One of the lessons I have learnt since viewing our home county as a visitor would is how much we have been missing by leaving it two decades before returning to venues – and nowhere better reflects this is than Brockhole, which now has an excellent restaurant, The Gaddum which opened just over 12 months ago.
It has been a real eye-opener revising places with my daughter to where we last took her to as a toddler – she sees these places with completely fresh eyes (as she can’t remember pre-school), and we realise what we’ve been missing out.
Brockhole was built as a family holiday home for a Mancunian silk trader, in the arts and crafts tradition. The last time we visited there was a cafe and an exhibition about the geology of the Lake District. Today it has been brought back to its former glory with The Gaddum restaurant as the jewel in the crown of the refurbishment.
We received a warm welcome from the waitress who showed us into a snug area – and what a view we had over the well-manicured gardens to Windermere. Despite it being June, it was a little chilly and the fire in the grate was welcoming – set within the wooden arts and crafts fireplace.
The William Morris wallpaper and comfy leather sofa and chairs created a cosy, beautiful place to take time to peruse the afternoon tea menu.
We went for the Gaddum Signature Afternoon Tea – finger sandwiches just baked scones and patisseries. However, it took a little longer to make our choice of tea as the tas and coffee menu is phenomenal.
Our waitress gave us a great run through the choices and explained about their collaboration with the local tea specialists.
The Gaddum work with local tea specialists Quinteassential to produce unique blends and also to train the team at the restaurant on the precise time of brewing for each blend to ensure it is perfect.
I chose the Cleanse tea – inspired by a Moroccan bathhouse, this invigorating and clean blend of ginger, black pepper, cardamom and dates apparently make this combination a yogi’s favourite – and it certainly is mine. The colour is very light and delicate and the taste warm and soothing.
My dining partner, Katie May chose Jewel of Africa – a South African blend of rooibos, sandalwood, red currants and flowers which gives this blend a bright orange, woody note. Read what Katie things about her tea, savouries and sweets on her blog KTMY.co.uk.
When our table was ready, our waitress took us through to the beautiful, calm dining room, with a table overlooking the gardens, framed by a beautiful arched window with magnolia growing around it.
The dining room has more William Morris wallpaper, and photographs of the Gaddum family on the walls – the green hues of the decor complements the greenery outside and creates a relaxing atmosphere. Just off this very English dining room is the orangery, full of light and more seating.
The teas were served after the perfect brewing time, in delicate white china teapots. The tableware was delicate – inc
Our Afternoon tea was then served up with a great walkthrough of the dishes by our waitress – which made our mouths water with anticipation.
First the finger sandwiches. Yellison Farm goats cheese and homemade red onion marmalade on white bread had a strong flavour and rich texture – and a shot of sweetness from the delicious marmalade.
Smoked salmon with cucumber and cream cheese on brown bread was a classic combination and the tea complemented this savoury.
Roast Pork Belly with homemade brown sauce on white bread – I can’t remember the last time I had Roast Pork and I will be ordering this again, a delicious and satisfying sandwich filling. The homemade sauces and marmalades were a perfect complement to the meats.
And the final sandwich we enjoyed was Cumbrian pastrami, wholegrain mustard mayo on brown bread – who knew the county produced its own pastrami? It was excellent, and as our waitress explained the chef uses only local produce where ever possible.
The fruit and plain scones were warm from the oven and were served with butter, clotted cream and homemade mixed berry preserve. The preserve was excellent, made from locally sourced fruits. A traditional start to the sweet treats.
The patisserie choice was divine. The tiny piece of mango on the Mango and Vanilla Caramel Tart gave freshness to the Cardamon infused sweet pastry, Madagascan Vanilla Caramel and, Mango Mousse.
The Rose and Cinnamon Financier – soft almond sponge, buttercream and chocolate – had an added experience of popping candy on top – something that never fails to make me laugh. It was a fun addition to this beautiful cake.
The Strawberry and Basil Eclair – with fresh strawberries, cream and honeycomb – melted in the mouth. the eclair was so light.
We didn’t notice the two hours pass, sat enjoying the very best of local produce with a classic English lake district view. The surroundings and excellent service from The Gaddum team created a relaxing atmosphere.
This restaurant is so quintessentially English and the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.
Value for money 5/5
- The Gaddum Signature Afternoon Tea with bespoke teas from the tea menu, designed in collaboration with
Quinteassential £21.50 - The Gaddum Signature Afternoon Tea with a glass of Villa Sandi Prosecco £27.00
- The Gaddum Cream Tea – £8.25
For more information about The Gaddum and Brockhole visit their website www.brockhole.co.uk.
#GIFTED
