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

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

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

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

. 

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

SELECTION OF  ASIAN SAVOURIES

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

Shitake & Maitake Mushroom, Corn (G, S) 

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

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

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

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

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

 Homemade Strawberry-Rhubarb Preserve  and  Lemon Curd

 ICE LOLLIE (VE) Apple and Elderflower

 SELECTION OF   HAND-MADE PASTRIES 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

The mini dumplings were very tasty especially the beef one. 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

It was very nice and refreshing

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearest Station : Liverpool Street station - about 8 minute walk

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

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention  

   

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

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

Afternoon Tea in Palm Court Langham Hotel , London

 For our 32nd wedding anniversary we went for Afternoon Tea at the 5 star Langham Hotel which is situated in Portland Place London.  

It was priced at £75 per person and unfortunately I could not find an offer voucher for this. 

The afternoon tea is served in the Palm court which is just off the large hotel lobby. 

We arrived over half hour early and luckily they had a table available for us. It was a wet day so did not want to walk around the shops in nearby Oxford street. 

The table was small with two large armchairs and at the side of the room . This was a good location as the middle of the room was more busy and tables quite close together. In the middle of the room was a large table flower display and above this  large modern style chandeliers. 

The table was laid in a simple style with Wedgewood china upon a crisp white tablecloth. 

They also gave me a little stool just for my handbag which was cute !!!!!

We were handed the menu by our waiter and he asked if we had any allergies. I informed him I do not eat fish and he offered me extra chicken sandwich instead. 

Afternoon Tea

A supplementary glass of Champagne or English sparkling wine 150ml

COPENHAGEN Organic Sparkling Tea £10

Wild Idol Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé £10

Gusbourne Brut Reserve £10

Tattinger Brut Reserve £15

Taittinger Rose £20

 

 

Choose from our extensive range of teas with the assistance of our tea sommelier

 

A selection of indulgent finger sandwiches including

Scottish smoked salmon, sour cream, dill, tomato bread
Coronation Chicken, lambs lettuce, garam masala bread
Cornish Burford Brown eggs, celery salt, pain de mie roll
Classic cucumber, cream cheese, chives, white bread

(234 cal)

 

Ploughman’s cheese scone, Westcombe cheddar, tomato chutney (165 kcal)

 

 

Classic and raisin scones from our Palm Court bakery served with
lemon curd and chef’s seasonal preserves
(315 kcal)

 

Our exquisite pastries inspired by the nation’s favourite treats (293kcal)

Crème de la Crème

Caramelised white chocolate shell, Madagascan vanilla cream and crunch

 

Copy n Paste

Caramelised brioche, vanilla diplomat, apricot compote and sable

 

Chocolate + Fudge = Cake…

Double chocolate sponge, ultra creamy chocolate and fudge

 

Ninety 9…

Strawberry ice cream, dulcey cone and cream

 

Strawberries and Cream…

Vanilla sponge, strawberry compote, clotted cream

 

— £75 person

 

 The cakes on the menu sounded very nice and so did the cheese scones. I noticed the selection of teas was not as big as some of the menus I had seen in the past. They did not have any fruit teas so I ordered a cappuccino. 

As it was our anniversary we ordered a bottle of Gustbourne English sparkling wine £68 which I must say was lovely. We  liked it so much that we are planning a vineyard tour and tasting to  their vineyard in Kent. 

It was nice just sipping our sparkling wine whilst people watching and listening to the piano music in the background. 

After about 15 minutes the sandwiches arrived on our own plates. 

The waiter also brought us the cheese scones with cheese and chutney. This was a bit disappointing as the were very tiny. 

 

The sandwiches were in different types of bread and very fresh and tasty. I really liked the little savory scone with the cheese and chutney. 

We did not get offered more sandwiches but I asked the waiter if it was possible to have some more. He said yes and brought us both another round of the same but without the little cheese scone. 

After eating the second lot I must say I felt a bit full and that's before the cakes !!!!!

The waiter brought my hubby a fresh pot of tea to go with the cakes and we decided to order a glass of the same sparkling wine we had in the bottle for additional £10 each.  

We  got our own plate of four little cakes each and the waiter explained what each one was. 

The custard cream one was the first one we both tried and wow it did not disappoint. It was covered in my favorite Caramac type chocolate with a soft creamy center and biscuit crunch..  Next we had the round chocolate one which was nice and rich and creamy. The little ice cream cone was filled with strawberry ice-cream  in a chocolate cone topped with cream and tiny flake. We liked this one best followed by the Custard  Cream. Lastly we had the apricot and vanilla one which was nice too. 

The waiter also brought us a large strawberry dessert on a plate with a Happy Anniversary chocolate plaque on it which was a nice touch. This was part of the menu called Strawberry and cream. 

 

This dessert was a thin crisp pastry base with a cream sponge surrounded by a lovely strawberry soft jelly and topped with three scoops of clotted cream. We only managed to eat half of it between us as still had the sweet scones to come. 

Lastly we got the scones on the cake stand and we ordered another  coffee each. 

We got a plain and fruit one each plus apricot and strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. The menu states lemon curd but we got apricot jam which was nice. 

The scones were not warm but you could tell they were freshly baked. They were very light and fluffy but I could only managed half of each of them. 

When the bill arrived it was not cheap but you only celebrate your wedding anniversary once a year.

Overall a nice Afternoon Tea with good food. 

 Nearest Station : Oxford Circus underground station - about 10 minute walk

Best bits : The tiny cheese scones , mini cakes and sparkling English wine .    

Worst bits :  Nothing to mention     

Value for money : Its expensive but that's what you expect to pay at 5 Star London hotels   

would I go back? : Maybe for another special occasion if the menu changes    

  

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.