The Afternoon Tea Series: Cox and Baloney Tearoom, Bristol

Officially no longer an unemployed student, I have been hired as a Marketing Executive and moved to Bristol.
As a result, my blog posts will largely be about Bristol based eateries than Cardiff's - but never fear, my ravenous appetite and I will often be back home.

What better way to celebrate my new job and flat than a lovely afternoon tea!?
Only problem was deciding where to visit first. After having my eye on this vibrant, cutesty Boutique & Tearoom in the trendy Stokes Croft area of Bristol for a while, Cox and Baloney was my choice.

First impressions; this place is gorgeous. Mismatched furniture and cutlery, bright wall-paintings and knick-knacks aplenty, these guys have the afternoon tea aesthetic down to a T.
Staff are super chatty and personable, as common in the quirky Stokes Croft, known for its independent business and community feel.

Priced at £18.50 per person, the afternoon tea is admittedly more expensive than I was expecting.
For the price, you get a pot of loose-leaf of your choice, three tiered stand with a selection of sandwiches (Ham & Mustard, Egg Mayonnaise and Cucumber, Tuna and sweetcorn, and Cheese and Chutney), a fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and a selection of mini cakes (we were given carrot, some kind of crumble-topped berry cake, and a bakewell slice).

What I loved most about this place was the atmosphere - you are made to feel so welcome by the chatty staff, there was a buzz with hen parties and birthdays (dressed up in 50s tea dresses no less!)

Furthermore, the home-blend loose leaf are not only delicious but really imaginative. I chose the 'Sir Bountiful' to indulge my coconut obsession. A play on my favourite chocolate bar, the Bounty, black tea is blended with dried coconut slices, chocolate drops, thistle and cornflowers. The sweet, rich tea was the perfect accompaniment to the sweet foods, I was mad about it!

The sandwiches were served on really soft, thick slices of bread: lush! The cheese and chutney was especially enjoyable. However, I would say the were fillings were a little on the thin side.
The scones were great, and the jam was really chunky with strawberry pieces, just how I like it.

No complaints on the cakes, well spiced carrot, dense, rich bakewell. However, I wouldn't say they were particularly impressive in comparison to others I've had.

Overall, the experience was lovely, their stand-out point being the unique teas - clearly a lot of thought went into them and it was fab to see more than the standard offerings of Assam and Earl Grey.
I'm glad I went to try, but based on the price, the food didn't stand out enough for me to return for Afternoon Tea. I will however, be back for another cup of Sir Bountiful and toastie, which are much more reasonable.

The Afternoon Series: Boston Tea Party

Going a little off-road with this post, as there isn't a Boston Tea Party in Wales.

However, through living in Exeter for University, and frequently visiting Bristol, I am well acquainted with the South-West chain of cafe-come-brunch bars. 

In fact it's fair to say that I'm a big fan -their range of cakes and treats are broad and delicious. Their vegetarian and gluten free options are great. Their prices are reasonable, and they are always in quirky buildings, each with a slightly different aesthetic to offer. 

Their Afternoon Tea costs £9.95 per person (min. 2) and is served daily from 2pm from memory.

Their tiered stands contain four types of sandwiches (the standard offering of smoked salmon and cream cheese, cucumber and cream cheese, ham and mustard and egg mayonnaise).

A GIANT scone is served with strawberry jam and clotted cream. It is freshly warmed and delicious. 

Finally, there is a random selection of four cakes, cut into small slices. 

It is HUGE! The first time I had it, I ended up taking about 2 napkins stuffed with cake home with me. For me, this is no bad thing - afternoon tea is meant to be dinky and refined but I'd much rather too much than walk away peckish. 

Tea is really high quality, served loose leaf in quaint tin teapots - there is a choice of English Breakfast, Assam and Earl Grey.

For me, the highlight is certainly the cakes. The selection of cakes will vary each time, and they're all - without exception - stunning. Even better, the friendly staff are often open to suggestion if there's a certain treat you have your eye on for the stand (I recommend the coconut chocolate flapjack and the Bosco cheesecakes)

On the downside, the bread of the sandwhiches have (on occasion) tasted dry, as if they've been sat around.

Also, the mustard in the ham and mustard actually blew my head off and made me sneeze - watch out if you're sensitive to this!

One final negative is the lack of a refined experience. The cafe is self-serve, you are given standard issue mugs; no quaint tea cups or saucers. 

However it's delicious, and if you're after a silver service experience you should expect to be paying at least 50% more.

Boston Tea Party's are great places with tasty grub and a welcoming atmosphere. If you venture Bristol-way, there are several worth checking out!