Afternoon Tea...with a twist

Held in the Edinburgh flat of Angela Dolan, last month the inaugural pop-up afternoon tea from Queen of Tarts was launched, to rave reviews. Angela and members of her family put on an elaborate spread of cakes, biscuits, sandwiches and tea to a total of 14 happy customers and no detail was left out.

The Parlour, beautifully set up and ready for tea time.

"Three tables – 14 places in total – are laid with immaculate formality: flowered china cups and saucers, bone-handled knives, tiny plates, silver jam-spoons and hand-embroidered napkins, all arranged on pristine white tablecloths decorated with cross-stitching or crocheted lace."

Homemade Tarts!

"Everyone is welcomed with a nip of dry sherry and a delicate cheese biscuit in the shape of the Queen of Tarts' crown logo that also adorns the menus on each table. It's the prelude to what Angela describes as "a proper afternoon tea – with a twist", complete with savouries as well as iced biscuits, sumptuous cakes, toasted English muffins and chocolate-dipped hazelnut meringues." Read the entire Scotsman newspaper article for the whole scoop.

Using Facebook and Twitter to launch this venture and build a word of mouth buzz, Angela and co. are taking advantage of all that social networking has to offer. This is the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that I applaud. Home baking/cooking at it's very very best, an inventive menu of sweet and savoury, and a fabulous take on the Afternoon Tea tradition that will surely pave the way for much more to come.

Join Queen of Tarts on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with developments (currently you can make menu suggestions and help Angela choose the flavour of the Granita she will make for the next event...lavender and earl grey got my vote).

The next Afternoon Tea date is 26th June, and I suggest if you are in the area this is an event not to be missed. Space is limited so book now!

(Images from Queen of Tarts)