This Halloween I enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea at the Corinthia Hotel in London. This 5 star hotel opened in April 2011 and is the latest addition to the city. The luxurious hotel prides itself on high standards, opulence, comfort and exceptional modern decor, that is chic and exclusive. Whilst also boasting some of the largest bedrooms and suites in London that offer outstanding views of the River Thames, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square.
Afternoon tea is held in the elegant lobby lounge, situated within the heart of the hotel. This intimate space is set a few steps up from the reception area, illuminated by a spectacular Baccarat chandelier, a mesmerising main feature to the room. In the middle of the lounge a large mirrored table reflects gorgeous little orchid arrangements, and to the side of the room an offering of cakes under glass domes.
We were seated at a pretty table, underneath the stunning crystal chandelier, that was beautifully laid out with crisp white table linen. Welcomed by our waitress we were then presented with the menu. I could not wait to see what the Halloween offerings would be.
We were offered options of either the traditional afternoon tea or the special Halloween tea, which can be enjoyed with or without a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne. The allure of the treats on offer for the Halloween tea where too enticing to resist. The hotel also offers an option for a more subtle cream tea that is a selection of pastries and tea that you can choose individually from the menu. So, even if you don't want to indulge in the full tea you can still come and have a good time.
Once we had made our selection some delicious finger sandwiches where promptly brought to our table with gourmet fillings such as Loch Var smoked salmon, creamed Innes goats cheese with cucumber and organic egg mayonnaise all topped off with a decorative sprinkling of micro watercress.
Next we moved on to the scones, delivered on an ornate three tier floor standing cake stand, with the top and middle tier proudly displaying the impeccable Halloween inspired delights with the bottom tier containing plain and raisin scones. A special mention must go to the scones as they where an absolute delight, so fluffy and heavenly, if your looking for the perfect scone look no further. Accompanied with clotted cream and raspberry and strawberry jam they really are worth a visit for.
But the highlight just had to be the pastries so charming and pretty, and the taste was just as incredible. Honestly, this was the best tasting selection of pastries I have had at an afternoon tea in London. I was so impressed with the attention to detail and the utterly delicious taste of the cakes. My favourite's were the Witch’s Hat, made from a delectable raspberry macaroon, topped and filled with fresh raspberries and cream, and the Broomstick, which was a delicious blackcurrant mousse with black ink jelly and topped off with whimsical spun sugar, that added a fantastical touch.
The tea menu is extensive and combines a perfect combination of rare and traditional teas. 'Afternoon at The Palace' is their signature blend of single Darjeeling and China black teas, for a refined and aromatic taste. A perfect accompaniment to sweet afternoon treats. I opted for my favourite Madagascan Vanilla which is a blend of Ceylon and China black teas enriched with real pieces of Bourbon Vanilla from Madagascar. It has a delicious natural sweetness and a great vanilla taste.
I cannot recommend the afternoon tea at the Corinthia enough. With a superb central London location and fresh and dreamy decor the lobby lounge is the perfect place to spend an afternoon indulging in divine treats whist relaxing with a cup of tea. The service was great, perfectly attentive without being too pushy. The whole experience was one you must treat yourself too.
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