Tea-Time
Oxford seems to have a disproportionate number of tea shops. It is probably the high concentration of tourists and visiting parents, constantly complained about by students and residents alike, which maintain all these oh-so-traditional establishments.
But it must also be admitted that the town would be all the poorer for them. There is something quintessentially “Oxford” about sipping Earl Grey and nibbling on toasted teacakes whilst watching the rain beat down on Oxford’s pebbled streets. Today I allowed myself this indulgence at the Rose Café on the High Street. Admittedly the view evokes mixed feelings as the café sits opposite “Exam Schools”, venue of both the overwhelming but exciting Freshers’ Fair for new students in October, and the intimidating exams of finalists in June. However the tea and accompanying tea-time fare overcome any anxiety created by looking out the window.
The choice of teas is comprehensive although not intimidatingly so. Ranging from classic black teas to herbal and green teas there is the opportunity to try out new flavours or combinations – this is especially the case if you take up the suggestion of drinking specific blends with foods, such as fish, not normally associated with tea. For me the highlight though is the choice of cakes and other baked goods that are available from 2.30pm onwards. I chose the teacakes due to an un-seasonal craving for hot cross bus. They hit the spot perfectly – full of fruit, heavily spiced with a strong but not unpleasant taste of orange zest, and really hot. This is essential if the butter, which was happily served separately and accompanied by strawberry jam, is to melt sufficiently to permeate the full depth of the tea-cake and impart its roundness to every mouth-full. My guest went for the scones which she assured me were divine especially when gilded with a layer or clotted cream and jam.
The Rose offers a lot more than this – finger sandwiches and a range of home-made cakes being two examples. I have to admit that I looked with some longing at the piece of coffee mascarpone cake being consumed by the man at the table next door but after the tea-cakes didn’t think I could justify yet more indulgence. Of course this provides me with reason enough to go back.
http://the-rose.biz/
But it must also be admitted that the town would be all the poorer for them. There is something quintessentially “Oxford” about sipping Earl Grey and nibbling on toasted teacakes whilst watching the rain beat down on Oxford’s pebbled streets. Today I allowed myself this indulgence at the Rose Café on the High Street. Admittedly the view evokes mixed feelings as the café sits opposite “Exam Schools”, venue of both the overwhelming but exciting Freshers’ Fair for new students in October, and the intimidating exams of finalists in June. However the tea and accompanying tea-time fare overcome any anxiety created by looking out the window.
The choice of teas is comprehensive although not intimidatingly so. Ranging from classic black teas to herbal and green teas there is the opportunity to try out new flavours or combinations – this is especially the case if you take up the suggestion of drinking specific blends with foods, such as fish, not normally associated with tea. For me the highlight though is the choice of cakes and other baked goods that are available from 2.30pm onwards. I chose the teacakes due to an un-seasonal craving for hot cross bus. They hit the spot perfectly – full of fruit, heavily spiced with a strong but not unpleasant taste of orange zest, and really hot. This is essential if the butter, which was happily served separately and accompanied by strawberry jam, is to melt sufficiently to permeate the full depth of the tea-cake and impart its roundness to every mouth-full. My guest went for the scones which she assured me were divine especially when gilded with a layer or clotted cream and jam.
The Rose offers a lot more than this – finger sandwiches and a range of home-made cakes being two examples. I have to admit that I looked with some longing at the piece of coffee mascarpone cake being consumed by the man at the table next door but after the tea-cakes didn’t think I could justify yet more indulgence. Of course this provides me with reason enough to go back.
http://the-rose.biz/
posted by Lucy at 10:57 pm
0 comments
