Kitley House

Back in Plymouth for my final year of University, I have been reunited with my gal pal Helena and after a long summer break we had lots of catching up to do. 

A walk in the countryside and a fancy afternoon tea was just the ticket.

mmmmm scones... 

Saunton Sands

   

From St Ives, we headed up to Devon to meet up with My Mum, Dad, My Sister Emma and her boyfriend Will (and my adorable doggies Monty and Harvey) to continue Birthday Celebrations. 

We headed to Saunton Sands for the day, we used to holiday in Devon every summer with a group of Family and Friends and would stay at the Saunton Sands Hotel. It was a bit of a family tradition as it was where my Dad and his Parents and Grandparents also used to stay. We haven't been back for years so it was lovely to go back and walk along the most gloriously long beach I know.

To re-live childhood memories we went up to the hotel after playing on the beach with the dogs and kites, for a delicious afternoon tea.

We then all parted ways and I headed back to University, bye bye summer, time to knuckle down for my final year at Uni... growing up happens so fast!! 

Cowes Week Part 1

We left London on the Sunday evening after our gastronomic meal at Heston's for Mummy's birthday, Emma and I had arranged to meet Will at a convenient service station to head down to the Isle of Wight for Cowes Week. If you haven't heard of Cowes Week, it is one of the largest sailing regattas in the UK and generally just good fun for both sailors and spectators: Lots of boats, lots of drinking. Everything you need for a good UK break.

Emma and Will had never been to the island before, so it was up to me to attempt to explain what it was all about. Finn unfortunately had to work for the first day they were there, so I showed them around Cowes.

One of the most spectacular things about cowes week is how MANY boats there are, the magnitude is something that can't be captured on camera unfortunately...

We walked into town along the sea front to see the races, and some of them being started too from outside of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Unfortunately the weather wasn't brilliant, and we got caught in a down pour so decided to warm ourselves up with a spot of afternoon tea. 

We then headed back to Finn's parents house for a nap before dinner and our first night out down at the beer tents. 

 We ended up in the Banyan Beach Bar, lots of cocktails and a dance floor, what more could you want!!

and that was just monday... 5 more days to go!! (am getting tired just thinking about it)

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

Those of you who read my first ever blog post about my 21st Birthday Celebrations, are aware that I am a huge fan of afternoon tea, and all the things that go with it. My parents thought that the most appropriate gift to me would be Afternoon Tea at The Ritz in London, the most iconic location for afternoon tea.   

My sister and I had spent our morning galavanting and exploring Notting Hill, so made our way over to The Ritz. Slight London novices we had arrived a little early all dressed up and slightly nervous, excited, and hungry, our poor tummies didn't know what to make of it.

I didn't really know what to expect of the Ritz, but it exceeded whatever my expectations were, in every way. The building itself is beautiful and decorated with such a traditional and elegant touch, you cannot help but be in awe of the place. So many iconic people have taken tea here, and it was the first ever hotel to allow women go to afternoon tea unaccompanied. The history, the grander of the building itself, it is impossible not to be intimidated by it.

Emma and I did eventually managed to pull ourselves together and find our way over to the area for afternoon tea. 

The lighting in The Palm Court where the afternoon tea is held, is apparently the most flattering light in Europe due to the frosted glass ceiling and pink chandeliers, just the right shade of pink to flatter skin tones. Unfortunately, the light is not so camera friendly. 

We were asked to select what kind of tea we wished for, and to be perfectly honest I was unaware that 16 different types even existed, and Twinnings wasn't one of the options. So I went for 'Ritz Royal English'.

Pinkies up...

My sister Emma does not drink tea or coffee so was slightly stumped for choice. She did however eventually pluck up the courage to ask for a hot chocolate.

Of course it wasn't the powder stuff... but liquid chocolate like the river in willy wonka's factory.

Now it was time for some food.

Classic finger sandwiches all of which were delicious. We polished them off rather quickly and was promptly refilled.

Then for the scones, which came out warm as though straight from the oven.

Of course strawberry jam and cornish clotted cream.

Which led to some debate as to which should be applied first... Emma thought jam, I thought cream... any thoughts?

Either way, they went down rather nicely.

The food didn't stop coming either: trifles, lemon drizzle cake, chocolate cakes and other sweet treats were continuously offered throughout. 

We were successful in trying everything, and left with very full tummies.

We had an absolutely fantastic day together, topped off by the spectacular experience that is The Ritz.