Author: footloose

I have always associated a cup of hot cocoa with winter,  glowing embers in a fire grate and bedtime.

 

But quite what the difference between hot chocolate, cocoa and drinking chocolate is, I am not sure. Every coffee shop and tea room dutifully offer hot chocolate on their menus. But despite the topping of whipped cream, marshmallows and sprinkle of chocolate, in my mind its just cocoa.

Not that there is anything wrong with a hot cocoa on a winters day.

 

finecooking.com/article/chocolate-vs-cocoa-powder

home baked cakes in Rogate

I generally associate cupcakes with those predictably dull office snacks that merely serve to remind one of  another wasted year. But that was until I stopped at The Two Sisters Cake Shop and Vintage Tearoom in North St in Chichester.

Homemade and home baked at The Nest where you can treat yourself to some of the best cakes, pastries and brownies in the south of England

A small family run cafe tucked away in a quite area of Sittingbourne in Kent offering simple homemade food and good coffee.

Well supported by the locals they regularly host craft fairs and activities, with awell deserved reputation for their afternoon teas.

Quirky coffee shops in Chichester

It’s always the same. The most interesting tea rooms, cake and coffee shops are the most difficult to find. But well worth the the time it takes.

Little possets, black currant & lemon, fresh raspberries & shortbread fingers and edible flowers found at Mes Amis Beckington in Somerset. A family run, independent café and deli.

Offering breakfasts, lunches and an eclectic display of cakes, creams and sticky stuff.

All accompanied by selection of premium quality teas, coffees or wines.

All the food is freshly made and can be prepared to take away. They also offer a Saturday Night takeaway meal, a weekend BBQ pack and picnic boxes.

In Eastbourne afteroon tea at The Grand Hotel is a local institution.

There are different themes throughout the year including the tennis in June.

Known as ‘The White Palace’, the Grand Hotel is one of Englands most famous Victorian era Hotels offering spectacular views out to sea and the cliffs at Beachy Head.

Tea is served in the Great Hall a stately double-height lounge complete with a grand piano, potted palms and a roaring log fire for when it is a bit colder. It can also be ordered in any of the lounges as well as on the Chatsworth Terrace overlooking the pool.

Spoilt with a choice from a menu which includes a selection of freshly made cakes, bakes and traditional pastries

Sweet and savoury treats. A Pork & Apple Sausage Roll with ‘Grand’ Piccalilli. Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese & Chive sandwiches, Egg Mayonnaise with Watercress, Chicken & Tarragon Mayonnaise or Cucumber with Cream cheese.

Or for something sweeter, their freshly baked Freshly Baked Scones with Strawberry Jam & Cornish Clotted Cream

The walled garden at Cafe Paradiso at the end of North St in Chichester

is the perfect setting for a slice of their extra special chocolate cake.

Being Chichesters first original and strictly vegetarian restaurant everything is home baked and delicious.

If not the cake, their chocolate and orange muffins or warm blueberry scones served with butter are just as good.

The menu offers an interesting range of herbal and fruit teas

As well as being vegan friendly and catering for celiac, dairy and nut alergies