Being situated in Nottingham for around a year and a half now, The Pudding Pantry is one of my favourite cafes, especially for brunch. Every time someone comes to visit me at uni, I am quick to take them here. Today, I met a uni friend who had been in New York since August, and we decided to treat ourselves to afternoon tea to catch up.
Going to afternoon tea here requires a £5 deposit per person to reserve your space in the cafe. All of the cakes and sandwiches are prepared before arrival so this acts as a safety net if the guest doesn’t turn up. We went for the Classic Tea which was £15.95 per person. In this one, we got two mini scones, homemade jam and clotted cream, four individually designed cakes and sandwiches.
Unlike Biddy’s Tea Room where I last had afternoon tea, we were unable to select the sandwich and cake we wanted. However when emailing to book, the organiser was very accommodating in asking for our preferences with regard to the food. For example, my friend and I are both vegetarian and therefore we requested either veggie or vegan sandwiches and I’m not a huge lover of fruit in things so I asked for not raisins in the scones.
The pastry chef is obviously very talented as the mini cakes were so well thought out and delicious. It was also great to have nontraditional sandwiches and a range to choose from between us. I also liked how we were presented with two small portions of everything and therefore we got to taste a little of everything. Cakes included a caramel and coffee eclair, a mini chocolate cupcake topped with a peppermint meringue, a raspberry jam filled macaroon and a piece of cinnamon fudge. The sandwiches we were served were interesting combinations, however I really enjoyed them all. They consisted of Stilton and grape, brie and hummus and tomato and avocado with chilli flakes.
I believe that the afternoon tea selection is different each day so I would definitely be up for returning. The scones were served warm and had a hint of orange zest in which I surprising enjoyed. The homemade jam was also divine. We also got to pick our drinks, so I went for a Green loose leaf tea and Eleanor not liking tea went for an iced chai latte.
My favourites were possibly the scones with the jam, the brie and hummus sandwich and the raspberry macaroon.
I love the cosy atmosphere in The Pudding Pantry and also how welcoming the staff are. I appreciate the interior, especially the teal colour palette throughout and the white and wooden table and chairs. The small details added to the appeal for me, especially the fairy lights and flowers on the tables.
It was wonderful to catch-up with Eleanor over a delicious afternoon tea; the perfect Sunday afternoon treat.
Rachel
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