Dorchester Christmas afternoon tea - Park Lane London

 My last afternoon tea for 2023 was at the famous Dorchester Hotel on Park lane. This is one I have been wanting to go too for years but it is so expensive. Luckily of me my daughter and husband got me a voucher for my birthday for a Champagne afternoon tea there for two.   Of course my husband insisted he went with me !!!!

It is priced at £135 each for the Festive tea with a glass of Champagne which has to be the most expensive afternoon tea I have been to so far !!!  The standard Champagne afternoon tea is £30 less so they are just charging more as its Christmas time. 

Was it worth it ?  You need to read this blog to find out ........

From the outside of the hotel I thought it would be bigger and more grand but once inside I was impressed 

The reception had a large crystal chandelier hanging down next to a large Christmas tree 

The floors were very shinny and there were more smaller Christmas trees along the sides leading to the famous Promenade where the afternoon tea is served. 

We arrived early so our table was not ready yet so we waited in the foyer which had pale green velvet sofas with pink cushions. 

I went to check out the bathrooms which were large inside and impressive. there was a seating area with dressing table and mirrors to check hair and make up.  The hand soap and hand cream was in a silver metal pump bottle so you could not tell if it was an expensive brand of not. This is something I always like to check out in the hotels bathrooms. 

Once our table was ready we were escorted along the finely decorated corridor called the Promenade to our table that was near the end and close to the silver piano. There was a man playing the piano and singing plus another man playing on a double base. They played some lovely songs throughout the afternoon tea service. 

Our table was nicely laid with crisp white tablecloth and napkins. The china was white and pink and there was a small vase of fresh flowers on each table.

The menu was handed to us and were  offered still or sparkling bottled water.  I felt it was too posh to ask for tap water so we ended up paying £9 for a bottle of still water. 

Our waiter asked us if we had any allergies and if we wanted the afternoon tea with a glass of Champagne. I explained that I did not like fish so could I have an extra turkey sandwich instead. 

We were poured a large glass of Champagne each which went down well whist deciding on what teas to order. I thought the  herbal tea section on the menu was small and not much choice. 

When the sandwiches arrived they looked very nice and we got our own plate of 5 finger sandwiches and a tiny beetroot and and brie tart that was very nice. All the sandwiches were nice and fresh with lots of fillings. When asked if we wanted anymore I asked for more turkey and cranberry ones and the egg one. My hubby got 2 more Salmon ones.  

After eating all the sandwiches the waiter arrived with a little ice cream dessert as a palate cleanser. 

It was tiny but extremely nice and refreshing.

It had an unusual rose flavor and filled with ice cream that I think was Earl Gray Tea flavor. 

All I know is that we both thought it was lovely and could of easily eat another one. 

After this the waiter brought out the scones and accomplishments plus a tray of nice looking cakes.

The scones were still warm and we got a fruit one and plain one each. They were nice and shinny on top and well risen. 

To go with them we got a large dish of clotted cream and two different jams. A Strawberry one and then a cherry one which I liked the best. 

I ordered a cappuccino and my husband some more tea. When the waiter brought over a fresh teacup and saucer my husband said the old one was fine to use which the waiter replied  'Its not a problem you are  at the Dorchester' !!!!

My coffee arrived in a large cup and it was piping hot and very nice with a creamy milk froth. 

By now we were feeling a bit full and wishing we had not had the extra sandwiches offered to us.

The cakes were the last thing to eat and we got four different ones each. I did not think they looked very Christmassy in the decoration 

The first one we had was spiced fruit tart on the right. This was a thin crisp pastry base filled with spiced sweet mincemeat and topped with a brandy light whipped cream. It was supposed to have lemon curd but I do not remember tasting this however it was very rich and nice. 

Next was the red topped one, Grapefruit and Champagne. I liked this one a lot as the Grapefruit was very sharpe with the Champagne and the yogurt mousse cream complimented this. 

Then we had the wreath shaped one that was a profiterole with pistachio cream and red berry fruit. 

I liked the flavors of this and the pistachios made it crunchy on top.

Lastly we had just enough room to eat the final cake. This was called Mont Blanc and made of a Chestnut cream filled meringue. Nice but not my favorite

We asked the waiter for the bill and I noticed that he had given the other tables a little green tin each with the bill. We did not get this so I had to ask him and he apologized and then brought us out a small boxed tin each. It contained a little iced fruit cake which I thought was a nice gesture. 

Upon paying for the bill there was a small confusion over the value of the voucher I got for my birthday and they did not deduct the correct amount off the bill. We did not realize until after paying and spoke to a manager who said she would refund the difference back to our card after New Year. 

We did not think this was very professional for the hotel to get the bill wrong and having to wait for the credit to our card. 

Overall the setting and music was lovely and we got good service. however I have been to other hotels that are much cheaper and received just as good service and food.  

Nearest Station : Green Park station - about 15 minute walk

Best bits : The little ice cream palate cleanser  and the fresh sandwiches with the little beetroot tart    

Worst bits : Probably that they got the bill wrong at the end.   

Value for money :  No I think there are just as good afternoon teas out there for less money.

would I go back? : Sorry no probably not but glad I have experienced it .

 

 

Last but one Christmas afternoon teas for 2023 - St Pancras Renaissance hotel Kings Cross London

 Finished this year on a good note with just having my last two Christmas afternoon teas for 2023. 

The Hanson lounge at St Pancras Renaissance hotel is one we have been too for the past 4 years and then we had our final afternoon tea at the famous Dorchester hotel. 

For the Hansom festive afternoon tea I got a voucher from Buyagift priced £91.50 which includes a discount code. It was for two people with a bottle of English Sparking wine.   The menu was priced at £65 per person with a glass of champagne so we got a good deal. 

We love this hotel as inside it is very grand with the impressive  high iron ceiling which is lit up at night.

 The afternoon tea disappointed us this time as the sandwiches were soggy liked they had been made in advance and frozen. This was a shame as the fillings were all nice and our waitress looked after us throughout.

The bottle of chapel down English wine went down a treat. 

The scones were nice but very small.

After the scones we got a plate of four mini Madeleine  sponges that had a slight lemon and thyme  flavor 

For the cakes we got four each and they were nice but not amazing 

Cranberry & Faisselle Bauble

Mont Blanc Tartlet, Blackcurrant & Sweet Chestnut
Choux Croquant, Hazelnut Cream
Mandarin, 70 % Dark Valrhona Mousse

We both enjoyed the experience thanks to our lovely waitress but the sandwiches did let it down and the cakes did not have much flavor.

Let's hope it is better next year as we will come back as its become a Christmas tradition for us. 

Nearest Station : Kings Cross St Pancras  station - about 7 minute walk

Best bits : The lovely lounge and lighting plus the Chapel Down Sparkling wine and the service    

Worst bits : The soggy sandwiches that spoilt it   

Value for money : Yes defiantly with my voucher and for such a  nice hotel.

would I go back? : Yes I would go back and hope they sort out the sandwiches next time 

  

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.