One of my first-ever reviews for Blog Preston was at Happy Bunnies in Longton when quirky afternoon teas presented on weird and wonderful things were becoming a thing. Ten years on I can’t recall the last visit time I visited and why not. During my absence Happy Bunnies moved approximately 100 metres from Chapel Lane to Liverpool Road meaning I’ve passed numerous times when visiting family and kept saying to myself I needed to go but haven’t. However, still a sucker for an afternoon tea served on random things, I met up with the lovely Mrs Kate for a festive feast on a mini picnic table.

Excited for our child-free afternoon, we arrived early and had a mooch round the charity shop over the road before heading to the cafe. On arrival, I spotted my name on one of the tables as I’d booked via Instagram, and we took a seat. I was pleased to see the same lovely owners still working there, and one half of the couple came over to take our drinks order. Mrs Kate chose a cappuccino whilst for me, the clue is in the title… afternoon tea. The new to me (but not new) venue looks great with a stylish interior and although a Wednesday afternoon, there were a couple of other tables with customers. It was a relaxed atmosphere, which is what we needed on a mums’ afternoon out.

Our drinks arrived, shortly followed by the food and the server kindly went through what everything was.

Mrs Kate and I both agreed that the symmetrical layout was very satisfying and an impressive Christmassy display of delights. Working our way through the tasty goodies was a joyous affair and I need to give special mentions to the little cup of soup, a wonderful accompaniment to the festive sandwiches (is it just me that loves a cheesy soup?) whilst the award-winning Whist Pie was almost bursting with flavour before I could even take a bite… A moist and meaty filling inside a perfectly cooked crust.

Sweets wise, the red velvet trifle was a creamy smooth pot of deliciousness and the apple and cinnamon donut… Mmmm mmmm. I didn’t realise at the time, but we didn’t get the gingerbread man, we had an extra little festive cupcake instead. No biggie, but the gingerbread man would’ve added a bit more variety being the only biscuit. I couldn’t manage the scone or the cake pop, so they came home with me and the cute little chocolate orange snowman cake pop was devoured the same evening. Yum.

Happy Bunnies do breakfast and lunch as well as catering for events. But the most exciting thing is the number of different themed afternoon teas they do throughout the year as well as their graze boxes, Christmas Eve boxes and more. It’s well worth treating yourself or taking a loved one and if you’re still unsure what to get for Christmas presents, they do vouchers.

We were more than happy with our afternoon tea, a little festive experience worth the money, beautifully presented and lovely service. It was £24.95 each for the festive afternoon tea. I think the non-themed ones are a little cheaper and I’d say these are the standard prices for afternoon teas around Preston and Lancashire. Gluten free and vegetarian versions are available as well as kids afternoon teas. I can’t wait to take my little one when she’s a bit older.

Had an excellent afternoon tea in Preston? Let us know, I might need to go and investigate.

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