A few months ago, I asked for advice about the best place to take my sisters for afternoon tea to celebrate my 70th birthday - and as usual, Champdoggers came up trumps with suggestions!

Three or four of you suggested The Goring Hotel - and one poster said that she'd been there more than once - and I do know that that particular person has very high standards indeed - and so I chose The Goring - and it was marvellous!   The staff were more than accomodating - four of us arrived early and were waiting for my youngest sister - we were told our table was waiting for us - we could either sit there or have a walk around the gardens, and the staff would let us know when she arrived.   Beautiful gardens - and a family of mallards (mum and four ducklings) entranced us as they waddled around the gardens and paddled in and out of the stream.   When Ali arrived, we started with a glass of bolly each - and an absolutely scrumptious tea followed - tea of course served in grand style from silver teapots and bone-china cups ...a far cry from the usual mugs and teabags!

We weren't rushed or fussed, it was lovely - and as a finale, I was served a little chocolate cake, complete with candle, served on a platter with "Happy Birthday" beautifully iced on it in chocolate!

Absolutely wonderful - and many thanks for the suggestion!

Margot xx

Sounds lovely. Wasn't it "The Goring" that Kate Middletons family stayed at before Kate and Will's wedding?
Those of us that are a bit older at least remember proper china tea services etc. Wonder what the younger generation, who are more use to coffee in takeaway cups and teabags in mugs, would make of it?

Sounds like you had a fabulous day, belated Birthday wishes by the way! (Must have missed it, if it were on the board) we love a little pampering and well deserved on your 70th. :-)

Many happy memories of working there, so glad you enjoyed & had a good time. Just wish could afford to stay the night!!

> Just wish could afford to stay the night

Yes :) :) My daughter won a night in a penthouse suite at the Corinthia - she has taken it yet, but I don't think she will be taking me with her :( :(

Pleased you had such a lovely time. Was hoping I could go for my birthday but it didnt work out still always another year

I did wonder how it had gone and where you had gone. So glad it all went well and HAPPY BIRTHDAY