Laura Ashley The Manor - Afternoon tea in the Cavendish Restaurant

Barnet Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3RE

Well it’s been a sorry old January weather wise but although very busy with the day job and trying very hard to get to the gym and have a dry January, still had time to try out a couple of afternoon teas.

This was the first of them – not far from where I live and a perfect Friday afternoon treat on a miserable cold day. The outside is very impressive, with tudor gabling (is that the right word? ) and wooden frames – and on arrival a blazing fire and comfy sofas in the reception.

It is a hotel and did look very welcoming – very friendly reception staff, and beautifully decorated. We waited for our friend on the sofas in the reception area and read the newspapers provided, feeling very chilled already.

When we were shown into the dining area we were  captivated by the gorgeous looking room – the wallpaper and all the crockery were so tasteful and a gorgeous view out of the window – it was dark but the lights of London were all below twinkling away, sadly was impossible to get a good photo with my phone but did make us think we should come back in the summer for the view.

 We were immediately offered the Twinings box of teas – I do enjoy sniffing the different flavours - and asked for recommendations -  I chose the superfruity tea.

When the food arrived it was of course presented on gorgeous Laura Ashley plates on a silver tiered frame.  

They had also made a good job of alternative sandwiches for my vegetarian companions – imaginative fillings rather than just cheese and egg and a couple of little sweet rolls and tartlets.

non veg choice including mini quiche, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel , egg mayonaise, tuna and sweetcorn. smoked chicken brioche

Veggie choice - just as delicious! 

The warm scones (huge amounts for 3 of us !) were just right, crispy outside, fluffy inside,  served with lashings of jam and clotted cream and a choice of plain or fruit. 

We struggled to eat that many scones !

The final course of pastries was great, but my only criticism would be that there wasn't three of everything but two of some and one of others so we ended up trying to divide them and that made a bit of a mess !

Super fruity tea and mashed up pastries 

But would find it hard to fault the service or ambience - we of course outstayed our welcome and they were setting up for dinner by the time we left but we were never made to feel rushed. 

Great tea, very reasonably priced, (£24.95) no good for the diet but excellent for the soul ! We will definitely be back .