For Christmas, one of the gifts we gave my Grandma was Afternoon Tea at the beautiful Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle.
Set in a grade II listed building, the venue has a really grand feel to it. It was especially lovely all decorated for Christmas.
Built in 1822 and designed by John Dobson (the architect for many iconic buildings and streets in the area) the house was originally home to the Mayor of Newcastle. Since then it has been a college, a civil defense establishment (many of the hidden tunnels still exist!), a seminary and a residential
school. In 2005, after 18 months of refurbishment, it become the hotel and restaurant it is today.
The Menu was as follows:
Assorted Finger Sandwiches
Turkey, Cranberry & Stuffing
Coronation Egg Mayonnaise
Smoked Cheddar & Grape Chutney
Hot Smoked Salmon & Avocado
Scones
Spiced Fruit, Plain, Cheese
Clotted Cream & Home-made Jam
Selection of Pastries and Teas
Cranberry Macaroon
Mince Pie
Mint & Chocolate Truffle
Mulled Pear & Cinnamon Cheesecake Sundae
As a savory person, the cheese scones were the highlight for me. The perfect amount of cheesiness!
Even though there was five of us we only ordered food for four people. We had heard that although the portions may look small on first appearance, they soon fill you up. It is a good job we did, even with an extra person we ended up taking a doggy bag of left overs home.
I was impressed. Next time, I would love to go there for dinner.
