Vintaj hen party frollickery with the lovely lovely Fiona

Fiona Stevenson won our vintaj hen party evening and we had fun, fizz, finger food and frollickery. Photography by the fabulous Nick Kirk of NDK Photography, up-styling by the lovely Sarah, and Fiona and her brood of chicks who arrived seriously dressed for the occasion and ready to party.

From Tearoom to Stylish establishment!

Time for Tea

Preening and Primping for Fiona

pretty!

bunting

Ta Daaaaaaah!

Foot love

chatter

the chicks

What's occurin'?

OK. So we're not at the well known end of Argyle Street. But we are at the really interesting end of Argyle Street, not long before it merges onto Dumbarton road, enroute to Kelvingrove (Gallery and Park) and with an increasingly interesting mix of one off shops, cafes and restaurants.

You won't find many chain stores at this end of Argyle Street - instead we've got a pop up designer clothing shop - Think Boutique (this is it's last weekend, so you might want to head on over because once it's gone it's gone!) and The Shop of Interest at 1058 Argyle Street (almost opposite The Hidden Lane entrance). The latter has an ever increasing and ever changing collection of bespoke works by local arts and crafts people.

Then of course there's the Hidden Lane Gallery itself - set up by Joe Mulholland in the old hearse and limousine gallery of the nearby funeral undertakers. There are some really interesting exhibitions going on here and it is also a very lovely wee space.

And of course, once you have exhausted yourselves with all of your wandering and browsing, you will almost definitely, very certainly, and most deservedly require a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake. In my lovely little tearoom.

Dad's been gardening...

...lemon thyme and lavender.

DRUMROLL PLEASE and the winner....

...of our vintage hen party for 10 on 10th June is....

Fiona Stevenson. Can't wait for the photoshoot fun with the lovely Nick Kirk of NDK Photography, some upstyling action and delicious tea and cake and champagne in china cups and giggles and gossip.

So well done Fiona and friends of Fiona. We're awaiting!

Lavender button shortbread

Mum's been baking. Lavender button shortbread. Which will be coming here soon! Mum uses a lot of herbs in her baking, and I do too. This time of year is perfect, I think, for experimenting. Basil or sage sugars; lemon balm in lemon posset; orange thyme in chocolate.

This time of year it really is fun to take some favourite recipes and play a little. Love it.

Would you like to win a Vintage Hen Party?

Imagine a hen party with a bit of difference. Vintage styling using all my lovely old crockery and 'stuff'; the chance to get your make up done, and maybe a little up do, a la forties and fifties - real hollywood stuff - and delicious tea and cakes. And champagne in teacups. And then a photoshoot to remember, by the wonderful Nick Kirk of NDK Wedding Photography

The Hidden Lane is putting the style and the styling back into hen parties. So if you are getting married this year and think that you might enjoy a hen party with a difference here at The Hidden Lane Tearoom (or we can come to you!), then get in touch.

We're offering one vintage hen party for 10 people for free. So facebook us. Tell us why this would be special and perfect for your hen party. The lucky winner will win one evening of style and styling and tea and cakes and photos for forever. The only proviso is that you have to come suitably dressed for the occasion!And the date would be Friday 10th June 2011 from 6.30pm - 10pm

Interested? Jump over to our facebook page!

Fabulous review from The List. Thankyou so much!

'Despite its less than obvious location, The Hidden Lane Tearoom is often full to bursting, so clearly the secret is out - and what a secret it is. The tearoom is set over two tiny floors decorated in a fashion that is clearly a labour of love. The eclectic furniture and beautiful mismatched vintage crockery adds splashes of pattern and colour to an already vibrant space. The menu is as delightful, with a deli platter on a slate consisting of chorizo and peppered beef, cheeses, red onion marmalade and two teacups brimming with hummus and olives. Every dish shows an eye for presentation and a desire to do things properly - never more so than the high tea. When the vintage cake stand arrives with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes, there are cries of 'ooh' and 'aah' and cameras flashing. It's an experience that can't but make you smile. Hot drinks include various teas, a Turkish apple drink and a North Indian spiced drink served with steamed milk. The venue hosts one off gigs and exhibitions and is a hub of the Hidden Lane Festival in June. High tea is a thing of beauty.'

I've only been open for just over a year and am so completely and utterly flattered at this lovely lovely review. Having my own little cafe is everything I hoped it would be and a whole lot more. My customers are lovely. They come once and come again. They bring friends and eat cake. They're patient when it's busy and often everyone ends up chatting to each other. I'm surrounded by fabulous people in the Hidden Lane who bring their own mugs for take away teas and coffees. They're creative and inspiring and we support each other through highs and lows.

So, to all my customers - thankyou for supporting me and making what I do such a pleasure. And to the man from the List - wot you wrote is lovely and I am so glad that you enjoyed your visit and I am genuinely most grateful.