Latest film from The Secret Tea Party

Ever wondered what happens at a Secret Tea Party? Here's the latest film of what happened in January 2012. If you fancy coming along we'd love to see you, click here for ticket information. And if you would like us to put on a private party for you, don't hesitate to email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com. See you soon!

Pearl Lowe judging Best Dressed on April 1st!

OOo the most exciting news is that Pearl Lowe is juding the Best Dressed competition on April 1st at The Secret Tea Party that is part of Vintage Sunday. In case you don't know, Vintage Sunday is part of Bath in Fashion which is a week of fabulous style events in the city including a talk by Manolo Blahnik! On Vintage Sunday (April 1st) there will be a huge vintage fashion fair at Green Park station (the BathVA Vintage Fashion Fair) plus The Secret Tea Party above the Green Park Brasserie with Charleston dancing, Pearl Lowe's Best Dressed Competition and Scarlet Vintage, Bath's best-loved vintage boutique - giving a what-to-wear style clinic. If you fancy tickets they are on sale through this site for a special price of £25 until Feb 1st only after which time they will be available for £30 through the Bath in Fashion website www.bathinfashion.co.uk.


Watch Pearl Lowe talk about vintage in Bath and Vintage Sunday here. Film made by Bubblehead Media @bubbleheadmedia

Christmas Secret Tea Parties

It occurred to me the other day that The Secret Tea Party wasn't just for summer and hen parties..because in fact they make unusual and affordable Christmas parties too. So I am launching my special Christmas Secret Tea Party service this week, with dainty turkey sandwiches and slices of fruit cake all served up on vintage china. The price will be from £16.50 per head for catering and china so if you or your friends or your office is interested in a posh party rather than cheap paper hats and a rubber roast, get in touch secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com. OOO I'm dreaming of a White Cakey Christmas...

The Secret Christmas Tea Party Package

2 rounds of the following sandwiches: Turkey and Cranberry Mayo, Blue Cheese, Pear and Chutney, Ham and Honey mustard, Egg and Cress or Cucumber and Cream Cheese or Cheddar and Chutney

Fruit Scone with butter

One choice Orange Chocolate Fudge Slice, Cherry and Almond Slice, Victoria Sponge slice, Lemon Iced Gingerbread slice, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese filling

Iced rich fruit slice

Mini Christmas Iced cookie (choice of Golden Ginger, Citrus or Chocolate)

Glass of bubbly per person

Full china hire

Bottomless tea with milk and sugar

Minimum 6 people. Discounts for large parties (over 20)

Please email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com for more details

A Secret Tea Party on the farm

I spent a wonderful afternoon down on the farm today - running a Secret Tea Party for a group of hens who were staying in Bathampton near Bath. They'd booked holiday cottages at New Leaf Farm which is just before Bathampton Mill and the toll bridge or just after depending on where you're coming from - either way you probably have to go over it at least once when you stay there. I nearly missed it on the drive there as the sign is quiet small but now I know where it is it seems simple to find.

There was a cute three-legged black cat there when I got out of my van and the owner Steve told me that  it doesn't belong to the farm but to someone down by the post office. It's a very friendly cat - and black - and what with its colour and lack of a leg I think that must be a good omen. I took a pic of it rolling on the ground - it looks like it's brown but it's black - promise.

The cottages are all converted Georgian farm buildings renovated to a modern standard and seem perfect for a group. Today's party was for nine and they managed to just about squash round the kitchen table in the cottage called "The Stables"

The hens didn't really know each other, so after a morning at the spa, the tea was the next chance to get to know each other. They ordered "Package A - The Audrey" - a classic menu of egg and cress dainty sandwiches, chicken and rocket finger sandwiches, lemon polenta cake, chocolate brownies, scones with jam and cream plus Victoria sponge fingers, all prepared this morning and served on vintage china from Mrs Stokes Vintage China. Plus they had unlimited tea and had also asked for a glass (or two in some cases) of bubbly each.

They seemed to bond during the afternoon. To start, they played a quiz all about the bride that the chief-bridesmaid had devised and after they'd feasted on the sugary fancies, they decorated cupcakes using cakes and decorations they brought themselves while I washed up. And by the end of the afternoon it felt like the group were well on their way to forming friendships that are going to last them well beyond the wedding. I like to think it was the chocolate brownie that did it...but I suspect the Prosecco helped!

Charleston and Cake - the film

Mr Stokes made this film of what happened on the 4th June at the last Secret Tea Party! Have a look to see what they are all about and sign up the mailing list to be kept up-to-date about all the future events. Don't forget I can arrange private parties too...Love Mrs Stokes (that's me in the turquoise and pink dress)

Charleston and Cake! 4th June 2011

NEXT PARTY JUNE 4TH 2011 AT A SECRET LOCATION IN CENTRAL BATH

Location revealed on booking


Tickets still available. Buy online and your ticket will be held on the door. The location will be revealed by email!

Afternoon tea on vintage china with extra entertainment, hair and make-up and fashion

*For group discounts of 25% for parties of 4 or more click here

Will you be dressed like this on 4th June?

PRICE INCLUDES:

*Complimentary bubbly from Bath's best-loved vintage fashion store, Vintage to Vogue, 28 Milsom Street


*Full afternoon tea served on vintage china from Mrs Stokes in a top secret, glamorous location in central Bath


* One raffle ticket per person for gorgeous prizes including a Mrs Stokes teaset and a fashion gift from Vintage to Vogue


*Charleston performances from dance duo Hoppin' Mad with optional workshop


*free vintage fashion consultation with Vintage to Vogue




Raffle Prizes include
*Vintage to Vogue voucher
*Lunch for two at Green Park Brasserie
* A gift from Mrs Stokes Vintage China
* A feather boa and matching fan x 2 from Fairyglass

Plus


*Vintage china and homewares on sale from Mrs Stokes Vintage China


*Vintage fashion accessories and consultations from Vintage to Vogue


*Vintage makeovers from the Pop Up Parlour. Payable to them on day from £8

£25 a head. Tickets from Vintage to Vogue, 28 Milsom Street, Bath or by clicking here.

Tearoom Takeover at The "It's darling!" Fair - 26th March

Very exciting news...The Secret Tea Party is taking over the tearoom at The "It's darling!" Fair on 26th March at The Friend's Meeting House in Bath. It won't be a usual STP ie a ticketed event, but instead an all-day cafe with vintage china, vintage soundtrack, cakes, sandwiches and of course, The Pop Up Parlour stylists, Inma and Lou who will be bringing their gorgeous dressing table of goodies to make you over, either vintage-style or cocktail party - just in time for Saturday night. "It's darling!" is a free event with over 20 stalls selling vintage and handmade delights so there's no excuse not to pop it in your diary and drop by. If you want to come along and pre-book styling, please email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com - prices are £8 for hair or make-up and £15 for both.