Afternoon tea at Mama Doreens has always been one of my favourite treats, but over the Christmas period they step it up a notch and it gets all the more exciting. Enter the prettiest afternoon tea you ever did see… Priced at £25 per person for one of the most generous portions I’ve ever had, you are presented with a stunningly beautiful tray of sandwiches, scones and cakes galore; all to be enjoyed in one of the most picturesque cafes I’ve ever had the delight of eating in.
Mama Doreens is situated on Cold Bath road, just nicely tucked away from the craziness of the Christmas shoppers… yet if you did want to indulge in a spot of retail therapy afterwards, the centre of Harrogate is literally a five minute stroll away. We enjoyed our afternoon tea surrounded by 1920’s esque decor (think girly cake stands, old school sweets and lots of sparkle), whilst we enjoyed old school Christmas classics playing in the background – Frank Sinatra anyone?
Your £25 will get you your afternoon tea platter and tea and coffee, but I opted to go for one of their cupcake milkshakes to enjoy with mine. They can make any flavour (of cupcake they have out that day) and so I went for the chocolate orange flavour… literally like drinking a cupcake – amazing! Sandwiches are all given that festive twist – turkey, cranberry and stuffing etc… mini quiche, egg mayo on sweet brioche bread – this sounds so simple, but seriously guys – INCREDIBLE. More sandwiches are also available should you want them, although I’d be seriously impressed if anyone could manage more after that serving… you also get the choice of a parsnip or tomato soup to begin, and this is served with a mini yorkshire pud, Mama Doreens flying the flag there!
After you’ve finished the savouries, you have a gigantic baileys trifle to tuck into; now these were served last year too, albeit in much smaller portions, but they were pretty incredible and I guess I wasn’t the only one to think so, as they’ve been brought back and supersized up this year. Then a tray of desserts to suit all; christmas cake with cheese (major brownie points for adding the cheese), a mini mince pie, a chocolate santa cupcake, a scone with clotted cream and jam, a meringue with cream, a macaron, and even a brandy snap… phew!!! Again, massive brownie points for the brandy snap, Mama Doreens!
Don’t miss this magical festive delight, it’s perfect for a girly afternoon, a respite from your Christmas shopping, or even a family gathering or celebration. The atmosphere is so lovely and it really got me in the mood for all the excitement of the month ahead. My friend and I have made this treat an annual tradition for quite some time now; and I can honestly say it just gets better every year.
Mama Doreens Emporium, 31-33 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, HG2 0NL
