More tea vicar?

I had an appointment with Dr Lykoudis this morning before we took the Clan to Polis for a coffee and then on a misery tour - not really!  In the itinerary we had penciled in a late lunch at the Garden Centre.  I had anticipated a bit of a wait at the Dr's because my appointment wasn't until 11.15 but when I went in the receptionist told me I was next so I only had to wait for the elderly lady that was already in.  Dr Lykoudis is pleased with my progress and I have a follow up in 3 months' time.  I think a few more physio sessions and I will really be able to see and feel a difference. 

I returned to Droushia to swap transport and jump in with John and Co and we made our way back down to Polis and went to the Art Cafe for a drink.  It was rammed in there.  The unseasonably hot weather has brought the masses out.  We opted for a cold drinks which was sensible given that the temperature was in the 30s!

Our trip to the Garden Centre was not to go plant buying - we had booked ourselves in for afternoon tea (or in our case a late lunch).  John had been a bit uncertain as to whether it was a good idea as we hadn't had one there before but Marianna had been so accommodating with food likes and dislikes that I was sure it was going to be ok.  

They were ready and waiting for us and we had been allocated one of the tables right in the middle of the plants which was absolutely lovely and we were everso grateful for the fan overhead as the temperatures continued to rise.  

Our first 'cake stand' comprised a top row of quiche, a middle row of mini scones (plain, fruit or cheese) with butter, jam and clotted cream and the bottom row of sandwiches which were served with limitless tea or coffee or for a small extra charge Prosecco.  The Olds opted for Prosecco!!!

It was all delicious and beautifully fresh and very filling and when we had finally demolished all this we were full.  J&J who are fairly seasoned Afternoon Tea takers were well impressed which was good.

Had the food finished at that point we would have been more than happy but then another cake stand appeared which was seriously amazing.

There were mini versions of mango cheesecake, lemon meringue pies, key lime pies, and carrot cake with fresh mango, dragon fruit and pomegranate chopped up and served with a cream confection decorating the plates.

I have to say that although I am normally a savoury person these were amazing - probably because they all had a sharp flavour added in with the sweet which meant that they weren't sickly.

We didn't manage to eat them all, so got them boxed up and brought them home.  It really was excellent and Marianna and her lovely daughter Emily were brilliant and made us feel very special.  

For once this turned out to be one of my better ideas and everyone left feeling they had really had a lovely afternoon.  Hats off to Marinos and Marianna - they work so hard at that Garden Centre but whatever they do they do it really well.  We will definitely do that again for a special occasion.