Ampersand Science themed Afternoon Tea 2nd visit - South Kensington London

 On Saturday I went to a Science themed afternoon tea with my friend. This is my second visit to this hotel and last time I went with my mum in October 2020. I did say on my review then that I would come back.

The Ampersand is a small boutique style hotel just a few minutes walk from South Kensington underground station . I booked via website www.afternoontea.co.uk and there were no offers at the time. The standard menu price is £49 each which is reasonable. 

The afternoon tea is served in the small bright drawing room with lovely sofas and velvet arm chairs . 

We sat at a small round table by the window which was simply laid with a crisp white tablecloth and napkins and white china. 

We were handed the menu and asked if we had any allergies. I just asked if i could swap my salmon blinis for an extra chicken bun. Which turned out to be a good move as the salmon one was very tiny and the Chicken bun was large in comparison and tasted very nice. 

There was not  much tea selection so I opted for the Orange Rooibus one as generally I do not like the taste of tea but the waitress said that it tasted more fruity than actual tea. It tasted OK but still had that tea taste !!!!!!

Whilst waiting for the food we was given a drink experiment to do which involved mixing colored   water with sodium bicarbonate power and then adding flavoring. It did not taste nice just a bit of fun to add to the science theme. 

When the tea stand arrived it looked very full and nice. The waitress explained what each item was and then created an smoke effect from the top plate with dry ice..........it was all rather dramatic and lasted for a good few minutes.

Once I had taken a few photos of the food we tucked in as both feeling very hungary. 

For the savories I got two chicken basil and lemon buns, a beef brioche roll and a very mini cheese quiche. 

The chicken was like a soft pate mixed with mayonnaise, lemon and basil that made it a bright green color  !!!! It tasted very nice and so did the rare slices of beef in the brioche roll. The quiche was slightly dry and overcooked. 

Next we had the scones which were unfortunately  not served warm. We got a plain one each and a cranberry one which was supposed to also have white chocolate but I could not see or taste this. 

As well as strawberry jam and clotted cream we got three test tubes with sprinkles inside to put on the scones. There were milk and white chocolate crunchy peals, freeze dried raspberries and freeze dried pineapple. 

The scones were disappointing as dry inside and did not taste freshly baked. 

By now our teapots were empty so we both ordered a cappuccino . Our waitress also asked if we wanted anymore sandwiches which was a bit too late to ask since we had moved onto the cakes. 

Lastly we both tucked into the cakes which did look very nice and went well with the science theme

The first cake we had was both our favorite, Dulcey chocolate and blakcurrant planet. 

White chocolate sphere filled with blackcurrant mouse on a light sponge base. It was lovely and creamy inside and I liked the spotted white chocolate ring around it. 

Next I had the mixed berry macaron and my friend tried the jelly in the petri dish as she does not like macarons. 

There was a pipette of lemon juice to squeeze into the macaron which added to the flavor. it was a very nice macaron. My friend was not so keen on the mandarin and cherry flavor jelly in the petri dish. I think is was more of just a gimmick to go with the theme !!!!

Lastly we had the raspberry pistachio almond cake with  a chocolate spaceman. 

This was a nice pistachio sponge cake with a strong raspberry taste topping. We were surprised to find that the chocolate spaceman also had a raspberry taste. 

We both decided to order another coffee each to finish with. We had to call the waitress over to order this as they were very busy. I thought that the service had not been very good as they never came over to offer more drinks we had to track them down and ask them. 

Whilst drinking our coffees I released that we had not had our mini dinosaur biscuit and chocolate fossils in wooden box that was stated on the menu.  I also remember getting this last time I came. 

We once again called the waitress over which took a while as they were all busy. She said ' Oh you have not had this yet ' with a surprised look on her face.  She then went to the kitchen and came back with just one box.  I asked if we should get another box  and she said that they were cleaning them and if we wanted another one that we would have to wait 10 minutes.....we said this was fine as not in a rush. We got the impression they did not want to give us another one !!!!!!

Finally we both got a box each . The chocolates inside are buried under the soil so you need to use the paintbrush to uncover and dig around.  I got three dark chocolate fossils inside whilst my fiend got milk chocolate ones.  Neither of us got a biscuit as stated on the menu which was disappointing. 

It feel like we just got what was left from other peoples boxes chucked in at the last minute. Hopefully I am wrong on this !!!!

Overall a nice themed afternoon tea served in a lovely relaxing drawing room. However the service was not up to the standard I experienced  before which may put me off coming again. 

Nearest Station : South Kensington underground station - about 5 minute walk

Best bits : The sandwiches and the planet cake.    

Worst bits :  Dry scones and the service    

Value for money : Its not too expensive compared to some afternoon teas.  

would I go back? :  Probably not unless they have a new theme   

Melody restaurant very nice afternoon tea - Hammersmith London

 On Thursday I took my mum for an afternoon tea at the Melody restaurant in St Pauls Hotel which is near Baron's court underground station London. 

This is my third time here as it serves the most amazing scones

I used an old buyagift voucher I had so got a great deal using a discount code. f you book it direct it is £29 each or £39 with glass of champagne which is a good price for London afternoon tea. 

It's a small hotel traditional in style and very homely inside. The restaurant is on the site of what was originally St Paul’s School, and was chosen as the location for “Melody”, being a story of youth and first love. Hence the name for the restaurant. Outside there is a patio with tables and chairs for the summer months.

The afternoon tea is served in a small bright dining room next to the whiskey bar. It has large windows looking into the patio outside and a lovely glass chandelier hanging from  the middle of the ceiling. 

We choose a table next to the window with the sun shining through. The table was nicely laid with white tablecloth and napkins. 

The menu did not explain what sandwiches or cakes on offer but listed the different types of teas to choose from. 

I handed the voucher to the waitress and informed her of no fish for both of us and no mayonnaise or mustard for my mum. She said this would not be a problem. 

She then poured us a very large glass of champagne each. 

We chatted for about 15 minutes then the food arrived . I ordered my tea and choose the red berries one whilst my mum ordered a cappuccino. 

The waitress explained what the sandwiches and cakes were and they all sounded very nice. 

We got 3 different types of sandwich and 4 of each type . They were cut into squares rather than the usual oblong shape. 

They consisted of cucumber and mint, ham and cream cheese and chicken. They all tasted nice and fresh. 

The scones were still warm and large in size. We got 2 each a fruit one and a plain one with plenty of jam and clotted cream. I could tell the scones were going to be nice as they were crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. The fruit one had cinnamon in too which added to the fantastic flavor. 

I remember the last time I came how good they were and this time I think they tasted even better !!!

10 out of 10 and the best scones so far this year

Before tucking into the cakes we both ordered another hot drink each. This time I had a cappuccino and my mum an Americana coffee. 

We got  5  different cakes each which consisted off  a mini cupcake, cream filled choux bun with raspberry, mango cheesecake, rich chocolate shortbread square and a unusual flavor green macaron. 

They were all nice and very different in taste. We liked the choux bun and cheesecake best. 

Once again we had a lovely afternoon tea here with good service and cannot fault it for the price

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

Best bits : The delicious scones and large glass of champagne.   

Worst bits : Nothing to mention   

Value for money : Yes defiantly with my voucher however menu price is still good for London Hotel . 

would I go back? : Yes I have another voucher so will be taking hubby next time and also visiting the Whisky bar.  

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Claridges Easter afternoon tea - London

 Good Friday me and my hubby treated ourselves to a afternoon tea at the famous 5 star Claridge's hotel. I had to book it up about 3 months in advance and had been looking forward to going for many weeks. 

It was expensive at £100 each but I have always wanted to go there especially after seeing the hotel on TV. As we could not afford to stay at the hotel I thought this was the next best thing !!!!!

The hotel was just a 8 minute walk from Oxford Street and bond Street station.

From the outside it was very big with lots of flags outside however the reception area was smaller than I imagined it to be . 

As we approach the revolving doors we were greeted by the doorman . There were lots of expensive cars outside and I wondered if we would see anyone famous. 

Inside it was very busy with lots of people waiting to go into the afternoon tea room which is opposite the doors as you walk in. 

Before going in I went to the bathroom as I was dying to see what it was like. I was rather disappointed with the ladies bathroom as not very big and nothing special apart from the lady in uniform turning the tap on for me and then handing me the white flannel to dry my hands. The hand wash was in a frosted glass dispenser bottle so I do not know what brand it was but it did not smell of anything special. 

The afternoon tea is served in the grand foyer. It's a large room with gold and silver pillars and mirrors. In the center of the room is a extremely large fresh flower display sat under a big glass very unusual  modern style chandelier. There was lovely background music by a  pianist and lady playing the cello. 

It was very busy and only a few tables free. We was given the choice of two different tables and choose the one on the left side towards the back of the room. 

Our table was nicely laid with crisp white tablecloth and napkin and green and white china made specifically for Claridge's. Next to our table stood a tall silver oblong shape stand. 

The waiter pulled out the chair for me to sit on and took my jacket to place in the cloakroom. We were handed a menu each that was more like a booklet. It explained in great detail what the afternoon tea menu consisted off plus tips and fact to get the best experience. There was a large choice of teas with a full description of each of them plus a coffee menu including iced coffee. 

The waiter explained that the price includes a glass of Moet champagne and proceed to pour us a glass each.  He then checked for allergies and I just informed him that I did not like salmon so could I have an extra chicken sandwich. 

We waited about 15 minutes for the sandwiches to arrive and was given a plate each. They consisted of the below.  

Smoked salmon and dill crème fraîche on rye bread 

Roasted chicken, baby gem lettuce and tarragon on granary bread

 Honey glazed ham with orange and mustard mayonnaise on onion bread 

Truffle egg mayonnaise and watercress on white bread

 English cucumber with minted crème fraîche on white bread

They were very nice and really fresh with lots of filling. I liked the chicken with mayonnaise best 😋. We also got a tiny carrot and coriander tart each which was also nice and a bit different. Just before we finished our last sandwich the waiter brought my husband 4 salmon ones as he had heard him say how nice they were. He brought me two chicken sandwiches and two ham as these were my favorite. Once we had eaten these we were offered even more but we had to decline as wanted room for the rest of the food yet to come. 

We ordered some tea each. My husband ordered the  Claridge's Blend tea and I ordered the lemongrass herbal one. They were brought out in large china teapots and poured out using the silver tea strainer. 

I could smell the lemon if my one and it tasted really good . It reminded me of a sherbet lemon sweet.  

After we had finished all the sandwiches we ordered a extra glass of champagne each priced at £25 each, after all it is Easter weekend!!!!

Next to arrive on our table was a plate of two toasted hot cross buns with a silver dish of butter. I was not expecting this but it was a nice touch for Easter 🐇🐣

Sorry I forgot to take a picture of them before I had nearly eaten it 

Our waiter was very attentive and brought us both a fresh pot of tea rather than just pouring the tea out that was left in the teapot.  

The music in the room was lovely and relaxing and the champagne went down lovely.....in fact a bit too quickly. 

Next our waiter brought out a plate of scones and large plate of little cakes. 

We got a plain scone and fruit scone each plus a large pot of jam and clotted cream to share. The jam was a mixture of strawberry and raspberry.  As you know I love a freshly baked scone and these did not disappoint. 

The waiter asked if we wanted anymore scones and brought my husband a fresh pot of tea whilst I ordered a cappuccino. Sadley I  had to turn down the extra scones to leave room for the cakes. 

We got 4 different cakes each. They looked nice but I was expecting a more fancy decoration to them  or maybe an Easter theme  would of been nice. However decoration aside they all tasted lovely. 

We especially liked the chocolate peanut tart which was delicious 😋 . The coffee mouse one on a very crispy base was our second favorite. 

We both had a lovely afternoon at Claridge's with excellent service and nice food. I do not remember our waiters name but he looked after us throughout the service. 

At the end of the service  I was handed a paper bag which contained a  small box with  two scones and two of my favorite cakes to take home plus a small chocolate Easter egg each in a box . 

This was such a nice thing for them to give to us and much appreciated. It was lovely chocolate too as we eat them Easter Sunday whilst watching a movie 

Nearest Station : Bond Street station - about 8 minute walk

Best bits : The nice sandwiches with lots of tasty filling inside plus the chocolate peanut tart and the Easter egg to take home. Also I must mention the waiter who looked after us throughout.   

Worst bits : Nothing to mention   

Value for money : It was expensive but we did get offered lots of extra food and given great service. I think its worth it for a special occasion or treat. 

would I go back? : Yes I would for a special occasion. 

Best value afternoon tea at Morrisons cafe

 This has to be the best value afternoon tea I have had............priced at £12.99 for two

Yes that's correct £6.50 each and we got coffee refills included in this !!! I think this is my 4th afternoon tea at Morrisons.

It's certainly not posh and you do not get the 5 star  hotel service but the food is extremely nice and fresh. It's ideal for a last minute lunch or afternoon treat with a friend.

I went to my local Morrisons in Chingford  on Friday with my friend for lunch and ordered this. We had to wait about 20 minutes for it to arrive which was fine as we helped ourselves to a cappuccino from the hot drinks machine. 

The bottom plate had ham sandwiches and egg mayonnaise sandwiches both on white bread. We got 4 triangles each equivalent to a 2 slice sandwich each. They were lovely and very fresh. 

The middle plate had my favorite on, scones with a mini pot of jam each and mini tub of clotted cream each. Morrisons bakery scones are extremely good. Full of dried fruit and topped with sugar which gives them a crunchy outside. They are big too so one each is plenty. 

On the top plate we got a slice of strawberry cheesecake, slice of lemon loaf cake and brownie square each. All of which were very nice but we both liked the cheesecake best. They were all generous in size too. In fact we had to take the cake and brownie home as too full up. 

 

 

Best bits : The delicious scones with cream and jam and the slice of cheesecake

Worst bits : Nothing    

Value for money : Yes defiantly cannot fault the food we got especially for the price paid.  

would I go back? : Yes of course i will  

Cat Afternoon Tea for Mothers day - Java Whiskers Marylebone London

 For Mothers day this year I decided to try a different type of afternoon tea in a cat cafe called Java Whiskers based in Marylebone London. I went with my daughter and took my mum as a Mothers Day treat for her as she loves all types of  animals and thought this would be a bit different. 

I was not expecting the afternoon tea to be anything special like some of the 5 star hotels I have been too. However being around the he cats would make up for it. 

It was not cheap at £47.00 each with choice of 1 drink each for 2 hours . Some of the money goes towards the care and rehoming of the cats so I did not mind. You can just pay to visit the cat or kitten lounge without the afternoon tea and buy drinks and food from the cafe if you want.   

Yes they have a kitten lounge but you cannot have the afternoon tea in there...there's always a next time for the kitten lounge !!!!!

Upon arriving we had to wait to be called into the lounge and was  informed of the rules which all make sense to protect us and the cats. You also have to remove your shoes and wash your hands before entering the cat room.  The lady took our drinks order and informed us that the savories were vegetarian only which was fine by us. I guess this is so the cats are not tempted by the smell and try to pinch the food. 

We had a nice table in the main section of the room which was very cozy looking just like a lounge at home but with tables and chairs instead of a sofa . There were a few cats lying on the floor  amongst an array of cat toys and furry rugs. I must admit there was a slight cat smell in the room but I am used to this having two cats myself. 

As soon as my mum sat down a friendly black and white cat called Hackney jumped onto her lap which was nice. 

The waitress brought over our drinks and about 10 minutes later the afternoon tea stand. 

On the bottom plate we got a toasted cheese type sandwich each and a pastry slice containing mushrooms and feta cheese I think . They were still slightly warm and tasted nicer than they looked. 

Whilst eating we were introduced to the cats and given a bit of info about them. There was probably only around 8 cats in total and some of them had been adopted and were off to their forever homes soon. Java Whiskers works with the Scratching Post cat rehoming center and its aim to look after the cats and help with finding them  homes. 

The scones were just plain ones which was good as my daughter does not like the fruit ones. They were very big and still warm. We got a mini pot of jam each and a dish of clotted cream to share. 

I think this tabby cat could smell the cream as he jumped onto my lap. Unfortunately you are not allowed to feed them which is a shame but I totally understand why. 

Next we had the cakes on the top plate and there were quite a few to share between 3 of us 

We got a lemon tart topped with a meringue and red sauce which was probably my favorite. 

Then I had the raspberry muffin which was lovely and moist with fresh raspberries inside. 

I choose the chocolate macaron and then lastly the rich chocolaty brownie square which was lovely if you like chocolate. 

Whilst enjoying our food we could walk around the room and stroke and pay with the cats. Most of them seemed to enjoy the attention but if they had enough there were plenty of hiding places for them. 

Overall it was a nice afternoon with the cats and nice food. I  think for the price we paid they could have  offered us another drink each for free. 

Nearest Station : Oxford Circus  station - about 10 minute walk

Best bits : The scones with cream and jam and the Lemon Tart . It was also nice spending time with the cats

Worst bits : Only 1 drink each included   

Value for money : I have to say yes as part of the money goes towards helping the cats find new homes  

would I go back? : Maybe as I am tempted to visit the Kitten lounge but may find it hard to resist adopting one