Afternoon Tea at The Ham Yard Hotel

Another Mother's Day has passed and still my love for my beloved Susan is as strong as ever. I've spent this past weekend in Farnham with my best friend, so I decided to take my mum out for afternoon tea a day after Mother's Day - and it was nice to have a Monday off work.

Afternoon tea is a favourite tradition for me and my mum, because it's always nice to have an opportunity to eat cake and catch up about the perils of life. I'd call us afternoon tea novices are who slowly but surely spreading our wild oats when it comes to the afternoon tea life.

I took us out to the Ham Yard Hotel, located just 3 minutes from Piccadilly Circus and was so simple to get too. Tucked away in Ham Yard, appropriately named, the hotel is one of many from the chain of Firmdale Hotels. I have to say it's very swish and modern, almost rightfully placed as you enter Soho. Even though we just went for tea, I'd like to go back to the hotel, as it has it's own bowling alley and the decor looks amazing, very vibrant and overall, just very cool.

We were seated in a conservatory as such, with wicker chairs and dangling ornaments from the ceiling, with china plates and cups adorned on a table for us. We were given menu's offering the tea flavours and another menu with what afternoon tea we would be having. We went for the classic afternoon tea at an affordable £19.00 each. Mum went for an americano (SHE IS SO DAMN FUSSY) and I decided to be a real rebellious girl and try out Rooibos Tea.

(look at a glimpse of my babe susan, sipping her classy coffee)

We were then served our 3 tiered platter of excellence and all things cake and dough, and were eager to tuck in. Being the cool cats we are, we started with the savouries - which were uber trendy. They consisted of fingers sandwiches with smoked salmon & cream cheese/tomato & cheese (don't you just feel well posh when you eat sandwiches with no crusts and fit perfectly in your hand?), feta cheese and spinach toasted rolls, toasted olive bread with serrano ham and hummus and lastly, our favourites, chicken & avocado sliders - which were perfect size and tasted amazing. It's nice to have a real different mix up of savouries rather than just sandwiches.

We did the appropriate thing of 'taking a break' before we tucked into the sweets, but really that translates as 'loosen your belt, we're going to eat some cake'. The sweets consisted of mini loafs of carrot cake (even though mum said mine was better, because she's a goddess and she just knows), lavender and strawberry macarons, a chocolate & caramel blondie, a chocolate drenched profiterole, an egg custard tart adorned with a pansy (DEAD POSH) and a vanilla fairy cake with a fancy shmancy icing. These again were to die for and just the right size.

Finally, the big deal, the piece de resistance, the final test of all afternoon teas...SCONES, more appropriately named 'Scone With The Wind'. Sometimes with afternoon tea's you're so flumoxed by the amount of savouries and sweets, that the scones get left by the wayside because there either too big or you've eaten so much, you can taste sugar coming out of your pores. Well let me tell you, these scones were just right. Bite sized and literally toasty warm, they were complimented with strawberry jam and rich cream, which finished the tea off just right.

Overall I thought it was great value for money, set in a nice location and surrounding, with the staff being hospitable and checking in if we wanted more refreshments and if everything was 'to our satisfaction' (Of course it was, you fed me caramel and love). I'll definitely be heading back to the Ham Yard Hotel, possibly again for another spot of afternoon tea or just to sit at the bar, glugging a gin and tonic.

I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Mother's Day or just a simple Sunday!

Check out the website here for the hotel! Ham Yard Hotel



Till Next Time,


Ellie

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My View On: Drunk Texting

We've all been there right? Or going to be? Or maybe you are that lucky soul who leaves their phone in their bag and doesn't wake up the next day, wondering why you expressed your love for sandwiches on instagram.

I have been, am and will be a drunk text-er forever more. I'm not a bad drunk text-er, just a flirty one. I'm the type that reads the text back like, 'carpe dayum, who do I think I am? Beyonce?'. I'm also a drunk-texter who loves to text about how amazing chips are (cos they are) and how good brownies would be right now and also can I come over? my bed has disappeared and my door keys have melted into a pile of mecury.

We can all be different when it comes to texting. We are taught to leave our phones alone, we will only end up regretting it in the morning and obviously no good will come of this. We are taught that telling somebody you love them via text is just made up due to the fact vodka entered your system and you dance like there's no tomorrow. We are taught to drink responsibly because you could send your boss a drunk text saying how much you value them - which, in the first place why do you have your bosses number, and secondly, you don't value them - none of us do.

Live with the regrets and consequences the next day, we say as we down another drink. Make subtle hints to suggest where you are, what you're doing and who you're with to spur some kind of comment from the receiver of a text, a plan which we can all vouch for. Better yet text your best friend and tell them how much you love them, they don't hear it enough we think.

Then we get a little PG, if applicable. Some people when drunk go the extra mile and remove an item of clothing or two, and this, we are also taught, is how revenge pictures come into the equation. So you sent a picture of your chesticles when tipsy and you thought the person you sent it too would never share or show. Unfortunately, the only true downside to drunk texting is this. Being careful sounds extremely grown up and only grow up if you wish, but take precaution because god knows what men can do when spurned. However if you don't care, then feel free - I respect women who have the courage and love their bodies, it's yours and you do what you want with it.

When it comes down to it, my opinion is that there is no shame in sending a drunk text. I used to think it was completely sinful, that I would lose friends and that I was idiotic, but growing up I've realised there is no shame in expressing your love for someone or telling somebody how great they are. Tell them 5 times or 50 times, you had them in your mind for a reason, despite your mind being cloudy and perhaps judgement being slightly off, there is no shame.

Now this is just my opinion, so everybody is different. It would kill us all to be the same. The only advice I would give to my younger self is, Mcdonalds nuggets at 2am aren't that good, go to Subway instead'.

Till Next Time,

Ellie

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A Week In Pictures

1. I'm so excited to be seeing Fleetwood Mac this year in June! I'm a huge Stevie Nicks fan, so I can't wait to poke fun with this shirt at the show.

2. After a long trip to and from Sheffield, cupcakes were in order! From Lola's, I got more than I should and they were Devine as always.

3. I've now happily lost a stone and a tad and have noticed the difference because my jeans keep falling down, but I'm loving seeing the results.

4. Red lipstick is my guilty pleasure. I recently purchased Bourjouis Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick. At only 7.99, it's a treat.

5. I had my first trip up north this weekend to visit one of my prospect universities. I went to Sheffield Hallam University but occupied the time by watching Wild, which was great. 

6. Afternoon Tea at Cake Boy went down a treat. Located in Battersea, it's an afternoon full of sponge and sugar, definitely worth a visit!

Enjoy your upcoming week!

Till next time,

Ellie 

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Afternoon Tea at Cake Boy

I'm a fan of afternoon tea. I don't know someone who wouldn't enjoy sitting around eating dainty miniature versions of sandwiches and pastries. I never knew afternoon tea was such a craze up until a few years back when I noticed how popular it was among ladies.

I had been booked on a cake decorating course at Cake Boy until it unfortunately got cancelled, but redeemed my voucher to attend an afternoon tea session. This was all done through Red Letter Days where it is so easy to book and arrange classes without the hassle of calling up the shop and booking days and time/slots. 

Before I could actually tuck into what I can only describe as a cake fantasy, getting there was the tricky part. It's quite a strange location when you do eventually get there and get there we did. Located 10 minutes from Clapham Junction station, it's definitely a job for Google Maps to get you to the front door. As opposed to a standard afternoon tea in a hotel, Cake Boy is situated underneath a huge block of trendy flats, so really somewhere you'd least expect.

image courtesy of emondeestdoux.e-monsite.

The shop itself is very...modern. It triples as a shop, cookery school and a dining area. So, it's technically the triple threat of cake & pastry shops. What I like the most about this place was the colors of all the cakes, the amazing range of kitchen aids on the worktops and then all the products you can take away with you if you get the baking bug. 

I took my mum to tea with me and seeing as this had been my first 'proper' afternoon tea, I wasn't really sure what it would consist of, I thought afternoon tea was literally tea and scones, lord knows how my heart skipped beats when macarons got involved. My only problem is i'm neither a tea or coffee drinker, so afternoon tea sometimes turns into afternoon hot chocolate. 

Once we had arrived we were seated on a plush couch in the dining area and within minutes brought a makeshift table of delights.

image courtesy of red letter days blog

We were brought, firstly, rolls & croissants filled with Chicken Caesar/Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese/Roasted Vegetable/Parma Ham & Mozzarella.  These were delicious and so fresh and light, which was especially good as we were gearing ourselves up for the cakes. 

Now this really was a like a work of art. It's not just as if they were slabs of cake that had been given to us, there was variety and things I'd never even tried before. They include raspberry,chocolate & lime macarons, mini creme brulee's, mini eclairs, mini lemon tarts, white & dark chocolate moulded cake bites with slabs of chocolate placed upon and lastly my favourite, Green tea cone filled with passion fruit mousse and coconut shavings - now this was class. 

Mum had coffee and I had a hot chocolate, included - may I add - with a glass of champagne, which you know if you're going for afternoon tea, is not always expected, so this was an extra treat. 

As you can image, we were pretty stuffed afterwards, so the walk back to the train station was something of a relief to walk off the amount of sugar we had consumed. The Staff were lovely and helpful. always offering more hot drinks if wanted and willing to provide more sweet treats if your buttons on your shirt hadn't already popped off.

Overall it was a great afternoon spent with mum, although location was a little tricky, I think once people had tried the tea overall, that the location wouldn't even be a thought. I'd like to re-visit Cake Boy to attend a cake decorating class with owner and pastry/dessert chef himself, Eric Lanlard. 

Have you tried this tea or could you recommend another good afternoon tea?

Till Next Time,

Ellie 

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March, Be Good To Me

'Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.' - Doug Larson.

'Spring is the time of plans and projects.' - Leo Tolstoy.

'It's 9 months till Christmas!' - Me.

How are we already in March?! What have I been doing for the last 2 months I ask, as I sit here knowing I'll be asking the same question in a couple of months time, still overspending, listening too loads of show tunes and debating whether a 12 box of krispy kremes are a good idea. CORRECTION - always a good idea.

I'm pretty excited for this month to commence, things are happening! I'm visiting Sheffield twice within the month to visit Sheffield University & Sheffield Hallam University, which means this month is decision making time. Sheffield is about 3 hours away from where I live in Essex so I've roped my beloved mother in to driving me one day (I can drive, I'm just scared of my own car) and catching a train the next time. It only dawned on me the other day that if I choose to go to Sheffield, 3 hours is a trek of a time away from Home, so I really will be moving out - insert Billy Joel's well good song, Movin' Out - but I'm excited to get to see the campuses and see what may possibly be in store.

Another big deal is one of my best friend's birthday. I'm travelling to Farnham (not as much as a trek as Sheffield) for his 22nd birthday and of course I'll over pack, and naturally I'll overspend and yes of course, I'll drink too much beer. They're not called Birthdays for no reason, right? I wanted to say what I got him for his birthday on here, but until he gets it, I'm not going to give it away - in case he's peeking. I've been to Farnham's a couple of times and I've now nicknamed it 'The Shire', mainly because I think it resembles the town in The Lord of The Rings. 

Finally we have Mother's day. I love my mum, like literally she's a babe. I'll be taking a couple of days off work this month, one of which I'll be taking her out for Afternoon Tea at the Hamyard Hotel in Soho. A post to follow soon!

I'm hoping this is going to be a good month and to get to speak to a lot of new bloggers and get improving on my blog!

Till Next Time,

Ellie 

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As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled...

I love quirky finds. These top quirky I think? This is what I get up too when it gets to 3pm in the office and the work runs dry. This is also the typical sign of payday looming...

1. What A Gem Purse 
2. Strawberry Clutch
3. Skinny Dip SNATCH
4. Rainbow Coin Purse
5. Queen of Pop 
6. Moo Milk Essentials 
7. London Chips Print Box
8. Crunch Box Clutch
9. Yellow Pineapple Clutch

Do any take your fancy? Brave enough to take these ones out?

Till next time!

Ellie 

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My Current Obsession - Ella Henderson

From X-Factor Contestant to Popstar conquering the world with her debut album, I talk about why Ella Henderson is my current obsession. 

I’d downloaded Ella Henderson’s album one day on iTunes with a spare voucher I had, I hadn’t heard much apart from her debut single, Ghost, so I thought it was the right time to have a listen. Of course the album kind of fell on the back burner as I continued to obsess over Miley Cyrus’s ‘Bangerz’ album (which I still love to this day).

I was on the train to work one day when I had my iPod on shuffle when I started listening to a really deep, rich and soulful sound. With deep beats and riffs running up and down, I didn’t know who I was listening too. Looking at my iPod I found I was listening to to one Miss Henderson.

I listened to track after track carefully, each song having that continuous wholesome but bold sound. It mainly had slow paced song with some catchy tracks which you wouldn’t expect amongst the ‘love songs’. Her album, Chapter One, is an amazing collection of songs for her to get noticed by. She has everything from being empowering to being heartbroken and finally being able to conquer the world.

Back tracking, Ella first appeared on the X-Factor in 2012 and although she only came 6th (controversially) she went on to sign with Simon Cowell’s record label, Syco Music. Keeping it quiet for a while, she exploded back onto the scene with her debut single, Ghost. The track was written and produced with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder when she was the mere age of 18 and it was on every single radio station in the UK, thanks to it’s rich and bold start.

Then soon came her album, released in the UK, Chapter One. Filled with a mixture of tracks, Henderson explained ‘"I wanted each song to explain a situation, and then [for] the next song [to] kind of get you through that’. The album was met with positive reviews and Ella was pinpointed to being the next big thing, as she set her sights for the USA.

It took me a while to get into Ella’s album. Mainly because each song had to be listened to carefully because as she said, she wanted each song to explain something and then wanted the next song to be a follow up. I just adore the sound of her voice, it’s definitely a new fresh sound with a heavy richness of soul music. It bounces from happy to sad to content to empowered. Henderson has a real mix of songs and doesn’t just sing about how heavy her heart is, but how much of a good person she is and how she is better and will be better than another girl. She sings about her childlike state and then quickly sings about her inspiration and love of music.

 

My stand out tracks are:
Empire - A brave and bold, loud and demanding opening to the album.
Pieces - A song that builds and builds, till you just want to dance around your room.
The First Time - The song that gets you through the break up, the ‘I am and will be better’ song.
Billie Holliday - The funnest, liveliest track. Full of confidence and bounce.
1996 - A humble recollection of her beginning and progression into growing up.

As I said she is and will be a force of nature. I can’t wait to see what’s next for her and her career. Asides from her own songs, she does a great cover of a song. Ranging from Cher to Drake and most recently, Sam Smith (See below for an amazing cover of, I'm Not The Only One). She is putting her stamp on things and is getting bigger and better. I look at her and think of a true woman, she is gorgeously curvaceous and has impeccable style to match her cool and collected tones.

She is currently getting ready to support Take That on tour but I’m more excited to see her head up her own tour one day!

And that’s why she is my current obsession! Any thoughts on Ella?

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