Afternoon tea at the Mandarin hotel

Hello readers, how’s that christmas shopping coming along?. I have a feeling I’m not going to start shopping till the 24th yet again. Something about last minute shopping always excites me. Here’s to hoping Borough market still has a few whole ducks, spices, mince pies, mulled wine and cakes on the shelves. 

Speaking of cakes I spent my day stuffing myself in preparation for Christmas at an afternoon tea at the Mandarin hotel’s rosebery lounge based just a few yards away from Knightsbridge station. Have been to a few places such as Fortnum and mason and  Langham hotel Palm court lounge for afternoon tea and I have to say that the Mandarin hotel’s experience really stood out for me.

The beautiful marble clad room with with very good lighting and plush green comfy chairs really catches the eye. I found the staff to be quite welcoming and friendly without being obtrusive.  It definitely helps to create a warm and comfortable environment even in such stunning oppulent setting. 

We kicked off the tea with a nice glass of champagne and then went on to select 2 different types of tea from their selection, an apricot white tea and a Jasmine pearl from Fuijan, China.  For an additional supplementary charge (£0.50 – £7.50) you can also select a few choices from their rare and limited teas selection. 

The sandwiches were definitely tasty with some nice fillings such as the Cotsworld egg and mustard cress, slow roasted Norfolk bronze turkey with sage and cranberry, smoked salmon tartar with Creme fraiche and dill, goats cheese with roasted pumpkin and red onion confit, Portland crab and crayfish fondue on lemon and thyme bread, etc. 

The pumpkin and pecan cake invoked flavours of Christmas. The sugar coated pecans were quite a treat. I love baking carrot cakes and will incorporate the pecans next time I reckon.

The warm freshly baked cranberry-raisins and plain scones accompanied by strawberry jam, rose petal jelly and homemade lemon curd preserves were a delight as well. I probably added wayyyyy too much Devonshire clotted cream, but it tasted Soo good. 

Last but not the least was a beautiful array of hand made pastries such as a ginger bread, pear and caramel cake, figgy pudding bauble, chestnut, chocolate and vanilla Opera gateau, cranberry, orange and yoghurt Yule log and a Mandarin and spiced prune tartelette. 

Offers of tray refills just kept on coming. It was totally an enjoyable, albeit slightly costly experience indeed. I can’t recommend it enough however. Hope you’ve enjoyed the pictures. If you have any more afternoon tea ideas let me know of course. 

Hope your week goes well and don’t forget to buy those pressies. My next blog post will probably be live from Lagos, Nigeria. I’m off there for the new year. 

                                                         Bye for now and see ye later.