miss b loves.......afternoon tea at Bea's of Bloomsbury

                

Whilst in London for the Olympics we visited a few coffee shops on my must-try list.  I had read about Bea's of Bloomsbury in Great Cake Places London 2012(you can read my review of this lovely book here) and we decided to try the Afternoon Tea at the branch next to St Paul's Cathedral.

There's a modern twist on the traditional English afternoon tea (no cucumber sandwiches here!) ........

We started with mini baguettes - two varieties.......feta cheese and salami. Deliciously fresh and bursting with flavour. 

I love the quirky tiered cake stand.........and the wonderful selection of sweet treats...

There were of course scones with clotted cream and jam.....

but also American-influenced cupcakes and brownies....classic brownies, killer brownies(!), Belgian blondies, passion fruit marshmallows.....

......mini meringues topped with raspberry, vanilla cupcakes with passion fruit frosting and double chocolate cupcakes......

My favourite? Definitely the heavenly passion fruit vanilla cupcake....

and the passion fruit marshmallow...and the killer brownie!! There's also a great selection of teas from the Jing Tea Company and the décor is so stylish with gorgeous fabrics.....

.........pretty paper flowers hanging from the ceiling.....

 and my favourite design detail........teapot lights!

The description on the website sums up Bea's perfectly: 'it's our interpretation of a modern tearoom.' The staff are so friendly, professional  and attentive yet there's a relaxed, informal atmosphere. 

I'm sure you are wondering how we managed to eat so many cakes and sandwiches (or were you just thinking how greedy we are?).......Well, in spite of our very best efforts, we didn't quite finish all the cakes but they were soon boxed for us to take home and enjoy later...

miss b recommends;

• booking afternoon tea in advance on-line