Earlier this month, the calm of the Cotswolds was disturbed momentarily. Why?
For the Cheltenham Festival, of course!
One of the biggest events in horse racing, every March ladies and gents flock from the world over to glorious Gloucestershire, ready to place a bet on their favourite runners, dress up in their finery, and enjoy a tipple or two. Anyone who's anyone is sure to be seen at the course - including the Duchess of Cambridge on several occasions - so you could say that it's quite an important event on the social calendar.
Mum and I had a much better idea, though.
Whilst Dad set off for the races on Gold Cup Day, we politely asked our taxi driver to go in the other direction - to Cheltenham's beautiful Promenade. Our intended destination?
Queens Hotel - for a spot of afternoon tea!
Stepping inside the stunning Grade II listed building, we knew instantly that we were in for a very special treat. Ushered into soft, comfortable armchairs before we could say the word 'scone', it wasn't long before two Tiffin Afternoon Teas were on their way, with a pot of Assam and a frothy cappuccino to keep us busy in the meantime.
My shirt dress from Warehouse is now out of stock unfortunately - but I've popped some links below for similar floral loveliness.
It's so great when Mama Maggie May and I get the chance to have a proper natter and catch up. What with hectic schedules, work, and us living in different counties, we don't get to do it as often as we'd like - so when there are comfy chairs and a few hours to kill, there's no stopping our chatter {and giggles}!
The spread that arrived really was impressive.
A selection of traditional finger sandwiches, on fluffy white bread and tasty granary - the cucumber and fresh mint was particularly good.
Light, plain scones, with lashings of homemade strawberry jam, tart lemon curd and clotted cream.
Now here's the ultimate question for you all: jam or cream first? If you say cream... Then I'm afraid we can't be friends anymore.
Jam first. Always.
As Mama Maggie May says - that way you can put more cream on top!
As if our tummies weren't full enough already, we had to find some room for the delicacies on our top tier. Whilst the apple cheesecakes and rose chocolate operas were a little too sweet for our taste, the lavender macarons were to die for.
Oh, and there was also an Eton Mess each for us to work our way through. Obviously.
Can you see it there on the table, peeking through all the other treats?
Needless to say, we were very full by the time we'd made it through the lot.
Luckily, we were in no rush to go anywhere, so simply ordered another pot of tea and sleepily set about putting the world to rights.
If you find yourself in the stunning Regency town of Cheltenham, definitely pop by Queens Hotel for a wonderful, decadent experience. As their menu helpfully reminds us:
"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."