One of the City's most prestigious and historic buildings, the Assembly House features Georgian architecture, galleries, a Grand Hall and various ballrooms that would have once played host to some of the most distinguished guests of the Eighteenth Century.
We began our visit with a glass of champagne and a toast to the birthday girl.
Which was closely followed by a delivery of tea from the menu which boasts a whole array of unusual and unique blends.
I went for a peach infused black tea leaf which was divine, you could really taste and smell the peach. Their loose tea is provided by Wilkinson's of Norwich, a specialist shop in the city selling the finest leaf and fruit teas from around the world.
Elderflower was also a popular option amongst the girls.
After taking our fair share of photos we could no longer resist the tempting allure of the sweet and savoury snacks on offer before us and quickly got stuck into business, beginning with cheese, Colman’s mustard (we are in Norwich after all) and chive scones, which were still warm from the oven.
Next were the sandwiches, which included cream cheese and cucumber, Norfolk ham, Cley smoke house salmon and my personal favourite, egg and cress.
We may have wolfed the first round down alarmingly fast and had to order another. Then another...
In the interlude between savoury and sweet we watched Jess open her presents and took in the surrounding room and its Georgian features.
Luckily it had emptied out soon after our arrival and we had the place to ourselves so could be as raucous as we wanted.
We began the sweet tier of the stand with scones, heaped with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Do you adorn yours in the Cornish or Devon way? There was a lot of debate at the table over this.
Next were an array of beautifully presented dainty cakes and pastries to share.
A rather marvellous elderflower jelly creation, topped with a mouth melting lemon mousse and sprinkled with popping candy.
Mini eclairs laden with rich dark chocolate, carrot cake with its own mini carrot on top with a tiny halved pistachio nut for the head and green pecan macaroons.
The staff kindly packed up what we couldn't eat there so we could take the leftovers home to enjoy later.
Suitably stuffed we waddled out and took some pictures outside the beautiful building.
The birthday girl by the fountain.
Have a look here if you would like to book afternoon tea at the The Assembly House; it is a really lovely thing to do if you are visiting Norwich, or just want to treat yourself and some girl friends to a little luxury dining.
Happy Birthday Jess!
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