It was so much fun. The tea party was held in the cosy basement of the tea rooms (upstairs is a drop in cafe), it was beautifully decorated, and private as there was only one other table of three guests. Depending how big your party is, you could hire out the whole room.
The best thing about Betty Blythe is the dressing up box- there is a collection of 1920's style clothes and accessories that are available for you to wear. My only criticism is that some of the them (especially the gloves) could do with a bit of a wash. Still, we had the best time trying on turbans, feathers and fur stoles. We ended up with about 70 pictures of us preening like old fashioned movie stars and draped on the chaise lounge (we're all too camera shy to put them up on the internet-sorry!)
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| one of the costumes from the dressing up box. |
We spent a lot of time pretending to be various characters depending on our costumes- lady novelist committed to an asylum by her husband, scandalous lesbian lady-golfer, show-girl, débutante etc. My mum might now be in her 50s, but she's still proper daft.
The food was really really good. Finger sandwiches, scones, cake and macaroons, plus copious amounts of tea. We were absolutely stuffed by the time we had finished. The staff were really attentive, but they didn't rush or hover. You get the table for 2 hours, so there is plenty of time to have a good chat.
For an additional supplement, you can bring your own bubbles.
These pastries and cakes are available to buy in the upstairs tea rooms.
I found out about Betty Blythe by reading a review on my friend's blog. It can be difficult to find so I suggest you print out a map. Also whilst you're in the area I would recommend you visit Leighton House, which is near Holland Park. They don't allow cameras inside the house- so no pictures I'm afraid. It is a beautiful and unique building though, out of all the stately homes I've visited it really is unique.
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