AFTERNOON TEA

August 28, 2019 by: Sunny London

Indian Afternoon Tea Review- Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden

Stealing from Forest Gump, I feel like a blog email inbox is like a box of chocolates- you never know what you’re gonna get. ‘Influencer’ opportunities can be amazing and sometimes you wonder what the PR was thinking when he or she chose you and hit ‘send.’ Shortly before Afternoon Tea week, I received the press release for Cinnamon Bazaar’s launch of their Indian Afternoon Tea. My heart fluttered when I saw the headline.

cinammon-bazaar-afternoon-tea-covent-garden

‘Chef Vivek and Bake Off star Tamal Ray launch modern Indian Afternoon Tea’

My excitement about this invitation ignited for two reasons. It was perfect! Just days before- a viewer left a comment on the Sunny News YouTube channel requesting more coverage of Indian food in London.

And, among the sea of afternoon teas in London, this seemed to offer a different spin. The press release indicated it would ‘shake up the traditional afternoon tea with an injection of fire and spice’. So I had to know immediately if it truly would…

Cinnamon Bazaar Indian Afternoon Tea – History

Actually, the chefs who collaborated on Cinnamon Bazaar’s Indian Afternoon Tea also caught my attention. Chef Vivek Singh has a restaurant empire spanning two decades. He created the Cinnamon Collective portfolio, with which anyone on London’s restaurant scene is familiar. It includes: The Cinnamon Club, The Cinnamon Kitchen and of course- Cinnamon Bazaar. He is known as a pioneer of the modern Indian cuisine movement in London.

Next, Tamal Ray was a finalist in the 2015 series of The Great British Bake Off. Not only does he contribute to a monthly food column in The Guardian, but also he has a career as an NHS doctor.

Do you see why this combo offers the perfect medicine to inject some much needed spice in to the tired themed afternoon tea scene in London? 😉

Cinnamon Bazaar Indian Afternoon Tea – Company

While the focus is the food at afternoon tea, it can be ruined by bad company. After countless afternoon teas, it seems two hours is the standard amount of minimum time in London for the experience. Therefore, one must carefully select a guest who offers thoughtful commentary on the food as well as great conversation.

A catch up with Catherine of LuxLife blog was long overdue. And she fits the description above perfectly!

We met back in 2014 when Sunny in London was less than a year old. I have followed her move to Australia and back, as well as all her fantastic travel adventures around the world. Her honest and hilarious Instastories share the challenges of daily life balanced with glamorous travel. I always look forward to seeing what she posts.

Cinnamon Bazaar Indian Afternoon Tea – Gastronomy

So, now for the juicy part! From the list of Indian spiced teas, I chose the White Peony. While it was nice, the colourful teapots in which the tea is served add a wonderful touch to the experience.

In fact, when I walked in to Cinnamon Bazaar from Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, I felt like I had entered Oz. The colourful decor of the restaurant adds even more fun flavour to this afternoon tea in London.

Along with our tea, we received the Chaat. This included:

Papadi Chaat- crisp wheat, tangy tamarind, yoghurt and chickpea vermicelli
Puchka/Pani Puri- semolina shell with tangy sweet and sour water

Next, our stand arrived with the Nibbles and Sweets.

Fish Finger Sandwich with tomato chutney
Chicken Katti Roll-in pastry with mustard and paper
Macaron- macaron with cinnamon cream
Mishti Doi- baked/steamed yoghurt with mango curd (gluten free)
Pistachio Cake- with rosewater marshmallow

cinammon-bazaar-afternoon-tea-covent-garden-london

Cinnamon Bazaar Indian Afternoon Tea- Final Thoughts

In summary, this afternoon tea is quite good. I generally don’t prefer food that is very spicy and wasn’t too overwhelmed by the items that featured the promised ‘injection of fire’. Some people might be. I’m guessing that if you enjoy Indian food, then you know what to anticipate for flavour and will agree that everything meets expectations.

I enjoyed every item. However there is no dodging around the issue that the bread for the sandwiches was a bit stale. That’s the only suggestion I have for this afternoon tea.

My favourite item was the Sweets. That shouldn’t be a surprise because if you enjoy afternoon tea, it’s likely because you have a sweet spot for sugar. But, what is surprising is I have never really associated the Indian culinary experience with a strength in desserts. I only starting eating Indian food when I moved to London, so this could be from lack of experience.

Can you add your thoughts on this in the comments? What popular Indian desserts have you enjoyed?

I really didn’t want my little dish of Mishti Doi to end. It was so delicious!

The final ‘Wow’ of the experience happened when Catherine and I left. As we walked to our next destinations, she pointed out that there were actually no scones at the afternoon tea.

With so many London restaurants offering afternoon tea with champagne or Prosecco, it’s common for the actual tea to be understated and minimal in its overall appearance in the food ensemble. Yet to get away with not having the classic staple of scones and still be fab is a big two thumbs up for Cinnamon Bazaar!

If you hadn’t guessed already from the start of this Indian Afternoon Tea review, our experience was complimentary. That hasn’t affected my thoughts. The service was excellent too. I look forward to adding Cinnamon Bazaar to my next revision of the Best London Restaurant Guide for Foodies.

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February 16, 2019 by: Sunny London

London Landmarks Afternoon Tea Review- Town House Kensington

The London Landmarks afternoon tea is the one I have been waiting for since I arrived in London six years ago. If you take a look at my Instagram you will see clear evidence that I am a foodie traveler. The feed is a mix between fabulous food in London and shots of iconic landmarks. I just can’t resist taking pictures of the London Eye and Big Ben every time I see them.

So, when I received the press release that Town House Kensington was launching a London Landmarks Afternoon Tea, I immediately sent them an email expressing my interest in attending and sharing it with you- people who love food and London!

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Town House Kensington is responsible for one of the most successful afternoon teas in London, the Tale as Old as Time Afternoon Tea. Although I never attended, I mentioned it in my radio interview with CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg in December. I am not sure why they ended it, but I am glad they did because this new themed afternoon tea is the perfect match for anyone who loves London.

My experience was complimentary but that does not affect any of my thoughts. Overall, I feel the London Landmarks Afternoon Tea in London is well worth the £42 per person.

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London Landmarks Afternoon Tea- Presentation

One of the tea’s strengths is its visual appeal. Serving it on a stand that resembles the London Eye is genius. Naturally, the pastries are the focal point because they are made to look like a telephone box, Big Ben, the Gherkin and the Shard. However, you first are served Savouries which are not presented on the stand.

The Colston Bassett Stilton and broccoli quiche, Steak and London ale pie and Crab cake tartar sauce, caper are excellent. However, the sandwiches were the biggest surprise for me. Their presentation isn’t out of the ordinary, but their consistency and taste certainly are. You can see them at the top of the stand.

The obvious focus though is the pastries. Their design detail is really impressive. You are almost afraid to eat them. Almost.

London Landmarks Afternoon Tea- Taste

If I could have another round of any of the courses, it would be hard to choose one over another for different reasons. The sandwiches were so fresh in comparison to other teas around London.

They are: Campbells & Company smoked salmon, lovage pesto, cream cheese on brown bread, Coronation chicken on brown bread, Egg & cress bridge roll, Marinated cucumber, crème fraîche, pepper on white loaf. My favourite within them is Coronation Chicken because it is one of my favourite British food discoveries since living here. I think they mentioned it is the Queen’s recipe too.

The scones themselves were good but it was the Heather Hills strawberry jam that caught my attention. And if you’ve read any of my afternoon tea reviews, you know I never leave an ounce of clotted cream behind, so giving the jam a mention is a big deal for me.

The pastries are not only a hit because of their obvious resemblance to London Landmarks but also because they each had an element of surprise. For example, I certainly wasn’t expecting a bit of carrot cake inside the milk chocolate body of the Shard. And The Gherkin is filled with an explosion of beautiful dark chocolate ganache. Big Ben is actually a vertically positioned lemon curd tart and the front is a thin decorated biscuit.

My least favourite sweet was the telephone box but that is just because I do not like rhubard. However, the server introduced it was ‘refreshing’ and once I bit in to it, I realised his adjective was spot on!

London Landmarks Afternoon Tea- Final Thoughts

If you are visiting London for the first time and want a themed afternoon tea with a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, then you can’t miss the London Landmarks Afternoon Tea at Town House Kensington.

Since 2014 I have enjoyed several experiences at Town House Kensington. The food and drinks have always been top quality, and the atmosphere is tranquil and luxurious. It’s nestled within the Kensington Hotel, which is part of the Doyle Collection. I haven’t ever stayed there, but the reviews on TripAdvisor are excellent. It is a place I recommend often to those who want to be within very close proximity of London’s best museums, and of course London Landmarks.

December 4, 2018 by: Sunny London

Festive Afternoon Tea in London- Intercontinental Park Lane

What could be more holiday spirited for a foodie than a festive afternoon tea that actually sings? The competition for themed afternoon teas in London is intense. Each year during the holiday season I look forward to seeing what the luxury hotels in London offer for their festive afternoon tea. Some of them are consistently superior. This is the case for the Intercontinental Park Lane London.

This is how the story goes this year…

‘On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… a champagne filled afternoon tea!’

Feast your eyes on those images. Don’t they just make your heart sing? 😉 Literally, the food at the festive afternoon tea this year is inspired by a song. I am sure you guessed it by now.

The Twelve Days of Christmas!

Festive Afternoon Tea: The Food

Like a few hotels, Intercontinental Park Lane offers free-flowing champagne at their festive afternoon tea. You can order 90 minutes of Perrier Joët with your food for £65. So I guess it’s actually not ‘free-flowing’ but it IS an option! Although one might argue it’s also a quick ticket to have 12 drummers drumming loudly between your ears the next morning too!

With that big news out of the way, let’s talk about that plate above and the story leading to it. The Festive Afternoon Tea kicks off with Partridge Pie.

Beautifully presented to look like it’s floating over snow, this dish was the first delight for me. My guest English said this was not her favourite selection. But, as someone who does not like to eat game, I honestly could not taste anything that would overpower the pie.

For the next ~~verse~~ course, we move to the finger sandwiches. The Festive Menu features:

Smoked salmon, cream cheese
Honey roast gammon, whole grain mustard
Roast turkey with sage and onion mayonnaise
Lobster and cray fish Marie rose

We liked them so much we would have loved to take advantage of the offer to have more. But as a veteran of afternoon teas in London, I have learned not to be a leaping lord with my hand up for seconds too early at these carb marathons.

The suspense for the scones nearly drove us mad. It was worth it. I usually don’t like to venture outside of anything but copious amounts of cream that would keep maids a-milking infinitely, but I did enjoy the twist the Pastry Team put on this rather traditionally blasé dish. They hit the spot from every angle.

Plain and cranberry winter spiced scones
Devon clotted cream
Strawberry preserve, orange cinnamon curd

But, what really had this lady dancing is the dessert. I guess one could argue that the whole afternoon tea concept is based on dessert. But, I like to think of the last plate as the one that really is the sweet spot.

At this Festive Afternoon Tea you will find:

Christmas swan, coconut biscuit and crémeux
Blood orange mousse drum
Chocolate and kumquat filled golden goose egg, golden rings
Pear tree mousse
Mini mince pies

Festive Afternoon Tea: The Atmosphere

I have attended the Intercontinental Park Lane for afternoon tea three times because of its consistency and quality. The hotel is a five star hotel in Mayfair and lives up to its expectations for me every time I visit. My first experience at the hotel was in 2015 at the Guilt Free Afternoon Tea, brilliantly timed after the Christmas holiday.

The Wellington Lounge, where the festive afternoon tea is served, is warm and glittering during the holidays. I desperately wanted a picture of the Christmas tree they had displayed but it was right next to two guests’ table and I did not want to interrupt their experience.

The atmosphere is always relaxed and focused on giving guests the ultimate luxury food experience which gives them every opportunity to enjoy the carefully prepared food.

Festive Afternoon Tea: Final Thoughts

My experience was complimentary for the purpose of a review, and this didn’t affect my long-standing opinion I have of the afternoon tea experience at Intercontinental Park Lane. I truly would give five gold rings right now to do it all again, and this time I would probably try to squeeze in that second plate of finger sandwiches!

So, my challenge for you now is to go back through all these image and see if you can figure out how the Pastry Team has used the 12 Days of Christmas as inspiration for this festive afternoon tea. Leave your ideas in the comments below! And for more images and information about booking your own experience, you can see their website and give them a follow on Instagram too.

The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes tips for choosing a hotel, how to tip when in London, differences in UK vs US grocery stores, and advice for exchanging money. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too. You can subscribe to the Sunny News email to make sure you don’t miss anything 😉

October 27, 2018 by: Sunny London

Cheese Afternoon Tea- The Georgian House London

Let’s just get the first pun out of the way- the Cheese Afternoon Tea at the Georgian House Hotel in London is… cheesy! There. I said it. Are we gouda now? 😉

Well, actually I wrote it. And Mr Sunny and I ate it when we stayed at the five star boutique bed and breakfast in Central London just a few days ago.

You might know the Georgian House Hotel as the ‘Harry Potter hotel’ because it has several rooms called the Wizard Chambers. To learn more about this experience and to see some video of the Cheese Afternoon Tea, you can watch my upcoming YouTube video that I will link to this blog post as soon as it is ready. It captures highlights from our whole experience at the Georgian House Hotel. That is, if you have not already watched a behind the scenes look at my Instastories when we were there.

Just before we left for Nice, France we spent the night at the English boutique. It is a quick walk to Victoria Station, which makes the bed and breakfast very centrally located in London. You can find it at 35-39, St George’s Drive, Victoria , London SW1V 4DG.

Over the course of the evening we had the Cheese Afternoon Tea, a Wizards’ Cocktail Class, a private movie at Pimlico Theatre, a sleep in the Wizard Chambers and their award-winning breakfast. Oh- and their General Manager, Adam Rowledge, recently won the Independent Hotelier of the Year!

The afternoon tea starts with several sandwiches which… all have cheese! They are:

Burrata, tomato and pesto bruschetta
Sheep’s cheese, Nduja and roasted pepper open sandwich
Smoked cheddar Welsh rarebit with apple chutney
Potted Stilton with raisins, peppercorns and capers on fig and apricot bread

I liked the second sandwich the most and had both to myself because Mr Sunny does not prefer red peppers.

Next, you will find a course of cheddar and thyme scones and blue cheese scones served with sliced apples and chutney. We added some butter to ours also. Even though sometimes I think I could live off of a diet comprised entirely of cheese, there are a few I can’t do. Blue cheese is a definite no for me. However, I could not taste it that strongly in the scones.

The final course is our favourite and that is the desserts. Specifically we loved the Raspberries Mascarpone Cheese Cone. This is likely because Mr Sunny and I both loved tiramisu, which has mascarpone as a key ingredient . Additional items in the top tier of the Cheese Afternoon Tea are:

Goat’s cheese mousse, beetroot jam and basil tart
Blu 61′ drunk cheese with cranberries on Scottish oatcake
Black forest cheesecake shot with pretzel crumble

Cheese Afternoon Tea: Final Thoughts

For cheese lovers, this themed afternoon tea is different and fun. I emphasise that you really need to like an array of cheeses though because obviously many different ones are featured. The Georgian House is careful to use locally sourced ingredients from London and South England in all of their food to ensure the best quality. The wine flight makes a very nice pairing as well. The accompanying drinks flight features The Bolney Wine Estate’s Kew Red English wine, Trenchmore Silly Moo cider and Ridgeview’s Cavendish, English sparkling wine is available to compliment each dish. Although we did not have it, your tea could include bottomless Prosecco. The wine flight is certainly a change from champagne, a drink that seems to have nearly replaced the tea in afternoon tea in London over the past few years.

Finally, for those who have a more savoury preference, the Cheese Afternoon Tea could be a better option for you too in comparison to ones that are chocolate or Christmas themed at this time of year. You can certainly check out the Georgian House Hotel and what their latest offerings are via their website.

Our visit was complimentary for the purpose of a review, which does not affect our opinion. For more information on the outstanding ratings of the Georgian House, you can see their reviews on TripAdvisor too.

The Cheese Afternoon Tea is currently served from 14.30-17.00 Monday to Sunday in the Georgian House Hotel’s Pimlico Pantry and reservations in advance are required. You should inform the team of any dietary requirements or allergies.

October 6, 2018 by: Sunny London

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge

The Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge is one of the hottest events in London at the moment. Popularly referred to as the ‘Harry Potter Afternoon Tea’, it has people waiting months to get a seat. As a former high school assistant principal, I could not resist writing a review in the form of a lesson observation after attending the magical course at Cutter and Squidge in Soho, London. At the end of this afternoon tea review you can find a few tips for ‘students’ who want to attend this coveted ‘class’ in London.

Dear Potions Master,

Thank you for inviting me as a complimentary guest to your Potions Class for the purpose of a review. Your lesson objective to entertain and educate students about potions at the Cutter and Squidge secret School of Wizarding Alchemy was clear and constant throughout the evening.

Potions Class Strengths:

Foremost, your classroom management ticked all the right boxes. Systems for organisation are clearly in place. The first evidence of this is the email pupils receive upon event ticket confirmation. In it- they are directed to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class. All students followed this directive on the evening of my visit. Further, your assistants were visible outside the classroom at the designated time and made sure to have pupils enter via small groups down the stairs to your room.

They also clearly had the seating plan for the evening in advance. This ensured an organised and efficient process, which further allowed you to start and conclude your lesson as scheduled. Specifically, it is appreciated that these steps were necessary since the lesson took place in the bakery’s basement.

Without these steps in place, students could have been injured from pushing and shoving on the staircase due to their enthusiasm for the course. Upon entering the classroom students are given a place to hang their coat so they can quickly participate in the transformation to a wizard when they receive their cloak for the Potions Class. This also proves that you adhere to the Cutter and Squidge secret School of Wizarding Alchemy uniform policy.

Your class began on time, as promised. Places were set in advance accordance to the structure of the lesson plan. Students quickly found their wands near their seats and could easily access all tools necessary for the start of the class. For example, they had beakers with chemicals needed for their first activity, as well as plates and utensils for the food that followed.

You displayed your passion for teaching consistently through numerous appropriate jokes. Most notable are the ones about a particular franchise that can not be named. While students most likely choose the class because it is the closest thing to an actual Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London, you are careful not to make any direct references. Rather, the focus is on a wizard experience.

Throughout the lesson you keep students engaged when moving around to each of their desks, checking on their progress and making personal (and always professional) connections with them. Your evidence of this is in the surprise near the end of the lesson which includes each of these encounters. Students in the class are rewarded for their success in activities through the use of ‘dibbles.’ The items they can choose with them at the end of the lesson definitely encourage them to return to Cutter and Squidge for more inspiration and indulgence.

When students are creating Galaxy Juice, their first chemical mixture, you are keen to provide information about each ingredient and the order in which it needs to be poured to guarantee correct taste and appearance of the potion.

Classroom management is again supported with strategies of differentiated learning. Students are allowed to choose their choice of tea and diet preferences. Specifically, this is evidenced in the care you take to provide food options that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and child friendly.

You had a strong engagement from students during the entire lesson. To prepare students for questions, you met with them quickly and privately to give them time to consider an answer before being called upon in front of the whole group. This builds their confidence, makes sure they are not embarrassed in front of the class, and keeps the entertaining momentum of your lesson strong.

harry-potter-afternoon-tea-london-potions-class-cutter-squidge-bakery-review

The Potions Master

Your assistants had knowledge of how to serve the afternoon tea portion of the lessons in a timely fashion to all students and took their various drink orders quickly. With regard to the content of the food for the afternoon tea, it receives outstanding marks in taste and visual appearance. Students had adequate time to enjoy all the tasty food and make conversation with their peers.

The atmosphere in the classroom also reflects the themed Harry Potter afternoon tea well. This is evidenced in the teacher’s desk and countless wizard tools and memorabilia placed on the walls and desks.

Potions Class: Area for Improvement

While the lesson is entertaining, moves at a good pace and features delicious food, there is one small area for improvement. You are commended on making sure students handle wands carefully and know where to put them at the end of the class. This direction ensures that the general public are not at risk from the occasional naughty student who would try to take them from the room and use them in an unsupervised environment. However…

You should research the possibility of having students wear safety goggles or glasses during their lesson. I do appreciate that you will need to explore if this addition to the lesson would cause any copyright infringement on the franchise that shall not be named. I look forward to learning what you discover in this suggested area. I have made a few suggestions below.

Potions Class: Final Assessment

Thank you for inviting me to have this experience. It will be one I highly recommend to colleagues and any individual who inquires about Harry Potter themed activities in London.

My advice to future students in the Potions Class, AKA ‘Harry Potter Afternoon Tea’ in London is below.

Kind regards,

Headmistress Sunny in London

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 1

Don’t be late! As detailed above, the class features an entertaining and delicious experience. You really would be naughty and deserve to stand with your nose in the corner if you arrive late and ruin it for others.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 2

Play along. The Potions Class is a themed Harry Potter Afternoon Tea. If you don’t openly or secretly want to be a wizard, skip it. You will need to recite chants, wave your wand and have an open heart about participation to truly enjoy the experience. In fact, I will candidly say that Death Eaters are NOT invited!

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 3

Save room for dessert. The class features surprises in all shapes. Be sure to plan on a non-stop food feast. If you aren’t in to sweets, you should get on your broomstick and fly somewhere else, Sunny friends.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 4

Book early. I am not kidding above when I say this Potions Class in London is a tough one to score a seat. Plan well in advance for your visit and go to their website as soon as you can to check availability.

For all the Harry Potter themed activities in London visit the Sunny in London Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London. And of course, leave your questions and ideas about all things Harry Potter in London below in the comments! But please know the Potions Class is full of surprises. I was careful not to ruin any in this review and am counting on the same from you too. However, if you follow my Instastories, you would have seen some fantastic views and videos of the experience!

Class dismissed 😉

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As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

November 4, 2016 by: Sunny London

An Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide for Visiting London

Cream then jam? Jam on cream? You need this afternoon tea etiquette guide if you’re planning on visiting London and don’t want to embarrass yourself while enjoying one of England’s traditions.

In the video below you’ll learn the proper process for folding your napkin, using forks or not, stirring tea and more.
In several years of travel and food blogging I’ve had the opportunity to attend and review afternoon teas throughout London.

This is my current list of ‘bests’:
– Most creatively presented afternoon tea was the Halloween ARTea at Lancaster London.
– Best Food and Pastries is made by Cherish Finden, the Pastry Chef at Langham London
– Best Food and Ambiance for the Price is Covent Garden Hotel and Charlotte Street Hotel (both are Firmdale Hotels)
– Best Concept is the Christmas Tea at Conrad St James, which is a creation of Pastry Chef Zoe

What I haven’t done (until now) is publish an afternoon tea etiquette guide, even though so many people ask questions about it when I go with or take them as guests to this carbalicious affair.

Take five minutes to watch this video to learn about what you should and shouldn’t do at an afternoon tea in London.

If you’re visiting London, make sure you pin this feature and the Guide to Visiting London for the First Time. Of course, you can always subscribe to emails to learn more as it happens too!

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

October 23, 2016 by: Sunny London

A Halloween Afternoon Tea at Lancaster London to Die For!

Who needs finger sandwiches when you can eat a severed finger eclair? Ha! Ha! Halloween is here! And the Halloween Afternoon Tea at Lancaster London leaves everything to the imagination!

When the hotel’s Executive Chef Ben Purton tweeted me to announce his latest creation, I had no idea how creepy it would be. The Halloween-themed ARTea Afternoon Tea is one you don’t want to miss. Let me show you why…

It kicks off in the hotel’s first floor Lounge Bar. Your table is covered in spider webs, skulls, and other sneaky surprises! The scary experience starts with a glass of Pommery champagne and your choice of afternoon tea served by a devilish dude fresh from a gruesome kitchen experience.

Ok, that’s a bit of a stretch. Our server tried really hard to be ‘scary’ to fit the mood created by the props and food in the Halloween afternoon tea. However, he was just too charming to be classified as terrifying to me and the ghoul friend who accompanied me.

After you are exposed to a few more tricks, it is time for treats. The food is delivered in a wooden box or ‘coffin’ that metaphorical represents the death of your diet for the day. It includes savoury classics with a fantastically frightful twist such as: Axe carved beef with horseradish; Smashed egg and crazy wild cress on blood bread; Cucumber coffins; and Devilled chorizo tartlets. The later was the favourite for my friend and me.

When you finish your savoury course, you need to let your server know you’re ready for the scones, as they are prepared fresh. No kidding, they arrive warm from the kitchen and are delightful! Well, that’s if you think you’ll enjoy pumpkin scones with cremated blood orange marmalade plus artists’ tubes of home-made strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream.

It’s certainly an interesting concept squeezing cream from a tube on to a scone. Surprisingly, we both enjoyed how it tasted. The texture of the scones, as is standard with all of the afternoon teas I have attended with Chef Ben, is bang on!

Finally, the end of the Halloween afternoon tea includes: Spider web lollipops; Shattered glass cupcakes; Frankenstein macaroons; and Bloodied finger éclairs.

Halloween Afternoon Tea: Final Thoughts

My hat goes off to Executive Chef Ben Purton for this fantastic creation. The tea is fun spirited and the extra creativity reflected in the menu and countless props is beyond what I have seen from an afternoon tea in London. He and his team truly have a unique concept that should’ve started well before October 17 this year. However, if you’re fast, you can get a table before the Halloween season dies.

I love that his Halloween afternoon tea has the best pour shot in all of London.

That happens when the tea is brought to your table and I would strongly advise you have your camera and phone ready to film! The dry ice effect does solidify this themed tea as the most extraordinary in London.

It’s available now at Lancaster London until 31 October 2016 from 2pm until 5.30pm each day. Priced at just £35 per person, the Halloween-themed ARTea Afternoon Tea is a steal for those who like fun and food in London.

We were guests of the hotel for our afternoon tea and this doesn’t affect our opinion of the experience. I became friends with Chef Ben through my blog several years ago, since the first inception of the London Bloggers’ Tea. Aside from having a gifted talent and passion for food, he is without a doubt the most personable chef in London. He’s also great fun to follow on Twitter.

Watch Lancaster London throughout the year as they host more Afternoon Teas tying in with special dates, movie releases and London events! And remember, missing this tea is a mistake that will haunt you forever!

June 2, 2016 by: Sunny London

InterContinental London Park Lane Afternoon Tea

Where can you go in London to have an absolutely Royal tea? The InterContinental London Park Lane afternoon tea which launched May 26 and will run until June 30, 2016 is the latest edition of this popular British meal honouring Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday. It’s the Royal-tea, and it’s delicious when paired with a Pimm’s Royale cocktail. You know, if you’re in to having a bit of booze with your bites. 😉

After my friend and I arrived for the newest InterContinental London Park Lane afternoon tea, we were handed those two lovely drinks you see above. Since Kir Royale is one of my favourite drinks (because it combines champagne and Chambord), I was curious to try this new cocktail at the hotel. And here is a big confession, I’ve lived in England three years and have never had Pimm’s!

As the official Hotel of the The Patron’s Lunch, the InterContinental London Park Lane has teamed-up with fellow event Partner Pimm’s to create an Afternoon Tea that celebrates Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday and a lifetime dedicated to service.

The Pimm’s Royale cocktail certainly sets the tone for a summery selection of pretty English classics fit for a Queen. Of course, there is tons of food to follow. Let’s start with the sandwiches!

The five Finger sandwiches don’t venture too far from the standard afternoon tea options. I love that our server suggested we eat them in a certain order, beginning with the softest taste to the strongest. The last he suggested to eat is the free range Coronation chicken served with apricots; a modern take on the dish created for The Queen’s coronation banquet in 1953. I was relieved at this because I always save the best or my favourite for last, and if you’ve read my previous London afternoon tea reviews on the blog, you know I love Coronation chicken!

If anyone has a really good recipe, please send me an email. I’ve pinned a few on my British Recipes Pinterest board, but would love to receive one specifically from a reader. Oh hey, InterContinental London Park Lane, that means you too! I’d love to have this formula for the food I had at the afternoon tea. 😉

Warm sultana and buttermilk scones are followed by a fashionable plate of mini-desserts featuring ‘The Queen’s Hat’ Tipsy cake, a vanilla sponge soaked in Pimm’s, and “The Queen’s Summer Garden Party,” a Champagne and gooseberry fool.

Different from the Pimm’s Royale cocktail, I didn’t taste any strong alcohol flavour in the Queen’s Tipsy Hat. It certainly was my favourite on the top tier you see above.

Royal-Tea: Final Thoughts

This InterContinental London Park Lane afternoon tea is certainly summery and celebratory. I would suggest if you go on a particularly hot, sunny day that you try to eat the cakes as quickly as possible. Ours sat on the table for quite a while, so they may have lost their ‘wow’ factor once we ate them because they had melted a bit and were sticking to the plate.

The Patron’s Launch

In keeping with the mission of The Patron’s Lunch, a portion of the Royal-Tea proceeds will benefit The Patron’s Fund, a newly created charitable fund that will provide a tangible legacy on the occasion of The Queen’s 90th birthday.The Patron’s Lunch will see The Mall transformed for its largest ever street party and celebrate The Queen’s patronage of over 600 charities and organizations. 10,000 guests will enjoy a quintessentially British celebration at this iconic London location.

You can find out more about the InterContinental London Park Lane afternoon tea and what else the luxury hotel offers on their website. Or, you can always check their amazing reviews on TripAdvisor too. Don’t forget, I’ve rated their Guiltess Afternoon Tea as one of the best in London, if you want gluten free and ‘good for you.’ It’s free of refined sugar and carefully created with all natural nutrient-filled ingredients.

Our afternoon tea was complimentary for the purpose of a review.

May 19, 2016 by: Sunny London

Grosvenor House Afternoon Tea for the Queen’s Birthday

Looking for ways to join Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday celebrations in London? Add the Grosvenor House Afternoon Tea might to your royal birthday bucket list.

Recently, a friend and I had the opportunity to experience this delight as we dined in the newly refurbished Park Room at The Grosvenor House a JW Marriott Hotel.

A visit to the Mayfair area of London is always a treat for me. Its exclusive atmosphere and rising restaurant scene make it one of the most intriguing districts in London for those who have a taste for luxury. Therefore, when an invitation to have a complimentary try of a five-star Mayfair hotel’s latest launch of a themed afternoon tea arrived, it didn’t take long to send my psoitive RSVP.

The Park Room at Grosvenor House exudes sophistication while showing an airy, contemporary design. The beautiful views which overlook the Royal Hyde Park are tough to beat on a sunny day. Having a table next to a window is particularly brilliant. Everything really popped in to place for us when we were served this beautiful palette cleansing ‘drink’…

I don’t wish to be repetitive, but, you really do need to see a 360º view of this sizzling treasure. So, below are two more angles in which I want you to pay particular attention to what’s dancing around the white chocolate centerpiece.

I can’t reveal the secret ingredients, but I will say that when combined in your mouth with the silky drink you see, an explosion takes place. Literally.

For my American readers, you’ll relate to the ‘pop rocks’ carbonated candy that triggers a fizzy reaction when placed on your tongue. The tickly sensation that happens when you eat this ring of candy is an extraordinary surprise to the start of the Grosvenor House afternoon tea.

Of course, the ultimate adult bubbles quickly follow if you choose the champagne version of the tea. If you’re a regular Sunny blog reader, you know what picture is on its way.

My friend’s drink is the rosé. Both are Ruinart champagne and both evaporated in our hands nearly as fast as the white chocolate candy loops.

Not soon after, a Selection of Finger Sandwiches arrived including:
– Coronation Chicken
– Cucumber with Minted Butter
– Honey Roast Yorkshire Ham with Colman’s English Mustard
– Coldwater Prawns with Marie Rose Sauce

You probably already guessed that the Coronation Chicken was my favourite. In fact, another reason I jumped so fast for this opportunity is because I was nearly certain that the Grosvenor House afternoon tea honouring the Queen would include this type of finger sandwich. It is my favourite British food, next to Mr. Sunny’s Toad in the Hole recipe.

Tea sandwich shots don’t really create a buzz on Instagram, but this next one sure does! This is the tray full of open sandwiches for us to try and it includes: Formans Smoked Scottish Salmon with Cream Cheese and Prawn, Burford Brown Clarence Court Egg Mayonnaise with Cress.

Did you notice the salmon is presented in the shape of roses? That’s one clever chef!

Next, we enjoyed Plain and Raisin Buttermilk Scones with Devonshire Clotted Cream. What is striking about this part of the Grosvenor House afternoon tea is the choice of British jams. They are: strawberry, gooseberry, raspberry, rose petal, blackcurrant, rhubarb and ginger. I usually try to pile on as much cream as possible, but on this occasion I was equally as interested in the rose petal jam. It gets an A* from me.

I’d say that the final round of food is the assortment of seasonal Royal afternoon tea pastries. However, it’s not the final act. The tasty treats include: The Queen’s chocolate biscuit cake, Silver Jubilee strawberry and White peach pavlova, Cherry and “Zaza” Dubonnet Jelly, Fresh English Raspberry and jam shortbread, Windsor honey and apricot Dundee Cake. Each have a unique story which reflects the Queen’s preference.

Our favourite was the chocolate biscuit cake. Finishing this plate is tough, especially if you take advantage of the additional offering of finger sandwiches like I did. However, the last round of food includes selecting a fresh home baked caked from the table in the centre of Park Room.

Since we figured it would absolutely be rude not too, each of us chose a cake to finalise our Grosvenor House Afternoon Tea experience. I mean- you wouldn’t want to offend the Queen now would you? 😉

Chocolate cake and Victorian Sponge Cake at its finest. My friend and I struggled to take the final bites, not because they weren’t delicious, but because like the pop rocks, our waist lines were starting to explode after all the sweet treats.

The Grosvenor House Afternoon Tea in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday is offered at £42.50 without champagne. It’s priced well against other 5-star hotels’ themed afternoon tea in my opinion. Initially, I felt the presentation for two people was a bit light. However, between the extra finger sandwiches and home baked table cakes, I changed this opinion when I realised my eyes were much bigger than my stomach.

If you’re seeking an elegant ambiance in Mayfair to celebrate this royal event, then the Grosvenor House afternoon tea is certainly worthy of your time.

What celebrations for the Queen’s Birthday can you recommend, Sunny friends?

April 10, 2016 by: Sunny London

Langham Afternoon Tea Review with Pastry Chef Cherish Finden

What sets apart the Langham Afternoon Tea that just launched in London? There are two clear reasons why I am going to declare that the new Wedgwood Afternoon Tea as my favourite in town. Not only is it lavish and laced with Laurent Perrier champagne, but also it is gorgeous inside and out.

In Autumn I attended and enjoyed the opening party for the refurbished Palm Court restaurant, so naturally when the invitation email arrived to taste the Langham afternoon tea that is inspired by classic Wedgwood collections, I quickly replied, ‘Yes, please!’

At this party, I had the opportunity with other guests to sample many delectables a week prior to the public’s chance to book the experience. Also, we had the chance to meet celebrity chef, Cherish Finden and learn the secrets behind her inspiration.

It is based on the food and personal encounter with the Executive Pastry Chef that I really wanted to go back to the luxury hotel to have the full afternoon tea. On a recent afternoon, Fiona (the creator of London Unattached who has a very exciting project on the way) and I sat for three hours savoring each and every morsel we were served at Palm Court.

Langham Afternoon Tea- Taste Journey

First to arrive is the pre-dessert of apricot and natural yoghurt panna cotta. We were warned that there had been complaints about this dish. Guests felt it was just too small. How cheeky! 😉 After trying it, I agree that I could’ve eaten several rounds. It’s soft, sexy and light. However, it is designed to be a palette cleanser. It sure does pair well with the ultimate meal starter, Laurent Perrier champagne.

Next, on your plate for the Langham afternoon tea are sandwiches conceived by Head Chef of The Langham, Chris King. These include: Truffled duck egg brioche, Smoked salmon asparagus and rye, Cucumber with cream cheese and chives, Peppered beef pastrami with red Leicester coleslaw and Corn-fed chicken with golden sultana on carrot bread.

Since Fiona and I opted for the High Tea with Wedgwood, we also had the choice among:

‘Oeuf poché à la reine’ – chicken and foie gras brioche
Smoked salmon tartare, Beefeater gin dressing, keta caviar
Girolle mushroom, spinach and duck egg tartlet

I selected the Smoked salmon, and she chose the egg tartlet.

Once you finish the dainty plain and raisin scones, the pastry course arrives. The beauty of the butterfly and daisy motifs which signify the start of spring and changing season surround these sugary treats. They are:

The ‘Paisley Parcel’- a moist chocolate offering enhanced with Kahlua and double espresso. An amaretto taste is also incorporated and the ‘icing on the cake’ represented by white chocolate buttons with a bespoke white and blue paisley Wedgwood design.
The ‘Butterfly Bloom’ takes inspiration from the Wedgwood collection of the same name, featuring a buttery shortbread tower with salted caramel. Two hand crafted butterflies at its peak represent the bloom of spring and the new florals blossoming.
The ‘Yuzu for You’ offers an exciting mixture of the sweetness from the Langham No. 150 chocolate balanced with the acidity of the ‘yuzu’, a citrus fruit originating in East Asia. A kick of chocolate is added with the Langham’s bespoke ‘No. 150’ chocolate. The taste is rounded off with a crunchy chocolate sable.
The Wedgwood Wild Strawberry comprises of a wild strawberry ‘pâte de fruit’ and pistachio cream macaroon, replicating the ‘Wedgwood Wild Strawberry’ design.
The ‘Hathaway Rose’ incorporates Lemon Victoria sponge, with a raspberry and lime jam.

What sets the new Langham afternoon tea apart from all the afternoon teas I have had in London is the sensory journey. Once your pastry reaches your mouth it seems to move through steps of flavours that erupt in waves. While Executive Pastry Chef, Cherish Finden announced this as her intention at the launch party, I wasn’t sure how that would unfold until I tried the pastries.

Mission accomplished!

The Butterfly Bloom is my top choice, however, all were scrumptious. I picked this one because it seems as though the delicate shortbread melts in your mouth as it releases soft doses of salted caramel around your tongue. Mmmmmmm. I get weak just thinking of it again.

To show you an even closer look at the secrets behind the Langham afternoon tea realms of delight, look inside the Yuzu for You to see what I mean.

Finally, just when we thought the extraordinary taste journey of food was over, we were offered these little final treats.

Easily, Fiona and I give the new Langham afternoon tea two thumbs up.

Langham Afternoon Tea- The Celebrity Chef

Part of the allure for this afternoon tea is also the celebrity chef. Cherish Finden is currently featuring as a lead judge on ‘Bake Off: Crème de La Crème’ broadcasting on BBC2 on Tuesdays. Having met her at both the launch party and the day the afternoon tea officially launched to the public, I feel she is truly one of the most remarkable chefs in London.

While she has many reasons to be confident, her approachable demeanor and positive affect make the experience of meeting her humbling. As a girl who grew up living on a Florida beach and not being exposed to such wordly culture and culinary delights, the fact that a chef in a five star hotel in London would be eager to take a picture with me and care what I think of her afternoon tea is remarkable. If you have the opportunity to meet this stunning individual, I can assure you she will make you feel the same. Not just smart and talented, Cherish Finden is energetic and immediately likeable. She has a loyal following of aspiring chefs that she mentors too.

However, we can’t forget Anna Russell, a friend of Queen Victoria. The Duchess of Bedford is credited for creating afternoon tea as a meal because she couldn’t wait until late evening for dinner to be served. For this reason, she started enjoying afternoon tea to bridge the gap between breakfast and dinner. Since, the Langham London Palm Court is famed as the birthplace of afternoon tea, it’s fitting that the Duchess is represented as well.

The new collection is priced at £49 per person, £59 per person including a glass of N.V Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne and £64 per person including a glass of N.V Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne Rosé. It is available from 6^th April with sittings at 1:00pm, 3:15pm and 5:30pm.

My experiences were complimentary for the purpose of a review. However, surely once you try the Langham afternoon tea, you will easily see why I hurried back for seconds. 😉 It’s beautiful appearance and taste from a passionate and glowing Executive Pastry Chef make this meal one of my top suggested experiences in London.

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