Lunch with Philippa

On the 19th of December I went to Wentworth Garden Centre to meet up with Philippa for lunch. We have been to all kinds of pubs and cafes and definitely have our favourites, but I thought that as it was Christmas it would be nice to go a bit fancy and have afternoon tea at Wentworth. It's not that far from my house; I think technically it's in Rotherham but I could be wrong there. But it wasn't far for Philippa to travel either. 

Lee and I had afternoon tea there before a couple of years ago, in the Bothy, after my mum had bought us a voucher for it for Christmas I think. Back then the Bothy was a tiny glorified shed with about five tables in it out the back of the main restaurant. So I assumed it was still there! I asked Philippa and she was happy to go there. As it was just before Christmas they had a special festive afternoon tea, so I booked it.

We met outside as Philippa hadn't been before so didn't know where she was going. But then as I was following the signs I realised the Bothy has moved! It's not behind the restaurant anymore, it's off to the left, and it is HUGE. It is now three different rooms, really busy with a bunch of tables and a lot of staff! The restaurant was always too busy so I'm glad they've expanded! 

We got seated at a lovely table. Inside the Bothy is decorated all dark greys and leather, but I think they've stolen some decor from Betty's cafes too. We were quickly served with our afternoon teas; they were so gorgeous. I had decaf coffee and it was plentiful and so was the milk. As I'm vegetarian I had veggie sandwiches - there was egg mayo, cheese and pickle, red pepper and hummus, and mozarella and pesto. They were all really nice. The cakes were gorgeous! There was a scone with jam and cream, a meringue, a Viennese mince pie, a piece of ginger cake and a piece of chocolate brownie. I ended up bringing the meringue home as I was so full. I don't understand how you can get so full on tiny sandwiches and pieces of cake?! 

After lunch and after we had chatted a lot, we both headed home. At other times I would have had a wander round the shop and the garden centre, but it was so busy that I just couldn't be bothered. So I headed home. I was wearing my Christmas themed skirt and on top a t shirt (can't remember which offhand) but I had put my ridiculous Snag jumper on top as it was cold. I love the strawberry and cherry pattern and it's so cosy and warm. 

Look how cute the plate looked when it arrived

And a close up of the cakes on top. Pippa had slightly different cakes, I assume that one of hers had gelatine and wasn't suitable for vegetarians

This map was in the toilets and I thought it was really cute 

And here I am when I got home in my Christmas skirt and my very cheerful jumper