We tried The Talbooth's £75 anniversary afternoon tea

We were lucky enough to be invited down to sample the delights as the limited run returns to the Old Room for the first time in 60 years running Monday to Saturday, 2 November to 30 April.

I had never been to The Talbooth before, so I didn't know what to expect of the place or the food.

My only previous Milsoms experiences had been from Kesgrave Hall, which had always delivered so I was feeling enthusiastic about this trip.

We arrived just before our seating at 3pm, which gave us time to walk around the grounds slightly and take in the beauty of surroundings and old, beautifully rustic venue.

Talbooth Resturant (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Then we headed inside, greeted by the first incredibly friendly member of the team who kindly took my jacket - this was the point I realised I was in for a high-class experience that I was very excited for.

We were seated and whilst we waited for the first course to arrive we were intrigued by tales of the history and heritage of The Talbooth and the fascinating story of how Milsoms came to be what so many people know and love today.

Then, with the champagne freshly poured, the first course arrived.

Duck Liver Parfait, Beetroot Jelly and Quince Tart and Parma Ham, Mozzarella and Tomato Croquette.

I have said this previously when reviewing fancier establishments - I never thought I had much of a sophisticated pallet.

Talbooth Resturant celebrates it's 75th anniversary with a limited time afternoon tea. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

However - at the risk of repeating myself throughout, I will state this once firmly now: everything was absolutely delicious.

The croquette was crispy on the outside, chewy with mozzarella in the middle with the vibrant kick of tomato complimenting the rich ham.

Both were a perfect way to start the meal.

One thing I thoroughly enjoyed about the experience throughout was how you never felt rushed. It was not one of those afternoon teas where they plop a tower of small plates in front of you with a tea pot.

The team on the day: Natalie Howard, Tom McClure, Florian Ruel, and Andy Hirst (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Each course was broken up with a short break, allowing the food to go down and make room for some more - whilst a staggeringly wide range of tea options were brought out for us to smell before selecting our first tea tipple of choice.

I must confess - I don't know tea. I don't drink tea. Ordinarily, I don't like tea. But it turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Their mango and vanilla infused Canton tea was a treat. It was a perfect accomplice to the rest of the food that followed.

And the next food to follow was the sandwiches.

Croque Madame - Dingley Dell Ham, Mornay Sauce and Fried Quail’s Egg on Ciabatta

Coronation Chicken - Mango Chutney and Compressed Mango on White Bread

Tiger Prawn and Lobster Roll - Prawn Marie Rose, Lobster, Avocado and Caviar on Brioche Sub Roll

Talbooth Resturant celebrates it's 75th anniversary with a limited time afternoon tea. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Talbooth Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese and Dill on Granary Bread

I'd be writing off the page, both online and in the paper if I deep dived each item on the menu, as would be deserving - but the stand out was the Croque Madame, I've never seen a quail's egg but my word it was good.

Then, still yet to be defeated, on came the sweet treats and scones after another 15/20 minute break.

Warm Plain and Fruit Scones - Talbooth’s Own Strawberry Jam and Cornish Clotted Cream

Praline Éclair - Feuilletine, Candied Hazelnut and Praline Crème Diplomat

Lemon and Poppyseed Drizzle Cake - Victoria Sponge, Lemon Icing with White Chocolate and Lavender Buttercream

Talbooth Resturant celebrates it's 75th anniversary with a limited time afternoon tea. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Raspberry and Pistachio Tart - Fresh Raspberries and Pistachio Crémeux

Mango, Yuzu and Coconut Delice - Mango and Yuzu Set Mousse on Shortbread

Once again - everything was a taste bud bonanza. Fresh. Fruity. Sweet. Indulgent.

The two standouts for me - The Talbooth's own strawberry jam - fantastic balance of sweetness and a perfect subtlety from the lime zest.

The other was the mango delice. One of the lightest, most vibrant desserts I've ever had.

Talbooth Resturant celebrates it's 75th anniversary with a limited time afternoon tea. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

This is where I must confess - I was beaten. For two reasons: the first being I wanted to make use of the great 75th anniversary themed boxes to take some treats home and also there was one final course I had to save room for.

After a brilliant over two hour eating experience, we were presented with a nod to The Talbooth's history.

Flavours of Black Forest - Dark Chocolate Sponge, Cherries, Kirsch and Vanilla Crème Pâtissière

Our reporter at the Talbooth's afternoon tea (Image: Lucy Taylor)

This came topped delicately with a branded white chocolate disc. Naturally, I found the extra room to polish it off.

After a glass of champagne, several cups of tea, and more food than even I could consume, we left fully satisfied after the brilliant experience and fantastic service.

Priced at £75, we never felt rushed, we took our time, we were well looked after and most importantly - fantastically well-fed.