#beatonstearooms: D is for... Dessert

We're well known for our quality home-baked Cakes....a particular favourite being our signature carrot cake. Anyone who's tasted this delight will no doubt agree!

However, I want to let you in on a secret...Beatons desserts are also to die for!

Have you tried the chocolate decadence sundae? Vanilla and chocolate ice cream with crumbled Belgian chocolate brownie, lashings of rich Italian chocolate sauce, whipped cream and topped off with Maltesers. 

Or the deliciously fresh Tip Top Fruit sundae? A generous mixture of quality strawberry and vanilla ice cream, with juicy summer berries topped of with almonds and whipped cream. 

Both absolutely indulgent and not for the faint hearted...

Or feeling the need for something warming, perhaps the Beatons Truly Scrumptious Crumble will warm your cockles whilst tickling your taste buds. A  generous portion served hot with your choice of custard, ice cream or cream, will the daily crumble be Apple, Rhubarb or Summer berry?! All equally scrummy, freshly baked and perfect whatever the season.

Next time you are indulging in a Beatons treat, make sure you leave a little room for pud!

To book in in for lunch, just give your local Beatons a call.

Find your nearest Beatons will full location details here - you can always book a table to be sure of a seat!

#Tisbury: Cecil Beaton at Home - Book Launch

Beatons in Tisbury were honoured to be the first Tearoom to be a part of the high profile book launch - one has already been held in London's National Portrait Gallery, others in New York and Chicago- for the latest book on Cecil Beaton.

Cecil Beaton (1904 1980): photographer, costume designer, set designer, playwright, creator of fashion fabrics, and designer of sophisticated and extravagant interiors.

Cecil Beaton has been named as ‘one of the 20th century’s most outrageous, and outrageously talented, design legends.’

Cecil Beaton at Home, written by local author Andrew Ginger, focuses on two homes that Cecil Beaton loved and spent many years at.

Ashcombe House, near the Wiltshire village of Tollard Royal, and Reddish House, located in Broad Chalke, another village in beautiful Wiltshire.

We also discover some of the splendours at London's Pelham Place and Beatons’ New York hotel suites.

We see that Beatons country homes were not only havens to escape and seek inspiration for his photography and other artistic pursuits.

But also, and maybe more so, they were designed to provide a theatrical, fanciful yet always beautiful surrounding for Beaton to entertain his equally artistic companions.

Against his often-extravagant interiors, Beatons private life unfolds his unique talent for self-promotion, desire for theatricality, and uncertain pursuit of love.

As Cecil Beaton himself puts it;

'One can't get on at all if one doesn't have a little glamour about ones home'

This lavishly illustrated visual biography brings together original photographs, artworks, and possessions from his interiors to present an intimate picture of Beaton s extraordinary life. 

Beatons Tisbury was packed with Cecil Beaton and home interiors fans as local resident and Beaudesert owner Andrew Ginger spoke about his magnificent book, 'Cecil Beaton at Home: An Interior Life'  just published by Rizzoli.

Beatons Blandford Forum will host a further book signing - date to be announced soon. This brilliant book is available to buy in both Tearooms.

#tea: the antidote to winter chills and made for poultry!

What is it?

Mulled Winter Spice

Mulled Winter Spice Tea is your perfect tea to revive and restore no matter how inclement the British weather!

Black tea and the scent of the clove,
Warming and tempting sit by the stove,
Enjoy this restorative spicy black tea,
Which blows away winter perfectly!

This flavoured black tea comes from the mountains of Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Its festive tones come from the cinnamon and cloves, subtly blended to give a warming robust tea to revive and restore.

A perfect choice for cold winter days, perhaps unsurprisingly, we've discovered it goes well with poultry! It's also a great accompaniment to Afternoon Tea, and our Lemon polenta cake. We invite you to enjoy a pot and let it infuse you with inspiration for finding a good book to hibernate with.

Author of the Month David Szalay: All that Man is.

Author of the Month

David Szalay: All that Man is.

Split in to nine stories about nine men. Each of them in very different circumstances from very different backgrounds, but all with the same basic needs.
Each of them striving to understand just what it means to be alive, to make correct choices, to make the best of what they have.

We are given an insight in to the innermost feelings of these men, from as young as 17 right up to 73 years age, baring all that man is, all that he feels and all that he longs for.
Brutally honest regarding men's weaknesses and desires, this book is powerfully written and certainly makes you think about what really matters in life.
Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize for this year, you will find this book amongst our carefully curated book selection.

#tea: our No 1 recommendation for health and harmony

What is it?

Herbal harmony

This is a caffeine free, cleansing, herbal infusion with the innumerable health benefits of nettle which include reducing hypertension, inflammation and alleviating asthma symptoms. Liquorice is good for bronchial disorders. As for cardamom? It's used as a breath freshener in India and is known to be great for 'the system'!

A trio of herbs are filling our kettle

Liquorice for chests and that panacea, nettle

Cardamom too - astringent and clean

A harmonious blend - see what we mean?!

What to have it with?
The sweetness of the liquorice and cardamom, balanced with the astringency of the nettle makes this a perfect match for our home-baked cakes. Try it out with our signature carrot cake - which if you haven't tried before - is an absolute must! It's a great digestive after enjoying a light lunch too.

#beatonstearooms Autumn 2016 What's On

Deepest Dorset Book Success in Blandford!

 

On Sunday the 9th October we were delighted to be able to host the book launch of locally written book Deepest Dorset. 

Fully funded by a charitable foundation, the book is being sold to raise funds for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, Dorset Community Foundation and the RNLI .

This event was a huge success,  so popular in fact that we were turning people away at the door on the evening, tickets had sold out and we physically didn't have the space! Sincere apologies if this happened to you.

 

Chester’s Musical Evening

On 30th Sept, a delicious three course meal was enjoyed while Dr. Susan Weir played music from Vilvaldi,  The Four Seasons.

Such a hugely popular evening for the Tearooms in Chester, that they have now organised another Musical evening for the 14th of December, which has sold out already! So tickets are now on sale for the 18th of December for the same, make sure you get in quickly!

These are just a few of the comments from our lovely customers on the evening:

‘A lovely evening, good food, lovely company.’

‘A great evening that exceeds expectations. Please establish a regular programme.’

‘A novel idea, splendidly delivered. A cultural and culinary feast.’

‘I think this venue is fantastic. We enjoyed this evening so much

Really enjoyable. More please!’

#beatonsbod: Alex - our House Cat at Blandford

Beatons Bod:  Alex

What's your role and what do you like best about your job?

My name's Alex and I am a waitress at Beatons in Blandford. I find the most enjoyable aspect of working here is getting to know customers and being friendly and chatty with the regulars. I think this is the best aspect of my job because I am able to learn so much about the local area from born and bred people!

What's you’re favorite drink or edible from our menu?

My classic drink is either the Authentic Chai or a gingerbread soy latte. Very Christmassy! My favourite edible is a teacake with the tart blackcurrant jam., a perfect match.

And how about your favourite book from our shelves?

I love all the art books we have in recently like the Drawing is Magic book or how to be a wallflower. Not only are they pretty books to visually enjoy but also inspire adults and children to get arty and crafty!

Which of the ways we like to go about things at Beatons means most to you and why?

I think the most important aspect of Beatons is the goal to make each individual customer feel special before they leave. Also the fact that all the food and drinks are made to a very high standard and each staff members works their hardest to impress and delight our customers.

If you were an animal, bird or creeping creature what would you be and why?

I would love to be a house cat, so I can be Queen of the House. (haha!)

What - outside work - makes your skin tingle? It could be a dream, activity (printable!) or piece of music!

I am a big fan of yoga and longboarding at the beach. Rain or shine, however I especially love it when it's stormy.

!

#beatonstearooms: C is for...Communitea

We delight in supporting their local literary people and also local charities. This year we have held a number of events in our Tearooms to raise money for the charities that we have been supporting during 2016.

Our Tearooms in Chester decided to give support this year to Marie Curie. Marie Curie are well known for their care and support for people living with any terminal illness.  Donating cakes and also organizing a dedicated Marie Curie Cake Day to raise money for this charity by donating a percentage of their income taken from cakes sales.

Crowthorne is supporting Alexander Devine Children's, a charity and service to support children aged 0-19 with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in their own homes across Berkshire and the bordering areas of surrounding counties, while maintaining the vision of building a children's hospice in Berkshire.

Tisbury chose to support local charity Charlies Angels. The charity was set up by the Burns family in memory of their son, ten year old Charlie Burns who died suddenly at night - a victim of  SUDEP (Sudden Unexpeted Death in Epilepsy).  

Blandford have been supporting local based charity Julia’s House, they provide practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, providing frequent and regular support in their own homes, in the community or at our hospice.

Organizing a special Valentines Day Cream Tea to raise money for Julias House and helping to advertise the great work they are doing and any other fundraising events they have coming up.

All of our Tearooms have the 'Communitea Cause' beverages to the menu. One's hot, one's cold and we'll donate 25p and the customer will donate 25p (total 50p) to the 'Communitea Cause'  from each order.

Those 50 pences quickly add up over the space of a year!

Why not make a commitment to have one of these drinks once a week - and you'll help us adding £26.00 to a local cause!

So what should you order? 

Communitea Chai Latte  A warming treat, it's Indian spiced blend of slightly frothed milk, tea, cinnamon and ginger.

The 'Alex' Soda
Sweet strawberry, balanced with lemon, a perfectly refreshing combination! This is a real stunner created by one of our team.

Across the group, each tearooms will choose a local charity or 'Communitea Cause' to support for the forthcoming year, starting December. If you're a local charity, you'll need to let our local Beatons' tearooms know why they should make you their 'Communitea Cause'. You can find their respective details here.

#Tisbury: Cream Tea and Book Talk - Feb 18th 2016

Author of the month: Julie Cohen

Author of the Month
Falling by Julie Cohen 

I totally ‘fell’ into the pages of this book and, excuse the cliché, didn’t want to put it down!
A beautifully written, emotive and powerful novel exploring challenges that each age generation could face. Three women, all part of a strong willed and often stubborn family, all trying to deal with their own bales in secret. Gradually brought together as they begin to discover each others strengths and weaknesses, they all come to realize that the bonds of family hold a gravitational force that none can deny. A familial force that brings love, support, joy and above all, hope.
Relatable, thought provoking and heart warming, this is a  must to put on your reading list for this year!

#Blandford: Cream Tea & Book Launch - Deepest Dorset

On Sunday the 9th October 2016
 at 4.30pm

Join authors of Deepest Dorset and discover this fantastic locally published book which is raising funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, The Community Foundations Dorset Fund and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Talk, Readings and Book Signing.
Including a Cream Tea.
Tickets available in Beatons Tearooms.
£6.25
Greyhound House, 2 Market Place,
Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7EB
01258 269515

Discover some of the secrets of Dorset’s past by journalists Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir.
Deepest Dorset is a full colour hardback, exploring what makes Dorset special, from landscape to literature, boat-building to beer. 

Written mostly by Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Wier, also including contributions from a wide range of Dorset residents and celebrities including Julian Fellowes, Tracy Chevalier, Paul Hyland, Louisa Adjoa Parker, Anna del Conte, James Crowden, Kate Adie and many more.

Fully funded by a charitable foundation and the book is being sold to raise funds for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, Dorset Community Foundation and the RNLI .

Author of the Month

Author of the Month

Discover some of the secrets of Dorset’s past by journalists Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir.
Deepest Dorset is a full colour hardback, exploring what makes Dorset special, from landscape to literature, boat-building to beer. 

Written mostly by Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Wier, also including contributions from a wide range of Dorset residents and celebrities including Julian Fellowes, Tracy Chevalier, Paul Hyland, Louisa Adjoa Parker, Anna del Conte, James Crowden, Kate Adie and many more.

Fully funded by a charitable foundation and the book is being sold to raise funds for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, Dorset Community Foundation and the RNLI .

#tea: Subtle, Soft and Sweet and our Founder's Favourite

What is it? Green Cherry Sencha

Beatons Tisbury's house tea, Green Cherry Sencha, is fragrant and sweet. It's also our founder's favourite tea.  If you try it, we think you'll know why. Paying homage to its Japanese roots, here are three haiku:

Like cherry blossomed trees

The Tisbury bunting flutters

in the wind

Rose and cherry petals fragrance

Sencha green -

Japan to your table!

And you our honoured guest

receive our smile

serving well - what we do best

Haiku by Liz Darcy Jones.

Sweet and delicate, 'Sencha' refers to the process of steaming young green tea leaves for about fifteen seconds, sealing in their freshness.

What to have with it?

This is NOT a tea to have with strong flavours since it's simply too subtle. Flavoured with cherry and blended with rose petals, this is a perfect choice to accompany the delicate finger sandwiches of our Afternoon Tea.

#beatonsbod: Daniel, Chester's 'Dapper Dog'

What's your role and what do you like best about your job?

Hi, my name is Daniel, I have been working as part of the Front of house team in Chester since the beginning. My favourite part of the job is being able to interact with the diverse customer base we have here in our fantastic location next to the cathedral in central Chester, which includes many tourists  especially through the summer months.

What's your favourite edible or drinkable from our menu?
It has definitely got to be the Croque Madam...what more could you want from lunch, delicious melted cheese and ham on fresh bread, pan fried, and topped with a perfectly poached egg! Yum!

And how about your favourite book from our shelves?

I think that our choice of children's books are great, there is always something a little bit different and a lot encourage classic literary knowledge from a young age.

Which of the ways we like to go about things at Beatons means most to you and why?

I love the fact that we 'sparkle' here at Beatons, it means that we can really make it special for everyone who comes through our doors, not just with our food and drinks but also our customer service.

If you were an animal, bird or creeping creature what would you be and why?

I would have to say a dog, as these really are animals that appeal to me due to their loyalty and empathy. They always know when their owners need love and affection, I would like to think that I can be 'on the ball' when it comes to our customers needs!

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

My dog, he is faithful and he doesn't answer back!

L

#Chester: 'If music be the food of love, play on...'

Why have music only when you can have food also?!

A Musical Evening with Susan Weir

Enjoy a sumptuous three course meal while Susan Weir introduces you to the life and times of Vivaldi with emphasis on the “Four seasons"

30th September 2016 -7pm start

Bring Your Own Bottle

Tickets £25.00

Limited Numbers Book Soon to Avoid Disappointment

Tel. No. 01244 950761

Email: beatonschester@beatonstearooms.co.uk

#beatonsbod: Harry - Tisbury's Top Cat!

Beatons Bod: Harry McGookin

What's your role and what do you like best about your job?

Hi I’m Harry Mcgookin and Manager of Tisbury Tearooms. I'm also the main cook here. I’ve been with the business since it first started and I love making food that customers really enjoy.

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

The lamb and lentil stew is my favourite hot dish and the scones are my favourite sweet treat.

And how about your favourite book from our shelves?

The fun is in the discovering! No particular one, but there are some great cooking books, and I'm a fan of the geography and history sections.

Which of the ways we like to go about things at Beatons means most to you and why?

Gracious hospitality because it’s all about the personal attention that I try to give every customer that comes through the door - whether it be through giving my dishes the personal touch, or me helping front of house and greeting customers coming in.

If you were an animal, bird or creeping creature what would you be and why?

I would love to be a cat. Because it’s not very often I get to be lazy and chill out, now that I am Managing Tisbury's Tearoom!

Can you share a practical tip for our online audience?

Yes! Before putting scones in the over make sure the mixture is as cool as it can be, because it helps them to rise better.

What - outside work - makes your skin tingle?

I play tennis so I'm always trying to improve my game and looking forward to a few tournaments.

#tea: The hot and guilt-free Pina Colada!

What is it?  Malibu Dream

The tastes of coconut, pineapple and rosehip combine to create this holiday-flavoured fruit tea packed with amino acids for optimal protein absorption. Coconut is one of those tooth-friendly foods too - it's full of threonine which not only supports healthy tooth enamel but speeds up wound healing. But putting healthy benefits aside...

This is a tea that's a drink in disguise -

A cocktail, a summer delight for your eyes

A caffeine free mix - a Pina colada

Which steeps you in summer and fuels your ardour!

Ever tried an iced tea? This should be your moment, Malibu Dream delivers an alcohol-free Pina colada to your table - anytime!
Why not try it with a piece of shortbread or Gluten and dairy-free polenta cake to put you in the holiday mood? And don't forget to have a browse on the bookshelves for some equally tasting reading.

#Blandford: Cream Tea & Book Launch for Granny Dot's Recipes

On Sunday the 19th of June 2016, we welcomed local author Vicky Straker through our doors, along with a number of her supportive friends and fans.

A tearoom full of friendly faces always creates a great atmosphere and it certainly was as all enjoyed our delicious drinks and homemade cakes whilst listening to Vicky talk about her new book, hot off the press, Bicycles, Bloomers and Great War Rationing. Emma McAlister, head librarian in Blandford, interviewed Vicky and we discovered the intriguing journey that led Vicky to write this beautiful book, bursting with fascinating history and unusual recipes.

Vicky told us that she has always been a 'foodie' but when she came across her Granny Dot’s books tucked away safely in the attic she realized that not only was her love of baking in the genes, but also her love of writing. The fact that Granny Dot had managed to not only write, but also have published a number of books in an era when it was a difficult feat for a woman to be taken seriously as an author, inspired Vicky to pass on her some of Granny Dot's recipes. Vicky spent many hours ‘sifting’ through these beautiful books, searching out peace and quiet which was often in a nearby field inside a shepherds hut!



Practicing and experimenting with the recipes her Granny Dot had once spent time in the kitchen cooking, her family and friends were now Vicky's official tasters, from trying delicious Nursery Cakes to the not so favourite Jellied Eels! We would like to thank Vicky and all who attended and we look forward to what might be in the pipeline, possibly not history, as Vicky said 'it's more likely to be a racy novel!' Maybe fifty shades of Aubergine!

#beatonsbod: An Osprey in Blandford!

What's your role and what do you like best about your job?
Hello my name is Duncan Bates. I work FOH (Front of House) in Blandford. My favourite part of the job so far is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, especially now that I have escaped an 8-5 office ‘Rat Race.’

What's your favourite edible or drinkable from our menu?
My favourite edible so far has to be the chilli pepper parcel as I'm a spice addict, but the fantastic fresh ground coffee is a very close second, not to forget the fab cakes.

And how about your favourite book from our shelves?
I'm quite into my cooking so being able to browse the cook books is brilliant, when I have a few moments spare. The ladybird ‘how it works books’ always make me smile too.

Which of the ways we like to go about things at Beatons means most to you and why?
My favourite Beatons way has to be the relaxed courteous service. Everywhere else seems to focus on numbers and speed these days.

If you were an animal, bird or creeping creature what would you be and why?
I think it would have to be an osprey. I have a love of both the sea and air and can often be found out and about with my kites or surfboard, or both at the same time. 
  What - outside work - makes your skin tingle?
Right now it’s the ring of steel over my anvil at home. My newest hobby and reason for career change is blacksmithing and being able to have time to focus on what I am passionate about is one of the best feelings ever.

If you could do one thing to change the world for the better what would it be?
To make people realise that money isn't the be all and end all. Being happy and relaxed is far more rewarding.

#tea: the apothecary's tea for every ailment and weight loss!

What is it?  Lemongrass and Mint

One of our more robust herbal teas, the distinctive 'deep' flavours of lemongrass, liquorice and mint make this highly restorative.

Aromatic and slightly astringent - it's a great germ killer! Lemongrass leaves and oil are used in medicines for a wide range of ailments from high blood pressure to rheumatism. When drunk regularly its anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesteraemic properties support healthy cholesterol levels. Like most teas it's high in antioxidants and flavonoids.


              Some teas insist our taste buds travel east where curled mint
                    And lemongrass stroke bold hibiscus dressed in Beatons' pink...             


Unsurprisingly, given its use in Southeast Asian cuisine, this is an infusion which complements savoury dishes as well as all our desserts. However, scones are made for this tea irrespective of whether you order cheese or sweet with cream and jam as it enhances the flavours of both. Order today and let us know which combination you like best!

#beatonstearooms: like a 20% voucher for visiting the dentist?

Perhaps it's time you made a hair or dental appointment? If your hairdresser or dentist is part of our 'Friendly 20s' promotion they'll have 50 Beatons 20% off vouchers to give to lucky customers  when they've had their appointment!

Why do we do it? Well, one of our group's practical values is that we believe in '... life lived offline and live with as many senses as possible involved - so we involve ourselves with local community life' That includes supporting our local business community too.

Our 'Friendly 20'promotions first started in Tisbury way back in 2012. Our Founder, Patrick, wanted to find ways to encourage local Tisburians to 'shop local' when it came to those regular professional services we all need: hair, teeth, garage, solicitors and so forth. It was a huge success for local businesses, customers and us as well!

We've definitely made going to the dentist a little more of a restorative experience with the promise of a treat at Beatons afterwards. We've now rolled out 'Friendly 20s' across the group. Ask your local Beatons who are included in their Friendly 20s scheme.

Beatons Blandford have  notched up a first and novel addition to the idea by having a 'Friendly Twenty' running at a school. Clayesmore School were delighted to participate and gave out 'Friendly Twenty' vouchers to prospective parents visiting the school for a tour. 


If you're a local business and want to give added value to your customers this is a great way to reward them for their custom for free!  It's also a little advertising too as they're bound to mention the initiative to friends and family...