offering us the choice of champagne or tea as soon as we sat.  We decided in the interests of research it should be both of course.

Then they brought our tray – well to be honest I doubt I could have eaten any sandwiches the cake selection was so generous ! The scones were warm and huge, fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside with lavish helpings of cream and jam.  Then we had to tackle the cakes which were no less than four varieties to experience each – a strawberry tart, carrot cake with vanilla frosting, chocolate Brownie and a marshmallow creation.  All were delicious, but I especially loved the marshmallow one as it was a bit different and lovely and light.

Our tea came in a trendy old battered tin tea pot which kept it beautifully hot.

We also loved the music they were playing the afternoon we went –  it was like the soundtrack to our youth, late seventies/ early eighties soul and funk tunes that had us shazaming away, singing  along and chair bopping . We should point out that we were the only people in that section of the restaurant !!!

We thoroughly enjoyed our tea and it's astonishing value when you think what you pay in, for example, a coffee shop chain for a coffee and a cake, at £7.95 each (without the champers) it really is remarkable.

I also spied some delicious summer cocktails that are luring me back to try over the summer holidays when I have more time and can find a driver ....

Great job Bill's !  

Now how about throwing in a few sandwiches or savoury items and I’m your slave ……?????