So today I visited The Lane, tucked away in a little corner of Dea, l for afternoon tea with some friends. To start off I want to say I have been to a fair few afternoon teas in my time (even having it as the main meal at my wedding) and I can honestly say this was one of the best, if not the one at the top of the list. They ticked everything. It had quality, it had quantity, it had service and it had atmosphere. The variety of food was displayed uniquely on mini picnic tables, which was quirky yet very practical. The selection was excellent, with the right balance of traditional items to those a little different. What was also brilliant was each person got one of each food item. I have been to some afternoon teas where they give you an assortment of sweet treats and you have to argue amongst yourselves who gets what. I will reel off the different foods as listed on their menu but hopefully they are all showing clearly enough in the photo to tantalise you. There was a skiosh (cross between scone and brioche) with clotted cream and jam (raspberry in our case), a sun blushed chicken wrap, BLT on foccacia (now we're talking a quality sandwich), spoon tart shell with Mediterranean cream cheese alongside feta and olive, homemade mushroom arancini with spiced ketchup (I don't even like mushrooms and I thought this was delicious), rye bread with cream cheese and cucumber, carrot cake loaf, lemon and blueberry cupcake, mini white chocolate and raspberry tart, macaroon with strawberry filling and a salted caramel brownie. This is all served with bottomless tea or coffee. It is located close to a car park which costs as reasonable an amount as car parks do these days and it's within a minute to the seafront, so you can burn off the food afterwards. If you're into afternoon tea you'll love this. We all left feeling stuffed and very happy. I challenge anyone to direct me to a better afternoon tea in East Kent. I will be posting some more close up pics of the individual items, so check them out and let me know which you think looks best. Thanks The Lane, we will be back!