REVIEW: Tea with Bea, from Beas’s of Bloomsbury

Review by Maggy of Red Ted Art

As a Londoner I have visited Bea’s of Bloomsbury myself. It is a gorgeous little tea room full of delicious treats and never have I visited and been disappointed. So, when I heard that they were producing their very own cake book, I couldn’t wait to review it. And like the original Bea’s of Bloomsbury, it doesn’t disappoint.

Let me fast forward to my favourite “feature”: the last page. It is entitled “Ideas for tea parties”. How scrumptiously delicious to have someone go through the book and help you choose what cakes, scones and brownies would go together best? There are suggestions for: Breakfast Tea (including which tea to have, Early Grey or Assam of course), Father’s Day, Christmas or Baby Showers, the list goes on with the perfect treats assembled for the perfect tea party occasion.

Let’s rewind to the beginning; the books starts off with tips for a successful pastry run – including how to remain patient and make the most of your time – while things are chilling in the fridge (just as important as the right temperature of the oven). The advice is cook your supper or do something else, don’t short cut the chilling process – plan your day’s activities accordingly. It is then followed by how to make a lovely cup of tea and coffee... I have learnt a few things from these three pages alone (including that I really do want a Kitchen Aid.. one day)!

Now to the recipes! Where do I start? They all look divine. I love that there are not one, not two but SIX cheesecake recipes. I am rather partial to cheesecake and can’t wait to try ALL of these out – I may get my husband to make the Chocolate Peanut butter Swirl Cheesecake, he still owes me a Birthday cake. I love the “Special Cake” section – as our family love to make special cakes for special people on their special day. I think my mother in law would love the Frangipane Raspberry Cake – not only does it have fresh raspberries, but it looks delicious and super special – with it stacked layers and piped butter cream.

As for the rest of the book, I ooh and aah at each turn of the page, planning and scheming when to make this, that or the other. There are tarts, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, scones and anything else your sweet heart and tooth desires. What will I make first? I like to start simple but delicious so it's the Nutty Lemon Biscotti, I think. I can then move on to more complicated recipes as my confidence builds! Delicious.

About: Bea's of Bloomsbury has been offering mouth-watering teatime treats in the heart of London since 2008. Every day the layer cakes, meringues and tiers of cupcakes in the shop window entice passers-by. Owner Bea Vo's extensive travels and background as a pastry chef at Nobu and Ottolenghi, amongst others, means that the cakes on offer are always out of this world. Now you can enjoy Tea with Bea in your own home! 

• Publisher: Ryland Peters & Small
• ISBN-10: 1849751439
• ISBN-13: 978-1849751438