The ‘Teavolution’ Goes Mobile - Bubbleology Notting Hill Launches New Delivery Service

Bubbleology, the bubble tea experts, are launching a new pedal-powered delivery service from their Notting Hill hub that will serve the majority of West and Central London with its authentic Taiwanese bubble tea.

Already a huge trend in LA and New York bubble tea has fast become a cult drink amongst Londoners. Since its first bubble tea bar opened in Soho in 2011, Bubbleology’s fan base has been growing rapidly with famous names such as Jameela Jamil, Millie Macintosh and Professor Green all confessing to being hooked. Now, with the launch of the Notting Hill based delivery service, they can all get their bubble tea fix delivered straight to their door!

The extraordinarily diverse drink starts with a natural red or green tea base, which is blended with either delicious fruit or milk infusions. Then, natural tapioca pearls or fruit juice filled Popping Boba are added to the bottom of the cup. Served either hot or cold, the combinations and mixtures available at Bubbleology are almost limitless - meaning that you can cater your bubble tea combination to your every mood!

The new Notting Hill delivery service will offer fans all the options and customisations available in the Bubbleology bubble tea bars, including the option to mix their own flavour combinations, from the comfort of their homes. The in-store Bubbleologists, who learnt their skills from the best bubble tea masters in Taiwan, will use their carefully-honed, delicious science skills to mix the ultimate mood-lifting drink to your every specification. Then, the drink will then be passed on to the super-speedy pedal-powered deliverymen to bring it directly to their door!

Menu, Delivery & Prices:

SPECIAL DELIVERY OFFER: 4 BUBBLE TEAS FOR THE PRICE OF 3!

- Bubble Tea Flavours -

Fruit Teas-  Mango, Passionfruit, Strawberry, Apple, Ginger, Kumquat, Lychee, White Peach

Milk Tea -Plain Assam, Plain Jasmin, Taro, Matcha, Mocha, Coconut, Almond, Vanilla, Honeydew, Cocoa, Papaya

Served either Hot or Cold with a choice of tapioca bubbles, fruit juice filled Popping Boba or without the extras.

Regular = £3.45

Large = £3.75

Extra Tapioca (+50p)

Flavoured Jelly (+50p)

Popping Boba - Strawberry, Lychee or Passionfruit (+50p)

Delivery orders from 12noon – 9.30pm Monday to Saturday and 12noon to 8pm Sunday from the Notting Hill branch.

Orders will be delivered by bicycle to the majority of West and Central London.

Call: 020 7727 9771

Free delivery for orders over £10

www.bubbleology.co.uk/

DAVID LYNCH RE-DESIGNS DOM PERIGNON BOTTLES

Legendary Champagne label Dom Pérignon have enlisted the help of filmmaker David Lynch to re-design the bottles of their Dom Pérignon 2003 and the Rosé 2000 for a special limited edition set. Entitled "The Power of Creation", the bottles have each been signed by the director and should be arriving in stores very soon. Speaking about the collaboration, Dom Pérignon said the collaboration was natural as the company have many things in common with Lynch, including "mystery, intensity, commitment, time, the constant reinvention of the self, and above all, absolute faith in the power of creation."

www.domperignon.com

J'adore Paris- We Will Be in Paris Till Tuesday, Au Revoir

Travel Secrets: My Favorite Luxury Hotels and Hidden Gems by Tanya Rose

It will come as no surprise to you all that we are avid fans of traveling, especially when that entails experiencing the finer things in life. We are confident, however, that like us you sometimes would like advice, helpful hints or even guidance on where exactly the most luxurious places are. Taking into consideration the fast approaching festive season and the welcoming of the New Year, we began our quest to uncover some of the very best luxurious locations worldwide for our 2013 travels. It was on this quest we came across the fantastic ‘Travel Secrets’ book by the critically acclaimed luxury travel expert Tanya Rose. 

For those of you who are not familiar with Tanya Rose she is the founder of ‘Mason Rose’ a company that is recognized and trusted as a knowledgeable source in the travel industry. The company has both an impressive and vast portfolio of international hotels that celebrites, travel titans and mere mortals like ourselves trust in to ensure that we only experience the very best.

Tanya's book shares an insider’s knowledge to travelling in style, After 25 years as a travel guru to royalty and to the stars of entertainment and commerce, Tanya Rose opens up her treasured address book of hotels and travel tips for the first time. Travel Secrets is not only a collection of personal reviews of some of the most incredible hotels around the world, it is also the insiders guide to the destinations in which they are located. Time is precious and every trip should be exceptional. Truly memorable holidays become a reality when authentic local experiences become moments of pure magic. The book leaves you in no doubt that she knows these hotels inside out. 

For sports aficionados seeking a culture fix, it might be the chance to dip into the Picasso Museum in Malaga before hurrying back to the landscaped gardens and tennis club of the Hotel Puente Romano in Marbella. When staying at the Excelsior Hotel & Spa in Dubrovnik, it might mean snatching a piece of history at the Ranchi Hat Factory, society milliners since the mid-19th century. Then there’s the luxury to be found by going beyond which hotel to which room. According to Nigel Newton, Founder and Chief Executive of Bloomsbury Publishing, only three rooms at The Pierre in New York look directly over Central Park. Knowledge pays, let it be said.

One of the most appealing aspects of this beautifully photographed and engaging book is how sixteen of Rose’s ‘well-travelled friends’ chipped in their hints, tips and travel nuggets. Architect David Collins turns to G7 taxis after arriving in the Gare du Nord by Eurostar to avoid the taxi queues and counts on Travel Scrabble to keep him entertained between destinations. Anya Hindmarch rips travel recommendations out from magazines. Common sense? For the A-type, time-pressed traveller in all of us, even that could be a luxury.

Travel Secrets: My favourite luxury hotels and hidden gems from around the world by Tanya Rose is available:  www.masonrosepublishing.com

www.masonrosepublishing.com

A Selection Of Signature Cocktails In London

DUKES - Martini

Christened 'the home of the perfect martini' by The New York Times, Dukes Bar has a reputation for making the best martinis in the world – Charles and Di used to stop by and Bond author Ian Fleming was a regular. Legend has it he coined his double agent's famous 'shaken, not stirred' line during a particularly fruitful drinking session at the bar.

Savoy - White Lady 

An American barman, Harry Craddock, arrived at The Savoy in 1920, soon after Prohibition had begun in the USA. He worked initially in the Dispense Bar, and did not become Head Bartender in the American Bar until January 1925. He created many cocktails for special occasions, and is credited with the invention of the White Lady, while at The Savoy. His greatest legacy was The Savoy Cocktail Book, first published in 1930 and still in print today. This is now a standard reference work for cocktail recipes of the era. Harry compiled almost forty years of cocktails created in the American Bar, including many from his own repertoire, into the recipe section of this book.

Ritz 100

This glamorous concoction was invented to celebrate the Centenary of the Ritz London in 2006 by the bar team in The Rivoli Bar. It has it all – the sophistication of Champagne, the marriage of peach and orange flavours, the sheer fun of the fizz when the sugar cube is added at the table, and of course, the decadence of gold leaf. An enduring favourite with guests, The Ritz 100 cocktail captures the spirit of The Ritz…elegant and timelessly chic.

Dorchester - The dorchester of london

The Dorchester of London cocktail was first created in the 1930's by world-renowned bartender Harry Craddock, who presided over The Bar at The Dorchester at the time. To commemorate the hotel's anniversary celebrations 80 years later, legendary Bar Manager Giuliano Morandin sought to recreate the cocktail from a recipe book first published in 1951. Staying true to the original recipe, Giuliano faced the challenge of recreating Forbidden Fruit, a liqueur unavailable for 60 years and now available exclusively at The Dorchester. The combination of dry gin, rum and forbidden fruit create this strong, yet refreshing cocktail with a citrus complex flavour.

lanesborough- librarian

The Library Bar at The Lanesborough is famous for its cognac selection. The bar even boasts the oldest cognac in the world. The Librarian cocktail celebrates this connection with cognacs by creating a rich and sophisticated cocktail that can be enjoyed as alternative to a cognac on its own. A delightful after dinner drink, The Librarian is a perfect digestif with the beautiful flavours of vanilla combined with a sweetness from the cherry wine and a complexity from the vermouth.

Goring - The George Martini 

The George Martini was created by Bar Manager Brian Kinsella and his team at The Goring to celebrate the hotels centenary in 2010. The cocktail is named after George Goring who ran the hotel for 43 years and was also awarded OBE in 1992 and hotelier of the year. The bar at the Goring is famous for its Martinis and with its beautiful citrus flavours, The George Martini is a classic cocktail with a twist. 

Mandarin Oriental- Double 12

This bar has theatre and the Double 12 is a cocktail made to match, comtemporary, fresh and exciting. Served as an excellent pre-dinner drink, the Double 12 is a beautiful spicy and aromatic cocktail with a fresh finish. The Mandarin Bar is the bar to be seen in and has been reviewed as the number one hotel bar in town by London’s Time Out magazine.

Stuck For Ideas This Christmas? Check out Biscuiteers New Christmas Range

Check out these delicious Christmas biscuits from Biscuiteers! They’re fun and colourful with lashings of icing and Christmassy shapes. They’d make perfect stocking fillers or presents for friends and family. They are made using the finest 100% cocoa powder, eggs, British butter and flour and golden syrup. The biscuit mix is chilled and then hand cut using special cutters before being baked in a bespoke baker's oven, cooled and lovingly iced.

vintage decorations tin

This luxe collection of beautiful biscuit decorations contains 16 intricately iced sparkly stars, tinkly bells, gorgeous baubles, and stripy candy canes. all of them come with a gold ribbon for hanging on the tree – if they make it that far! priced at £42.50

www.biscuiteers.com

No. 11 Cadogan Gardens, London

This luxury boutique hotel in Chelsea London features 54 bespoke guest rooms and four self-contained, one-bedroom suites that all exude an individual blend of vintage glamour. A variety of ornate headboards, dramatic four poster beds, decorative baroque chaise longues, spectacular Murano glass chandeliers, and delicate fabrics await guests in every room.

Each room is also fully equipped with the latest technology and conveniences, such as plasma screen TVs and exquisite bed linen. Stunning marble en-suite bathrooms, with timeless stand-alone tubs, continue the theme of splendour.

www.no11cadogangardens.com

Festive Cocktails at Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Bar London

Harvey Nichols fifth floor bar elves have created a festive cocktail list, inspired by there favourite Christmas films.

A Fifth Floor Christmas Carol 15.95 
Muddled winter fruits with Chase Marmalade, cinnamon syrup and topped with HN Rose Champagne.
The Grinch Fizz 15.95 
Blue Curacao, pressed apple, Amaretto and lemon, topped with HN Brut Champagne
Miracle on Sloane Street 13.95 
Sipsmith Sloe Gin, crushed pear and cloves, topped with HN Brut Champagne.
The Santa Clause Bellini 13.95 
Apricot jam, Sipsmith Damson Liqueur and cinnamon topped with HN Brut Champagne
The Nightmare after Christmas 11.50 
Plum vodka, Amaretto, Mozart Chocolate Liqueur and fresh cream.
Die Hard Martini 11.50 
This cocktail certainly packs a punch! Williams Gin, Quince Jelly, lemon juice, pear nectar and Kings Ginger Liqueur.
Home Alone 11.50 
Absolut Mandarin, cranberry juice, mulled spice gomme, pressed lemon and a dash of Frangelico 

This list can be enjoyed all day every day; so whether you are seeking some respite for your weary pins, following a glorious shopping day, or whether your seeking to party the night away pre dinner the bar provides a warm winter welcome.

www.harveynichols.com

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASSES AT COLEBROOKE ROW (The Bar With No Name)

With the holiday season steadily emerging, what better way to gear up for the festivities then with a unique Cocktail masterclass at Colebrooke road (The Bar With No Name). Informative and hands on guest will learn the history and stories behind classics like the Daiquiri, Tuxedo, margarita, Aviation and of course a Classic champagne cocktail. Guests are then invited to get behind the bar and create the cocktails themselves. With special festive classes coming up it would make an ideal Christmas gift.

MASTERCLASSES:

17th NOVEMBER 2012

HOLIDAYS COCKTAILS MASTERCLASS

1st DECEMBER 2012

MARTINIS, APERITIFS & VERMOUTH COCKTAILS MASTERCLASS

15th DECEMBER 2012

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS MASTERCLASS: Eggnog, punch, perfect martini and champagne cocktails

19th DECEMBER 2012

TONY CONIGLIARO BOOKLAUNCH SPECIAL MASTERCLASS Recipes and flavours from Tony C’s new book Drinks

12th JANUARY 2013

RUM COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS

26th JANUARY 2013

BEER BASED COCTAILS MASTERCLASS

From 2pm til 4pm… The cost is £40 per person.

Places are limited (a maximum of 20 people) so we advise that you book early.

Afternoon Tea at Quince, Mayfair Hotel London

Afternoon tea is served in the Quince Salon, an indulgent affair with or without champagne.

A delectable selection of Eastern Mediterranean inspired savoury dishes, including delicate finger sandwiches with shawarma chicken, baba ghanoush, avocado hummus and Ottoman style pastries.

With a tea selection of rare and carefully selected range from the Rare Tea Company. All are organic and freshly brewed by trained waiters using precise measurements, so that each pot is perfectly balanced for the ultimate taste.

Afternoon tea - £29.50 per person

Champagne afternoon tea - £41.00 per person

www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

Laduree Paris, it’s not just macaroons you know

The history of Parisian tea salons is intimately tied to the history of the Ladurée family. It all began in 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée, a miller from France’s southwest, created a bakery at 16 rue Royale in Paris. Now 150 years on it has become the place to visit when looking for a little indulgence in the dazzling city.  Laudree may be famous for its macaron's but the selection of visually stunning cakes is something not to be missed.

Ladurée St Honoré Rose Framboise. In my mind this is my favourite cake in the world!

The delicate taste of the rose cream on the top combined with fresh ripe raspberries is perfection 

www.laduree.fr

An Elegant Christmas Afternoon Tea At The Langham

The Langham, London has been serving Afternoon Tea to the cream of London society since 1865. 2012 and 2010 saw Palm Court awarded the tea equivalent of the OSCARS, the Tea Guild's ‘Top London Afternoon Tea' award.

Located in the heart of West End, the five-star Langham hotel has one of London's most enviable addresses. Take a break from taking in the sights of London or searching for that special Christmas gift and rest your feet and enjoy the delicacies of the Langhams palm court festive afternoon tea.

Choose from a range of teas with the assistance from the hotels Tea Sommelier 

Sandwiches:

Smoked Norfolk turkey breast with tarragon mustard 

Duck egg mayonnaise with caviar 

Atlantic prawns and fennel with shiso 

Smoked Scottish salmon with cucumber and horseradish 

Smoked duck with celeriac and crispy shallots 

Scones: 

Warm selection of plain and golden raisin scones 

served with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve 

Pastries:

Festive eggnog with stollen 

Christmas log cake 

Candy cane macaroon 

Bauble chocolate truffle 

Mandarin orange Chantilly 

Homemade XO mincemeat crumble 

Sittings at 1.00pm, 3.15pm, 5.30pm and 7.00pm 

£42.50

www.london.langhamhotels.co.uk

WE NOW HAVE A PINTEREST!

Please add us http://pinterest.com/kateandchelsie/

Thank you 

CORINTHIA CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA

Christmas is all about a little indulgence especially when it comes to culinary delights, and the Corinthia Hotel's festive afternoon tea is the opportune chance to do just that.

Relax after a hard day's shopping or catch up with friends under the sparkling Baccarat chandelier in the elegant Lobby Lounge, or if you like the crisp winter air then tea can also be taken in the adjacent court yard, but don't worry there are two open fires to take the bite out of the chill and to keep guests snug. Alongside traditional mince pies and home made stollen, there are modern twists on classic Christmas flavours: delicate cranberry macaroons with fresh red fruit crème served with vanilla marshmallows and desiccated coconut. Or rich chocolate and gingerbread yule log filled with spiced Jivara chocolate mousse. Accompanied by an array of bespoke teas or a glass of Laurent Perrier, this is the perfect Christmas treat. 

Served from 22nd November - 5th January 2013

www.corinthia.com/London

The Lanesborough & Harvey Nichols Host Fashion Afternoon Tea

On Wednesday 5th December, The Lanesborough is delighted to present gorgeous eveningwear alongside truly dazzling jewelry created by some of the world’s most accomplished and exciting designers. Step into the glamorous world of fashion whilst indulging in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea in the elegant surroundings of Apsleys.

The afternoon will start with a showcase designer evening wear presented by Harvey Nichols, the world’s leading luxury fashion destination boasting the world’s most exclusive brands, carefully curated by exacting and talented buyers. Harvey Nichols can also help with the accessories that will set these unique and elegant outfits off, including clutches designed by Kilian, a brand exclusive to the store. The models will be wearing make-up by Daniel Sandler at BeautyMART Harvey Nichols. Sandler is a professional make-up artist whose clients include Naomi Campbell, Twiggy and Kate Moss.

Harvey Nichols Window Display

These beautiful products will be complemented by Eddie Borgo’s fabulous costume jewelry with a touch of rock and roll, alongside bold statement pieces by Gabriele Frantzen. Guests will also have a chance to feast their eyes on Dana Lorenz’s dynamic designs for Fallon. These experienced stars of the fashion world have accumulated several awards between them, and have collaborated with many significant figures in the world of jewelry design.

This is an exclusive event that showcases some of the world’s most prestigious designs, while allowing guests to relax and enjoy The Lanesborough’s award-winning afternoon tea. The stunning jewelry on show will ensure a sparkling afternoon for each guest.

Eddie Borgo

The Lanesborough and Harvey Nichols Afternoon Tea is on Wednesday December 5th, from 4.00pm to 6.00pm and is priced at £40.00 per person plus 12.5% Service Charge or £50.00 for The Belgravia Tea complete with fresh strawberries and cream and a glass of Champagne. Gluten and dairy free afternoon tea are available with 24 hours request.

For reservations, please call 020 7333 7254 or visit 

www.lanesborough.com/en/london-events

AN INVITATION TO TEA WITH JO MALONE LONDON, Selfridges London

05 NOVEMBER 2012 - 14 NOVEMBER 2012

Visit the Jo Malone pop-up in the Beauty Hall at Selfridges London from 5 to 14 November to experience Tea Fragrance Blends - three contemporary scents, inspired by that quintessential British tradition, tea.

Discover the collection while enjoying delicious Earl Grey chocolates. The two intriguing scents, Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne and Assam & Grapefruit Cologne, are deliciously revitalizing and quirky in character. Combine them with Sweet Lemon Cologne for a hint of citrus piquancy.

Visit Jo Malone at Selfridges London from 5 to 14 November to experience for yourself.

Is this the coolest way to see Paris? La Vue bar, The Hotel Concorde La Fayette

Calling all Cocktail Lovers! The Hotel Concorde La Fayette is that rarest of rarities: an actual Parisian skyscraper. Situated on the 34th floor La Vue bar is a stunning and sophisticated bar with panoramic views to die for. Take in the glittering Champs Elysee, Notre Dame, the Tour Eiffel and the glittering Seine, all while sipping on bespoke cocktails mixed by award winning mixologist Stephen Martin. The interiors are pretty spectacular done up in sexy red, designed by Italian designer Pier Luigi Copat, the bar boast chic minimalist furniture, romantic lighting with an extravagant 11,000-glass-rod chandelier as the aesthetic centerpiece. The main feature Floor-to-ceiling windows offering a staggeringly dramatic panorama of the French capital.

Star barman Stephen Martin serves up an innovative drinks menu, complemented by a selection of international bites, and there are regular live music performances.

The head Barman Stephen Martin, (who was voted "Best mixologist in France 2009), serves up an outstanding menu.

www.lafayette.concorde-hotels.fr

Festive Afternoon Tea - Royal Horseguards Hotel

Celebrate the Christmas season with a festive-themed Afternoon Tea at Royal Horseguards Hotel. Available between 1st December 2012 and 1st January 2013.

This delicious Afternoon Tea menu combines yuletide flavours with a unique festive flair and is perfect to enjoy snuggled up in front of the fireplace in the hotel's elegant lounge, which is beautifully decorated with festive garlands and a traditional Christmas tree.

Festive Afternoon Tea Menu

A traditional selection of elegant finger sandwiches

and contemporary savoury bites

Felchlin Edelweiss white chocolate, coconut and chilli snowball

Christmas pudding cake pop

Praline and Valrhona Caramelia chocolate bauble

Peppermint macaroon

Christmas shortbread

Mini mince pie

Warm freshly baked spiced and fruit scones,

clotted cream and homemade fruit preserve

A pot of leaf or herbal tea from our extensive selection

£35.00 PER PERSON

Upgrades include champagne, mulled wine or a seasonal cocktail from our Equus Bar.

www.guoman.com

Begin The Day With Breakfast Cocktails at the The Fifth Floor Café, Harvey Nichols

The Fifth Floor Café has created a delicious breakfast cocktail menu to kick start your day in a fabulous manner.

Enjoy the delicious and refreshing Boozy smoothy, a beautifully balanced combination of berries, yoghurt and honey with a lively helping of Absolut Raspberry Vodka. Alternatively start your day with the exceptional flavour of the Bacon and egg martini. This intriguing concoction combines Chase Smoked Vodka with maple syrup and a touch of lemon juice topped with a black pepper and egg white foam garnished with some delicious, but ever so naughty, Mr Trotter’s Great British Pork Crackling.

Bacon and Egg Martini

This intriguing concoction combines Chase Smoked Vodka with maple syrup and a touch of lemon juice topped with a black pepper and egg white foam garnished with some delicious (but slightly naughty) Mr Trotter’s Great British Pork Crackling.

Boozy Smoothy

Your morning energy boost with an alcohol lift. This delicious combination of berries, yogurt and honey with a lively helping of Absolut Raspberry Vodka. Devine!

Blood Orange Bucks

Our delectable take on the very British Bucks Fizz. Fresh blood orange juice is combined with a touch of Aperol and topped with Harvey Nichols Brut Champagne

Espresso Martini

Fair Espresso Vodka, double strength espresso and a dash of vanilla. Capped off with some Mozart chocolate bitters. The ultimate wake up cocktail!

Bloody Mary Martini

If you need something to perk you up, you can’t go too far wrong than with this breakfast cocktail. Beefeater Gin with Suffolk based chilli tomato jam. Add to this a splash of lemon, celery bitters and tomato juice and you are on to a winner.

www.harveynichols.com

FEATURE EVENT: THE LAURENT-PERRIER CHAMPAGNE DESSERT BAR BY WILLIAM CURLEY

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23rd

A William Curley Exclusive

Join William for a sensational 5 course Dessert Bar at the Belgravia boutique. Featuring 5 desserts expertly crafted and created in front of you by the man himself, along with 3 delicious Laurent-Perrier Champagnes specially chosen by William to compliment the desserts. The 5 course Dessert Bar menu is available for £20 per person, or £35 per person with the Champagne Selection.

The Menu:

Laurent-Perrier Champagne Granita

Chocolate Sorbet with an Orange Compote

Lemon Meringue Pie

Pain Perdu of Caramelised Pears

Toscano Chocolate Mousse with Lemon Thyme ice cream

Petit Fours Selection

Friday 23rd November

First Sitting: 6pm for 6.30pm *6 Seats left*

Second Sitting: 8pm for 8.30pm *2 Seats left*

Belgravia Dessert Bar

Belbravia Boutique

198 Ebury Street

London

SW1W 8UN

How To Book

Call: 0208 538 9650 or email office@williamcurley.co.uk or pop into our Belgravia boutique to book your place.

www.williamcurley.com

 

Halloween Afternoon Tea At The Corinthia Hotel, London

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.

Unfortunately, the Halloween tea is only available during Halloween, so you will have to wait till next year to experience this delight. The traditional afternoon tea is however, served daily

from 12:00 to 17:30 on week-ends, and between 15:00 and 17:30 during the week:

Cream tea, £21

Afternoon tea, £35

Champagne afternoon tea, £45

Selection of English cakes and tarts, £7

www.corinthia.com