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Afternoon Tea, Blakes London

23 February 2015 0 comments

Any shopping trip should be interspersed with foodie interludes in my books and this one was no exception.





Before an exertive day perusing the stores, we jumbled into Dishoom, Covent Garden alongside the other busy brunchers. It's always bustling so expect a short wait, but it's more than worth it, if just for the chai, which I could drink by the bucket-load.



In and amongst the colonial decor, cascade of glass bulbs and aroma of Bombay side streets, we filled our boots with brekkie; beautifully grilled sausages and bacon, charred bread, juicy toms, akuri and amazing chilli jam.


With our bellies full, we started the casual amble around the streets in search of antiquities and gizmos. London's always perilous for my purse, I find myself being drawn into stores and nodding at things before I've even realised what's going on! Of course this included the obligatory stop at Laduree, my very favourite macarons. 


Off to Selfridges to pore over the beauty halls and all their seductive offerings. I couldn't resist the YSL lippies, if only I could take home the lot..




Oops, we accidentally found ourselves at Lolas.. Well it would be rude not to have a cupcake whilst we're here? (Caramel Macadamia, amazing.)



And who would blame me for picking up some Asian beauty products? I love delving into the little Aladdin's caves full of goodies.



Now off for afternoon tea at Blakes, a quirky, boutique hotel tucked down the peaceful and affluent streets of South Kensington. 




After a busy day of shopping, their subterranean Chinese Room was exactly what we needed; dim lighting, a restful ambience and fortunately for us, the place almost to ourselves.



Onto tea; a selection of sandwich fingers (crusts cut off? why of course) with the slightest Asian twist. Beef and chilli, chicken and ginger, salmon, egg and the mandatory cucumber.



Then arrived an assortment of cube cakes. Turns out I'm very fond of Green tea tiramisu..

All followed with scones, macerated strawberries and clotted cream, delish.

And after all the bank-guilt of a full day's shopping, do you know what's the best bit? The whole lot was only £19. The definition of bargain basement.

We left a happy pair!