Monday 22 August 2022

Kopi Tiam afternoon tea at pan Pacific hotel, London

 Saturday I tried out the Kopi Tiam afternoon tea designed by Cherish Finden who is a judge on the professional bake off TV program. 

It is served in the Orchid lounge at the 5star new Pan Pacific hotel London. 


It's not cheap at £72 each but you know me I found a way to get if cheaper. By getting a Buyagift voucher with a 25% discount code I got it for £54 each which is not too bad for a nice 5star hotel 

The hotel is modern in design and the staff are very smartly dressed mostly in a uniform. The doorman greeted us and led us to the open-plan lounge which had lovely modern furnishings and bright floral pictures on the walls. 






We were shown to our table for two which was round with two low velvet chairs . The table had a glass top and was nicely laid with pretty floral China and two round silver stands with a tealight in. There was also a small vase with a single fresh tropical flower. 




It was a good 10 minutes before we got given a menu which was like a little booklet. First was the sparkling wines list which was British wines which I liked.  The cheapest one was £15 a glass but if you added it to the afternoon tea it was only £10. 

Next on the menu was the two different types of afternoon tea. The Kopi Tiam which has a Asia theme of dim sum and boa buns and the traditional one with sandwiches. They both had the same sweet things. Lastly on the menu was the  different teas and there was lots to choose from.

SEL ECT ION OF ASI A N SAVOURIES 

Dim Sum Basket Prawn Seafood Chicken and  Pork Gai Gok Crispy Rice Dumpling with Chicken and Mushroom Mushroom Bao Button and Chestnut Mushrooms 

STREET PARADE

 Candy Floss Corgi Shortbread

 GOLDEN RAISIN SCONE

 Served with Cornish Clotted Cream, Homemade Strawberry Preserve and Kaya Jam 

SEL ECT ION OF HAND-MADE PASTRIES 

Lemon Meringue British Lemon Shortbread, Lemon Curd, Lemon Mousse

 The Wild Rose English Rose Macaron, Strawberry and Lime Jelly 

 The Tower of London Pistachio Financier, Mascarpone, Raspberry 

The Queen “Honey” Bee Heather Flower Honey, Chocolate Sponge, Crunchy Pecan Praline 


The waiter took our drinks orders and I decided to go for some hibiscus tea along with a glass of Gusbourne rose sparkling wine.  We both ordered the Kopi Tiam afternoon tea which just as a useless fact translates to coffee shop .   I informed him that I did not like fish so all chicken dim sum would be fine for me. 


Our wines were poured into the flute glasses already on the table however we only got half a glass each which I thought was mean especially for the price they charge!!!!! I really liked the sparkling wine as was not too dry in taste. 




Next came out the teas in large floral teapots that were placed on top of the silver candle stands to keep it warm. The tea I choose had a fruity red berry taste and color and tasted nice.  However the first cup from the tea pot was not strong enough so it got better towards the end and kept warm by the candle. 



The first course of the afternoon tea was a surprise as I did not see it on the menu. 

It was a China espresso cup and saucer which inside sat a small scoop of sorbet which had a lemon flavor and a small chocolate filled biscuit on the side. The waiter then poured a red liquid over the sorbet which had a berry flavor. Together they tasted really nice and the biscuit was lovely too. The waiter explained that this was in honor of our Queen for her jubilee as it is some of her favorite flavors. 



The lounge was very busy with people having afternoon tea and the waiters were kept busy ensuring everyone was happy and teacups topped up. 

Next course to arrive was the Asian style savories which consisted of 3 dim sum each, prawn, seafood and chicken and pork one plus a small dish of dipping sauce. 



Also we got a plate each which had a boa bun and fried dumpling on . These plates were placed inside a silver birdcage hanging from a large floor stand.  





We both liked these very much and when asked if we wanted anymore I ordered another boa bun. 

It took forever for it to arrive so not sure if they forgot or it took that long too make. 

Whilst waiting I noticed other tables ordering a whole plate of extra sandwiches and dim sum. 

I guess for the price you would expect to be offered more as this is the difference between good service and bad !!!

Next to come was my favorite the scones plus as an extra treat we each got a Corgi dog shaped lemon shortbread biscuit which tasted very nice 









The scones  arrived on a China stand along with a silver metal stand holding little white dishes containing jam, clotted cream and a coconut spread. 




We got two little scones each, one plain and one raisin which were slightly warm and dusted with icing sugar. The scones were nice and the coconut spread was a bit different and a nice change to just jam.



After the scones I ordered a cappuccino plus some glasses of ice tap water.

Lastly came the dessert cakes which looked amazing and worth waiting for and we got four different ones each on our own plate



As you can see  a lot of work went into the decoration with pink delicate sugar flowers and printed white chocolate pillar with tiny butterflies attached. I was impressed and hoped they tasted as nice as they looked. 

First one to eat was the lemon yellow ball shaped topped with meringue . It had a thin white  chocolate shell painted yellow and filled with a extremely creamy lemon mouse that was divine. 

Next I had the pink macaroon which was very pretty looking. The small light pink macaroon had a hint of rosewater flavor and the larger one was strawberry flavor. My husband was not keen on this one but I really liked it. 

My husband liked the pistachio tower cake best that had a creamy mousse center but it did not have much flavor to me. 

Lastly we had the chocolate one which had a lovely crunchy layer at the bottom topped with a chocolate cream. Once again this was decorated lovely with a mirror glaze . 


I am not sure what one was my favorite as I liked it them all . 

Once a the food was gone  we felt very full and content. The service was very good however it was slow which I think was done on purpose to make you feel relaxed and not rushed. 

We was made to feel welcome and special by the hotel staff. 



Nearest Station :        Liverpool Street Station   - about 8 minute walk 
Best bits : The pretty desert cakes and relaxing lounge and service.  
Worst bits :  Small measure of sparkling wine in the glass    
Value for money : It is expensive but not too bad if you can get a discount code like I did 
would I go back? :  Yes probably if they did a different theme   
























Tuesday 16 August 2022

Delicious Afternoon Tea at The Boundary cafe - Potton

 At the weekend I was lucky enough to get invited to my friends daughter's Hen weekend which consisted of a spa day with treatments plus overnight stay in lovely house finished off with this lovely afternoon tea. 


We had trouble finding the cafe  as we did not realize  it was in the Cricket club which had a lovely outdoor space where you could sit. Its a family run cafe which offers a great menu plus delicious homemade cakes which not many cafes do nowadays.  Inside is light and airy and upon arrival a large long table had been already set up for us with pretty pink china plates and tea cups.  

The afternoon tea is only £15 each and we got offered fruit juice , water and pots of tea and coffee to go with it. 

Two full to the brim tea stands were placed on the table along with a smaller one for one of the girls who was vegan. We had informed them in advance of this upon booking. 



As you can see the scones on top are extremely large and defiantly homemade. The bottom plate was packed with sandwiches which consisted of egg mayonnaise, cheese and cucumber , ham and tomato plus a tuna one. We also got a small homemade sausage roll each.  They were very nice and fresh and we got plenty between us plus some crisps to share. 

To go with the scones we had a fruit jam which I think was homemade too plus lots of thick clotted cream.  They were all plain scones and tasted so nice that I eat the whole big scone whilst some of the others only managed half a scone each !!




After the large scone i was feeling pretty full but i wanted to try the cakes that looked amazing 

First i had half of the millionaires slice, crisp buttery shortbread biscuits topped with creamy white layer  and chocolate which was very nice. Then I had half of the flapjack square which was also very good indeed.  Unfortunately I could not try the mini Victoria sponge as was feeling extremely full by now. 




There were lots of cakes left at the end so we took some home in boxes for later.

This afternoon tea was such good value at £15 each as the food was all so nice especially the homemade scones and cakes. 

I would defiantly recommend you go here and try it for yourself and i would like to go back at sometime in the future if I am in the area. 


 Nearest Station :        Do not know as we drove there

Best bits : All the homemade scones and cakes  
Worst bits :  Nothing it was all good   
Value for money : Yes 100%  at £15 each 
would I go back? :  Defiantly in the future and would like to take my mum there   





Monday 8 August 2022

Grand Park Lancaster gate hotel - not posh but very nice for bargain price

 On Saturday I took my mum to afternoon tea at the grand park Lancaster gate hotel. It is a group of small hotels and apartments scattered around London. They are not what I would call  posh  but we got nice food and very good service on the day. 

They say you get what you pay for........well we got much more than the £29 Living social voucher that it cost me !!!!! Afternoon tea for two plus a bottle of Prosecco now that is good value as the food and service was very good. 

When I brought the voucher it said it was for an ice cream themed tea but they offer four different ones at this hotel as per website below

https://www.parkgrandlancastergate.co.uk/afternoon-tea-171.html

    Below is the menu for the one we had..........perfect for the hot sunny day


Indian � Inspired Afternoon Tea

Ice Cream Afternoon Tea(£39.00 for two with 1 glass of Prosecco each)
(£49.00 for two with 1 bottle of Prosecco)

Two great English summer traditions, rolled into one al fresco treat!
Exquisitely presented and perfect on sunny afternoons, our ice cream afternoon tea is a novel new take on a timeless tradition. Served on the terrace, it melds the classic cream tea - delicious, just-baked scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam, with a medley of mini ice cream cones, delicate finger sandwiches in striking colours, and a refreshing ice cream sundae. You can also enjoy it with pink champagne, should the fancy take you.

  • Hummus, cucumber and cheese sandwich (White Bread)
  • Egg and Watercress Sandwich (Brown Bread)
  • Tuna and rocket sandwich (White Bread)
  • Chicken and pepper sandwich (Brown Bread)
  • Plain Scones, Clotted cream and Jam
  • Strawberry & Mango Delight
  • Raspberry Cheesecake
  • Lemon Tart








We got a underground train to Lancaster Station and then struggled to find the hotel as I went the wrong way. We ended up at Grand Park Paddington hotel instead and they directed me to the Lancaster Gate one which was just a 5 minute walk down the road. 

The hotel has a very small reception desk and the restaurant was just to the side of this. There was also a small terrace at the front of the hotel but my mum said it would be too hot to sit in the sun outside. 
The restaurant was small and plain inside with a small bar at the back. 

We sat on a table for two by the window which had  net curtains so could not see much outside. Like I said it certainly was not posh as the table was plainly laid with table mat , small plate and cup and saucer , cutlery and paper napkins. A small vase with a fresh flower would of been nice




Our waiter was very friendly and I handed him the voucher and informed him that no fish for both and no mayonnaise for my mum. I also informed him that we wanted the ice cream afternoon tea.

He brought over the bottle of Prosecco and poured us a glass each before placing the bottle in a silver wine cooler placed on our table. The Prosecco was very nice and well chilled.



Whilst waiting there were a few more people arriving with vouchers like me so it was getting rather busy. 
The tea stand was brought out after only about 5 minutes and my mum got her four sandwiches on a separate plate. 




My mum just had 2 plain chicken brown bread sandwiches and 2 cheese and cucumber in white bread which was perfect for her. I got one of each including a egg mayonnaise one but instead of tuna I got an avocado one which I left as not keen on. 
The first thing my mum said was how fresh and soft the bread was which I agree with. They must of been just made as not a dry edge of bread to be seen . 

Whilst enjoying the sandwiches our glass were topped up with Prosecco from the bottle. 

Next we had the scones which were small but we did get two each and they were all plain ones which was fine. The clotted cream was plenty as my mum does not have it however we had to ask for more jam which the waiter brought to us. 


The scones were warm when the tea stand arrived but had cooled down by the time we ate them. 
They may of been small but wow they were very nice ....so light and crumbly in texture . My mum said they were one of the best scones she has tasted which is complement to the chef . 

Whist eating these we both ordered a cappuccino each as the Prosecco bottle was sadly empty now !!!!!!!!!!

The cakes tasted nice too. we got each a very small lemon tart, cheesecake square a  pot of strawberry and mango cream dessert which was nice and full of fruit flavors. 









The menu online states that you get mini ice cream cones which we never saw. however we did get offered the ice cream sundae that consisted of a scoop of strawberry and scoop of vanilla ice cream each in a sundae glass. 
I got excited to eat it so forgot  to take a photo until I had nearly finished it 




I noticed that we was the only table that got the ice cream......I think most tables were having the chocolate themed tea as they got a chocolate mouse in the pots and a different cake. 
I think we got the best one as the ice cream was nice and refreshing on a hot day

The voucher covered the whole tea and drinks so there was nothing to pay apart from leaving a tip for the waiters who were very good 


Nearest Station :        Lancaster Gate underground  - about 7 minute walk 
Best bits : The lovely scones and the ice cream sundae. Plus the extremely fresh sandwiches and good service  
Worst bits :  Nothing to mention    
Value for money : Yes 100%  for the £29.00 voucher deal 
would I go back? :  Maybe if I can get another good deal