Review: Indulgence Cafe & Patisserie

Lifestyle bloggers She and Hem review afternoon tea at the Indulgence Cafe & Patisserie in Bath.

Hello, is it tea you’re looking for?

On Friday afternoon, we were set an incredibly difficult task indeed. We were asked by Total Bath to sample and review the ‘Indulgence afternoon tea’ at the Indulgence Café and Patisserie on Bathwick Street. We cheerfully accepted this challenge, as we do love a brew and we like to think we know a good scone when we taste one! The sun was shining, the squirrels were having a jolly old time in Sydney Gardens, and after a late night at Bath in Fashion our bellies were ready for the delights ahead of us.

Opening in 2011, the delicious homemade baking the Indulgence Café prides itself on has become popular with both locals and visitors to Bath. On arrival, we were met by the café’s suitably named owner and star baker Kath, who had freshly baked our scones and cakes on the premises that morning. The café had a steady stream of customers (some with particularly cute dogs!) popping in for refreshments, whilst we spent a couple of delightful hours catching up over several cups of tea. We were both impressed by the selection of teas; Victoria chose Lady Grey and Jo opted for Rose tea. Tea-rrific!

Our 3 finger sandwiches were deliciously dainty and filled with yummy salmon and soft cheese, while the scones came with lashings of homemade jam and scrumptious Somerset clotted cream, and were satisfyingly oven warm. Now, we agree on most things here at She and Hem, but something that divides us completely is scone etiquette. Neither of us are willing to back down.  Jam first? Cream first? Mix it all together and see what happens? What do you think?

An added highlight hiding at the bottom of the cute cake stand came in the form of three small pieces of cake, taken from the daily selection in the café. Although we were left pretty full from the sandwiches and scones, we knew we had a job to do, and we’ll never back down in the face of such great adversity. Devoted bloggers that we are, we powered on through! The Bakewell tart was our favourite thanks to it’s perfect jam and sponge ratio. It was the perfect end to our Tea Story!

If you are short on time, but still want to pay Indulgence Café a visit, they stock a wide range of retail items to take away, including meringues, biscuits, fudge and a veritable pantries worth of preserves, conserves and chutneys. We think they would make perfect gifts, as let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy receiving a fruity condiment from a loved one?

For more of the same from Jo and Victoira visit www.sheandhem.co.uk.