It’s time for tea once more!
Afternoon tea is in fashion again for the last number of years and during lockdown, you were able to order a takeaway treat from places like The Metropole and Montenotte Hotel.
Now, with the re-opening, I am looking forward to visiting these places soon for some treats when hotels are fully open again for non-residents but I was delighted when I saw that the Vintage Tea Trips are back in Cork - I couldn’t resist booking a spot for my friend Judy and myself.
It was my first proper out-out outing and everything just seemed to fit. The bus is a beautiful restored vintage double-decker bus complete with fairy lights and flower garlands.
The tables were lovingly laid out and the pastry is provided by no other than the fabulous Mags Curtin aka The Pastry Fork and our hosts (Ella and Kelley if I remember correctly) couldn’t have been nicer.
Due to safety reasons, we were given reusable takeaway cups with a screw on lid for our tea but they were so pretty that even I couldn’t give out – and the best thing, we were allowed to take them with us.
Judy and I had a lovely time sitting in the front of the bus on top overlooking the city while driving around – it gives you a different perspective of the city you know so well.
Although the weather forecast was terrible for the day, the sun decided to shine wherever we went and it made the trip so much more enjoyable. We loved it so much that we will return closer to Christmas to get the festive feel of the bus with its lovely fairy lights.
Mags Curtin’s pastry was fresh, delicious and generous and the hosts were promoting her afternoon tea parties on the bus – you can hire Mags (The Pastry Fork) to deliver afternoon tea to your home bringing everything you possibly need. From the tablecloths to the vintage china, she has you covered.
Mags will come to your home and set everything up – you just have to welcome your friends and family and enjoy the day. Mags will pick up everything again and all you have to do is to put up your feet. You can also order afternoon tea boxes for two if you are not in the mood for a party.
The best part of the day was to catch up with Judy and be silly for a bit. Afternoon tea gatherings are a great way to catch up with friends without having to go to a pub or bar (nothing wrong with that either) and to indulge in your sweet tooth.
Dress up in that floral dress you wore to a wedding a few years ago, be brave and put a hat on and spread your little finger when picking up the tea cup – afternoon tea is about stepping back in time and feel special.