AFTERNOON TEA AT BETTYS.

A few weekends ago Dad and I made our way up to Harrogate to experience the tearoom everyone raves about: Bettys.

Their afternoon tea is somewhat legendary - not just here in the UK but the world over. With six tearooms dotted around Yorkshire, you'll be spoilt for choice, however today we're here to talk about Bettys in Harrogate.

Food is available all day in the café tearoom situated on the ground floor; and with queues out the door it just goes to show how wonderful it really is. But if you're travelling a fair distance or simply need a little organisation within your visit to Harrogate specifically, you can book a table. Situated on the first floor, above the café and shop is the Imperial Room, with the finest Afternoon Tea on the market. Regal in it's decor with a live piano player to match - you instantly feel like you're being taken back in time and it's almost impossible to not let yourself feel just that little bit fancy.

Dad and I were so excited - being his first ever experience of an Afternoon Tea I couldn't wait to share the it with him. It's one of my favourite things to do and having never visited Harrogate before it was an adventure for both of us.

Once seated we were presented with a menu to select our teas from (I didn't know so many existed), Dad opted for white and I went for peppermint. Guys I can't tell you just how frickin' good this tea is. Displayed in a clear glass teapot with fresh leaves floating on the top and a saucer of honey on the side to sweeten the taste, I was in heaven. 

Our appetisers arrived swiftly after our tea - a rather fancy twist on your typical prawn cocktail, a shot glass filled with prawns, salad and avocado puree and the tastiest little ham pie. To follow was the much anticipated three tiered stand of dreams. With an array of sandwiches filling the bottom plate, of which can be replenished at your request, it meant it didn't matter if there was a flavour or two not to your liking and sitting pretty on the top two tiers were cakes and scones that looked almost too pretty to eat. 

I was surprised by how filling I found the tea as a whole. I mean to look at, it was all very dainty and light, but the textures and flavours combined left Dad and I rubbing our bellies once we'd halved the last strawberry meringue.We weren't rushed out the door either - and given it was such a posh establishment I was a little apprehensive we might feel out of our depth. But I couldn't have been more wrong, everyone was so down to earth and lovely. We spent a good few hours sat nattering and nibbling and I had the best time. Dad and I very rarely get to spend quality time together and I have to say it really was the perfect setting to do it in. The Afternoon Tea was by far the best I've ever had, the service was outstanding, the building historic, beautiful and calming. It was so lovely to have a day together that felt really special - I couldn't have asked for anything more.Before heading back home, we spent a while rummaging around the shop situated on the ground floor. Adjacent to the downstairs tearooms, you can get your hands on some amazing cakes, macaroons, coffee and preserves to take away. I'd been hounded by friends to pick up a 'fat rascal' but sadly they were sold out, so we settled for some delicious fondant fancies and went on our way. The lady serving us was so kind and let us know that we could order their cakes online for home delivery - HI OVER-USED AND UNDER-PAID BANK BALANCE. 

So to summarise - if you're looking for something totally top class, at an affordable price with a welcoming atmosphere and incredible food, well look no further.Betty knows what she's doing - I think Dad and I might have to make this a yearly tradition - thank you for making our day out absolutely perfect :-)Visit Bettys website and book your table here.