Bluebells and Fairy Doors

Bluebells and Fairy Doors | Hatchlands

After celebrating the arrival of Spring in Japan, it was high time to do the same in England. While in Japan it's all about blossom, England has to offer some fantastic bluebells.

Hatchlands in Surrey is a stately home famous for its large collection of pianos and harpsichords. However the star attraction that day was to be found in the forest. I followed the trail past a tree house and eventually came across a bluebell glade. It was a magical sight, I even found a fairy sized door at the bottom of one of the tree trunks. I knocked but there was no answer...

After losing myself amongst the bluebells, I headed to the stables which have been converted into a delightful tea room. I came late in the day and was crestfallen at the lack of cake. However there was some Victoria Sponge still going. I'd forgotten just how good Victoria Sponge is, often mistaking it as a boring choice but now consider it a classic.

I had such a lovely Spring day at Hatchlands and I can't wait to discover more of what Spring has to offer. If you are looking for different ways to enjoy Spring, please do read The Literary Lady's Six ways to enjoy Spring.

Hatchlands

Comments

Tea with a ghost? | Tiny Tim's Tearoom | Canterbury

Canterbury is such a historic city so I was looking for a traditional place for afternoon tea. Tiny Tim's Tearoom was the perfect place. Housed in a gorgeous 17th century building, this tearoom is particularly inviting with its baked goods displayed in the shop windows. Inside, Glen Miller was playing softly in the background, giving the place a nostalgic, vintage feel. Many British favourites were on offer, such as, crumpets, scones and hearty sponge cakes. I had an excellent coffee and walnut cake which had a wonderfully potent coffee flavour unlike many shop-bought ones. Served with a dollop of cream, ice cream or custard, these cakes are the ultimate comfort food. Tea is also in abundance. I tried Keemun Orchid which was a black tea that had notes of plum, orchid, sesame and pine. There are also more traditional blends for those who prefer more conventional tea. I attended this tearoom alone after a pleasant morning visiting Canterbury Cathedral. However, was I t...

The Apple Pie Map | Hirosaki, Aomori

Are you a fan of apple pie? If you are, then Hirosaki might just be the place for you! Hirosaki is in Aomori, a prefecture in the Tohoku region in the north of Japan. Aomori is famous for its delicious apples, and nowhere is this fruit more greatly celebrated than in the city of Hirosaki. There are over 50 shops in the town selling different types of apple pie. With so many options, it can seem overwhelming. How can you possibly find the perfect pie for you?! Well, the answer is simple. All you need is the Apple pie map ! Not only does the map tell you all the different locations for pie shops and bakeries, it also rates each pie on its sweetness, sourness and amount of cinnamon. My personal favourite is スリーブリッヂ or Three Bridge, a cute little bakery near Hirosaki station. Their pie is rated 3/5 for sweetness and sourness. But don't take my word for it, head to Hirosaki and do your own research! There's plenty of pies to enjoy and beautiful sites ...

Gruesome Marshmallow Eyeballs | Halloween

Marshmallow eyeballs make a fun treat for Halloween next week. They are super easy to make as there is no cooking involved. I made a whole load while watching TV! Ingredients 1 packet of Marshmallows 1 packet of Maltesers Red and green writing icing Method 1. Use a chopstick to make a hole in the marshmallow. 2. Widen the hole with your fingers and add in a malteser. 3. Ice a dot in the middle of the malteser for the eye's iris and use red icing on the marshmallows to look like veins. It really is that easy!

Crumbs to Crunch

Search This Blog