Growing up, I had a voracious appetite for books and stories. I loved reading my text books even before school started and would always ask for a pitstop at a book shop instead of a toy store. Over the years my taste changed from Archie comics to a bit of Marvel; from the Sweet Valley series to Jodi Picoult; from Haruki Murakami to literary classics; from YA to autobiographies. End of the day, I just wanted a good story.
In some ways, bloggers are storytellers, too. And like artists and writers who would confer about their work in merriment back in the day, we would often meet up over cocktails, cameras and hashtags. Such was Saturday arvo last week, when Angie and The Bloomsbury Hotel hosted a bloggers’ tea party at their gorgeous bar, Dalloway Terrace.
Located in the heart of literary London where the famous Bloomsbury Group used to hang out, Dalloway Terrace is a gorgeous, ‘grammable haven aptly named after Virginia Woolf’s most known character (and actually, my favourite of her books).
The terrace itself is picture pretty. Chaotic as Central London can be (ie Oxford Street), Dalloway Terrace brings a sense of quiet and a great vibe that’s perfect for all-day dining, afternoon tea, cocktails and just about anything, really. Bring your girlfriends for some gossip, your guy friends for catching up, your family for a nice Summer brunch, your partner for a cosy date in pretty surroundings.
Photo c/o Angie
I was delighted to spot my lovely blogger buddies Angie, Lauren, and Emma and was chuffed to finally meet Jess (who’s travelling to the Philippines and Vietnam soon) and Mina (who’s half Filo and a writer too!) Later on, Mehreen (who has awesome Boomerang posts on IG), Katie and Ben (aka the Lady and Gent who got engaged in Miniloc where I also visited last year) arrived and we were all set for afternoon tea.
But first, champagne. Moreso, my favourite Perrier-Jouet.
Our glasses kept getting topped up, to my delight. Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque is my favourite tipple, but the brand’s grand brut is also something I recommend for easy arvo drinking.
And then there were scones. And sarnies. And sweet endings. And of course, tea.
But first, photos. Hey, we are bloggers after all!
The afternoon tea menu is inspired by original recipes from the 1920s and 1930s modernised by the chefs. Gluten-free and veggie options are available so everybody can be fed!
I’m not a sandwich gal myself but the guinness bread topped with salmon mousse was absolutely delicious!
And the scones were definitely divine. I like me a good American biscuit but living in London for the past decade got me appreciating scones more (cream first then jam on top).
And those cakes? They were as yummy as they looked, particularly the Alphonso mango and passionfruit domes.
It was such a pleasant afternoon with lovely people and to top it off, we were blessed with gorgeous weather. I can’t recommend Dalloway Terrace highly enough, it really is a special gem in central London. Not only is it a beautiful place, service was top class and the food was commendable. I can’t wait to take my IRL friends there.
Photo c/o Angie
Our little group talked a heap of fun and bants - from our blogs, holiday plans, people we knew and of course, books we loved growing up. As I’ve said many times before, the blogging community here is so welcoming and most bloggers are so easy to get along with. Just like the Bloomsbury Group, we are more alike than we are unalike.
Thank you Angie, Dalloway Terrace and The Bloomsbury Hotel for such an awesome arvo!
Can’t wait to visit again for my hotel staycation! Watch this space.
Dalloway Terrace
16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN, United Kingdom
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I have such bad food envy from all of the Dalloway Terrace blogger posts - such a lovely group of ladies, too!
Erin xx
islandbell.co.uk
Hahaha they’re lovely ladies indeed! Maybe we can have arvo tea at some point! x
This looks like such a lovely afternoon! I was so sad to have missed it 🙁 The Dalloway Terrace is so gorgeous and the tea looked picturesque.
Colleen x
Hope we can catch up next time! I really like the place! So pretty! =)
Beautiful photos Honey - it was so lovely to see you!
Thanks Emma! Pleasure’s all mine! xxx
This looked like such a fun event! Love tea parties, and the food looks divine D:
http://www.deasynoel.com
Thanks Deasy, it was really great! =)
Loved this post! Thank you so much for coming and so lovely to have got to know you!
pleasure’s all mine! x
Hey Honey, so good meeting you finally and love this post! Gorgeous pics omg 🙂
wrapyourlipsaroundthis.com
Pleasure’s all mine. Drinks soon! x
I want to weep, weep weep weep. Looks so fab and all my fave people too! I hate my job. Need to see you stat! Lots of love, Andrea xxx
Andrea’s Passions
Still adore you! x Drinks soon, darling!
Super, Its nice to see such get togethers! I am going to look for some in Germany.
Enjoy! x