Bartisserie2
Market Place, Ramsbottom
Ethan Ballan’s masterfully
created afternoon tea at Bartisserie2 in Ramsbottom is very much a
sophisticated, traditional afternoon tea, with finger sandwiches, scones and a
selection of miniature cakes and patisseries.
What makes it unique is that
it’s served in three courses. Rather than everything arriving together on a
three-tiered cake stand, the savouries are wheeled out first, followed by the
scones and finally the cakes. This is a genius idea, as it means the scones are
served freshly baked, still warm and crunchy on the outside. A scone is the
heart of an afternoon tea, but, normally, by the time you’ve eaten the
sandwiches, they’ve gone cold.
Serving the afternoon tea in
courses really enhances the experience and helps to set the pace. It’s a genius
idea.
Each course was delivered to
our table by Ethan himself, and he talked us through what he’d prepared, in a
nice, personal touch.
The four finger sandwiches
were smoked salmon, sliced chicken with pea puree, tomato and mozzarella and
cucumber with cream cheese: a good mix of meat, fish and vegetarian options.
The two mini quiches were creamy goat’s cheese and caramelised red onion. The
addition of the quiches helped to bulk out the savoury side, which is
necessary, as an afternoon tea can often be quite sweet-heavy.
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| Sandwiches |
Next were two small scones –
one plain, one fruit – served with homemade chunky raspberry jam and whipped
cream. I prefer whipped cream to the clotted alternative, as it’s lighter and
fluffier.
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| Scones |
The third and final course was
a spectacular finale which really showcased Ethan’s skills as a pastry chef.
There was a passionfruit tart topped with Italian meringue, a raspberry
macaron, a chocolate mousse in a solid chocolate and hazelnut dome and a millionaire’s
shortbread with chocolate orange piping. These elegant, perfectly crafted miniatures
were so much more than bog-standard cakes.
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| Cakes |
Each of Ethan’s afternoon teas
is unique; you’d never receive the same combination twice.
With hot drinks of your
choice, it’s £20 per person. For the quality of the food, the attention to
detail in the cakes and the impeccable experience, it’s well worth the money.
Unfortunately, due to recent
adverse weather conditions, Bartisserie2 is currently closed
following a flood. Once they’re back up and running, why not book yourself in
for an afternoon of indulgence?
Website: http://www.bartisserie2.co.uk/
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