Tag Archives: afternoon tea

The Dorchester, Afternoon Tea

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Dining at the Dorchester has always been a distant dream for me, it’s regal reputation is worldwide and it grows in stature year after year. It serves perhaps the most prestigious afternoon tea in London and I had high expectations for our visit counting down the days for weeks before. It did not disappoint.

Stepping inside from the street, you are instantly transported to a bygone era of classic manners and lavish decor. The velvet is the softest, the silk the very finest, and the flowers the biggest in bloom. We were escorted to a quiet corner table, perfect for a voyeur like me. Out waiter’s infectious enthusiasm is memorable even now, he ensured every part of our tea was perfect.

There are several varieties of afternoon tea to choose from at the Dorchester, and their specially designed Chelsea Flower Show themed tea always receives critical acclaim. We tried the classic champagne Dorchester tea, served all year round with a delightful selection of sandwiches, scones and Parisian patisseries.

After a glass of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne, we were offered a plate of immaculate sandwiches, each with a different filling, freshly-made, the bread in exact crustless rectangles. The flavours are far superior to any I’ve tasted before: seafood, roast chicken and tarragon, egg mayonnaise, cucumber and cream cheese and smoked salmon. On hearing I was a non-fish eater our waiter zoomed away, returning immediately with a selection of substitutions. These were more than adequate, especially the Italian mozzarella and tomato option.

Along with the delicate brew of Dorchester blend tea, came warm scones straight out of the oven, homemade jams and Cornish clotted cream. And then the pieces de resistance, the crown jewels… the cakes. I appreciated the modest servings which allow you to taste without overeating. Even the simplest patisseries were utterly divine, carefully constructed and expertly assembled. The best cake would have to be the chocolate coffee cup, though the strawberry and white chocolate layered torte was exquisite and the pistachio pastry was unique and delicious. The scones were perhaps my favourite though, buttery and crumbly (both plain and fruit), seriously extravagant loaded with thick cream and jam.

Unable to let us leave empty handed, our waiter presented us with a takeaway handbag of edible goodies.

Guests at the Dorchester expect the very best – the afternoon tea certainly delivers.

More information and book here.

Four Seasons Hotel and Spa, Hampshire

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I spent less than 24 hours at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire, but my mini-break here felt like a week long holiday. This restored Georgian manor house an hour outside London is easily the most homely of the Four Seasons I have stayed at, blissfully blending English country living with 21st century modernity.

Driving up the bumpy driveway, the epic building looked like a palace ahead of us… impressive in size but utterly charming in character. Comprising of several different wings, it can be difficult to navigate your way around, although the obliging staff are more than happy to assist, escorting you back to your room, or elsewhere on site. There is an abundance of fun, exciting and indulgent things to do at Four Seasons Hampshire, suitable for all the family. There are a few activities I would particularly recommend:

1.Going for a bike ride round the countryside. Bikes, maps and water bottles are available free of charge from the hotel. The knowledgeable staff will advise you on a route and send you merrily on your way. Despite the freezing wind we loved our ride, spotting lots of amicable animals on our journey and travelling down past a very pretty river. It was idyllic and very invigorating to get some fresh air in my lungs! There are several little pubs to discover but sadly on a Tuesday the local was shut.

2. Returning back after your exercise fresh faced and ravenous, the special afternoon tea is the ideal sustenance. A delicious cake stand of classic English filled sandwiches, warm home baked scones and divine miniature cakes and pastries… a treat for all the senses.

3. If you’d like company the hotel dog is available for walks, just ask at reception. Welcoming one and all, dogs are even allowed to stay at Four Seasons Hampshire, a fact that astounded me. The staff deep clean the carpets after each furry guest ensuring the room is in tip top condition before the next visitors arrive.

We were staying in the amazingly spacious Park Suite. It was magnificent, fit for a queen, with luxurious fabrics, numerous amenities and heavenly views of the expansive grounds. Decorated in muted beige and cream, it had an instantly calming effect; we sat in our grand living room sipping the chilled champagne and munching on chocolate coated strawberries, both left kindly in our room for us.

Down duvets and pillows top the beds, a Nespresso machine for caffeine kicks and silky soft slippers and towelling robes for wrapping up in. You won’t want to leave the room – we delayed our departure to spend more time lazing around, watching the big flatscreen tv and flicking through magazines. The rooms at Four Seasons Hampshire are blessed with glorious light, making the private accommodation the ideal place to work, sit or just relax all day. If you feel like venturing out there are plenty of lovely communal areas like the splendid library to explore.

Our suite had one full marble bathroom and one guest powder room. The main bathroom was spectacular, glistening and shining with a huge bath and rain-shower, a separate toilet and two massive his and her sinks. Sparkling mirrors and super soft towels are also on offer.

The spa alone is reason to visit… a huge luxurious fitness and beauty centre with every facility imaginable. Lavish but lovely with thoughtful touches evident everywhere. I was lucky enough to experience the popular Pure Radiance Facial, the perfect pick-me-up to refresh and add a glow to tired winter worn skin. This hour long treatment is soothing and sensual for the face, using the gorgeous ESPA products, it revitalised me for the week ahead. After my treatment I went for a long swim in the indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool before enjoying the sauna and steam rooms. The spa is kitted out with every essential and luxury you could ever need… and I understood quickly how so many can spend the whole day here.

There are various dining options available… the prestigious and smart ’Seasons’ restaurant, the more relaxed Bistro and Cafe Sante the health conscious lunch choice at the Spa. We tried the Bistro for supper, which was good enough to deserve a separate review! Breakfast the next morning was also served in this large room. We enjoyed an exquisite array of continental treats, tiny pastries and fresh juices, warming roasted coffee, french toast and waffles. We felt completely spoilt by the staff who managed to provide us with everything despite the inconvenient power cut! Needless to say it was all delicious, particularly the homemade options.

After a full and fabulous day of relaxing and refreshing, eating and exercising, it was time to leave Hampshire and our favourite new hotel. Just a short distance from London, but feeling far far away from busy city life, Four Seasons Hampshire is the perfect place for a short getaway.

More information and book here.

www.fourseasons.com/hampshire

Bettys Tea Room, York

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Bettys Tea Room is an institution in York, a beautiful cafe where you can enjoy the finest tea and cake.

Mentioning my upcoming visit to York, many friends recommended Bettys, reminiscing about this family run business with genuine fondness. The first Bettys opened in the fashionable spa town of Harrogate in 1919 and since has grown to six tea rooms (with shops) across Yorkshire, plus a cookery school and a home delivery service.

I visited the main branch of Bettys in York, situated in the heart of the city in St Helen’s Square. The elegant building demands immediate attention, with the ground floor adorned with huge curved windows. Inside the beautiful wood panelling and ornate decor reminded me of Breakfast at Tiffany’s… a golden era of vintage sophistication. We were sat upstairs in the aristocratic Belmont Room, where you can book for the afternoon tea at weekends. Here a pianist plays familiar classics and guests chatter while sipping from their china cups.

It was difficult to resist the champagne version of the tea… for an additional £7 you receive a glass of Hebrart Premier Cru or Moutard Rose Prestige Champagne. To accompany our food, we tried three of the more subtle teas: Ceylon Blue Sapphire, China Rose Petal and Bettys Tea Room Blend, each with its own delightfully delicate flavour.

Three tiers of treats arrived shortly after the drinks…

Sandwiches filled with smoked Scottish salmon & cream cheese, roast Yorkshire ham & mustard, roast free-range chicken breast with tarragon mayonnaise and free-range egg mayonnaise & cress.

Freshly baked sultana scones with strawberry preserve and Yorkshire clotted cream.

A selection of handmade miniature cakes.

The sweet items were better than the savoury. I have to admit I wasn’t a big fan of the sandwiches, that though fresh, were rather uninspiring, lacking moisture and seasoning. The scones were absolutely divine, soft and delicious, especially good once topped with the jam and thick cream. The cakes were the highlight, unsurprisingly, an assortment of beautiful classic creations from the pastry chefs.

Whether you pop in for a quick cup of tea or spend hours over an afternoon meal, Bettys Tea Room is the first thing to put on your York visit itinerary, and the last thing you will forget.

More information here.

www.bettys.co.uk

Thanks to East Coast Trains and www.visityork.org

East Coast operates 72 services each weekday between London King’s Cross and York. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer, plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Advanced return fares, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk: start from £26 Standard Class or £79 First Class. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.

Viva Forever cocktail party with the Spice Girls, Harvey Nichols

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I made the decision not to blog on my birthday. The 5th February was going to be my day off, that is until I was invited to a private party in Harvey Nichols. My thoroughly modern alter ego sprang back into action and I replied to the invite with a resounding YES.

A select guest list made its way up to the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols. It was only midday but heels were out in force, make-up applied and best party frocks zipped up – this was not an ordinary lunchtime cocktail party. In the smart bar champagne flutes awaited in a rainbow array and photographers lingered. With cocktails and cake, we all celebrated the new Spice Girls inspired mixtures which accompany the hugely popular Viva Forever themed afternoon tea. Girls gossiped and tottered about exchanging excited opinions on their favourite flavours.

The five show-stopping cocktails are all Champagne based and created by Fifth Floor Bar Manager, Dominic Jacobs, with each drink highlighting the Girls’ most famous traits.

Tied up in individual bows, from Union Jack to leopard skin, the VIVA FOREVER! cocktails are priced at £14.50 each and available until the end of April.

Baby Spice – Peach puree and fresh strawberries, Harvey Nichols Champagne
Ginger Spice – Domaine de canton ginger liqueur, rose syrup topped with Champagne
Scary Spice – Fresh chilli, lychee liqueur topped with Champagne
Sporty Spice – Amaretto, curacao bleu and lemon juice topped with Champagne
Posh Spice – Apricot brandy, sugar cube soaked in grapefruit bitters, topped with Champagne

The new cocktails accompany the VIVA FOREVER! Afternoon Tea, available until the end of February. My favourite was the exotic Scary Spice variety with lychee and chilli… a sweet drink with a spicy kick. The Baby Spice cocktail is a simple fruity cocktail and the Posh Spice recipe offers something a little more sophisticated.

To eat, the luxury department store has created food and drinks with specific references to each of the five girl’s personalities:

Ginger and lemon layer cake with Union Jack decoration
Scary chilli chocolate roll with leopard printed chocolate discs
Zesty and energetic orange chocolate chip cake pop, inspired by Sporty’s love of Chupa Chups
A Posh Victoria sponge shopper
A sweet and innocent vanilla and raspberry mousse presented in a baby bottle

Alongside these sweets, afternoon tea guests are given cured beef and onion chutney poppy seed bagels, smoked chicken and carrot roulade, creamed smoked salmon on pumpernickel bread, an egg mayonnaise bridge roll and homemade winter spiced and plain scones with Champagne strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Writer and Producer of the show Jennifer Saunders and Judy Craymer attended to celebrate the cocktail launch, as well as most of the cast of the musical. Everyone was most excited to witness the arrival of the pop group themselves. Geri, Mel B, Emma and Mel C all honoured us with their presence, making the gaping hole for a missing Victoria Beckham very obvious.

It was a girly event – a feast of fun, food and cocktails and an opportunity to taste the imaginative Viva Forever afternoon tea. The perfect party for my 25th birthday, and an epic celebration of girl power.

More information here.

Surrealist afternoon tea, Sotheby’s

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I can’t think of a more enjoyable way to spend an afternoon than viewing an exhibition of great Surrealist works and nibbling on an immaculate afternoon tea.

Ever been desperate to stare at a Salvador Dali in your salon or admire a magical Magritte? On Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th February Sotheby’s are holding an auction to send off a collection of crazy cool works into new homes and to mark the occasion they have been offering a wonderfully weird and wacky Surrealist Afternoon Tea in their civilised cafe. I was incredibly impressed with this special edition tea: a quaint and quirky mismatched assortment of food to tickle your imagination and tastebuds before enjoying the works on display.

Along with a pot of English breakfast tea guests are presented with a black slate platter of entertaining treats:

Savoury scone with tomato chilli jam and whipped goats cheese

Beetroot paint with pistachio and cheddar biscuit

Pickled cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches

Earl grey cup cake with vanilla mascarpone icing and sugar Dali clock

“I’m not a biscuit” biscuit

Clementine macaroon

Marshmallow clouds

Pink lemonade

Aside from everything tasting delicious, it all looks truly beautiful, little works of art in fact. Pickled cucumber sandwiches with dill and cream cheese are a lovely version of the English classic, the macaroons and cup cakes tasted fresh out of the oven and the biscuits and marshmallow clouds were clever sweet additions. Each element is artfully constructed and decorated with incredible precision. Mixing up the typical traditional tea and adding a touch of the absurd makes this a genius Alice in Wonderland-esque event.

Today is the last chance to taste the Surrealist tea but I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed that Sotheby’s design a tea themed around every major auction in the future.

More information here.

http://www.sothebys.com

London Underground Afternoon Tea at Park Lane Hotel

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To celebrate 150 years of our London Underground network, the Park Lane Hotel have whipped up a marvellously quaint themed tea.

A short walk from Green Park station, this beautiful Art Deco hotel feels strangely out of place on the busy main road. Inside the staff glide around quietly and guests chat in hushed voices. This allows the harpist’s music to fully fill the room and sitting on a plush sofa, the rippling tunes in my ear, it soon seemed like the ideal place for a nap.

Before the ‘tube food’ arrived we were treated to a Metropolitan 1863 cocktail – a blend of Beefeater 24 gin and blackcurrant tea. I found this concoction a little watery and flavourless, the gin seemed almost entirely absent. Jasmine peach flowering tea soon arrived, a much more pleasant and subtle accompaniment for teatime food.

First stop on our culinary journey… a plate of super cute sandwiches. Appropriately chosen flavours include a ‘London Bridge’ roll with egg, crème fraîche, sun-blushed tomatoes and rocket; Warm leek, asparagus and double ‘Gloucester Road’ tart (delicious); Saffron ‘Circle and District Line’ roulade with coronation chicken and spinach and mini ‘Royal Oak’ smoked salmon bagels.  With their hollow centres guests are reminded by a tiny flag to “mind the gap”.

After homemade scones with three varieties of jam, it was time for the cake. I was impressed with the out-of-the-ordinary flavours created by the Park Lane Hotel’s award-winning Pastry Chef, Sarah Hartnett. Scrumptious little sweet bites… and thankfully a conservative portion so we could almost finish the lot, I hate wasting such pretty cakes. Bank is a hazelnut pound Cake, Victoria is an orange Victoria sponge, Paddington presents itself as a honey, lemon and pistachio and Swiss Cottage is a very sweet white chocolate Oreo “roll”. The pastries are so immaculately made, its almost painful to demolish the handmade signs, but once you start it’s difficult to stop.

The tea is fresh, fun and fabulously “London”. And the ideal valentine’s trip for the discerning underground traveller…

The London Underground Afternoon Tea at the Park Lane Hotel will be served from 9th January to 10th March 2013 (3pm-6pm on weekdays and 2pm-6pm at weekends) in The Palm Court and costs £41 per person.  Bookings must be made in advance. Booking information here.

A festive afternoon tea at Dukes Hotel, St James

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Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to enjoy the Christmas spirit and I can’t imagine anywhere more romantic and cosy than Dukes Hotel in St James. Indulgent but sophisticated, this beautiful spread is presented in the PJ (Perrier Jouet) Lounge. Sit in the beautiful pink and green chairs and admire the plentiful bottles of champagne that surround you.

I have already tried the refined and delicious menu at the Dukes Thirty Six restaurant, and I was delighted to be returning for this special festive afternoon tea. The hotel sparkles with decoration and is an inviting venue especially in the chilly weather. After a day of Christmas shopping it is the ideal treat.

The Dukes Afternoon Tea is available from 1st – 31st December and includes:

Sandwiches: Smoked Salmon, cream cheese & cucumber, turkey & cranberry mayonnaise and roast ham & tomato.

Fresh Scones, tea cakes, madeleines and fruit cake with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Cakes: lemon meringue pie, chocolate brownie, plum pannacotta and chocolate eclairs.

A tea of your choice, and, of course a glass of Perrier Jouet champagne

All for £35 a person

I was very impressed with the freshness of every part of the Dukes tea. I find sandwiches are often a touch stale but these were delicious and soft with premium fillings. The scones were warm and smelt divine, just out of the oven I imagine. The picture perfect cakes were super sweet and I could only manage a few mouthfuls, I wished I could have taken them home and saved them for later, because it was all too delicious to leave.

The chilled glass of champagne was a refreshing and luxurious addition to the tea and my fresh mint infusion was soothing. Warm and comfortable, I could have stayed at the hotel all day.

Dukes Hotel may be small but it is just as special as the grandest hotels in London, and this festive afternoon tea proves it as a lovely venue, especially at this time of year.

More information here.

http://www.dukeshotel.com/christmas-afternoon-tea.php

A Royal Afternoon Tea at The Pierre, New York

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It would be a challenge to find a prettier afternoon tea than the selection of treats served up at the Pierre Hotel. I have certainly never seen such an array… and I have tried an embarrassing number.

The Pierre Hotel is a picture of elegance and style… located on 5th Avenue at the tip of Central Park, it is the perfect stop off after a morning of shopping. We saved ourselves for this indulgent afternoon meal, barely letting a crumb pass our lips until 3pm so we arrived famished. I was thankful for our resisting as the feast that followed required a big appetite.

There are several teas on offer, but take my advice and pick the Royal Tea Service ($65-70) a fabulous assortment of sandwiches, scones and pastries accompanied by Demoiselle Champagne. From the extensive list of tea blends we chose Strawberry-kiwi and the unique Pierre Blend, both unusual but refreshing. The Strawberry-kiwi is sweet and strongly perfumed so if you prefer you’re tea lighter I’d recommend the perfectly balanced Pierre Blend. The Demoiselle Champagne is fiercely bubbly and is available as a rosé for those wishing to be really girly.

The food arrived on a three tiered dish, delicately arranged. The Pierre is generous with portions and variety giving little tasters with different flavours and textures.

Sandwiches etc:
Catskill smoked salmon on rye bread, balsamic onions & sour cream
American caviar & buckwheat blinis
Spiced chicken tartlet
Devilled eggs, brioche buns with red sorrel
Boursin cheese & Asparagus crostini with tomato jam
English cucumber with dill cream cheese
Dates & Babaganoush crepes

Freshly baked scones and butter cookies
Cranberry scones with Devonshire cream, Raspberry preserve and lemon curd.

Pastries:
Fresh fruit tartlets
Grand Marnier chocolate madeleines
Red cherry financiers
Walnut cream sugar squares
Lemon apricot sandwiches
Coffee opera cake
Lemon meringue tarts
Coffee & Strawberry Macaroons
Chocolate sand cookies

It is hard to believe that we managed to fit all this food on the table, let alone in our stomachs. Favourites for me were the Boursin & asparagus crostini and the Spiced chicken tartlet, but my guest preferred the Smoked salmon and crepes… each canapé was beautifully presented, carefully arranged with appropriate seasoning and toppings, they looked lovely all together on the plate. The scones were the best of the bunch, freshly baked and warm, they crumbled in the mouth, and smothered in thick cream and jam each mouthful encouraged the next. The pastry chef at the Pierre is clearly a perfectionist, each mini patisserie was carefully constructed to look as pretty as possible.

I thought afternoon tea was always best in Britain until I visited the Pierre, now I have to admit this version of the English classic meal is pretty impressive.

More information here.

Svenskt Tenn, Afternoon Tea, Stockholm

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Svenskt Tenn is more than just a beautiful design shop. Set up in 1924 by Estrid Ericson the shop sells everything from fabric to furniture, trinkets and tassels. The prints, the most famous of which resulted from collaborations with the Austrian designer Josef Frank, are bright and bold, colourful and charming. The products are arranged stylishly in the large shop to create a psychedelic and fun venue. Upstairs this iconic Swedish design house offers the prettiest afternoon tea in the city. You sit in picturesque surroundings and are treated to a tiered stand of delights.

The tea salon is subtle and quaint compared to the vibrancy and energy in the rest of the shop. When we arrived at two on Sunday afternoon, the petite room was full of girls conversing and friends catching up… sophisticated but sensible. Founder Estrid Ericson drank her favourite tea twice a day (two and a half cups in the morning and two and a half cups with lunch) so it seems fitting that a tea salon has opened here in her honour.

It is easy to relax at Svenskt Tenn,  we sat down and our waitress brought fresh apple juice immediately to quench our thirst. It was delicious tea, very refined and light, but different and special tasting too. My date doesn’t normally drink tea and even he admitted to enjoying this variety. The Svenskt Tenn tea was our favourite, a lovely, mellow taste.

Afternoon tea can be a rather dry affair (after sitting around all morning) and usually far too much is offered… endless heavy scones and sticky cakes. Svenskt Tenn provides the opposite: a delicate, dainty and modest selection. Attractive squares of Swedish rye bread were adorned with smoked salmon, cream cheese and marinated fennel, hot-out-the-oven small scones with jam and butter and petit fours. It was all delicious, particularly the homemade scones!

Afternoon tea is priced at 230kr per person (approximately £20). You receive all the food I have mentioned and a pot of tea. Svenskt Tenn designs and prints are available to buy in Libertys, though for the real experience I would recommend looking round the Stockholm store followed by their gorgeous afternoon tea, memorable for taste and design.

Visit the Svenskt Tenn website here for more information.

Thanks to visitstockholm.com follow them on twitter for news and information, @visitswedenuk

Afternoon Sport-Tea, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill

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What better way to celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics than eating a sports inspired tea? No crowds, no queues, no trekking to East London, just lots of delicious food and plenty of style and sophistication. The Hyatt Regency, the Churchill Hotel is currently serving a fun themed afternoon meal offering guests and visitors an opportunity to be part of the games whilst enjoying the indulgences of this luxury hotel.

Conveniently located behind Marble Arch tube station, the Churchill is the ideal combination of traditional and contemporary with an eccentric collection of art from the Saatchi Gallery making the lobby and dining area colourful and quirky. We sat at a pleasant table by the window and enjoyed a relaxing tea. Service was modest and prompt, our waiter was friendly and often stopped by to check if we needed more tea or food.

The best things in life often begin with a glass of chilled champagne and at the Hyatt, the Lanson bubbly was utterly delicious, the perfect start to our weekend. We gulped it down and awaited our food which seemed to appear only moments later. Three elegant tiers of treats: cucumber, roast beef, prawn, smoked salmon and egg sandwiches, warm fruit and plain scones with clotted cream & jam and a variety of delicately crafted cakes.

Everything was fresh and immaculately prepared. My favourite sandwich was the cucumber and cream cheese which was made with a delicious herby bread and just the right amount of filling; my granny adored the plump pink prawn sandwiches. The scones were divine, scrumptious homemade buns piping hot from the oven. We indulged with plenty of thick cream and dollops of strawberry jam. To accompany our food, we each chose a favourite tea blend from the list, blackcurrant for my granny, and fresh mint for me… both light and refreshing.

I relished the swimming pool cake, a tiramisu-like flavour with layers of soft creamy mousse and espresso soft cake with an alarmingly blue icing. The macaroons were a little too chewy for my tastes, though I loved the aesthetics of the bright orange basketball decoration. We also received meringue topped shuttlecock cupcakes, chocolate ganache tennis rackets and a weight-lifting cake-pop. The patissier’s selection all looked beautiful and even though some of the cakes were a little bland, I was completely captivated by the invention used to create this assortment of sweets.

Whether you’re sporty or not, I can guarantee you’ll enjoy this chic afternoon tea, and with the sports in full swing there is no better time to try it.

Sport-Tea with a glass of champagne is priced at £35 per person.

See here for more information.