Back to London

After two delicious weeks of being at home and being looked after my parents, it is time to head back to the big city.

It had been such a good, well needed, break. The beauty of Christmas time is that everyone comes home for it. I have got to see all of my family, spent time with my best friends and I have got plenty of lungs full of fresh sea air.

It is always sad saying goodbye and leaving the place that will always be home to me.

At the same time I am ready to get back into my own little flat and my own little life. I am looking forward to my super cosy double bed, choosing what I want to eat for dinner and when I want to eat it and of course catching up with friends.

I am not looking forward to reacquainting myself with my alarm clock and trying to remember what it is do for a living.

See you in a few hours London!

Afternoon Tea at Jesmond Dene House

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.