Jazz Apple, Pork And Black Pudding Sausage Rolls* | Just Add Ginger

I'm the first one to admit that although I enjoy cooking, I am no chef. I can follow a recipe no problem. But coming up with my own ideas? That's where I come across problems. 

Recently I was made aware of an apple variety I had never heard of before - Jazz Apples*. Available in certain supermarkets and greengrocers, and flavour that is described as a "funky fusion of a Braeburn and a Royal Gala – the nation’s two most bought apple varieties" I knew there was no better opportunity to get into the kitchen and toy around with flavour combinations and recipe ideas.

With Autumn as my inspiration along with the delicate, slightly sweet flavour of the Jazz apples, I sat down with Ryan and started to go through my thoughts. After discussions, a test bake, and lots of dancing around the kitchen to Radio Two, I have come up with a recipe that is hearty, wholesome, and absolutely perfect for the season (I'm really proud of it too)!

You Will Need:

Ingredients                   

1 1/2 Jazz Apples

3 Rounds of black pudding

375g Sausage meat

1 sheet Puff pastry

Salt

Pepper  

1 Egg (beaten) 

Flour

Basil leaves

Equipment 

A selection of knives

Chopping board

Mixing bowl 

Gloves (optional) 

Pastry brush

2 Baking trays

Fork 

Mug / bowl

Meat thermometer (optional)

Method

- Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 5. 

- Line baking trays with parchment.

- Beat one egg in a mug or bowl and set aside for later.

- Peel and finely dice your Jazz apples. Rouchly chop your black pudding rounds into small chunks and set aside. 

- Place sausage meat into a large mixing bowl and knead to separate (wear gloves to do this if you wish). Add cubes of apple and black pudding at intervals, folding them in to distribute the chunks evenly. Continue to work the mixture until all the apple and black pudding are in and fully combined. Season to taste. 

- Dust a large chopping board with flour and roll out your pastry. Cut the sheet in half to form two smaller pieces. 

- Divide the sausage meat mixture and form into balls in your hands. Place in the centre of each pastry sheet and for, into a long sausage shape, ensuring the mixture is even and plump.

- Bring each side of your pastry together over the sausage meat mixture to form a seam. Turn your newly formed rolls over onto their unmarked side. 

- Make several evenly spaced cuts in the pastry surface. Use your beaten egg to apply an egg wash with a pastry brush. To be fancy, you can mark the edges of your sausage rolls with a fork. 

- Place your sausage rolls onto your lined baking trays and cook for 20-30 minutes, checking halfway through. Once the pastry is golden, and the pork juices run clear (if you're using a probe the core temperature should be over 77°C) you are ready to serve. 

Not into sausage rolls? Don't worry! Head to the Jazz Apple website where there are lots of other recipes you can try out and enjoy. But if you do give these a go, let me know what you think.

* Thank you to Hungry Communications for letting me know about Jazz Apples and their campaign. For more information about Jazz Apples and more recipe ideas, head to https://jazzapple.com/uk/ or follow them over on Facebook, Twitter (@JazzAppleUK) or Instagram (@jazzappleuk).

The Girl Behind The Ginger | Just Add Ginger

I'm a bit of a sucker for a blog tag. They are probably some of my favourite to do. And when I read Sarah's Q&A post, I knew it was a tag in which I just had to partake. I like to think I have quite an open outlook when it comes to the things I share on my blog, but it's questions like this that really help you get to know the quirkier side of me. 

So, without further ado, let's dive straight in to the questions....

Apple or Orange juice?

Orange juice. I cannot stand apple juice!

Are you a morning or night person?

Neither at the moment. I do tend to usually get more done in the morning though (when I'm not having a mid-morning nap)!

Which do you prefer, sweet or salty food?

It honestly depends on my mood. My biggest pregnancy craving right now is chocolate milk, and I love satsumas, but I would never turn down some cheese or a bag of crisps!

Ninjas or pirates?

Pirates. Definitely pirates.

Autobots or Decepticons?

Autobots. 

What was your favourite childhood TV program?

I used to love watching Captain Caveman, and I have always loved Scooby Doo. I have had a deep appreciation for mystery programmes ever since I was a child.

Are you a collector of anything?

Ryan would say receipts, but in reality not really. I used to be, but I value a tidy home too much to clutter it with collectables. 

If you could be any animal, what would you be?

Hmm....maybe a cat - then all the sleeping I do would always be justifiable, 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I'd love to be Mary Poppins and just make things tidy themselves away. Okay - so not quite a superpower, but such a handy talent to have.

What do you usually think about before falling asleep?

Not a lot. As soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out like a light. 

Do you believe in E.T's or life on other planets?

Yes. To think we are all alone in the entire universe seems a little odd. There must be something else out there.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Absolutely. I've never seen one, but I do believe they exist.

Ever been addicted to a video/computer game?

The Sims. I used to play it for hours, and I do dabble in playing The Sims 4 sometimes. I've lost hours (probably even days) of my life to The Sims.

You're given a million dollars, what do you spend it on?

I'd set myself up with a business, ensure I saved some for the future, make sure my parents have an awesome house, and then try and take all the family on an amazing weekend away. Money left over would be divided in between charities I support.

Do you have any bad habits?

I chew the insides of cheeks when I'm nervous or stressed. 

Which bad habits drive you crazy?

People who don't indicate when changing lanes!!!!

List 3 of your best personality traits.

Loyalty, Dedication, Hard Working

Have you got any celeb crushes?

Johnny Depp forever! And Thor - phwoar! I used to also have a huge crush on Legolas (the character in the LOTR films, not Orlando Bloom).

Name one thing you wish you could change about yourself?

I wish I was less of a worrier. 

What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?

Hair and smile

What personality traits do you look for in a partner?

Sense of humour, the ability to listen, and kindness. 

What personality traits do you dislike in other people?

Haughtiness, dishonesty, and deceptiveness.

Are you mostly a clean or messy person?

In between. Mess really grates on me, and I try to keep a tidy house, but sometimes leaving the washing up until the last possible minute is just too tempting.

Do you see yourself getting married in the next 5 years?

Haha - already done that one!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Somewhere where I can have grass beneath my feet. 

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I'd love to go back to New York. We were going to go around my 30th, but that's out the window now hehe.

List 5 goals on your life to-do list?

Raise a happy family

Be the best wife I can be

Write more

Say yes to opportunities more

Take a 1st class flight somewhere.

Name one regret that you have.

I don't think I have any. All choices I've made have led me to become the person I am.

Name one thing you love about being an adult.

Independence.

What is your favourite song at the moment?

Hmm..... I'm not sure. Anything Ed Sheeran because that's the cd in the car at the moment.

What is your favourite song of all time?

I don't think I have a favourite favourite, but I really like By Your Side by Sade & Us And Them by Pink Floyd

What's your favourite thing to do on a Saturday night?

Nap, eat, and binge watch Dinner Date. 

What is your favourite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?

Go on a walk. I love Autumn and getting out in the fresh air when it's all crisp and chilly is just fabulous.

Have you got any hidden talents?

I do a pretty good Yogi Bear impression!

You're about to walk the green mile, what do you have as your last meal?

Salmon with really crisp skin, chive mash and Ryan's lasagne.

What would be your dream job?

Something where I could be creative. I don't want to be a high flyer, but as long as I'm doing something that makes me happy and means I can be there for my family I'd be content forever. 

Would you rather have, 100 million pounds or true love?

True love.

If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?

I wish I didn't get so anxious

I wish chocolate milk was good for you

I wish  Beyonce would call and offer to play a gig for my 30th birthday free of charge.

Ever wish you were born the opposite sex?

Nope.

So, there you have it - did you learn something new? This was definitely one of my most enjoyable tag posts I've done, and if you enjoyed reading it just as much, then I tag YOU too! 

Pebbles Of Possibility | Just Add Ginger

After having a complete life evaluation last year, and deciding that I was finally confident enough within myself to make the giant leap from working in childcare to embracing a more creative path, I landed an opportunity that I could have only dreamt of. After leaving university, I had taken it upon myself to ensure that I continued to build and nurture my creativity, to not ever stop letting my fingers tap away at those keys. To always be writing. Whether it be a list, a blog post, an article, a recipe...I didn't want to stop. And last year, I finally started to realise my dream. 

So you can imagine when, at the beginning of the year, and upon finding myself back at square one, what a shock it was to the system. To say I was heartbroken was an understatement. I was devastated. After building my confidence up for so long, I found it almost completely dashed. I wasn't really sure what to do at first. But, never one to be defeated by fate, I picked myself up dusted myself off, and jumped right back on that creative horse. 

If you follow me on any of my social media platforms, you will know that one of the main things I define myself as is positive. I understand that being positive doesn't take all of life's problems away, but I am a firm believer that by adopting a positive and uplifting outlook, we can embrace anything that comes our way a little easier. Hell, I just need to look how far I've come with a glass half full attitude - how much I've learnt, how much I've grown....if positivity hadn't played such a big part in my life so far, I can't even imagine the person I would have been! 

Which is why, instead of tripping and stumbling over this pebble in my road, I have picked it up, put it in my pocket, and carried on walking. I've taken the time I have had given to me as a golden opportunity, wrapped my arms around it, and made sure that I don't let it go to waste. I know in my heart where I want my life to lead me, and just because one door closed, it doesn't mean several haven't opened. And I feel that in a short space of time, I have really come in to myself more, and it truly feels wonderful. I have become what essentially equates to an almost full-time content creator for the time being. My little blog baby has become an even bigger part of my life than I ever imagined, and I have been so fortunate as to have been given some amazing opportunities along the way. 

And it's not just writing. I've made it my mission to learn as much as I can. Things that I've always wanted to know. Sure, I am no expert, but I am so much more aware of some of the tools I have at my disposal. I've learnt more about Google Analytics, Windows Movie Maker, and Google Trends in the past few months than I ever have before. I have become more of a presence in online engagement, taking part in Twitter chats (The Girl Gang chat is my personal favourite) and really worked to get my blog, and my brand, to a place where I am proud of it. To a place that I feel really illustrates where I am right now. 

Sure, there can be shitty days, but I never let them get me down for long. It is not at all in my nature to wallow in misery and let the world pass me by whilst I weep. Oh no. Life is too short to mope and wait for someone else to pick up the pieces. 

Life can deal us a bad hand sometimes. It's bound to happen at one point or another. But we always have a choice. We can get caught trying to walk over that rock in our way or take it as a pebble of opportunity, one we don't neglect, but use as a chance to make this stumbling block our inspiration to spur us on and make a difference, whether it's in our lives, the lives of others, or making plans for the future. We create our own paths in life. They won't always be smoothly tarmacked, but they will give us one hell of an adventure along the way. 

So walk on with your head held high, and plenty of room in those pockets. There are going to be so many pebbles along the way that try and trip you up. You've just got to decide what to do with them.

Wedding Money Saving Tips | Just Add Ginger

I'm not going to lie to you - planning a wedding can be really, really expensive. You start out setting all your plans in motion, with a realistic figure in your head of the amount you would like to stick to, and then BAM, before you know it, you are on the road to making it triple the amount. As soon as you stick the word "wedding" on to anything, the price that you are looking to pay just instantly goes up. 

Yes okay - we have spent quite a lot on our wedding. But we've put the money on things that are really important to us and trued to keep costs down elsewhere, and this has really helped. If you're in the same boat as us, and looking to save some pennies where you can, here are some tips that should help you cut some corners, and keep you on track with your budget as much as possible.

Image: @GingerJaxx

1. Shop Online

Having a peruse online can be the best way to bag yourself a bargain. Websites like eBay, Amazon & Zazzle are jam-packed full of wedding table accessories, decorations, bridal party gift ideas, clothes, shoes and more, and there are some really good deals to be found. We've used Amazon for a fair few things, and picked up some bits and pieces that have really helped to keep the costs down in terms of our venue décor in particular. Sales are also a great place to root around. I picked up a bargain of a pair of back up shoes in the New Look sale last year. And I'm still reeling from that find. For the girl who never snaps up anything in a sale, this was clearly meant to be.

2. Call On A Friend 

Don't be afraid to reach out and ask a friend, particularly those who have a certain skill or talent. When it comes to finding vendors for your wedding, it can be a big bonus to have someone there who knows you well, understands what you are looking for, and won't throw in any additional, hidden costs. We've got a very good friend making our wedding cake, and Hannah's mum is doing our flowers. Unlike going to a supplier we did not know, we've revived such a personal experience, know we will be taken care of, and will not hesitate to voice our opinions, ask questions, or speak up when we want something changed

Image: @GingerJaxx

3. Do It Yourself 

Whether it's deciding to make your own invitations, order of service, or design your own menus and write out place cards, indulging in a bit of DIY can really help in saving some money. MS Word has been our best friend when it comes to finishing off final bits of wedding stationary, typing out place cards, and doing our table plan. I've also had a go at making my own throwing bouquet out of a couple of bunches of artificial flowers I got from Dunelm Mill, and some string we had in the house. Yeah, I'm not the most craft-y of people, but for the sake of having another bouquet to throw, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!

Image: @GingerJaxx

4. Shop Your Own Stuff

The temptation to treat yourself to a new set of everything can be overwhelming sometimes, but instead of going crazy on the brand new, Boyfriend and I have done a lot of upcycling, re-wearing, and borrowing for our Big Day. I already owned my wedding shoes, our centrepieces we have borrowed, and elements of our décor belonged to relatives. Not only have we saved ourselves some money, but there will be a huge amount of sentiment involved in our day, and you just can't put a price on that.  

Have some top money-saving tips you want to share? Leave them in the comments. 

Pre-Wedding Q&A | Just Add Ginger

At the time of writing this, there are only 18 days to go until the wedding. In light of our impending nuptials, I really wanted to do a little pre-wedding Q&A sesh with Boyfriend. It's one thing knowing how you have been feeling during the lead up to the wedding, but it can be quite another for your other half. 

What has been your favourite part about the wedding planning process so far? 

J: To be honest I've enjoyed quite a lot of the process. But I think my favourite parts have been more towards the end. We've done quite a few DIY bits and pieces and I've headed those up, so it's been good to see all those happen. It's going to sound really lame, but I've really enjoyed how much upcycling we've done too!

B: Doing the table plans, imagining all the different dynamics between our groups of friends and family.

What has been your least favourite? 

J: Writing my vows. It's not that I haven't enjoyed it. I just found it really difficult.

B: Not getting to taste our menu. :( 

Is there any part you wish you could have done differently? 

J: Not really. I am so excited to see how every element is going to come together on the day. Both of us have been really excited and involved in the wedding planning process, and I think that will be reflected on the day.

B: The Stag Do. I would have liked to have gone camping or stayed in a bothy. 

Which part of the wedding day are you looking forward to the most? 

J: I'm not going to lie. Of course the vows I'm looking forward to (even though I know I'll be crying the whole way through,) but I'm also looking forward to seeing what everyone is wearing, the wedding breakfast, and dancing the night away! 

B: Seeing Jackie in her dress for the first time walking up the aisle towards me. 

What's the main piece of advice you would give to someone planning a wedding? 

J: Try not to stress. I'm a HUGE stresshead, and it can make me very wound up, but Boyfriend has done a great job at reining me in, whether that's taking my phone off me, giving me advice, or really romantic things like running me a hot bath and playing me some really relaxing music. At the end of it all it's our day, and we should get to enjoy it the way we want to. 

B: Be patient, don't fuss, and don't lose sight of the fact it's both of your big day and no one else's. 

The "Anti Bridal-Diet" Diet | Just Add Ginger

As soon as we get engaged and set a wedding date, there seems to be this notion that we need to think about embarking on a bridal diet journey. And I'm not going to lie. At the start I was all for it - I even wrote myself out a diet plan. This lasted about two weeks before I realised - I just couldn't do it!  I love my food. Food bring me joy. I wasn't going to be giving anything up without a fight.

But later down the line, after Id tried on my wedding dress a few times, and realised that I just had to comes to grips with the fact that I had a "curvaceously sexy" (big) derrière, that I should probably at least try to be good and not go overboard with the midnight snacking, time-of-the-month chocolate binges, and overloading on pesto pasta.

For those of you who are like me, enjoy dining out, sipping the fizz, and generally being an all-out foodie, but still want to switch things up a bit in preparation for your Big Day, here is what I did to ensure I didn't go OTT.

I present to you The Anti Bridal-Diet Diet

1. Everything In Moderation

...Without denying yourself anything. The last thing I want is someone telling me I can only have this much, only have this portion size. It just makes it worse, and I crave things more. If you're going out, drink that prosecco, eat that pudding, enjoy that steak. Just maybe don't do it every single night. Eat until you are full, and don't feel like you have to finish what's on your plate (even though you really want to.)

2. Kings, Queens & Paupers

The biggest thing for me is snacking during the day, especially when I was in work. I would just find myself getting so hungry, then picking at food and desperately needing something for the commute home. So I tried out the "Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Queen, Dine like a pauper" method. By eating a bigger breakfast, medium sized lunch, and smaller dinner, I didn't find myself getting as hungry (or irritable.) Of course I didn't stick to this all the time. If I was going out, I ate whatever I wanted, but went back to this the next day. No "eat X with Y" diet plans involved. Just eating good food, a balanced diet wherever possible, and never, ever denying myself a little cheeky something for dessert!

3. Don't Stress

Hands up who has had a wedding nightmare. I know along the way I have a few, mostly featuring something disastrous happening to my wedding dress. Fears like this are inevitable, but it's been really important not to let things get to me. I know when I've indulged a little too much, and pull back, and everything's fine. And regardless, Boyfriend is marrying me for who I am, and not the person I think I should be for one day of our lives together. And we are going to look stunning on our wedding day, so let's sit back, relax and enjoy the wedding planning experience, because before we know it, that special day will soon be upon us!

Wedding Beauty Sneak Peek | Just Add Ginger

Hair by: Little Hair Room

Photo Credit: Polly and Sam Makeup

It's all systems go in our house at the moment. We've got wedding planning coming out of our ears, and now it's getting down to the nitty-gritty, and tying up loose ends, it can be a little bit stressful thinking about the logistics of pulling everything together for the Big Day.

So it was really nice to have some well-earned girly bride-time a few weeks ago and attend y hair and make up trials. It has been an aspect I have been looking forward to for ages, and having just had my last wedding dress fitting, it really gave me the change to envisage how everything will come together.

When it came to my hair, after a few times wearing it down at my fittings, I knew this couldn't be an option. My hair is really thick and heavy, and just after ten minutes of being in my dress, my neck was sticky and beads of sweat were forming at my brow. Pinterest came in really handy at collating my ideas. I didn't want something too polished - I have messy, crazy hair most of the time, so something too neat would have really looked out of place.

 I was all about the boho inspired messy curls, and that the hairstyle I had needed to look effortless. I am not one for fuss (the wedding reflects that a lot) and for me, simplicity is key. With my lovely hairdresser at Little Hair Room knowing all of this, I left my hair in her hands and she got to work creating something so beautiful, I couldn't help but cheesily gasp at the end "Oh..I fee like a princess!"

When it came to make up, Pinterest again was my best friend. I didn't want to stray away from the look I usually go for. I wanted to stay true to the way I feel the most beautiful. The last thing I wanted to do was try something new. Wedding photos last forever, and I'd hate in years to come to look back and wonder what the hell I was thinking.

The look that was created for me was everything I had hoped for. I was very insistent on the fact that I wanted my skin to glow, and it really did. There was drama, and a hint of smokiness, but it still looked quite natural. And it stayed in place all day and all night (I went to bed super-late the day I had it done and it hadn't shifted.)

I just can't wait to have it all re-created on the big day. It's coming up fast.... 3 weeks to go...!

February Favourites | Just Add Ginger

As a self-professed creature of habit, favourites posts are somewhat of a rarity for me. Don't get me wrong, I love trying out new products, but time and time again find myself coming back to using products/brands that I've been using for a good while, and have never let me down.

But this month I have not only been using products that I absolutely love, but have also brought out items that I haven't used in a while. I'm doing my best at the moment to use up what is in my beauty drawer before I re-stock, and this has meant I've rekindled old flames when it comes to make up. 

Urban Decay Brow Beater: I was very kindly sent this from Urban Decay last year to test out. At the time it arrived, I was using the Soap & Glory Brow Archery, so this lay dormant in my drawer. But one morning, unable to find my current brow product of choice, I cracked open this Urban Decay beauty and haven't looked back. It's amazing. The pencil is smooth and easy to apply, filling in sparse areas and helping you define your brow shape with ease. It's fabulous, fool-proof, and stays in place for hours. I'm now on my second one, and it's one of those products I just can't live without. 

NYX Rouge Cream Blush: I'm not going to lie. When I first got this blush, I really didn't like it I thought it was too sheer, and found it really difficult to apply. However, after a while of bearing with it, and experimenting with different ways to apply it, it is now my everyday colour (I have it in "Natural.") It gives me that "pinched cheeks" affect which is perfect for the winter/spring months, and just gives me a slight glow, which, when you are really fair, is very welcome indeed! 

ESPA Bergamot & Jasmine Foam Bath: If you are a follower of my blog, you will know I could sing about ESPA until the cows come home.So don't worry, I won't too much this time! With the wedding under a month away, baths have been a great escapism for me, and have put a stopper on any stressful/ Bridezilla moments I have had, and the ESPA foam bath, with it's warming scent has been my bath product of choice. (Click here to read my full review.)

Bath & Body Works - Amsterdam Tulips & Windmills Candle: This was a recent present from a dear friend, and I have just been burning this candle non-stop. Not usually one for burning floral scented candles in the living room (these I save for bath times,) this has even overtaking my beloved ESPA Winter Spice candle! I've always loved the look of Bath & Body Works candles and heard so many great thinga about them that I was over the moon to receive this! The scent is right on, and fills the room with a light floral scent that brings such a lovely, calming atmosphere to the space. Unfortunately I don't think this candle is available on the website any more, but I did find one on Amazon (check the link above.) 

What have you been loving using lately? 

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette | Just Add Ginger

I had been eyeing up the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette for ages before I finally decided to take the plunge and make the investment. Although it had caught my eye and beckoned me longingly from a distance, it was never a purchase I could completely justify. So when it came to compiling my Christmas wishlist, guess which beauty product made it to the top of the list... 

This has quickly become one of my go-to eye shadow palettes. But firstly, can we just take a moment to bask in the glow of the adorable packaging. This just sings to my inner-chocoholic, and I think the concept is just so cute. To me - and I know I have a quirky imagination - it looks like something you would find presented in a quaint French patisserie. Sweet, opulent, and at the same time oh-so cute! 

Unclip the tin and instantly the sweet, sweet scent of cocoa powder drifts in to your nose. It's sensational for the senses and smells just like Mini Eggs (win!) It's sweet but not sickly or overbearing. 

The range of eye shadow colours is fabulous, and caters for those with a variety of tastes. But it was the amount of neutral shades that appealed to me most, as well as the mix of matte and shimmery shades. There is the perfect balance. The shadow formula is super smooth, and really pigmented. A little goes a long way to create a lovely hue on your lids, and the shadows are very blend-able and easy to build. 

So, s it worth the hype? For me, yes definitely! The Chocolate Bar Palette is versatile, well formulated, with beautiful packaging and a unique, sugary-sweet scent to boot. Perfect for those starting out on their make up journey, and to add to any beauty product collection, this is a palette that will see my through so many looks, season to season. As my first Too Faced purchase, I now can't wait to pick up my next products (the Melted Chocolate liquid lipsticks and Better Than Sex mascara are next on my list.) 

Tea Parlour Liverpool | Just Add Ginger

As a little post-birthday outing a few weekends ago, myself, Leanne, Hannah and Sarah all made our way in to Liverpool City Centre to meet up for afternoon tea at the Tea Parlour. A very unassuming place at first sight, hidden above a shop on Matthew Street, you climb up a flight of stairs, guided by tealights, and go back in time, entering in to the quaintest cutest, and most beautiful set of tea rooms I think I've ever seen.

Intimate and cosy, from the eclectic mix of décor to the gentleman playing the piano as you enter, this is as far removed from a modern day cafe as you could imagine. It is more like going for tea at Lady Catherine de Bourgh's house than stepping out of the rain in 2016's Liverpool. Grand but not too overwhelming a setting, we were greeted and show to our seats, and I tried desperately to refrain from being constantly on the lookout for Mr Darcy.

As we sipped on a refreshing glass of elderflower water from our wine goblets, our waitress explained what the afternoon tea would entail. Firstly, a warming pot of Breakfast or Earl Grey tea (we all chose Early Grey,) then a platter of various sandwiches, followed by a selection of cakes.

Having chosen not to eat too much before our trip to Tea Parlour, I reached for the sandwiches with great gusto. You receive three fillings as standard - egg and cress, cucumber, and ham with Cumberland sauce - but then get to choose an additional sandwich out of salmon and cream cheese or roast beef and horseradish. The table was split, with Sarah and I opting for salmon, and Leanne and Hannah choosing the roast beef, but with one sandwich of each variety to go round, there was plenty to go around.

After a quick top up of hot water on our tea leaves, the cake arrived. And were we in for a treat! Two scones each, as well as a selection of tasty, cute looking cakes, ranging from éclairs, to a fruit tart, and a chocolate Guinness cake! The scones went first, but by the time we had indulged in the first serving of cake, we all suddenly realised that as tasty as the food looked, we couldn't eat another thing...

...just as the pianist started to play "Happy Birthday" and a giant piece of delicately decorated cake appeared and was placed in front of me. Tucking in to as much as I could, we distributed and boxed up the remainder of the cakes to take home with us.

Going to Tea Parlour was an exceptional experience, and for £20 per person you get what you pay for and more. The staff are attentive, the setting is warm and inviting, with an atmosphere that is always buzzing with excitement, and the food is just lovely. I already can't wait to head back there for another afternoon tea treat. And this time, there won't be any cake going home!