Penny Reviews Tearooms: Tenth Hole Tearoom

After a number of years studying in Portsmouth, I've never had the chance to make the long walk to the Tenth Hole Tearoom, just Friday was the exception. Both Rob and I had the rare chance of a day off, at the same time, to go out on a date. It's so rare that we have days off that we were stuck on what to do, so a nice walk on the beach and a trip to a well known tearoom was the answer. 

The tearoom that doubles as a golf course was nothing special to look at from the outside. It's really unassuming, but as we both ventured further inside, the pastel blue décor was calming dispute the busy interior. Beautifully decorated, well presented and clean. This was first impressions I gathered from the small establishment. 

We were lucky enough to nab a table, it was so busy and after trying the cakes we can see why! When ordering, I thought at two cakes and drinks I thought £13 was really expensive, after I saw the portion size, I change my mind. Tenth Hole are not stingy with the sizing of their portions! I ordered a Rocky Road which was full of digestive, chocolate and marshmallows. I like cherries in my Rocky Road, but I'll overlook it because it was massive. I ordered a Toffee Apple latte, which was as expected. I enjoyed it but it could be regarded as a little over sweet, but I ordered it for something a little different.

Rob on the other hand had a mint brownie with a brownie hot chocolate. Again the portion size was very generous, the hot chocolate with super chocolaty with a hearty amount of  whipped cream and brownie sprinkles. The mint brownie, was not really a brownie however more of a cake-like consistency, but still tasty and full of strong mint flavours.

I didn't get lots of interaction with the staff but they all seemed friendly and well spoken. 

Overall, I would definitely recommend a visit if you want a good cakes, great atmosphere, with a lovely surrounding area and a spot of golf, as an extra bonus.    

Penny Reviews:Victory Tearoom

 "Something big, that I can buy stuff from... but I can't buy it?... and its yellow?" 

That was the riddle that my mum presented to me. In the car, on the way to The House of Chilli at Holliers Farm on the Isle of Wight. It was a surprise trip and it really sparked my interest on what was awaiting us. Apart from chilli.

As we exited the car, it was apparent that there was a huge yellow bus facing us. It took me by surprise but the beautifully decorated outside seating area nextdoor to the bus. The sign read 'Victory Tearoom' on the back of the double decker. Honestly, pictures (and videos) say more than words. The bunting and colourful pinwheels were a delightful addition. 

I'm not easily impressed, but this tearoom was impressive. And the big double decker is just that, a tearoom! The whole theme just screamed vintage. Bunting, decorative tea-cosies, pretty teacups and saucers were adorned all over. Very sweet and very cute. 

After taking in all the scenery, we ordered some light lunch. I got a brie, bacon and cranberry panini, with a fresh salad garnish. It was just as I expected, tasting great and fresh. I didn't fancy a cake at the time, although I wish I did on hindsight!

Marilyn and Shirley, the stunningly vintage dressed women who came up with the concept were happy to pose for a quick photo! The attention to detail in all aspects of the tearoom has been thought off, including staff uniform.  

The Victory Tearoom, is a very unique place to visit. I would highly recommend a visit to this tearoom if you like the vintage look and some beautifully prepared food. Its non fussy menu and great service should leave you feeling that vintage vibe throughout the rest of your visit. 

Check out Victory Tearoom on Tripadvisor and Facebook. Tell them I said hey!
Happy Baking!

(BTW this was not a paid/sponsored post.)

Businesses v.s Bloggers (Two News Articles that Made Me Face-Palm)

I came across this news article a couple of days ago and I could not help but laugh a little at how face-palmingly silly some people can get. I'm thinking of doing some restaurant reviews myself soon, so I really want to vent my own feelings on reviews.

Basically, the first article is about a UK based blogger who posted a bad review about a shoe shop in Ireland. The bad review itself was the second link after the shoe shops homepage on Google and of course, the owner of the shoe shop was outraged and claimed that if had affected his business. He could not produce any evidence that he was affected financially, however. The end result was that the shoe shop and blogger did resolve the issue, but a link to a forum where the shoe has been slated is still searchable on Google. I'm happy that the issue was resolved to a certain degree...

And then I found this other link, again on the BBC news website.
A French blogger was fined [!!] because her bad restaurant review was "too prominent on Google". The restaurant owners claimed that the review was financially hurting their business.

So many things to vent, about both articles! But mainly the second one.

Image from: brandeducationservices.com

Firstly about both articles, was the service at the shop and the restaurant that bad? I mean that bad, that you needed to write a scathing review about them? This could have all been avoided if the bloggers took a step back and went: "Is what I'm saying necessary?" In this day and age, one crappy review can indeed affect a business. Look at the reviews on TripAdviser or Yelp, some are helpful and honest. And there are some are just that so outrageously bad and harsh that you can't take them seriously. This is a classic example, I recently read a restaurant review that had 4 stars on Tripadvisor, but failed to met that 5th star because it had a view of the highstreet... The restaurant address is on the highstreet, that can't be helped...think before you write.

Most professional bloggers or reviewers, I'm sure know how to write a critical review without being rude or disrespectful.

In saying that however, if a restaurant or a shop etc, did have a bad food/service/whatever, then fair enough. Bloggers should be able to write whatever they want to without being punished for honest opinion. I'd like to think that all bloggers are open and honest enough to write a decent and balanced review, whether the blogger is nice or not. Damaging a business owners' ego is not a crime.

The fact that in the second article got taken to court and fined for an honest review is, ridiculous. Her review was popular on search engines. She should not be punished because its popular on the internet. What would happen if, every single bad review ever typed, got challenged and taken to court? It would be a waste of time and money. Rather then taking on bloggers and critiques', isn't it better to improve on what they were commenting on in the first place? Is it not better to look in on a business and think "Ok why did they say this about my business? Is there something I can improve on?"

I think what I'm trying to say that, rather then placing blame one party, blaming a bad review, a judge, the business owners, the bloggers, whoever! There are lessons to learn from both articles:

• Never underestimate the power of the online world, it can make or break you.
• Bloggers have got be as honest as they can be without completely trashing a place and ruining its reputation or compromising their writing.
• Business owners, if you get a bad review on Yelp (/insert other reviewing website here), respond in a respectful way. Really think about the comments and take some time to think how you would respond. You want to remain the professional business person you are.
• Again business owners, if your doing a good job and 99.9% of your customers are happy, one review will not 'financially ruin' you.
• Also, not everyone is going to like you. Blogger or business owner. The fact is there will always be a professional complainer out there, who is ready to tear you a new one. Respond politely and professionally.

But what do you think of the articles? Should bloggers and reviewers be more considerate towards hard-working business owners? Should search engines be blamed? Are these business owners taking these reviews to heart? or are they really being affected financially?
I'd love to hear you thoughts on this venting post, so leave a comment below.