Enjoy a perfect afternoon tea at By George of Thundersley

What woman doesn’t enjoy a spot of afternoon tea? There’s something quintessentially British about tucking into finger sandwiches and scones while sipping on tea from a bone china cup, and I love it. I love it so much so that last week, I spent my Saturday with a few friends at By George of Thundersley, the newest addition to my local area.

Related: Why the English love tea

By George of Thundersley is an independent tea and coffee shop offering breakfasts, brunch and afternoon tea, as well as availability for private events, and when I arrived, I was struck by the beautiful decor.

With farm house tables, mismatched chairs, mirrors, and chandeliers, the place blends country chic and urban sophistication perfectly. All tables are laid with teacups and saucers, though none matching, which adds to the quirky style. My favourite thing about eating in tea shops is the crockery, and I wasn’t disappointed with the eclectic mix of colours and styles. I felt like a total Victorian lady of leisure!

From start to finish, the staff were wonderful – although it was reasonably busy, we were quickly given our tea and given updates on when our food would arrive. And when it did arrive (and the baby shower in the corner was in full swing) we were still given refills on our tea, asked if we needed anything and spoken to by the manager, which was a lovely personal touch.

And ‘By George’, the food! Since we had a veggie with us, we requested a vegetarian meal, which they were happy to offer. The three tiers consisted of egg mayonnaise, tuna sweetcorn, and falafel sandwiches; one plain and one fruit scone with accompanying strawberry jam and clotted cream; and an array of sweet treats – mini carrot cakes, mini Victoria sponges and cream and fruit filled meringues. I was meant to be on a diet, but it was tossed out the window as soon as metal hit wood. How could I pass up on such delicious looking food?

Of all the treats, I had to take seconds on the meringues. Sometimes the treats are a bit too flaky and have the same texture of a macaron, but By George’s meringues were simply perfect: soft, sweet, spongy and stuffed with cream.

Verdict? By George of Thundersley is a lovely little location to spend a chilled afternoon in, and yes, I think I’ll be back soon!

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