KATE AND CHELSIE'S AFTERNOON TEA AWARDS 2013

Whilst we admit we are not afternoon tea experts; it would be fair to say that we are both avid fans and have experienced more then our fair share! In light of 2014 drawing ever closer we thought we would share with you all our favourite afternoon teas off 2013. 

WINNERS: 

BEST AFTERNOON TEA : 

Afternoon Tea Aboard  The Orient Express,

The British Pullman

BEST AFTERNOON TEA LONDON : 

The Dorchester 

BEST AFTERNOON TEA OUTSIDE OF LONDON : 

The Europa Belfast and The Balmoral Edinburgh 

With the Winners ticking all the boxes for overall we have also given some awards for 

BEST SERVICE- The overall winners / Intercontinental - Park Lane 

BEST PASTRIES - The Dorchester / Ritz Madrid 

BEST SCONES - OE/ The Dorchester 

BEST SANDWICHES - Europa Belfast / The Dorchester 

BEST SAVOURIES: OE / Balmoral Edinburgh / SEVVA HONG KONG 

BEST TEA SELECTION: OE / Europa Belfast 

BEST EXPERIENCE: The Orient Express 

BEST VIEW - SEVVA, Hong Kong 

VALUE FOR MONEY : Balmoral Edinburgh 

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TOO EVERYONE THAT HAS VISITED THE SITE THIS YEAR! 

KATE & CHELSIE 

x

Decadent Christmas Afternoon Tea At The Capital Hotel, London

The Capitals Christmas Afternoon Tea, created by the Michelin-starred team of acclaimed chef Nathan Outlaw and his head chef, Pete Biggs, will include an array of sandwiches such as smoked salmon and cream cheese, salt beef and English mustard and a turkey roll with cranberry jelly. Sweet treats will include comforting scones with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream, spiced ginger cake with butterscotch, dark chocolate and Clementine mousse and a chestnut cream tart, amongst others. In addition there will be a tea trolley circulating the room with an extra selection of homemade cakes and festive treats. 

Special Promotion!

Fresh from winning a UK Tea Guild Award of Excellence for Top London Afternoon Tea 2013, The Capital Hotel will be introducing a Christmas Family Afternoon Tea every Sunday from 1st December, available from 1pm – 6.30pm. This tea will be priced at £29.50 per adult and £15.00 for the children’s tea, and served in the hotel’s elegant restaurant. To celebrate the launch of the Family Afternoon Tea, one grandparent or one child (under 12) can enjoy a complimentary tea with every two paying adults. 

www.capitalhotel.co.uk 

Kate & Chelsie's Christmas Afternoon Tea Guide - London

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, / Fa la la la la, la la la la. / Tis the season to be jolly, / Fa la la la la, la la la la.....

Christmas is the perfect time for indulgence, and there are few better ways to treat yourself than a decadent afternoon tea. We’ve picked out our top 5. 

The Dorchester 

12 Days of Christmas Afternoon Tea at the InterContinental Park Lane

Corinthia Hotel London

Savoy 

Ritz London 

Merry Christmas x

Sketch Afternoon Tea, London

Michelin star-awarded sketch covers two expansive floors of a converted 18th century building in Conduit Street, just off Regent Street in the exclusive neighbourhood of Mayfair.

During weekdays, Afternoon Tea is served in Glade at sketch, a room that has been completely redesigned and transformed by Carolyn Quatermaine and Didier Mahieu, with walls decorated as a woodland, a meadow, a forest, a tale, an allure with a view.

While on weekends Afternoon Tea will be served in the Martin Creed Gallery Restaurant. A room that renders a curious mind. A work of art, an abode where nothing matches but you will always feel at home.

Sketch has worked it's magic, creating a menu which includes caviar and quail egg, macaroons decorated with rose petals and an assortment of delicate cakes and pastries, served on a unique stand made of cups and plates.

SKETCH AFTERNOON TEA

Homemade Afternoon Tea served sketch style

Assorted finger sandwiches

Smoked salmon and Jacob's cream

Cucumber, ricotta and broccoli

Comté cheese croque monsieur

Egg and mayonnaise, quail egg, caviar

Sultana or plain scone served with

Clotted cream, fig and strawberry

homemade jam

Selection of sketch pastries

Salted butter caramel macaroon

Fig and port tartlet

Gianduja chocolate éclair

Coconut and praline lollipop

Orange blossom, lemon and passion

fruit marshmallows

In a glass: greek yogurt mousse,

blackcurrant marmalade and créme

de cassis jelly

and choice of teas

£34 PER PERSON

A lighter option for TWO FOR £62

You can make online reservations for up to 6 people, for larger groups or for any other enquiries please call our Reservations Team on 0207 659 4500

Please note you can reserve afternoon tea in the Glade on weekdays and in the Gallery on weekends

W Hotel's Christmas Rock Afternoon Tea, London

Indulge in a festive remix of W's Rock Tea, inspired by famous Christmas number one singles, available daily until 24th December 2013.

All elements of the menu have been designed to add sparkle to the festive countdown, with every treat taking inspiration from past Christmas hits to tie in with the rock'n'roll theme. To accompany these festive fancies, a seasonally-inspired selection of sandwiches will be served, including turkey and cranberry, traditional roast beef, spicy butternut squash and luxurious smoked salmon.

As part of the festive transformation, W London has also created a menu of exclusive Christmas tipples including:

Fairy Tale of New York

Gin, with Chataigne liqueur, Grand Marnier

Let it SnoW

Johnny Walker Black, Mozart chocolate liqueur, sweet vermouth, mandarin juice and fresh chilli

Santa (Teresa) Baby

Santa Teresa rum, Mozart chocolate liqueur, Chambord, cranberry juice and raspberry puree

The W Christmas Rock Tea will be served in the W Lounge at W London - Leicester Square between 2pm to 5pm daily, from 29th November until 24th December 2013.

“LANVIN Loves SEVVA” Fashion Afternoon Tea At SEVVA, Hong Kong

Celebrated Lanvin Designer Alber Elbaz partners with SEVVA’S Bonnae Gokson to Present a Parisian-Inspired Afternoon Tea, 2 - 30 December 2013

SEVVA and Ms B’s CAKERY do it again… as owner and creative director Bonnae Gokson indulges her passion for fashion and teams up with one of her favourite luxury fashion brands LANVIN to present a special Parisian-inspired ‘designer afternoon tea’, where light and delicate sponge cakes and finger rolls meet French haute couture at this chic rendezvous atop Prince’s Building in Central.

The ‘designer afternoon tea’ is the result of a creative collaboration between SEVVA’s stylish founder Bonnae Gokson and Alber Elbaz, Artistic Director of French fashion house LANVIN, who has been awarded Chevalier of the Legion d’ Honneur – France and named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in The World.

Known for his love of sketching, Alber Elbaz’s spectacular sketches will feature on the afternoon tea set’s place mat and sandwich roll wrap to adorn the sweet collaboration.

Served with a choice of coffee or tea, each ‘LANVIN Loves SEVVA’ tea set also includes a gift voucher for designer mementoes (a mirror or USB), redeemable at LANVIN’s flagship store in neighbouring Ice House Street, Central.

The ‘LANVIN Loves SEVVA’ tea set is being served for an exclusively limited period from December 2 to 30, priced at HK$680* for two. A glass of Veuve Clicquot Rosé NV champagne priced at HK$250* could also be included for this ultimate French inspired treat.

With this season's fashion trends, Ms Gokson will also refresh SEVVA's stunning interiors and will decorate the lounge area with hints of leopard printed cushions and a Christmas tree that will surely WOW guests especially for those who loves sweets!

"I love LANVIN and am absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to work with the dynamic Alber Elbaz whom I adore as a person and designer! Now, he sketches LANVIN Loves SEVVA and I’m thrilled about that!" commented Ms. Gokson.

“Bonnae is a remarkable woman, chic and elegant. I love her personality and I am very happy to collaborate with her on this fantastic project.” said Alber Elbaz.

LANVIN Loves SEVVA Afternoon Tea Menu

1st tier

Coco Chiffon Sponge (with sugarart butterfly)

Coconut Mousse, Light Coconut Sponge, Coconut Macaroon & Fresh Whipped Cream

Macaroon with French Vanilla cream (with LANVIN sugarart)

Berry & Pistachio Macaroon with Chocolate Cream 

2nd tier 

Signature Chicken Sandwich (with LANVIN “HOT” sugarart)

Truffle Scrambled Egg on Toasted Poilane

Savoury Waffle with Foie Grois Mousse & Onion Marmarlade 

Petite Finger Rolls of French Ham & Brie Cheese (in LANVIN wrapping) 

Ratatouille on Cucumber 

Smoked Salmon, Eggs 'n Mash with Creme Fraiche stuffed Baby Potato 

3rd tier 

Raspberry +Rose Petal & Vanilla Creme Éclair 

Espresso Cheesecake (with sugarart flower) 

Mont Blanc cup 

Pineapple Cream Gateaux (with LANVIN “YUM” sugarart) 

Chocolate coated Éclair with Candy Sprinkles, Banana + Strawberry Crème 

S E V V A’s The Original Caramel Crunch Cake 

Sweetheart Candy Lollipop ‘LANVIN Loves SEVVA’ Afternoon Tea is served on weekdays from 2:30pm - 5pm, and Saturdays from 3pm - 5:30pm.

Jimmy Choo Afternoon Tea - The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Munich is delighted to announce its fashion afternoon tea in collaboration with Jimmy Choo, one of the world’s most loved luxury brands. Jimmy Choo shoes and handbags are worn by style icons, celebrities, royalty, musicians and heads of state. From 26 November 2013 to 28 February 2014, guests can indulge in little fashion fantasy of their own with the Mandarin Bar’s Jimmy Choo Fashion Afternoon Tea. The tea set takes inspiration from Jimmy Choo’s Cruise 2014 collection and highlights the popular clutch Charlize and the stiletto Sunday

Mandarin Oriental, Munich’s pastry chefs have specially created a range of dainty culinary treats, such as Chocolate Raspberry Macaroons, Jimmy Choo Handbags filled with chocolate, Cucumber and cream Cheese and Grapefruit Lemon and Caviar Shooters which are sure to win the hearts of every fashionista. The fashion Afternoon Tea is served with JING Tea and guests can select from Assam, Organic Green Tea, Lemongrass & Ginger just to name a few. Whether as a gift for a best friend or as a treat after a shopping tour, this special Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin Bar is a must for those with a passion for fashion who want to enjoy the sweet temptations of life.

The delightful Jimmy Choo Fashion Afternoon Tea is priced at EUR 39 per person and EUR 55 per person with a glass of Champagne. All guests who book the tea will a special complimentary gift set from Jimmy Choo: Jimmy Choo FLASH fragrant surprise.

The Jimmy Choo Afternoon Tea will be served at the Mandarin Bar from Mondays to Fridays from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Reservations can be made through: +49 (0)89 290 98 1929.

MO Bar Ladurée Afternoon Tea At The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Fans of MO Bar’s unique branded afternoon teas are in for a treat from 1 December to 7 January 2014. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has joined with Ladurée, the inventor of double-decker macarons for a spectacular afternoon tea show at MO Bar throughout this festive time. Ladurée has created the world’s exclusive Platinum Mandarin Macaron for The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, which guests can savour together with a range of additional mouth-watering creations designed by Chef Richard Ekkebus’ and his talented culinary team.

This delightful afternoon tea is priced at HKD288 from Mondays to Fridays and includes a three-tier tea set, a delectable cake buffet and a choice of JING tea or coffee; and HKD308 on Saturdays and Sundays, topped with a weekend dessert buffet. Along with the tea set, all guests will receive a Ladurée X Landmark Mandarin Oriental key ring (retail value: HKD390; while stocks last) that is a special edition from the worldwide popular Ladurée Secrets Collection.

In addition, French craftsmen from the Ladurée laboratory in Paris will fly to Hong Kong to create the region’s first Ladurée macaron Christmas tree at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. This 3-metre stunning tree will form part of the hotel’s festive Christmas decorations and will be located in the hotel lobby, setting a perfect photo backdrop rallying the attention of both Mandarin Oriental and Ladurée fans from around the world.

“We are delighted to be working with luxury pastry brand Ladurée – an influential leader and the inventor of macarons,” said Richard Ekkebus, “When creating the tea set, we were inspired by the company’s classic French origins and their dedication to fineness and excellence. We have blended these qualities with our own modern interpretation of some of the classic French pastries and savouries which we hope our guests will enjoy.”

The talented MO Bar team has tailor-made five traditional French savouries with a contemporary twist. A Beetroot and Foie Gras Macaron, a classic Air-Baguette Filled with Camembert Mousse Wrapped in Aged Bayonne Ham; and a Quiche Filled with Lardons of Smoked Bacon and Gruyere Cheese. Sweet temptations feature the world’s exclusive Platinum Mandarin Macaron, signature Rose Petal Macaron, classic French sweets Éclair Filled with Pistachio Pastry Cream and Raspberry; and Traditional Baba Soaked in Rum Agricole Topped with Crème Chantilly.

Twelve Days of Christmas Afternoon Tea at InterContinetal London Park Lane

With the pastimes of this summer now but a blissful memory, the city of London is preparing itself for the abrupt change in weather, which of course means one thing; Christmas is rapidly approaching. In celebration of this truly magical time of the year, The Wellington Lounge at the Intercontinental will once again be hosting its enchanting Christmas Afternoon Tea; which I can faithfully assure you is quite unlike anything you will have experienced before. This afternoon tea has been lovingly and carefully designed, to perfectly capture the spirit of the beloved Christmas Carol ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ from which this afternoon tea draws extensive inspiration.

On approaching the inviting Wellington Lounge it is easy to forget the hustle and bustle of chaotic Christmas shopping taking place on your doorstep in central London. Allow yourself to soak up the calming atmosphere of the lounge; as you sit back in your deep, comfortable chairs taking in the beautiful modern decor of your immediate surroundings. From the onset of our visit, we were made to feel not only full of Christmas joy, but cared for. When seated, our waitress provided us with a detailed overview of what would be served on this afternoon tea, which began to tantalize our taste buds. Following from here we then selected our teas from a comprehensive range which included White, Black and Oolong teas. We would suggest selecting the Wellington Lounge’s unique black teas created by the executive chief Paul Bates: Number One Park Lane and Wellington Blend.

The afternoon tea was presented on a three tier white and silver stand. We were advised to begin with the Mountbatten estate partridge, morel mushroom and foie gras pie because they are served warm, straight from the oven. Proceeding to the bottom tier we enjoyed the following delicate, crust-less finger sandwiches decorated with fresh watercress: Squab and wood Pigeon, Speyside salmon and the Lords of the hundreds cheese and finally Hens egg mayonnaise with cucumber on an assortment of breads. This tier was very flavoursome, and certainly gave us a unique opportunity to try ingredients that are far from everyday. On completion of this course, we were then given our freshly baked sultana and buttermilk scones, with Devon clotted cream and strawberry persevere. The scones were faultless with a charming aroma. The top tier of the stand was an extremely descendent affair filled with the following stunning desserts: Walnut powder crusted chocolate torte, Strawberry filled choux bun, air dried raspberry, Three milk flan, cranberry and mandarin compote, Golden treacle tart, Chantilly and gold leaf. Although, we cannot agree on a favourite dessert we can agree that the novelty, and imagination behind the desserts for example the swan shaped choux bun and walnut powered chocolate torte with a drum to name but two further confirm why this is such a special afternoon tea to enjoy in the holiday season.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Afternoon Tea is available 29th November 2013 to 6th January 2014 only and costs £38 per person.

Kate & Chelsie's Top 5 Afternoon Teas In London

The Dorchester

The Four Season Park Lane

The Berkeley 

The Savoy 

The Corinthia

Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Party! Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa, York

MENU

Edible Candles , Chocolate Clocks , Strawberry Jelly, Pink Mushrooms

Scones

Cupcakes 

Eat Me Biscuits 

Drink Me Pineapple and Yoghurt Shots

Macaroons 

Chocolate Lollypops

Rolled Sandwiches

Served with Fairytale Tea

SCHEDULE

3pm Arrival ‘Drink Me’ potion 

3.15pm Mad Hatters Tea Party

4.30pm Disappear down the rabbit hole.

 

 

Mad Hatters Tea Party is available on the following Sundays: 

27th October - Fully booked

24th November - Fully booked

1st December - Fully booked

8th December - Filling up fast

15th December - Fully booked

23rd December - new date added!

26th January 2014

23rd February 2014

30th March 2014

20th April 2014 (Easter Sunday)

£28.50 per Adult

£17.50 per Child

To book please call 01904 380038

Payment is required at the time of booking

www.cedarcourtgrand.co.uk

Afternoon Tea With The Best Views Of London, Aqua Shard

Aqua Shard, located on Level 31 of The Shard, offers a contemporary British Afternoon Tea with breath-taking views of the London skyline.

The contemporary cosmopolitan interior has distinctly British touches; gin and tea, both with strong roots in South London, have inspired the design along with Liberty fabrics which appear in subtle touches throughout the restaurant, complementing the dark oak floor. The aptly named 'Tea Wing' will play host to Afternoon Tea along with tables in the stunning triple height atrium.

The Classic Afternoon Tea begins with a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked vanilla, raisin and orange blossom scones which are served with Jersey clotted cream and home-made fragrant homemade jams.

This selection of seasonally changing jams and jellies combines some exciting flavour combinations, all of which lift the traditional favourite British jam flavours with new herb or essence popular in British cuisine. These include strawberry and Tahitian vanilla; apple, lime and earl grey jelly & raspberry and raspberry & lemon thyme.To finish, homemade cakes and sweet treats combine both traditional and innovative British delights.

Afternoon Tea

3pm to 5pm

Monday - Sunday

From £29.50

www.aquashard.co.uk

NEW COLLECTION! Mouth-watering Prêt-à-Portea delicacies with a fashionista twist At The Berkeley London

The Berkeley London designer afternoon tea, Prêt-à-Portea, is inspired by the themes and colours of the fashion world. The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion.

The new Autumn/ Winter 2013 Prêt-à-Portea collection Looks to be the best yer.  This seasons showpieces include Burberry's signature trench coat and Saint Laurent's must-have red leather duffle bag featuring on the Berkeley's tea stand. Prêt-à-Portea adds a creative twist to the classic elements of the traditional English afternoon tea with cakes and pastries resembling the latest catwalk designs for the style conscious. 

Burberry Prorsum heart patterned ginger biscuit trench with caramel icing

Gianvito Rossi chocolate over-the-knee boot biscuit with ankle strap

Emporio Armarni violet cassis mousse and light Curacao jelly topped with chocolate swirl

Jean Paul Gaultier gold quilted banana and caramel cremeux with passion fruit compote accessorised with leopard print chocolate shard

Saint Laurent essential autumn red "Classic Duffle 6" Victoria sponge cake bag 

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania oversized checked mint green macaroon 

Miu Miu polka dot jaconde and Gianduia mousse topped with playful orange neckscarf 

Giles antique gold chocolate feather set on a base of Sacher Torte 

Oscar de la Renta orange bavarois emphasised with shocking pink chocolate embroidery 

Service is from 1pm - 5.30pm every day 

Gluten and nut free can be catered for. Please mention any dietary requirements at time of reservation 

and allow 24 hours' notice. 

Price range £39 - £55

www.the-berkeley.co.uk

Experience a flavoursome Afternoon Tea named and influenced by the gardens of Hyde Park At The Knightsbridge Lounge

Served under a canopy of magnolia blossoms, The Knightsbridge Lounge is an idyllic Hyde Park-inspired tea parlour and champagne bar offering a modern “Distinctly Knightsbridge” High Tea with fragrant blends by Twinings and hot chocolate inspired by Rococo Chocolates.

The Distinctly Knightsbridge Afternoon Tea consists of a quiche little taster, sandwiches, scones, pastries and your choice of tea from our recommended teas or from our Ritual of Tea menu – £37.

Recommended champagne cocktails - Kir Royal / Mimosa Cocktail / Bellini Cocktail - £16 each

Served daily from 15.00pm to 18.00pm

Quiche Little Taster

King’s Quiche Little Taster 

Norwegian red king crab warm quiche thermidor with seaweed butter.

Selection of Sandwiches

Serpentine Salmon Sandwich : 

London cured hot smoked salmon and Keta caviar on fennel-raisin bread.

Green Fields Peppered 

Beef Sandwich : 

Surrey farm peppered beef, Norwich mustard and watercress on malted grain bread

Cavalry’s Coronation Chicken Sandwich : 

Norwich Farm coronation chicken with corn, mango and coriander, on nut bread

Joy of Life Fountain Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich : 

Silver Hill duck egg mayonnaise and mustard cress on Viennese briochette.

Scones and Cream

 Plain buttermilk scones

Scones with sultanas and candied cherries

accompanied by Devon clotted cream, British strawberry jam and orange marmalade.

Selection of Park Pastries

The Rose Garden Macaroon -

Almond-flavoured macaroon and buttercream.

The Dandelion Lollipops - 

Marshmallow, Turkish delight and nougat lollipops.

The Elderflower Jelly and Meringue Cup - 

Shot of Granny Smith apple 

local cider & blackberry jelly and meringue cup.

The Blackbird’s Nest Chocolate Waffle - 

Tropical chocolate mousse waffle cone and sugared praline.

The Serpentine Swan Petit Chou - 

Petit chou pastry swan, with hazelnut and praline cream.

The Churchill Hyde Park Gate Crème Brulée - 

Dark chocolate and vanilla crème brulée cake.

The Silver Maple Tartlet - 

Ivory white chocolate and pistacho mouse and golden leaf.

Festive Tartlet - 

Gooseberry and Ginger Tartlet

Walnut cupcake- 

Walnut and whisky buttercream cup cake

www.theknightsbridgelounge.co.uk