21 afternoon teas in 2022 and still counting

 I was chatting to my friend and she asked me how many afternoon teas I have my been too this year. 

I replied that my aim was to go to one a month so I guessed I had been to around 10 or 11

Wow how wrong was I it's 21 to date and it's not the end of the year yet !!!!! That's a lot of scones and cakes....

No wonder I have not managed to loose any weight but I have enjoyed going to them, well most  of them. 

Next one I have booked is at the Melody restaurant  that I have been to before with my mum. This time taking hubby for his birthday as the have a whiskey bar. 

I also hope to go to a few Christmas ones so probably end up going to around 24 in 12 months. 

Romeo and Juliet afternoon tea at Shakespeare globe theatre London

Friday, I went on a post birthday afternoon tea with my friend at the Swan restaurant at the Shakespeare Globe theatre bankside London. 

Once again got a great deal on a voucher from Buyagift using a discount code. It cost us £32 each with a glass of prosecco. My friend did not like the prosecco, so I got her glass as well!!!!.. 

The menu price is £38.50 each without the prosecco so I saved us some money 

The current Menu on offer is the Romeo and Juliet theme and they also do a savory afternoon tea.

The restaurant is quite modern in looks. Downstairs is the large bar with seating and upstairs is the nice light modern restaurant with windows looking out onto the Thames. This is where the afternoon tea is served so you get a lovely view. 

We choose a table for two by the window which had a great view of the Thames. Our table was nicely laid with China plates and matching cup and saucer in black and white design to go with the theme. There was also a small vase on each table with fresh flowers in. 

The waiter handed us the menu and asked if we had any allergies so we just said that we do not eat salmon so could we just swap it for another type of sandwich. They said this was fine and offered us a glass of tap water and took our drinks order. I decided to try the Wild Encounter berry fruit tea and my friend ordered a coffee. The waiter then poured us each a large glass of prosecco. 

The tea was very nice, glad I ordered it. 

After about 15 minutes the tea stand arrived and first thing I spotted was the large homemade scones that looked freshly baked. 

The bottom plate looked a bit empty as we only got 2 tiny mini chicken rolls each, a very tiny cheese quiche and an egg mayonnaise sandwich each. However, these did l taste lovely and nice and fresh. 

The scones were very nice, and we got a plain one and fruit one each with strawberry jam and clotted cream. We both like lots of cream and jam so had to ask for some more. This was brought out to us quickly. 

After the scones we ordered another coffee each and started on the top plate of mini cakes. And when I say mini, I mean bit size. We did however get one each of the 5 different ones so ended up being enough food as the scones had filled us up.  I really liked how the Romeo and Juliet theme was used on these cakes as detailed in the menu description. 

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME  White chocolate mousse topped with a buttercream rose leaf, a rose and lychee pate de fruit (gf) 

MONTAGUE VERSUS CAPULET Dark chocolate salted caramel lollipop, speckled gold leaf 

SUCH SWEET SORROW Lemon scented cupcake filled with lemon curd and zesty buttercream topped with a fondant iced Juliet 

 WILD ENCOUNTER Hibiscus flower and berry scented jelly, vanilla panna cotta and berry cremeux, blackberry and meringue (ve, gf) 

MY TRUE LOVES KISS red velvet and cream cheese filled macaroon sealed with a chocolate kiss (gf

We both liked the jelly sweet cake and the panna cotta in the pot.  I also loved the macaroon which was one of the best I have ever tasted. 

Overall, a nice, themed afternoon tea in a nice venue with lovely view. 

Nearest Station :        London Bridge Station   - about 12-minute walk 

Best bits : The scones and the venue with great view of Thames 

Worst bits :  The small size of the savory section       

Value for money : Yes if you can get a Buyagift voucher but still at the menu price it's not too bad for a nice venue.   

would I go back? :  Yes I would

5 Star birthday afternoon tea - Park room JW Marriott Grosvenor House London

 For my birthday treat my mum took me to a wonderful afternoon tea in the Park Room Marriott Grosvenor House hotel.

Being a bargain hunter, I told my mum to buy the voucher from Buyagift for champagne afternoon tea for two for £99 which saved her £45 off the hotel menu price.  I hate anyone paying full price unless they have too especially as we all need cut back on spending in order to pay the energy bills this year!!!!!

The hotel is very large and in Park Lane adjacent to Hyde Park. 

Upon arrival the smartly dressed doorman held the door open as we walked into the large long lobby. It was lovely inside and modern furnished with lovely large lights and vases of fresh flowers. There were lots of bright chairs and sofas scattered around and a lovely modern gas fireplace. 

We were a bit early so we checked out the bathroom. It was large with a seating area with dressings tables and mirrors to check your hair and makeup. They had Penhaligon's hand wash and matching cream which smelt lovely.  

The afternoon tea is served in the large side room with windows looking out to the street. It has lots of low tables and comfy armchairs plus a pianist playing in the corner. In the middle of the room is a large table with lots of different shape and size vases filled with fresh yellow flowers. We also spotted a Victoria sponge cake and chocolate cake in a glass domed stand by the flowers. Above the table are lots of white butterfly shaped lights hanging down from the ceiling. 

My mum said that the hotel just as nice as the Savoy which is her favorite. 

We sat at a table for two and my mum found the armchair a bit uncomfortable for her back, so the waitress gave her a cushion which helped. 

The menu sounded very nice, and we explained what food we did not eat so they could adapt the sandwiches for us. I had mentiond this upon booking, but they just wanted to confirm. 

Selection of Delicate Finger Sandwiche

 Cucumber, garden mint butter 

Smoked Oakham chicken, tarragon, crème fraîche 

Roast Aberdeen Angus beef, creamed horseradish

 Honey roast Yorkshire ham, Coleman’s English mustard 

North Atlantic cold-water prawn, classic Marie Rose sauce

 Open Sandwiches

 Foreman’s smoked Scottish salmon,

 cream cheese Burford Brown Clarence Court 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

 Treacle and orange tart 

Almond and cherry Bakewell 

Lemon Posset

 Raspberry and Masala Bourbon biscuit 

Spiced fruitcake 

Fresh Home Baked Cakes Offered with your choice of:

 Exclusive Tea Selection from Newby £62.50 per person With a glass of non-alcoholic Wild Idol Sparkling Rosé £72.50 per person With a glass of Lanson Black Cuveé Champagne £72.50 per person

I choose a lemon and bergamot tea whilst my mum ordered a cappuccino.  We also got a very large full to the brim glass of champagne each. 

It was lovely and relaxing sipping our champagne whilst listening to the piano music.

The waitress brought over an aperitif which was a small glass of pear flavor drink which had foam on top and then the glass was topped with some candy floss. It was nice and unexpected. 

After about 30 minutes the waitress apologized for the delay in our food and explained that as we made changes to original sandwiches, they were making them especially for us . They kindly offered us a complimentary glass of champagne which was very nice of them.  The manager even came over to say he was sorry and that we could have another glass later if we wanted. 

We did not mind the wait as it was very relaxing, and the music was nice.

When the tea stand arrived, it looked lovely and worth the wait....

We also got a separate plate with the open sandwiches which was an egg mayonnaise mini bagel for me plus 3 cream cheese and artichoke ones. Then the waitress brought me over 2 chicken tarragon sandwiches and my mum got just plain chicken ones without the mayonnaise. As well as these we got a cucumber one, plain ham without the mustard and beef one with no horseradish. 

They tasted nice and very fresh however a bit too plain for me but that is just because my mum is a bit fussy and just likes everything plain !!!!  My favorite was the chicken with tarragon mayonnaise and the  little egg mayonnaise bagel. 

Next we had the scones and did get offered another glass of champagne which I sadly had to refuse as needed to drive home from the station. 

The scones were very big and we got two each a plain one and fruit one along with the jams we choose from the 5 different ones offered on the menu plus a pot of thick clotted cream. We choose the raspberry jam, strawberry jam and rose jam as this was an unusual flavor. 

 

The scones were extremely nice and very night and fluffy inside. I tried all 3 jams and liked the rose one as not too strong a rose taste. My mum said they were one of the best scones she had for a while. 

After these large scones I was feeling a bit full but still had some room left for the little cakes. 

 We got 5 different ones to share so cut them all in half which was fine as would not have been able to eat a whole one each. I must say they did not look as nice as what they tasted. 

My mum liked the mini fruit cake best as it tasted like Christmas cake but had buttercream inside. The chocolate raspberry slice was my favorite along with the orange treacle tart. 

Just as we finished these cakes the waitress asked us if we wanted anything else and offered more sandwiches or scones, so we just ordered a coffee each.  

Whilst waiting for the coffees the manager came over to us and asked if we would like a slice of the large cakes on the display table. We felt so full but could not resist as they looked lovely. I had the Victoria sponge cake and my mum the chocolate fudge cake. They were quite big slices as well. We had a taste of each other's, the chocolate cake was very rich and extremely chocolaty. 

Just as I finished the Victoria sponge a slice of the Chocolate fudge cake was placed in front of me with a candle in and Happy Birthday wrote on the plate in chocolate. The waiters all sang happy birthday to me and another lady on a table nearby which was really nice and made the perfect ending for my birthday afternoon tea.  

 

Nearest Station :        Marble Arch Station   - about 10-minute walk 

Best bits : The service which was fantastic as they made us feel welcomed and special. Also, the scones were very good plus got a choice of 5 different jams. 

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention       

Value for money : Yes if you can get a Buyagift voucher like i did otherwise priced as you would expect for a lovely 5 star hotel.  

would I go back? :  Yes I would

£12.99 afternoon tea for two bargain from Morrison cafe

 Yesterday my friend and I decided to have an afternoon tea in Morrison Cafe after shopping. 

So glad we did as such a great price at £12.99 for two including hot drink refills!!!!!

They asked if we had any allergies and I just said we don't eat fish. They said we could have an egg mayonnaise sandwich and cheese or ham. 

We got cheese on White bread and egg mayonnaise on brown. Four triangles of each one which equates to a whole sandwich each. They were nice and fresh. 

Then we got a Morrison bakery fruit scone each which are very nice and one of my favorite scones as crunchy on outside and full of dried fruit. We got our own mini pot of jam and clotted cream which was more than enough for each scone. 

On the top plate was a small pot of strawberry cheesecake each plus a chocolate brownie slice and lemon and blueberry cake each. These were all very nice and I liked the moist lemon and blueberry slice of cake best. 

This afternoon tea maybe not posh but amazing value and all tasted very nice. 

Hard Rock Cafe afternoon tea

 Who would have thought that you could get an afternoon tea at the Trendy Hard Rock hotel in Oxford Street.....

When I saw this on offer on Travelzoo website and that it was bottomless bubbles for just £30 each I knew I had to try it. 

I went with my friend on Friday and had a lovely afternoon chatting whilst eating and drinking lots of prosecco!!!!

I love this modern Trendy hotel with an open plan restaurant and large bar in the middle. It's easy to get too just minutes' walk from marble arch Station and Ideal for shopping along Oxford Street. 

When we arrived, it was very busy with not many empty tables left. Our table for 2 was in the middle between the bar area and the stage.

Our waiter handed us the menu and explained that it could not be altered or swapped and that as well as bottomless prosecco, wine or beer we could have iced tea on in various flavors. 

Straight away we ordered prosecco and was given to a small card with the start time for 90 minutes of bottomless drinks. I think this is a good idea as then the waiters know when our time is up and there are no quibbles. 

We waited about 20 minutes for the food to arrive and was pleased to see it arrive as both of us were very hungry. 

Along with the tea stand we got two mini freak shakes a chocolate one and strawberry one. I had the chocolate one and it was nice. 

On the bottom plate was a crispy waffle finger topped with crispy sweet maple syrup bacon plus mini taco baskets. One filled with breaded shrimps and the other with pulled pork. We got one of each however I did not want the shrimp one. I liked both of the ones I had however would have liked a bit more of the soft barbecue shredded pork inside the taco shell 

Next to try was the filled rolls on the middle plate. We both got a mac and cheese  toastie one and a pastrami ham and cheese  sub roll. These were generous in size, and I loved the mac and cheese one it was delicious. The ham and cheese were spoilt for me by the mustard dressing as never been keen on mustard and this one was hot. 

During the afternoon tea our glasses were kept topped up with Prosecco and it was only once towards the end that I had to ask the waiter for top up as I think they had forgotten us as very busy. 

To finish we had the caramel apple pudding plus a churro each and a pot of chocolate dipping sauce. 

Both of these were nice, but the caramel apple pudding was my favorite as they serve this on the dessert menu, and I often choose it if dining here. 

There was more savory food than sweet on the afternoon tea which suits some people better. Myself I prefer the sweet things but did enjoy this one for a change as bit different. The atmosphere is good too along with great background music. 

If I was paying full price of £35 each just for the food I would expect a bit more for my money 

Nearest Station :        Marble Arch Station   - about 3 minute walk 

Best bits : The atmosphere and bottomless drinks for 90 minutes.  Also, the mac and cheese toastie which was lovely

Worst bits :  Maybe just slightly larger portions      

Value for money : Yes for the £30 I paid including bottomless drinks and full price of £45 each is still not too bad !!!!! 

would I go back? :  Yes I would

Scoff & Banter tea rooms Oxford Street London - Customize your afternoon tea

 Had a lovely afternoon tea on Saturday with my mum that we customized to suit our taste. This is the only afternoon tea that I have had so far that you get a choice from the menu for each course.

It is situated inside the Radisson Blue hotel in Oxford Street London just by Bond Street station. There are also 3 other London branches in Canary wharf, Kensington and Bloomsbury  

I booked it via open table as they had a great offer of free bottle of prosecco per 2 afternoon teas booked. We paid £34 each for the afternoon tea and the prosecco would of cost us additional £38. Not sure how long this offer is on for as it does not say so if you fancy it book up soon!!!!

Our table was booked for 1pm and the restaurant was empty when we arrived but by the time we left 2 hours later it was very busy. 

The restaurant is on the 1st floor of the hotel and large in size with lots of tables and brown leather chairs. We were shown to a table for two next to a window overlooking the street below 

Before we sat down we used the bathroom which was nice and clean and I was impressed with the little white cotton fannels  rolled up on a large dish and the nice smelling hand wash and matching hand lotion. It's these little things that make a hotel stand out and feel luxurious. 

 The table was laid with pretty pastel cup and saucers and a crisp white napkin plus a sugar pot and silver tea strainer.

 The manager handed the menu to us and explained that we could choose 2 items each for each of the four menu sections below

OUR HOT KITCHEN

Spiced scallops and cauliflower beignets

Lobster brandy bisque with a warm cheese scone

Oysters Rockefeller

Sticky Beijing beef fillet

Poached free-range egg Florentine

Lamb cutlet, mint, lemon and Cyprus parsley crust

Wild mushroom arancini with creamy spicy mayo

SCONES All served warm with country preserves and Devonshire clotted cream

Pecan and apple

Maple and sultana

Vanilla

Seville orange

Valrhona chocolate

Cheddar cheese

SANDWICHES

Chicken Caesar with rosemary focaccia

Oak-smoked ham with English mustard, rocket and tomato bread

Free-range hen’s egg and watercress

Rare venison gin and tonic

Cucumber with a white bloomer

Steak and balsamic onions with toasted sourdough

Smoked salmon, crayfish and dill crème fraîche with a toasted bagel

Croque madame

DESSERTS

Strawberry shortbread with whipped cream

Chocolate whisky cake and candied orange

Lemon meringue, blackberry compote and lime syrup

Strawberry tart with crème Chantilly

Sticky toffee pudding, brandy snap and clotted cream

Poached rhubarb with custard and a gingerbread biscuit

Dark chocolate crème Chantilly

Raspberry and prosecco jell

I mentioned that I had booked the afternoon tea offer with free bottle of prosecco, and he said that he would sort this out for us. About 5 minutes later a silver ice bucket and stand appeared along with a nice, chilled bottle of prosecco. Whilst deciding what to order we sipped on our prosecco which was very nice. 

Whilst the manager took our order we chatted to him and I mentioned to him about my blog and how impressed I was with the menu choice. He was very friendly and interested in our opinion's. 

I found it hard to choose from the menu as it all sounded nice. In the end I decided to have the beef fillet and mushroom arancini balls to start which was a very good choice. The steak was in stripes in a soy flavor sticky glaze and was so tender and the arancini balls were crispy on outside and the spicy mayonnaise was perfect with them. The potion size was bigger than I expected too.

Our prosecco glasses were kept topped up from the bottle and the manager and waiters ensured we were happy with everything throughout the service. 

For the next sections on the menu I found it difficult to choose which scones to have until the manager explained that we got two small scones of each flavor so that meant four scones each, so we decided to order four different ones to share.

We ordered Apple and pecan, maple and sultana, seville orange and then chocolate. These were freshly baked and small in size, but we did get four each!!!!  They tasted nice and each one different in flavor. We both liked the orange one best as was lighter in texture than the others and just the right amount of orange flavor. 

For the sandwiches we both had the steak on sourdough and Croque madame which was a small, toasted cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg.  It was lovely and we were both glad we choose it 

Then desserts, I had my favorite stocky toffee pudding and then Lemon meringue pie. 

These were all brought out to us on a three-tier cake stand with a pot of clotted cream and two different jams. The jam was strawberry and also rhubarb however they were more like a compote than jam as a bit runny. Anyway, we did not mind as they tasted nice.

The sticky toffee pudding was in a small teacup with a dollop of clotted cream and brandy snap biscuit on top.....Wow it tasted so good. 

The Lemon meringue tart was delicious too. 

My mum had the strawberry tart and strawberry shortcake which she said were lovely  

The food was all top notch, and the service was excellent, we could not fault it in anyway. The manager was very friendly and took time to chat with us which made us feel special and welcomed. 

You must give this a try and you will not be disappointed......

 

Nearest Station :        Bond Street Station   - about 4 minute walk 

Best bits : The fact that you can choose from vast menu and the excellent service. Plus all the food tasted very nice.   

Worst bits :  Nothing     

Value for money : Yes it is as you get a lot of food for your money and the hotel is nice. Excellent value if you can get the free bottle of Prosecco currently on offer !!!! 

would I go back? :  Yes defiantly want to take my hubby there.  

. 

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