I love the Bell Inn, Bramshaw and I want to shout about their gorgeous NativiTEA being served this festive period.
As anyone that knows me well will tell you, I am pretty partial to an afternoon tea, it does feel kind of old fashioned and indulgent to have a tea served for you, definitely a treat. Sandwiches with the crusts cut off and tea in a proper teapot just like my gran used to make. Although back in those days we would have had a hand knitted tea cosy too, I'm not sure that will catch back on.
This festive afternoon tea cleverly named nativiTEA is available from 1st - 23rd December, the sandwiches are filled with some Christmas inspired fillings such as turkey and cranberry, salmon & watercress and possible my favourite Lyburn cheese (blog coming after Christmas) with a really delicious spiced tomato chutney.
Continuing the savoury theme we had Swallowfield Farm sausage rolls that had been sprinkled with fennel and sesame seeds, honestly I could of eaten another one of those, but seeing the sweet selection still on the board it was probably as well to pace myself.
Mince pie tartlets served with clotted cream, an incredibly light chocolate and chestnut yule log with a hazelnut praline cream & finally a tipsy sherry trifle, just wow! Unusual to see a trifle on an afternoon tea selection but a nod to tradition I felt, this again took me back to large Christmas gatherings where my gran would make two huge trifles to serve once we had finished our roast.
I'll just say trifle noise and some of you may be with me, childish I know.
A selection of teas and coffees can be chosen to go alongside your nativiTEA but of course if you really are in the mood for spoiling yourself Prosecco or some rather more expensive champagne options are available.
If you know someone that prefers an experience for a gift I would recommend this afternoon tea, ideal catching up time with a loved one or friends, and you will surely get lots of brownie points in time for Christmas.
As the15mile foodie it will come as no surprise to you to hear that I am a big fan of local producers and Mark at The Bell is passionate about supporting them whenever he can too. Current suppliers include, Flack Manor Brewery, Swallowfields Farm, Lyburn cheese, Fluffett's eggs, Noah's Ark Farm, Chalk Stream Trout, Bakehouse 24, and Blackwater Pork.
This week The Bell is hosting an evening with a new supplier, Tom Hordle, who you may have seen on Channel 4s - A year in the New Forest. If not, I recommend looking it up on catch up.
There may still be a couple of places available for Thursday night if you book now!
Never fear, if you cant make this event Tom's beef is still on the menu.
The Bell Inn
Brook
New Forest
Hampshire
SO43 7HE
Tel 02380812214
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