With Afternoon Tea Week starting next week, yes NEXT week I thought it important to give you all the heads up, well who doesn’t love a great afternoon tea! From the 8th to the 14th of August it’s officially Afternoon Tea Week 2016 and I am sure like me you are all extremely excited. To mark the occasion I decided that the celebration of one of Britain’s favourite traditions should begin early and booked via the Buyagift website to indulge in a delicious afternoon tea. With numerous fabulous choices I must admit it took me ages to decide which to choose as frankly they all looked very delicious and I am easily distracted by pretty pictures of food, aren’t we all?
Buyagift is the UK’s leading online gift experience provider and is one of the official sponsors of afternoon tea week. They offer over 250 different varieties of afternoon tea with locations all over the UK. Options range from afternoon tea at the iconic Harrods’ to chocoholic afternoon teas at the Hilton Park Lane and also Hotel Chocolat. Prices start from a mere £17 for TWO people. Well i’m sold sign me up for one each day for the next month, in my dreams. There are up to 148 locations which makes it so simple to get booked in locally or further afield should you so wish.
Here are just a few of the teas you can choose from.
Afternoon Tea Cruise on The Thames for Two, £64
Pass under the magnificent Tower Bridge, see the buzzing Southbank, marvel at The Shard and gaze up at Big Ben from the river – all the while tucking into delicious sandwiches, scones, pastries, and refreshing tea for two! There’s no finer way to see London than whilst bobbing along on the River Thames. Background music is provided by a pianist tinkling the ivories as you cruise along this world-famous river, taking in the sights whilst being served traditional treats and a pot of tea. Don’t forget your camera, as this river cruise on the magnificent Harmony affords incredible and unique views of London landmarks.
Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at the Cake Boy Emporium, £80
Celebrity chef Eric Lanlard, the Cake Boy himself, has conceived a mouth-wateringly fabulous cake boutique, in the heart of London’s Battersea, by the banks of the river. With a trendy yet relaxed vibe, this quirky pleasure emporium is the perfect place to while away an hour sipping on organic tea or coffee, and tucking into such sweet delights as petit pains, mini pastries, French macaroons, and delicate fruit tarts. There are scrumptious sandwiches as well, to satisfy your savoury tooth, and you’ll each enjoy a glass of Champagne to help you celebrate the occasion.
Afternoon Tea for Two at Harrods’ Georgian Restaurant, £88
Harrods is an iconic London institution, famed for its high-quality products, elegant settings and faultless service; its Georgian Restaurant boasts all three and has been satisfying customers since 1913. Recently refurbished, the decor combines the elegance of 1920s and 30s fine dining with modern elements; the restaurant itself is a work of art and a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. You will be met by staff and seated at an impeccable table before being served a luxurious version of the quintessentially British treat: a range of finger sandwiches, tea pastries, fresh scones with clotted cream, fragrant rose-petal jelly, tangy lemon curd and sweet strawberry preserve. These will be accompanied by the unlimited loose-leaf tea of your choice, to be taken from Harrods’ extensive menu; including the finest teas from around the world, each blend on offer has been specially selected by Harrods’ tea experts.
My choice:
Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Waldorf Hilton (London)
This was £105 but has now been reduced to £69, how fabulous and a bargain to visit such a prestigious and historical location. The afternoon tea without Champagne price has gone down from £87 to £49.
Booking is simple you are set a voucher through the post or you can arrange an e-voucher which is a great idea for a gift, hint hint (I’d love to going again).
The staff were very attentive and this chap was keen to pose for a quick photo before rushing off to attend to other guests.
Doesn’t the room look beautiful! with it’s original chandeliers, pretty coving and pillars. I loved that it was so bright and spacious with comfortably spaced seating.
At the door we gave our booking number and were shown to our seats. Playing in the background, classical instrumental music to set the scene and helping to create a relaxed atmosphere. A mix aged clientele busily chatted amongst themselves whilst sampling the delectable delicacies laid before them.
The Menu looked very appetising and of course we watched the serving team as they flitted too and fro from table to table with their delicious looking selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries.
Here there was no need to rush to eat or drink. I had left the children in safe hands as I wanted to eat in a relaxed manner and enjoy a drink hot, yes hot tea (all mothers out there will understand exactly what I mean and how pleasurable an experience that truly is).
Tea was served, my friend had opted for The Waldorf Tribute Blend which she enjoyed immensely. I requested the Jasmine Petals and Pearls, a delicious floral tea. How pretty does the tea look!
Glass of Mumm Champagne? Go for it, you really shouldn’t refrain from trying this as it’s a really nice one and you don’t do afternoon teas everyday.
By the time the food arrived I must admit I was starving. I hadn’t eaten all day as I had been running around after the children. Everything looked so beautiful and we couldn’t wait to tuck in! The afternoon tea is served on a three tiered stand made from handmade Royal Crown Derby fine bone china the company who also supply the Royal Household with china. Touches like this make the whole event that little bit more special. Who can argue with lovely surroundings, attentive staff, great crockery and not forgetting beautifully prepared sandwiches and sweet treats.
Everything looked so pretty, it was like a culinary work of art.
Savoury first.
The smoked salmon sandwich that one would normally expect in an afternoon tea was substituted for rolled smoked salmon with chive infused cream on a pumpernickel disk an unusual change to the norm (I wasn’t sure about the pumpernickel working so well but the salmon and cream cheese was nice). My favourite was the coronation chicken. This was simply divine and extremely flavourful and I could have easily eaten a few of the same. The sandwiches were made with fresh, soft fluffy bread prior to serving.
This was followed by the warm homemade scones with clotted cream and preserve. The scones were lovely and crumbly and were very much enjoyed with the tea. The tea was great to clear the palate between samplings as well as being very refreshing.
The gorgeously presented pastries were next.
I will confess to have started feeling a little full part way through these but they looked so pretty I had to try them all, it would be a crime not to.
My favourite was the coffee mousse cake. This was smooth, sweet and delicious and perfect for my sweet tooth.
What can I say this was a fabulous afternoon tea and a pleasure to try. I strongly recommend visiting the Waldorf Hilton and trying their afternoon tea as it really is delicious and filling.
Fancy Afternoon tea at any of the locations mentioned above or any other Buyagift.com location?
In celebration of Afternoon Tea Week Buyagift.com are offering an exclusive press discount of 20% off all afternoon teas on the Buyagift.com website from 8th– 14th August off some already discounted prices, your readers will simply need to enter AFTERNOONTEAPR at the checkout.
Exclusions apply. Offer available from 8th-14th August 2016.
The afternoon tea was complimentary thanks to Buyagift.com but all views are my own.
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I’ve never done afternoon tea before. It looks so nice the way it’s set out x
It does look very pretty doesn’t it 😉
Well this looks tasty. I’ve not been out for afternoon tea before but it sure sounds fun and the food looks scrummy.
You really should go, use the code at the bottom of my post to get 20% off. You will love it!!!!
I do love afternoon tea but the posh ones are always so expensive!! These offers are great I will take a look at them and try and book one.
Enjoy Becca, I hope you find one near you 😉
Oh my god how did I not know it was afternoon tea week. I need to get something booked now. You got such a good deal on yours x
Use the code at the bottom of this post Rhian and you can get a discount even off those that are already discounted x
I can;t believe I have never had afternoon tea!! x
My goodness, you haven’t lived!!!! You simply must go soon they are fabulous! 😉
Afternoon teas! I absolutely love them, such a decadent treat!
They are great, you should take a look at the Buyagift website and use the code. 20% off is a really good discount!!!!
Always wanted to go to an afternoon tea. Want to book one for my hubby and I. The pictures and cakes look amazing!
They were beautifully presented. I do love trying different afternoon teas you get a lot of inspiration if you cook / bake at home which I do 😉
The Waldorf Hilton sounded like such a nice place for afternoon tea. The dishes definitely looked great.
They do look lovely and tasted great too!
I absolutely love going for afternoon tea and this one looks so beautiful xxx
I loved it and hope to take another friend soon 😉
My sister had afternoon tea at the Ritz and said it was absolutely amazing and a must for the old bucket list!
That one is lovely too, I’d do both. You can use the code to get a discount off each of them 😉
Stunning! I might take my mum there for afternoon tea. xx
Have fun, make sure you use the voucher code at the bottom of the post to get a discount if you go next week 😉
I would love to have afternoon tea at the Waldorf! It looks so luxurious and decadent, this is definitely on my wish-list!
It does look fabulous doesn’t it. Well worth visiting x
Oooo I love an afternoon tea but not tried this one! Have stayed at the hotel which is lush though.
I would love to say at the hotel it is beautiful and is well located 😉
The Jasmine and Pearls tea looks beautiful! I have always wanted to go for afternoon tea as well but have never been!
You’ll love it Ana, use the code on this post and great a great discount.
Oh, I do love a good afternoon tea. Although, I prefer mine with more sandwiches than cakes!
I love the sweet side more sometimes depending on the sandwiches but it’s nice to try some new exciting combinations.
An afternoon tea week? I had no idea such a thing existed. Sounds so English and looks really delicious, of course 🙂
It’s great and they are all different. You should try one 😉
WOW this looks elegant and wonderful. What a treat. I’ve enjoyed afternoon tea at the Ritz and Winter Gardens in London – both fabulous x
That’s good to know I haven’t been to the latter I will look into that one.
I love afternoon tea and had one in London a few weeks ago at a different hotel. I love the look of the scones with cream and jam.
Scones are yummy. I love warm scones they really are delicious.
Wow, that looks absolutely luxurious! Would love to be able to experience afternoon tea at the Waldorf too 🙂
It was a really nice hotel to have tea at the whole experience was wonderful.
I have always wanted afternoon tea and this looks amazing!
It was lovely, why not go try it for yourself 😉
This is right up my street, I absolutely love Afternoon Tea and those scones look delightful x
I love afternoon teas there are so many to try too, It’s fabulous!
Looks so delicious! I didn’t know there was such a thing as Afternoon Tea Week, so I suppose I will have to go out for some next week! 🙂
I hope you got to go and used the code x
Having afternoon tea at the Ritz was one of the best experiences of my life, I’m vegan now so not sure what the options are but maybe this is the week to find out!
I’ve tried theirs too, it was lovely. There are some lovely afternoon teas in London.
Ooooo Afternoon Tea!!! Its my favourite thing to have ever! You have totally just made me want to go have that next week 😀
I hope you got to try it it’s one of the good ones.
Wow the interior looks amazing. I would love to visit this hotel.
It is a nice hotel. The staff were really good too.
What a great place to go! I love afternoon tea! I’m going to a local one soon for my birthday I am so excited!
Have a wonderful time and Happy Birthday 😉
Amazing! Such a great post. I will be making full use of that code. Thanks for that xxxxx
Glad you liked it and the code is available for this week so hurry x
Woweeeee! Very posh. Looks and sounds delicious! Would love to be pampered xx
It is lovely to relax and have everything including the washing done for you 😉
Must say this isn’t something I’d normally do, but this looks really fun!
You must try it, you will love it!
Well this sounds absolutely delightful and I think I know what I want to do with my friends next week – thank you for the code!
You are welcome Keely. Have a lovely time x
I love Afternoon Tea and have been to Claridges which was amazing. I love the sound of the one at the Waldorf and will be having a look at doing it! Thank you x
I haven’t been to Claridges yet it’s on my list 😉
haha love the staff! i need to try more afternoon teas, especially in london
I love the fact there are so many to choose from in London 😉
The place looks really amazing and the food looks yummy. A great place to have a teatime.
It is a lovely afternoon tea location and strongly recommended 😉
I can’t believe I’ve never done afternoon tea before x
Neither can I. I suggest you rectify that quickly. Have a lovely time x
I LOVE afternoon tea and this looks lovely!! I have never been to the hotel but have heard wonderful things about it, very jealous!
I really enjoyed our trip there the tea was lovely 😉
I didnt know it was afternoon tea week, sounds like a great excuse to me 😉 Love your ideas of where to go xxx
There are so many wonderful afternoon teas that you can try and it’s lovely to indulge every so often.
I love afternoon tea, I haven’t been to the Waldorf Hilton, I must book it soon 🙂
You will love it there Claire have a wonderful time 😉
I will definitely be making an effort to have some afternoon tea somewhere in london next week. Waldorf Hilton is such a beautiful hotel
Why not use the code on this post for a discount. Enjoy 😉
Oh wow, I love afternoon tea and those cakes look amazing! Yummy!!
They are beautiful aren’t they. We really enjoyed them 😉
This looks absolutely AMAZING!!! I would love to visit here 🙂
It does look fantastic does it 😉
Afternoon tea and champagne sounds exsisit! I would love that! The place is beautiful!
xoxo, Candice
The location is gorgeous and the food is lovely, worth visiting.
Gosh what a fantastic venue for afternoon tea! I do love a good afternoon tea, especially if there is Prosecco involved! 😀
It was lovely there. I hope to go again with some other friends 😉
This looks amazing! I love afternoon tea, especially when it’s sparkling! x
Afternoon tea is great and you can’t say no to a bit of sparkle 😉
Wow! What a treat! I love going for afternoon tea.
Me too it’s great fun 😉
Afternoon tea sounds divine, We went last year for my daughters birthday. There was so much food and cakes we ended taking some home.
It is a great experience and makes a lovely gift 😉
I have never been for afternoon tea, it sounds absolutely delightful!
My goodness you haven’t lived. It’s really nice and relaxing and of course yummy!!!!
oh it all looks so yummy, I will have to go sometime.
Enjoy Sandy, this is a lovely afternoon tea!
The Waldorf Hotel is a great choice for afternoon tea. I was lucky enough to go recently and enjoyed it very much too.
It is lovely isn’t, the hotel is beautiful and the tea is yummy 😉
This looks so yum! You can’t beat a scone with jam and clotted cream – that stuff is heaven!!
Tell me about it warm scones are delicious.
Afternoon teas always look so divine! I have walked past the Waldorf Hilton many of times and it looks so luxe!
Ashleigh x
It is lovely in there the hotel is pretty and the staff are friendly. The afternoon tea was really good.
Never been there before but it looks so lovely
We had such a lovely time, I wouldn’t hesitate to visit again 😉
This afternoon tea looks absolutely amazing! You take really good photos, and it gives me a real feel of what it’d be like to go there myself – I’m extremely keen to go now!
I really hope you get to go, it was a great experience.
Gorgeous! I love reading about afternoon tea experiences; they’re a perfect combination of traditional and decadent.
They are great, I love trying different ones 😉