Berlin: Breakfast

Berlin is a breakfast city. Unfortunately I wasn't there over the weekend so had to forgo the infamously reasonable sunday brunch experience. Nevertheless, Lotte and I spent a rather delicious morning in Kreuzberg, popping in and out of bookshops, dancing over the shadows on the pavement, taking photos in one of the €2 Fotoautomaten and finally ending up at Gipfeltreffen just across from Gorlitzer Bahnhof.  The cafe has a really open and light interior, with loads of little kooky details. It's one of those places that caters to the need for space and solitude but could also provide an equally wonderful space for friends to meet up. The menu was pretty broad, I ordered yogurt with fruit because it felt too hot to order anything else. It was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Next time I'm in Berlin, I'd like to return here to check out their evening menu and OF COURSE their coffee. 

Sugar Junction

If you're in Manchester and looking for somewhere fancy and fun look no further than the Sugar Junction tearooms in the Northern Quarter. Our occasion was a hen-party, but the place would suit even the most casual of afternoon tea-goers. We had the high-tea: champagne cocktails, pots of house-blend loose leaf tea and trays and trays of baked goods. I was particularly impressed with the gluten-free option (two slices of yummy cake plus finger sandwiches!) The atmosphere was cosy and vintage without being stuffy. It felt like we were sitting in a parlour from the 1940s. The staff were friendly and helpful too. I'd recommend putting on your best frock, grabbing your best girlfriends and popping over for a spot of lady-like loveliness. 

Photos courtesy of Hannah Trott Photography

Cox & Baloney's Tea Room

The other day I had a darling little spot of morning tea with the lovely Becky. I've walked past this Cox & Baloney's tea room SO many times, I've even been to the little vintage clothes shop and the awesome second hand bookshop attached to the cafe, but I've never sipped a sip of their tea or had a crumb of their cake...until NOW. I would try and describe it, but I feel pictures would do a far greater job.

I think we were pretty well-dressed for the occasion. I love Becky's vintage-looking cardigan and these tesco tights are like possibly the best item of clothing I have EVER owned. LOVE THEM.

Then Louis appeared and proved to the world that even strapping lads enjoy a spot of tea from dainty cups and a quick browse in the vintage boutique. I really wish we'd bought him that tailcoat.

YAY. We love tea. Fingers up ladies! I'll be returning to Cox & Baloney's very soon. Very good value, massive tea pot, great atmosphere, great gluten-free cake, perfect window seat - what more could you want!? They also do some really awesome party ideas, like a 'make your own knickers' workshop and a workshop on 50's clothes and make-up, plus they'll throw you a tea party at a tip of a hat (and maybe a couple of pence...make that a lot of pence)