Cost – £10.95 (March 2014)
Background – We are frequent visitors to the North Norfolk coast, visiting at all times of the year. The Briarfields Hotel is quite a large hotel on the coast not far from Hunstanton. It is backed by an RSPB reserve which overlooks the sea. There is a large restaurant but afternoon tea is generally served in the bar area, on the large terrace or in a room they call The Snug, which is where we were served. The Snug has a large open fireplace and is all exposed wood beams and comfy chairs.
Contents – 3 finger sandwiches (smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg and cress, cucumber), 1 small fruit scone, a pot of strawberry jam, a smallish pot of clotted cream, a slice of seed cake, a slice of chocolate torte, a small summer fruits panna cotta dessert in a mini glass, pot of tea of your choice (refillable).
Comments – This Afternoon Tea had to be pre-booked.
The whole Tea took some time to arrive, despite the hotel knowing at what time we would be arriving. It was served on a three tier cake stand with round white plates.
The sandwiches were fresh and well filled. There was a mix of brown and white bread. The cucumber was nicely thinly sliced, as it should be.
The scone was a little on the small side. However, it was nice and tasty and was fresh. There was an adequate amount of jam and clotted cream.
The slice of seed cake was of a reasonable size and was tasty. The chocolate torte was very rich and filling. The mini dessert was a nice addition. It was not too small, as these desserts often can be. It was particularly tasty.
The tea was made with tea bags. We chose English Breakfast as usual but other teas were available. Service was a little slow and we had to search for someone to ask for a refill of the teapot.
| Savoury | 1.5 |
| Scone | 1.0 |
| Jam | 1.5 |
| Cream | 1.5 |
| Cake (variety) | 1.5 |
| Cake (quality) | 1.5 |
| Tea | 1.5 |
| Presentation | 1.5 |
| Service | 1.0 |
| Value | 1.5 |
| Total | 14.0 |
Sarnies Scones and Cakes 