Bond and Brook

In this final edition of Scones of the Month for 2014 I have included four reviews, including one I enjoyed on a day trip to Cambridge. I was lucky that December started with two consecutive days of afternoon tea #bliss. The first one was a visit to Bond and Brook, the second floor restaurant in Fenwick, the department store on New Bond Street. My friend and I arrived without a reservation but were quickly seated. We both ordered the afternoon tea and the finger sandwiches and cake selection arrived on a two tier cake stand and was served with a pot of tea of our choice . I was delighted to find that the scones came separately on their own plate and wrapped in a napkin to keep them warm. There were two scones per person, one fruit and one plain. They were accompanied with two pots containing good size portions of strawberry jam and clotted cream. Both scones were delicious,  although miniature in size they felt substantial and both had been dusted in flour and were nicely presented.

Bond and Brook

The restaurant is very stylish and a bit futuristic with its pewter bar which stands out from the predominantly white decor. On the walls are elegant vintage fashion prints and bookcases which house fashion books.  It is quite easy to forget that one is eating in a department store, expect when one wants to visit the toilets, as neither the ladies nor gents are located near the restaurant and both involve a visit to another floor level, which is not ideal.  The service throughout our visit was good but it was only towards the end of our meal that the waitress returned and offered to refill our teapots. We were both very surprised to find it quiet mid week as it offers a delicious but very reasonably priced afternoon tea at £19.50 per person. This is definitely one to keep in mind when you are looking for a more contemporary venue with a bit of a wow factor.

Ratings:  Scones: 2,   Accompaniments: 2, Service: 2, Ambience: 2, Overall:  8/11

Chesterfield Hotel

Julie Chandler and I had our festive afternoon tea at the Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair. The scones came served on a three tier cake stand accompanied with pots of generous portions of homemade strawberry jam and the Cornish clotted cream was topped with a strawberry. The fruit scones were large, sprinkled with flour on the top and tasted delicious.

Cake selection, Festive Afternoon Tea, Chesterfield Hotel

The afternoon tea included some very pretty, festive cakes and was priced at £34.50. The service was fantastic throughout our visit with our teapot being frequently replenished and the staff were extremely courteous and friendly. The hotel was beautifully decorated and the whole afternoon was an utter delight.

Ratings:  Scones: 2,   Accompaniments: 2, Service: 3, Ambience: 2, Overall:  9/12

Kew Greenhouse Café

I have walked passed the Kew Greenhouse Café many times on my way from the tube station to Kew Gardens and said I must visit and this month I did. When I arrived the café was extremely busy and I went to the counter to order my food. I was quickly served and ordered their cream tea which came with a large warm fruit scone and was served with a small individual pot of strawberry jam, two packets of butter and a very generous portion of clotted cream. It was accompanied with a pot of English breakfast tea. This was all great value at £5.65. However I was disappointed with my scone as despite it looking fantastic it was very dry and I found it quite chewy to eat. I really didn’t enjoy it. The café was extremely busy and I enjoyed sitting in the conservatory in the rear. Please note the café does not take cards so payment is by card or cheque.

Ratings:  Scones: 0,   Accompaniments: 2, Service: 2, Ambience: 2, Overall:  6/11

Harriets Café Tearooms, Cambridge

On my day trip to Cambridge I ordered the special afternoon tea at Harriets for £16.95 which came with the bonus of being able to chose your own miniature patisseries. The tea included two fruit scones. They were served on a three tiered cake stand and had not been not warmed up. They were served with generous portions of Harriets strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. The scones were large and tasted nice. They was accompanied with a pot of tea of my choice and an extra pot with hot water. The tearooms which have a traditional atmosphere and the waitresses wear period costume. The service was prompt and courteous even though it was during the busy Christmas holiday period. Harriets is a great option if you are visiting Cambridge.

Ratings:  Scones: 2,   Accompaniments: 2, Service: 2, Ambience: 2, Overall:  8/12

I hope my reader(s) had a wonderful Christmas and I would like to wish you all the best for the New Year and hope you will continue to enjoy Scones of the Month with me.

Until next time… 

If you enjoyed this blog you might like to read about Scones of the Year 2013 or other editions of Scones of the Month.

The author of this blog is a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Tour Guide who leads guided walks combining world famous landmarks with hidden treasures often missed by the crowds 

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