#beatonsbod: Sam - the Mouse every kitchen wants!

Who are you and - if you're part of the team - what do you like/do you think you'll like best about your job?

My name is Sam and I am a cook at Blandford Beatons. I like presenting food to a good standard for our customers and I love how the tearooms always puts good quality service first.

What's your favourite edible or drinkable from our menu?

I really like the 'Alex' Soda, and it's fun to make! I am not supposed to have it very often though as I am trying to cut out sugar, but I can't resist! I also love the toasted tea cake, simple and tasty, like all the best things.

And how about your favourite book from our shelves?

I don't really get a chance to look at the books, it's always busy in the kitchen! I have seen some really lovely looking cookery books, so it would have to be one of those! 

Which of the ways we like to go about things at Beatons means most to you and why?
I like the generous value that we offer our customers, I mean the slices of cake we serve are huge!

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I didn't really know but fortunately someone did one of those online analysis quiz's on me and I came out a mouse! Apparently they are perceptive, independent and sensitive creatures and I'd love to be thought of as having those qualities. They are survivalists who are good at finding solutions to life’s challenges. Like a mouse in a maze, they use both instinct and logic to move ahead despite obstacles in their path!

[We never usually allow mice in our kitchens, but  think I could agree with this description of you! Ed.]

What do you like most about the most important person (or pet) in your life?

I can't choose one important person, but I love my boyfriend, my family and my friends, they are all important to me in different ways. Loyalty is definitely the most important trait I value in all of those close to me.

#Blandford - Feeling disobedient? 13th Nov Book Launch

Continuing the success of our series of book talks and launches, here's the next.

'The Disobedient Wife', is Annika Milisic-Stanley's debut novel. She's a local Dorset artist and writer. But you don't have to be a disobedient wife (or husband) to attend!

Come in at 4pm on Friday, 13th November 2015 and enjoy one of our delicious drinks and maybe a sneaky piece of one of our homemade cakes!

At 4.30pm you can relax and enjoy discovering more about this beautifully written book and the woman behind it. 

Tickets now on sale - £6.99 -  direct from Beatons Tearooms in Blandford. Get yours soon to avoid disappointment! [The last two events have been sell-outs].

Needless to say, you'll be able to buy signed (and dedicated) copies of Annika's novel - a great start to your Christmas shopping!

We look forward to seeing you there...

P.S. If you want to read a bit more about Annika you can find a link to her facebook page here.

A Grand Monsieur, Two Cream Teas and Two Stamps!

A funny trio? Perhaps but they seem to add up to what we're all about - and what you reward us with - 'loyaltea'! Time to hand out some extra rewards - double stamps and our Cream Tea lucky loyaltea draw (scroll to end to see details) during October! 

We take the #generousvalue side of our business very seriously. And it's a tough call to remain affordable but also provide gracious hospitality and a restorative experience at the same time.

We've waited two years, but you'll see from the menu a couple of items are going up. We're sorry we can't absorb these costs. If you'd like to know where we invest our time and money come and visit and talk to Ben or myself, or any of the team about their training and what we use in terms of produce - the finest coffees, chocolate and loose leaf teas, and local ingredients.

However, there IS a silver lining...  we've noticed from feedback that you'd really like to see a Cream Tea option on the menu and we've added it. Can't think why we haven't offered this formally before... and we're keen to this as affordable as possible - so you can keep it as a regular treat!

Our Cream Tea includes two generously sized scones, jam and cream with a pot of tea of your choice for a highly competitive £6.25

Why not take an afternoon stroll and pop in to replenish your energy, while the sun's still shining?

Oh yes - and for the Monsieur  or possible very hungry Madame in your life who needs to keep his or her energy up, try our Grand Monsieur for Brunch!

P.S. Just to sweeten things a tiny bit further we're giving double stamps on our loyalty cards right up until the end of October and for two lucky customers at Tisbury and Blandford who hand in fully stamped up cards there's the chance to will Cream Tea for Two! Winners announced beginning of November.

Posted by Patrick Duffy