Afternoon tea | Ox Pasture Hall | North Yorkshire

Back when I posted about Ox Pasture Hall, I explained I was holding a few posts back as they deserved extra special attention. One of these was their afternoon tea. 

Warm scones, delicate finger sandwiches and a selection of cakes, what's not to love about afternoon tea? Plus with the addition of an open fire, what could be more perfect for a cold November afternoon.

I feel like I post about afternoon tea a lot, you must think this is all I do with my weekends. It's not, but i couldn't think of a better way to spend them. Although until a few months back when I visited went bridge house, I'd never had afternoon tea. Ohh how do things change quickly. These days I feel I've got pretty good knowledge at spotting where the good afternoon tea's are and Ox Pasture Hall proved a brilliant choice. 

The sandwiches were a good selection, Yorkshire ham, smoked salmon and cream cheese and cucumber. A nice balanced mix and they all tasted great. My favourites as you may have guessed was the smoked salmon. 

The scones were warm with a large pot of clotted cream (why is there's usually never enough of this) and choices of jams. I always go for the raspberry. As a kid I was always taught jam first them cream, but I've adopted cream first than jam now a days. 

The cakes were exceptional and there was a really nice mixed selection. A raspberry tartlet with meringue top, lemon cheese cake, short bread biscuit and a classic sponge cake with delicious vanilla butter cream filling. The short bread was crumbly, the cake moist and the the cheesecake..well it was cheesecake and lovely, like cheesecake should be. My favourite was the mini tartlet which was quite tart due to the fresh raspberry's but a very nice addition to the heavier cakes.  

The service here was brilliant and the staff are extremely welcoming. As soon as we arrived we was given a choice of coffee, tea or speciality tea's. We could choose where to have our afternoon tea, in the main dining room (the courtyard restaurant), by the roaring fire in the lounge area or on warmer days there's the option to dine outside. I would love to return here in the summer when I can sit outside as the place really is truly beautiful. 

Sammie

Cranberry & white chocolate truffles recipe

Recently I've become rather fond of baking a lot more than ever, maybe it's the cold winter nights and cooking up delicious treats seems more the fitting way to spent the evenings. This week I decided I would have a go at making truffles. I've never made them before but it seemed an easy choice and perfect for the festive season which is slowly creeping up on us all. These white chocolate and cranberry truffles would make the perfect home made gift too for friends and family on that big day. Although I may need to perfect making them a smaller truffle size. Wouldn't want my mum thinking I've handed her a bag of scotch eggs on the big day. 

These are super easy and quick to make, unlike attempting to make fudge your also not at any risk of burning any pans. Plus there is very little washing up to do here. If you've read any of my baking posts, you will know I like my recipes quick and simple.   

You will need:

200ml cream, 450g of white chocolate (I'm using giant milky bar buttons), 200g dried cranberries, a handful of amaretti biscuit and a teaspoon of coco powder. 

How to make:

Pour the cream into a large bowl and microwave for 60 seconds to heat the cream. 

Add the chocolate buttons and stir into the cream, microwave for 30 seconds intervals and keep stiring until the mix is smooth and glossy. White chocolate burns very quickly so make sure you keep an eye on this. This should only take another minuet. 

Add the dried cranberries and stir into the mix. 

Pour the mix onto a baking tray and leave to set in the fridge for an hour. For plain truffles you can leave in the same bowl to set, however I wanted to keep the cranberrys even and not all sink to the bottom of the bowl. Using a flat baking tray also helps the mix set quicker. 

Grind the amaretti biscuits in a blender with a spoon ful of coco-powder. This is to coat the truffles. 

Once the truffle mix has set, spoon out the mixture with a tea spoon and quickly shape them into little balls. Don't try and get them perfect the quicker you do this the less the mix will melt. 

Coat them with the ground amaretti powder. 

share with family & friends and enjoy. 

Sammie

The Opening of Cabana Leeds | Trinity Centre Leeds

As I strolled through the Leeds Trinity shopping centre on my lunch a few weeks ago, I notice a boarded up shop location with the brightest funkiest advert for "Cabana". Been the nosey one I am and never wanting to miss out on anything new, I quickly searched Twitter and noticed there was a new Brazilian restaurant coming to Leeds. Cabana. Tonight Cabana (located opposite Trinity Kitchen) finally opened it's doors and I was invited along to sample their delicious Brazilian menu and slip on one or two five cocktails. 

Leeds in quick becoming a haven for new restaurants and many of my new favourites have sprung up this year (see what they are here and here). I've always loved the vibrancy of Leeds and their willingness to embrace anything new. So I'm guessing it was a clear choice to open the first venue for Cabana outside of London (no idea if that's true, but it's clearly a brilliant guess). It seems we have all the burger joints we now need for the next decade, so it was time to bring in something a little different. 

When Trinity Leeds first opened I must admit although I loved the massive Primark, the gigantic Topshop and the addition of a Victoria Secrets, the restaurant department was a little disappointing. In fact other than the new concept of the Trinity Kitchen, most of the dining venues what originally opened first was what Leeds already had, Carluccios, Giraffe, Yo! Sushi, etc, etc. Tick! Although there has been more brilliant venues since, what it needed was something fresh, vibrant, edgy and even fun to create a real buzz going. Tonight I think I have found just that. In Leeds's newest Brazilian Restaurant, Cabana. 

Cabana, (I'm starting to say cabana too much now, to the point it doesn't sound like a real word) is attempting to recreating the warm, uplifting spirit of Brazil in their vibrant up-cycled themed venue. Serving up their take on a true Brazilian Barbecue and fruity cocktail it was really hard not to find anything to dislike about the place. Unless of course your not willing to embrace the awesome atmosphere? 

The food and drink samples kept on coming all evening long and I defiantly sampled everything there was to offer here. It ended up that I needed a good lay down when I got home before I wrote this. Well a rest and a catch up on The Apprentice. 

The food was incredible and everything I tried (almost everything on the menu) was cooked to perfection, thick cuts of steak served pink and bloody in the middle. Which I'm calling the correct way to cook steak. Chicken juicy and tender with the most amazing flavours and lamb which melts in the mouth. Plus more home comfort's such as pulled pork sliders, chicken coxinhas (croquettes of shredded chicken and spices) and sweet potato fries. The menus seemed to have a nice balance for a Brazilian restaurant of not been too "only meat" heavy and offering a few more alternative dishes than I expected. 

Drinks wise, there was a good range of cocktails on offer, mostly sticking to the classics such as Caipirinha's and the more rum and tequila based cocktails (not a problem with me!). There is also some great twists on the classics on the menu, my recommendation has to be the passion fruit and kiwi caipirinha. 

One thing I did spot was the soft drinks menu also looked just as great, no more boring coca cola if your driving, you can still join your friends with something a little more exotic just less rum. If cocktails aren't your thang (not even a spelling error there, I'm just so relaxed with the vibe going on, or maybe it's the cocktails talking and I should change it) there's also Portuguese and Brazilian lagers on offer too. 

At the end of the night I was gifted with some Cabana Bucks, so I can return...not that I need any prompting and introduce the venue to some friends. I actually can't wait to bring my friends along here and show this place of. I can defiantly see this making a huge impact and been in the prime location of the Trinity Centre, Cabana should feel pretty welcome in it's new home too. 

Is this a place you would like to try? 

What do you make of the newest place in town? 

Sammie

Cabana

Trinity Leeds

Walking in a winter wonderland

There' something about wearing wellies which I love. The flip flop like sound they make as I take clumsy strides, plodding along in my own little world. The instant cosy looking factor they add to any outfit or the simple fact it almost like a treat getting the opportunity to wear them.  Quite frankly I'm not winning style points here, but in terms of the satisfaction been able to pull on my winter wellies is quite comforting. On my recent trip to Ox Pasture Hall, I took along a whopping 5 pairs of shoes for one night, although in all honesty I felt most at home walking through the country fields in my wolly hat, winter scar and the simplest of all footwear. As darkness fell and the lights from the hotel beamed across the distance lighting up the misty fog of the nights sky was weirdly comforting. It was such the getaway I needed and there's something so simplicit about a peaceful walk which we can all find our own comfort in. 

Snoopy hat - Primark (current)

Cropped mac jacket - H&M (old)

Jeans - Topshop

Wellies - Hunter

Scarf - Primark (current)

Sammie

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What is Black Friday? | Giveaway

If I'm quite honest I actually don't remember any talk about Black Friday until last year. Maybe it's been going on for years and I've been in some kind of shopping less bubble...although if it means a day where shoe's hit the sale then I'm sure I would of been taking note. Still racking my brains on this one, nope, I'm pretty sure it only became marketed in the UK last year-ish. 

Any how, for those of you who's ear's pricked up when I mentioned shoes I shall explain just what gibberish I am talking. Black Friday is the (just checking wikipedia, hang on one moment) Friday following Thanksgiving, which is often regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping period and as such shops throw sales to commence what is thought as of the biggest Christmas shopping day. (there's a little more to it regarding US holidays etc but that's the basics) In simple terms my own words, a massive freaking shopping sale! Which is set for Friday 28th November 2014. 

Now knowing what's set to hit the sales is a little bit of a mystery often until the day. There's often discount codes flying about everywhere and typically the bigger stores such a House of Fraser which are recognising this US holiday. Therefore if you saw my last post, you will know I found my perfect Little Black Dress, so this time I'm on the hunt for the perfect pair of party shoes to match. 

Episode, suede over the knee boots - £145.00
I've been after some over the knee boots for quite a while now (well one whole week). I keep looking on Pinterest for styling tips, then doubting myself if I'm stylish enough to pull these of. Whenever I see these boots and imagine sixties style high necked swing dress, bold winged eye-liner and perfect cheek bones. Well I still might not have mastered winged eye-liner, but the thought of floaty dresses and over the knee boots...dreamy. 

Carvela, Gridlock high heeled strappy court shoes - £140.00
You know how that old saying goes, Red shoes, no knickers, sassy as hell! 

Carvela, Galaxy High Heels - £150.00
I've been walking past these shoes almost daily, in a window display in Leeds city centre. I have kind of a moment where most passers by would think I was stood gazing at the last puppy for sale in a pet shop, however I'm daydreaming of the day these shoe's will be mine. There quite the party show stopper. 

Now I'm not just simply going to show you wonderful shoes today, although what more do you need on a Monday. Well to give all my lovely readers a chance to shop the sales this Friday, I'm giving away a £30.00 House of Fraser voucher to one lucky reader to go hit the sale. 

Entries via rafflecopter below. Please see terms and conditions. 

Sammie

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Little Black Dress | Outfit of the day

Looking for the perfect Little Black Dress is something every gal experiences at least once in her life. Weather we find that perfect dress by chance or spend hours browsing the shops for the perfect dress for that special occasion it can be a nightmare. I added a little snap shot of this outfit post when I recently told you about my stay at Ox Pasture Hall, and this was the dress I wore to dinner. I think I have finally found my perfect little black dress. Just in time for Christmas too. 

The dress is actually from Matalan. I ended up browsing their website before it crashed last weekend (due to the amount of traffic) when I saw the advert for the alphabet scarf's. You know the one, with pixie lott singing caravan of love in support of  Alder Hay children's hospital charity. When I came across this little black dress (It's the Matalan Be Beau Mesh Panel Shift Dress), which looked every bit the party dress, yet still classy plus at the bargain price of £20.00 I quickly snapped it up. It's defiantly one of the best impulse purchased I've made. 

I love the sheer mesh details on the dress, against the black material. The sheer detail really stands out and makes the dress still look simple and elegant yet with a younger edge. The sheer detail on the bottom of the dress, give the illusion the dress is a little shorter than it is without been revealing. It's such a nice dress for me this Christmas, I feel I'm growing out my short party dresses I may have worn in my younger "clubbing" days. Well I sound old to myself now. But on the other hand I'm not quite receiving any invitations for any cocktail parties just yet, so finding something to suit is getting trickier. 

I went for gold accessories, which is an obvious choice for the party season.  The gold zip details on my new heels give a good hint of sparkle ready for the festivities. The shoes were a bargain find in Primark, which I picked up on Friday. I also luckily found my all time favourite S necklace. I though I had lost this and had been looking for this for ages, it turned out it had been tucked away in the pocket of my travel bag since April! (the downside to been messy aye). I think it add's the perfect amount of "bling" to the dress. Although I think it still looks good without any accessories and the sheer pattern makes a real statement. 

Little Black Dress - Matalan £20.00

Shoes - Primark £13.00 (currently in store)

Necklace - Topshop (old)

Have you found your Christmas party dress yet?

Sammie

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Girly weekend, over night stay in Yorkshire

The moors in Yorkshire have such idyllic scenery and Ox Pasture Hall is a luxurious traditional English country hotel set amongst the most beautiful backdrop of the North Yorkshire moors, providing luxury accommodation for it's guests. Plus it's also pet friendly. 

Now as you can imagine when my friend Jess invited me to stay here with her, I had my bags packed quicker than Mary Poppins. Well actually that's not too true, I had half a bag packed then decided I would be able to shop the rest in Leeds before setting of, which although meant I got an excuse to buy a new dress, some shoes and some cosy Christmas Pyjamas also meant I ended up in a bit of a frenzy panic shopping Friday morning. Luckily I still made it to the train on time and arrived as planned. 

Having visited Ox Pasture Hall before I couldn't wait to return. I'd previously been here for afternoon tea and was quite excited to spend the night. We was given the Ilkley suit for the night which was stunning and super big. We was offered a differed room with a twin bed, I think they presumed Jess's stay was booked for a couple, but we didn't want to trouble them so took the room that had been selected and we were rather glad we did. It was quite simply luxury accommodation and I don't think I've ever stayed in a nicer hotel room. 

I quickly made use of the size by filling the bathroom with all my toiletries. I wish I could tell you some of these were Jess's but unfortunately that was the amount I packed for one night. Obviously make up and toiletries is all essential items but I'm not quite sure what to make of 5 pairs of shoes for 1 night. Obviously even in a countryside hotel I need to be prepared for all shoe occasions. 

After unpacking and settling into the room, we then headed back down for Afternoon Tea which was booked for 2pm. Now I know there's no pictures of that here but obviously pictures of cake deserve their own post. We decided to head out after for a walk around the grounds of the hotel and take in the scenery. Other than some sheep and horses in the nearby fields the hotel is secluded and ever so peaceful. We headed for a country walk to settle our tummies then make our way back to the suit to get ready for the evening meal we had booked for 7.30pm. I had a long soak in the bath then dressed for dinner. Although there's not dress code for the meals I love any chance to get dressed up. 

After the evening meal at the courtyard restaurant, we headed back to the room, opened the champagne and had a catch up with goggle box. The restaurant has been mentioned in the Michelin guide for many years so I had an incline it was going to be good, but I was genuinely surprised to see how good it was. 

The hotel has lots of nice outside seating all hidden away in the grounds, however it was a little chilli (we're in November) and too dark to sit outside, so the best option was pj's on and TV in the living room of the suit and cracking open the champagne. Well it seemed fitting to carry on the luxury after the delicious meal. 

Waking up hangover free after a nice sleep we headed down for breakfast. I was sad the time here was coming to an end but when you have a full English breakfast in front of you it's pretty much impossible to sulk. 

There was a choice of cereals, fruit, yoghurt's and croissants to choose from and orange, apple and cranberry juice. We then also ordered a hot choice of the Full English Breakfast of eggs (choice of poached, fried or scrambled), bacon, sausage, mushroom, tomato and black pudding. I discovered this weekend I actually really like black pudding, I tastes nothing like I expected at all, massive revelation for me there.   Other hot choices included a goats cheese omelet and porridge. The waiters also brough a choice of tea or coffee and there was a choice of speciality tea's available. Jess picked out a raspberry and vanilla tea, but I kept it simple with classic breakfast tea.  

After breakfast we packed our bags and headed for a day in Scarborough. It's just £7 in a taxi from the hotel so make's travelling without a car a lot easier. 

The hotel was amazing throughout the stay and the staff are exceptional. I can't credit them enough for the perfect attention to detail that is given. For example in my mad rush of packing I forgot my toothbrush, toothpaste and razor (dress and fluffy legs is a no go) and these were available at the reception free of charge on request along with other common forgot item. The room was also equipped with a iron and ironing board, hair dryer and even a note book and pen by the phone. It's all the small the touches that really make a huge difference to ensuring everyone's stay is as perfect as possible and the hotel have this covered. Ox pasture Hall also offered weddings and I for one think this would make the perfect Yorkshire wedding venue. 

If your looking for a hotel in Yorkshire, luxury accommodation or a countryside hotel I would without a doubt recommend Ox Pasture Hall. 

Sammie