British people are well known for their love of tea, in fact, whilst I write this very blog I'm sipping on a sweet cup of English breakfast myself. The long loved meal known as 'Afternoon Tea' was first said to have originated in the early eighteenth century, when a lady of the upper classes (Duchess Anna Russell of Bedford to be exact) believed her afternoon cup of Darjeeling would be much better served alongside some small finger sandwiches and a cake or two to fend off those mid afternoon hunger pangs before her evening meal. This old tradition is one I am extremely happy has stood the test of time, and Biddy's Vintage Tea room in Norwich does their own take on this afternoon treat absolutely perfectly in my opinion.
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| Exterior of Biddy's |
Biddy's is actually tucked a little away from the hustle and bustle of the Norwich city centre, down the iconic and well loved 'Lanes' area, but it isn't difficult to find. The huge double fronted café with two big bay windows command attention as you walk past, and upon closer inspection the collection of antique and vintage items positioned in the windows really entice you to go in and have a look if nothing else. However I defy anyone who then didn't go on to browse the counter stacked full of takeaway delights, or even take a seat on some of the mismatched furniture and order from the extensive lunchtime menu.
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| Downstairs decoration |
It is like you are stepping into a time warp upon entering the (now) double storey café. It is very British, with Union flag bunting and quaint kitsch lighting features everywhere, in fact, although completely miss-matched and a little crazy, I wouldn't be at all surprised if an individual with an interior design background dreamed this up - it is just too eclectic and unique to not be 'planned'. I have taken many a friend and family member to sample the foodie delights here and all have left with a real love for the authenticity of the place as well as the food - of which the majority is home made - or indeed locally sourced.
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| Afternoon Tea for Two |
The pictures in this blog are two occasions when I sampled the 'real' afternoon tea experience, but I have also tried their soups, their ploughman's lunch and their pate which were all delicious. The above picture is of their afternoon tea for two (priced at £18.95), you obviously get to choose your tea, and you get a one choice of finger sandwich (three slices) plus yummy veggie crisps and homemade coleslaw. To finish off the tiered stand you can either choose one of their homemade cakes or a scone with jam and clotted cream - I find if sharing it is best to order one of both to get the best of both worlds! I believe the cake of choice above was a coconut and passion fruit cake which was gluten free and absolutely to die for - really rich, and perfectly cooked. The scones (plain, fruit and sometimes lavender) are (if you're lucky) served warm and are wonderfully crumbly.
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| Jubilee Tea |
On another occasion, we were lucky enough to go to Biddy's for afternoon tea during the Queen's Jubilee week. Much to our surprise (and absolute delight) they were serving a special - even more patriotic (if that's even possible), tiered tea with ham and mustard, and coronation chicken finger sandwiches, mini Eton mess style meringues, union flag biscuits, mini Victoria sponges and of course, the traditional scone and accompaniments. This was wonderful, and the ladies creativity really shone through, a real treat for the taste buds and the eyes...
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| Biscuit eyes... |
Whilst Biddy's provides an excellent place for a cheeky chat over cake or a more sophisticated lunch with family, they also offer hire of their linen and unique china, and do bespoke wedding cakes and 'mad hatter tea party' catering for any manner of events.
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| Party Hire |
Biddy's is a bit of an institution in Norwich, I have introduced everyone I know to the place and it is often full to the rafters with people therefore booking (especially at weekends) is recommended. Eating here will definitely be worth your while though, and upon leaving you will not only feel full from lovely homemade pastries and cakes, but probably screaming the national anthem at the top of your lungs too.
http://www.biddystearoom.com/afternoontea.htm
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