The Snowman Christmas afternoon tea - Marriott Grosvenor House hotel Park Lane London

 On Saturday I treated my mum to a Christmas Afternoon tea at Marriott Grosvenor House hotel in park Lane. This is our second visit here as went in October last year for my birthday. 

They are doing a Christmas themed  afternoon tea based on the book and film The Snowman. It is priced at £65 per person however I purchased a Buyagift voucher for just £99 for two including a glass of Champagne each. This saved me £67 off the menu price for two.

The afternoon tea is served in the Park Room which overlooks Hyde park across the road. It was very busy outside with people going into the Park opposite for Winter Wonderland. 

The hotel was decorated inside with lots of Christmas trees in the lobby and reception however inside the Park Room there were no decorations for Christmas. 

  

We had a nice table by the window with comfy chairs. The table was nicely laid with a special Snowman menu which we could keep as souvenir. 

The waitress poured us a glass of Champagne each whilst we looked at the full menu

The Snowman Afternoon Tea 

Selection of Delicate Finger Sandwiches

 Honey roast Yorkshire ham, Coleman’s English mustard 

Roast Norfolk Turkey, cranberry sauce 

Roast Aberdeen Angus beef, creamed horseradish  

North Atlantic cold-water prawn, classic Marie Rose sauce 

Cucumber, garden mint butter 

Open Sandwiches 

Foreman’s smoked Scottish salmon, cream cheese 

St Ewe’s egg, mayonnaise, chive 

Plain and Raisin Buttermilk Scones 

Devonshire clotted cream accompanied with your choice of British preserves: Strawberry, rose petal, rhubarb and ginger, gooseberry, raspberry, blackcurrant 

Assortment of Tantalising Afternoon Tea Pastries 

One December Morning: English Sparkling Wine granita 

Midnight Magic: Chocolate mint and vanilla buttercream meringue

 A Friendly Face: Woodruff mousse with tangerine marmalade 

The Snowman: Chocolate and spiced ginger ganache with pineapple

 Snowy Symphony: Hazelnut and praline sponge 

The Enchanted Forest: Salted caramel and spiced milk chocolate tartlet 

Fresh Home Baked Cakes

We informed our waiter that either of us eat fish or seafood and my mum no mayonnaise, mustard or horseradish. They said this would not be a problem. 

Whist waiting for our food my mum ordered a cappuccino and I ordered the Elderflower and lemon tea. 

Before the tea stand arrived we were given a little glass bowl with a lid on that contained a Sparkling wine ice granita. This had a slight lemon flavor and was very refreshing. 

When the afternoon tea stand arrived it looked lovely and my mum got her sandwiches on a separate plate.

They were very generous with the sandwiches as we both got five each plus two mini brioche open rolls each. The sandwiches were very fresh and packed full with fillings. We liked the turkey and cranberry one best.   

The scones were a good size and still slightly warm. We got a plain one and a raisin one each. To go with these we got a dish with scoop of clotted cream and the jams we choose from the menu. We choose three between us raspberry, strawberry and blackcurrant. I liked the blackcurrant ones best. There was six to choose from which is a good selection and I remember last time I had the rose petal one which was nice if you like something a bit different. 

The scones with the jam and cream tasted very nice. They were soft and light inside but crispy on the outside.....just how I like them. 

After eating both scones I was feeling bit full so glad we did not accept the offer of more sandwiches.

The top tier of the stand had a plate of five different cakes including a wonderful chocolate snowman standing in the middle. We were both very excited to tuck into them and decided to cut them in half so we both got the same. 

We also ordered another hot drink each to go with the cakes which were more like desserts than cakes 

 

We had the Snowy Symphony: Hazelnut and praline sponge one first which was rich chocolate and more praline than sponge inside . 

 

Next I cut the Friendly Face: Woodruff mousse with tangerine marmalade one in half which was difficult as very soft inside.  We really liked this one as it had a crispy meringue base and then a soft creamy mouse with orange center. Not sure why it was called Friendly Face as it looked like an orange. 

Midnight Magic: Chocolate mint and vanilla buttercream meringue sat on a snowflake crispy biscuit that did not taste of mint however was nice and fluffy with a creamy vanilla taste.  I think the chef forgot to add the mint flavor, we were tempted to let the waiter know but decided not too.  

We then had the The Enchanted Forest: Salted caramel and spiced milk chocolate tartlet which looked like a Christmas tree. The chocolate was rich and you could taste the spice. It was like the spice flavor  in a minced tart. 

Lastly we cut the chocolate snowman in half which was very difficult as it just broke in pieces and the filling oozed out. It was such a shame to cut it as looked so lovely. 

This was probably my favorite as the white chocolate was thick and the filling was delicious with just the right amount of ginger and pineapple. 

Finally after eating  the cakes we both had full belly's and simply could not fit in the homemade cake offered too us. There was a choice of Christmas fruit cake , Chocolate log or Chocolate and raspberry cake.   We both choose the chocolate and raspberry cake to take home in a box. 

I eat mine the following day and it was really nice as the tartness of the raspberry took away the sweetness of the rich chocolate. My mum was lucky as in her box she also got a small slice of Chocolate log !!!!

We had a great time chatting and eating whilst listening to the lovely piano music. 

This is a lovely place to go for afternoon tea with good service and a relaxing atmosphere. 

I liked the Christmas theme which was done very well. 

Nearest Station : Marble Arch underground  station - about 7 minute walk

Best bits :  All the food was really nice but especially the scones and the chocolate snowman     

Worst bits : Nothing to mention   

Value for money : Yes defiantly with my voucher however menu price is still good for the amount and quality of food. 

would I go back? : Yes I would for a third time 

5th Afternoon tea at The Melody restaurant St Paul's hotel - Hammersmith London

 On Saturday I took my husband back to the Melody restaurant for afternoon tea followed by drinks in the Whisky bar. This was my 5th afternoon tea here and still one of my favorites. Also one of the waiters remembered us from last year and reserved a nice table in the whisky bar for us afterwards 

It may be just a small hotel but it is very friendly and inviting. Every time I have had good food and service.

I used a voucher from Buyagift that cost me only £39 for 2 with a glass of Champagne each. The current menu price is £39 each so I got it half price when I purchased it in April last year...Bargain !!

The Afternoon tea is served in a small cozy dining room with windows looking onto the garden patio area. We sat at a small table for two next to a window. There was only one other table being used which soon changed as it started to get busy. 

We were poured a glass champagne each and handed the menu for the tea selection. I choose the berry fruit tea and my husband the African tea which the waitress recommended as a strong and popular tea to him. 

The afternoon tea stand came out after about 15 minutes and we both were feeling rather hungry. 

Along with this we also got a oblong plates each filled with small slices of freshly baked sourdough bread with butter plus  cream cheese, cucumber relish and Salmon with spoon of caviar for husband and beetroot and tiny blackberry spheres for me. 

Sorry I forgot to take a photo of it before I eat it.  It was really nice and bit different. 

The sandwiches consisted of small brioche egg mayonnaise roll and half a focaccia roll filled with Chicken and a cucumber and mint cream cheese sandwich. We also got a cheese scone each with a smoky spicy sausage spread to go with it. These were all very tasty and nice. 

Before starting the scones I ordered a coffee and my husband a different type of tea to try.

 The scones were slightly warm still and served with pot of blackberry jam and clotted cream. We got two generous size scones each, raisin with cinnamon one and plain one. 

The raisin and cinnamon one was delicious light and fluffy inside with just the right amount of cinnamon. Every time I come here the scones have always been lovely. 

On the bottom plate were the cakes and tiny desserts, 4 each plus a chocolate one to share. 

We had the macaroon first and my husband got a mango flavored one and mine was blackberry. 

Next i had the sponge cake which was topped with lemon buttercream. The sponge had an unusual taste so I asked the waitress what it was. She said it was a honey cake which then made sense as proper pure honey can have a strong flavor. It tasted OK but not my favorite. 

The yellow one was filled with a very soft mango cream coated in chocolate. We both liked this one as very light and creamy. The cheesecake topped with blackberry jelly sat on a crisp buttery biscuit base and tasted very nice.  

Lastly we shared the chocolate cake that was in the shape of a musical note.  

This was made of rich chocolate ganache and very soft and gooey to eat. 

Finally to finish a lovely afternoon tea I ordered a cappuccino and my husband had a double espresso

All of the hot drinks we ordered were included in the price which is good as some places charge extra for additional teas and coffees. 

Feeling very full and content we headed into the Whisky bar for a treat for my husbands birthday. 

Nearest Station : Barons Court underground  station - about 10 minute walk

Best bits : The delicious scones and bread plate    

Worst bits : Nothing to mention   

Value for money : Yes defiantly with my voucher however menu price is still good for the amount and quality of food. 

would I go back? : Yes defiantly.  

The Squadron - Rosey Lea tea room North Weald airfield

 On Friday I took my friend to a lovely tea room that was recommended to me by a work colleague. Its called Rosey Lea Tea rooms and they have 4 branches in Essex and Hertfordshire. We went to the once called The Squadron. 

It's at North Weald airfield in Essex. Once you enter the gates to the airfield it's about a 2 mile drive along the road and runways and we were told to be careful of any small light aircraft and go on the grass if they are on the runway. You just keep following the road and red line to the end were the tea room and carpark is. 

The building like a large shed from the outside with large windows onto an outdoor seating area  which looks out onto the runway. You get a great view of the small planes taking off and air ambulance helicopters flying past. 

We got there about 12.15 and it was already getting busy. It was nice and light and airy inside with simple marble effect tables and wooden chairs. Along the back wall was a wooden sideboard laid out with homemade cakes under glass domes. There were about 7 different ones plus some very large homemade scones.  

The menu has a good choice of hot and cold food including breakfast dishes, salads, jacket potatoes and different types of sandwiches. I must say the food is rather expensive but the potions are generous.  

We both choose the afternoon tea prices at £20.25 each. For this you get to choose a sandwich and slice of cake each plus you get a scone each with jam and clotted cream. I ordered a toasted brie, bacon and cranberry sandwich in granary bread and we both choose a slice of the Raspberry and white chocolate cake. 

The afternoon tea comes with a refillable pot of tea but we ordered a cappuccino each instead which the waiter said there would be a small extra charge for.  

We waited about 20 minutes for the food to arrive which came out on a traditional cake stand 

My toasted sandwich had loads of filling inside as as very tasty. 

Next we both had our scones that had been warmed up. They were huge and very nice especially with the jam and clotted cream. It was a struggle to eat it all even for me !!!!!!

We both ordered an Americana coffee each with milk on the side to finish with. 

There was no way that I could eat the cake as far to full after the scone so we asked for a box to take them home in. 

I eat the cake later that day at home and it was very nice with a light raspberry flavored sponge with a thin coating of buttercream. 

Overall a lovely cafe with good food, lovely homemade cakes and the staff are very friendly. 

Nearest Station : Not sure as I drove there.

Best bits : The wide choice of homemade cakes and sandwiches.   

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention  

   

Value for money :  It is expensive compared to other cafes I have been too but the food quality and service is good.  

Would I go back? : Yes I will take my mum there

    

 

 

Fantastic Kopi Tai afternoon tea in the Orchard lounge Pan Pacific hotel - London

 Saturday I treated my husband to a fantastic afternoon tea. It's one we went to before and really enjoyed. The menu was different this time and as usual I got a great deal by buying a voucher with discount code from Buyagift. I used my discount code so only paid £108 for both of us. This is a better way to do it as the price in the menu was £62 each. 

The hotel is very close to Liverpool Street station. It is a tall building and modern in design. 

When we arrived it was very busy however there was a nice table for us towards the back of the lounge. It was a low style table with big velvet armchairs. The table was simply laid with china with a very pretty floral bird design the same as we had on our last visit. It had the hotel name on the bottom so must of been specially made for them

. 

We was handed the menu and asked if we had any allergies. The waiter also explained the two different types of afternoon tea Traditional or Kopi Tai.  We both opted for the Kopi Tai one below as it sounded nice.  

SELECTION OF  ASIAN SAVOURIES

 Siu Mai Basket Spinach, Carrot, Sesame (VG) (G, SE) 

Shitake & Maitake Mushroom, Corn (G, S) 

Prawn, Caviar, Spring Onion (D, E, G, MO, SE)

 Beef, Onion, Oyster Sauce (F, G, S, SE) 

Steamed Lotus Bun (D, E, G) Salted Egg Yolk, Custard Sauce 

Steamed Sweet Potato Bun (D, G, SD) Sugar, Milk, Glutinous Rice, Coconut Flakes 

PLAIN & STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE SCONE (D, E, G)                                                          Cornish Clotted Cream,                        

 Homemade Strawberry-Rhubarb Preserve  and  Lemon Curd

 ICE LOLLIE (VE) Apple and Elderflower

 SELECTION OF   HAND-MADE PASTRIES 

Lemon Drop (D, E, F, G, S) Lemon Verbena, Raspberry, Peach 

Mint Breeze (A, D, E, F, G, S)  Mint, Lime, Bacardi 

Basil Smash (D, E, F, N, SD) Strawberry, Basil, Kalamansi 

Tropical Storm (D, E, F, G, S) Dulcey, Banana, Mango  

 

We ordered a bottle of English sparking wine from the menu which had a good selection of English wines to chose from. The cheapest being £74 a bottle. 

My husband ordered a pot of Breakfast tea from the large choice of teas on the menu and I ordered the lemon tea. 

It took around 15 minutes for the food to arrive which was served in a wooden type steam basket and the buns on a plate. The waiter explained what they were and that I had extra beef one instead of the salmon which was perfect. 

 

The mini dumplings were very tasty especially the beef one. 

The sweet potato buns were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. The waiter gave us a dish of condensed milk to dip them into which I thought was strange but it made them taste even better. 

The large lotus bun was very unusual but in a good way. Soft on the outside with a rich thick sweet custard inside. 

It was so different to anything I have tasted before but in a good way !!!!

 

Next came the scones on a plate along with a silver stand with three small dishes on. The dishes contained thick clotted cream, homemade Rhubarb strawberry and ginger jam plus a lemon curd. 

The scones were still warm and very moist and sponge like inside. I loved the lemon curd as it was really tangy and went perfect with the strawberry chocolate scones. My husband is not a big fan of scones unlike me but said these were one of the best he had tasted. 

The scones were a good size and we had to ask for more clotted  cream which the waiter brought straight out to us. 

After the scones the waiter then brought out two small ice lollies 

These were apple and elderflower sorbet coated in green chocolate with meringue sprinkles. 

It was very nice and refreshing

 

Lastly it was time for the cakes which were more like little desserts and extremely nice. We got our own plate of 4 different ones each

The first one was called Lemon Drop which was strange as it was pink and not a lemon color. Then I read the menu and saw it had raspberry and peach too hence the color. This was a delicious creamy lemon tangy mouse covered in pink chocolate on top on a thin  biscuit topped with fresh peaches and crispy bits 

 

Next we both had the Strawberry Basil Smash one. Sweet meringue filled with a cream with a hint of basil topped with fresh strawberry slices and a strawberry gel sheet 

Next to be eaten was the Mint Breeze which tasted just like a Mojito, it looked good too. My husband was not keen on this one maybe because he does not like Mojito cocktails. I liked it and thought that they had got the balance of flavors just right. It was unusual with the taste of fresh mint mixed with the citrus of lime. 

Lastly we had the Tropical Storm one, not quite sure why it was called this but it was a great hilt with both of us. Sweet pretty biscuit on both sides  with a soft cream filling of caramel and fresh banana pieces sat on a thin sheet of chocolate topped biscuit and topped with more chocolate and a little butterfly on a mango gel 

After eating all the lovely food we were both rather full.  We were not offered any extra food but I noticed that the table next to us asked for extra savories each and then more cakes at the end which they gave them.  I guess if you do not ask you don't get but I always think that in the 5 star hotels when you pay so much they should always offer extra to you. 

Its probably a good job they did not offer us extra as we would of been so full up !!!!!

To finish what was a lovely afternoon tea we both had a coffee each. 

Nearest Station : Liverpool Street station - about 8 minute walk

Best bits : The lovely food which I could not fault and great service    

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention  

   

Value for money : Yes I think it was as not as expensive as some of the well known 5 star hotels and we got quite a lot of food. 

Would I go back? : Yes defiantly for a third time