BOOM!

Just before the Easter break I was emailed asking if I would like to sample some chocolates from a company called BEECH'S *. There was no doubt I was going to say "yes". I knew I wouldn't be overdosing on Easter eggs anyway so I was curious to see how good or bad the chocolates would taste. The chocolates arrived the day after Easter Monday and came as a welcome midday snack. The chocolate was smooth and silky... I am a particular fan of white chocolate over any other chocolate (I know connoisseurs will not be happy with that - where are the cocoa solids they ask) but it's my favourite.  The milk chocolate with sea salt is always a good idea too, the individual salt grain that hits one's tongue against the sweet chocolate is a delight. Well recommended (and there's more if you prefer the darker stuff). Beech's Fine Chocolates Milk Chocolate Anglesey Sea Salt 60g Bar £1.50 Beech's Fine Chocolates White Chocolate 60g Bar £1.50 ...

I was invited to the Chelsea Flower Afternoon at the Intercontinental Hotel* last weekend - and I was very excited, I must say! My sis and I were given free-flowing orange juice (Champagne was the alternative, but neither of us like it), finger sandwiches (cucumber, salmon, beef and ham), a selection of cakes and pastries - including a violet-infused eclair and a strawberry tart, scones (plain and fruity), lemon mousse lollipops, white chocolate butterflies and of course, lots of tea. We went for Darjeeling because of its fresh and fruity undertones. The service was friendly - we were served by a sweet guy called Felix - and had a harpist playing in the background where we could request songs - classical and modern. My favourite part of the tea was the strawberry tart, sandwiches and the drinks to wash it down with. I'm not a big fan of dried fruit so the Eccles cake didn't take my fancy. Overall, it was lovely to take time out of one's weekend to enjoy the...