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   

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   

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

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  

Caffe concerto afternoon tea - 3rd time

 Saturday me and my mum had a nice afternoon tea at caffe concerto in Westfield Stratford. This is my second afternoon tea at this branch and my 3rd one at caffe concerto.

Every time I have got such a good deal by buying a voucher from Buyagift and using their discount code. The voucher on website last year was on offer at £29.95 but I used a discount code so only cost me £19.95 for both of us !!!!!

Currently on Buyagift it's £42 which is still cheaper than the menu price. 

I must mention that I had a bit of a nightmare trying to book it up. I tried calling and emailing the Westfield branch with no answer and was automatically transferred  to the caffe concerto customer service dept. 

The lady I spoke to said they were fully booked every weekend in the summer and that they only accept up to 4 vouchers a day. She was not helpful at all. 

I needed to return something to a Primark store so decided to call the branch at Bond street as there is a Primark store near there. They were very helpful and said they do not take bookings weekends but we can just walk in and no problem with accepting voucher for afternoon tea. 

Unfortunately we did not make it to this branch as there was a problem with the Central line trains so we ended up at Strafford Westfield in the end. We decided to just go to the caffe concerto restaurant and see if we could get a table. 

The waiter was very nice and said yes there was a nice table in the conservatory and that they accepted the voucher. So in the end it all turned out good and will bear this in mind next time !!!!

We looked at the afternoon tea menu and informed the waiter that no salmon and my mum no mayonnaise. He explained that the sandwich fillings are all ready made so my mum could just have the cream cheese and cucumber which was fine. 

Prosecco Afternoon Tea for two

Selection of finger sandwiches & mini brioche rolls: Cucumber with cream cheese - Egg mayo-mustard. Scottish smoked salmon & soft cheese - Chicken mayo & sundried tomato. Freshly baked raisins & plain scones with Cornish clotted cream & strawberry jam. Assortment of mini cakes. A choice of tea from our world selection.

 - Chicken mayo & sundried tomato. Freshly baked raisins & plain scones with Co

We had our glass of Prosecco whilst waiting for the tea stand to arrive. This went done very well as it was a hot sunny day and the Prosecco was nice and chilled. 

After about 15 minutes the tea stand arrived. I asked if there was some plan cheese and cucumber sandwiches and the waitress said there was two which had just cucumber so I requested some with cheese also as my mum could not eat the egg or chicken ones as these had mayonnaise in. A few minutes later she brought out two cheese and cucumber ones just for my mum. 

I got two chicken mayonnaise with sundried tomatoes which was really nice and two mini egg mayonnaise brioche rolls plus two chicken mayonnaise brioche rolls which I think we're the replacement for the salmon ones. 

They were all nice and fresh and tasty 😋

The scones were warm and a nice size. We got one raisin one and three plain one to share plus a mini pot of jam each and a very small pot of cream to share. Good job my mum does not like cream as more for me 😉 whilst enjoying the scones we ordered a cappuccino each.

 

Lastly we had the cakes on the top tier. We got a chocolate tart each and macaroon plus a strawberry mouse cake and chocolate mouse cake to share. 

The tart had rich ganache chocolate inside and was delicious as well as the rich light chocolate mouse cake.  

We both enjoyed this afternoon tea before heading to the shops. 

I would definitely get another voucher if on special offer again or if I have a discount code to use as there are so many branches in London we can go to. 

Nearest Station :        Stratford Westfield  - about 10 minute walk 

Best bits : The glass of Prosecco and Chocolate tart plus the chicken sandwiches were really nice    

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention apart from trouble with trying to book   

Value for money : Yes 100%  for the £19.95 I paid including glass of Prosecco each     

would I go back? :  Yes if I can get another good deal  

Dalloway terrace afternoon tea

Today I had a nice afternoon tea with my friend Michele. It's something we do in July every year and I liked to go somewhere different each time. 

This afternoon tea is priced at £40 each and I booked it via www.afternoontea.co.uk. this is a website I used quite often as has lots of afternoon teas and it also shows the menus which is handy. However for this particular afternoon tea the menu was different to the one on the hotel website which has the new summer menu ...link below for the current menu offered

https://dallowayterrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DT-Summer_Afternoon-Tea-min-1.pdf

Dalloway terrace is in the Bloomsbury hotel near Tottenham Court underground station. It has a lovely outdoor all weather terrace decorated with pretty artificial flowers. It has a canopy roof so can be used all year round. To get to the terrace we walked through the Coral room which is a lovely lounge  bar with comfy seating. I think they also can  serve the afternoon tea in here. 

Once seated we looked at the menu and informed the waitress we do not eat fish and my friend does not like coronation chicken. 

I ordered a red berry tea and my friend a cappuccino. We also got a glass of tap water as it was a hot sunny day. Even though we was in the shade under the canopy it was still hot . 

It took about 20 minutes for the tea stand to arrive and the 4 sandwiches each came on our own plates.

I liked the coronation chicken one best followed by the egg mayonnaise mini roll. When the waitress asked if we wanted any more I ordered another one of each of these two. 

My friend unfortunately did not like her sandwiches much so asked if she could just have plain cheese ones. These were brought out along with my extra ones. It's nice to know that they can make them up fresh to order and can cater for different requests. 

Before starting on the scones we ordered another drink each . This time I ordered a cappuccino as had had enough of the fruity tea. 

The scones were generous in size and we got a golden raisin one each and a lemon one each. Unfortunately they were no longer warm but still tasted freshly baked. We got raspberry jam and thick clotted cream to go with them . Both of us like lots of cream on our scones so we had to ask for some more. This was brought out to us with more jam too. 

Both scones tasted lovely and it was a nice change to have one with a slight lemon flavor.

Finally we tucked into the cakes ....we got four different ones each on our own plates. 

I must say I was disappointed with these as the flavors were unusual and tasted and looked nothing special.

We both liked the pink strawberry mouse one and neither of us liked the jelly one . It had weird texture and no flavor to it so we both left it. 

The lemon and basil cake sponge was hard and dry and the cheesecake was nice but had a very strong ginger flavor.  I was surprised that there was not a chocolate cake as must people like chocolate. 

We had a lovely time chatting away and the service was very good. Extra hot drinks were offered along with more food if we wanted it. 

Nearest Station :        Tottenham Court Road  underground  - about 5 minute walk 

Best bits : Pretty terrace and nice scones plus good service    

Worst bits :  The cakes which were disappointing   

Value for money : Yes as we was offered  extra food and hot drinks.    

would I go back? :  Maybe when they change the menu  

. 

Urban meadow cafe Doubletree Hilton -Hyde Park London

 Nice afternoon tea with my mum. Had a buyagift voucher that I got in 2020 for this afternoon tea that I paid £21.75 for including a bottle of Prosecco for two. 

This will be my third visit here as have been before with hubby for afternoon tea and also 3 course bottomless brunch.  It's not a posh hotel but modern in design with a lovely outdoor terrace which is perfect for a sunny day. The restaurant is light and airy with a nice leaf design. 

When we arrived I asked for a table outside but they explained that they do not serve afternoon tea outside but offered us a table that was by the open doors leading onto the terrace. It was like we was outside so suited us fine. 

I handed over the voucher and explained to the waiter that no fish for both of us and my mum no mayonnaise . He said that there were 3 different sandwiches and they all contained mayonnaise as pre made fillings. My mum decided to just order a bowl of chips and I would have the sandwiches without the salmon one. After a few minutes a waitress came over and said they could do my mum vegetarian sandwiches that had no mayonnaise so she cancelled the chips. I think the waiter did not understand but it was all sorted in the end. 

The waiter brought over our bottle of Prosecco in a ice bucket and poured us a glass each. It was nice and chilled and perfect on a warm day. 

We had to wait about 20 minutes for the tea stand to arrive as I think they had to make up my mums special sandwichs. We did not mind as we had the lovely Prosecco to drink whilst chatting away. 

The waitress brought over the tea stand which looked nice. 

We got 4 finger sandwiches each in brown and white bread. I had egg mayonnaise, cucumber and two chicken ones. My mum got cumber, cheese and tomato and a veggie filled one. She said they were nice and very fresh. I liked my chicken ones best. 

We both ordered a cappuccino before starting on the scones. 

The scones were small and we only got one raison one each with a small pot of jam and pot of clotted cream to share. It's a good job my mum does not like clotted cream as it was a very small pot and I do like a lot on my scone !!!! 

The scone was warm and nice but would of liked another one !!!!

Lastly we had the cakes which looked nice however we only got three small ones each. There was a chocolate sponge cake , pink strawberry cheesecake and a macaroon. I liked the cheesecake best it was nice and creamy. 

The waiter asked if we wanted another drink and I ordered just an Americana coffee whilst my mum finished her last glass of Prosecco. 

Before leaving I asked if the voucher covered everything and they said yes nothing to pay. So we just left a cash tip on the table as the service had been good. 

The afternoon tea is priced at £20 each if you book via www.afternoontea.co.uk which is not a bad price but if paying this  I would like perhaps another scone each and cake for this price. 

Nearest Station :        Queensway underground  - about 8 minute walk 

Best bits : Chilled bottle of Prosecco    

Worst bits :  Only one small scone each  

Value for money : Defiantly for my voucher but full price £20 each without Prosecco is an average price    

would I go back? :  Yes if I can get another great voucher deal