Afternoon Tea At The Celtic Manor

After the last afternoon tea experience at The Celtic Manor I was kindly invited back to sample their Summer menu. I remember feeling seriously full so this time I headed out a little more casually dressed with an empty stomach and my best friend. It was such a beautiful day despite it threatening showers that I couldn't resist whipping out the camera at every available opportunity (but really, I do that all the time). The food was absolutely divine and presented so well - Welsh lemonade in glass bottles, gingham tablecloths on the tables, a mini picnic hamper serving up the first round of treats - just so well done.

I was sat facing the conservatory window so all the while we were chatting I could see people taking their coffee out on the terrace for a cigarette, birds playing in the hedges and golf caddis at the top of the hill riding along the sky line. I could spend all afternoon there just sitting, watching (and, of course eating) but nothing can beat a little luxury on a sunny day.

Doesn't everything look mouth-wateringly good? The elderflower custard served inside an egg shell with white chocolate and shortbread? If I could have that for dessert daily I would be a very happy woman. I went for Darjeeling tea to accompany the prosecco that I had double of since Christina drove and the beautiful lemonade. Let's just say that it was all a little bit of an experience for the taste buds but a most pleasant one. I was contemplating taking my Bampi to the Spring offering one afternoon but I feel like he'd love this menu so much more with its typical British summer feel so I'll be making a booking in the coming weeks as a belated Father's Day present.

I'm writing this in the evening and I still don't feel in the least bit hungry despite everything seeming so small. There's so much food that once it's done you're completely satisfied. There's something to be said about indulging yourself every now and again and I feel that way every time I leave The Celtic Manor. It's something out of the ordinary, something a little extra and it brings an added element to the relaxation I've desperately been craving for the past week or two.