High vs Dorset
After a detailed analysis and discussion, Kerry, Gillian and I settled on a Dorset tea for two and an order of High Tea for one for lunch. The only difference was that the High Tea included three desserts – alround they were unsatisfactory, which is what I remember from my birthday prior. The tartlet pastry was the right filling combination (cranberry, pecan and spice) but it had been obviously put in the fridge and the pastry melted. The cinnamon crescent roll with pie dough was good and I liked the rum ball but it was very potent in taste.
Kerry loved her gingerbread tea, Gilian abandoned the Roiboos Hawaiian Colada on the advise of the hostess and chose her original idea of the Queen’s Garden Party tea (I think that’s what it was called), and I decided to be adventurous with a lavender Earl Grey that smelled of Early Grey but tasted entirely of lavender.
The cucumber sandwiches and smoked salmon pate were great, as was the asparagus and cream cheese roll-up. However the real reason we went was for Devon double cream and jam on fresh sweet scones. Kerry enjoyed the strawberry jam, Gillian their raspberry and I can’t pass up black current! Not the best service, but we were stuffed when we finally rolled out the front door – filled to the gills and kidneys floating 🙂