The Milestone Revisited: Gentleman's Afternoon Tea Review

Gentleman's Tea

We've made no secret of the fact that London's Milestone Hotel is one of our favourite afternoon tea destinations. With it's plush surroundings and intimate atmosphere, this hotel screams decadence and is a definite must for any tea lover. 

Gentleman's afternoon tea has always been a temptation that we've lusted after, but never dared pursue. Reluctant to betray our cakey treats, we've remained faithful to the end, leaving the scotch eggs to the lads. However, when we heard that our favourite hotel had launched a male option, our resolution gave way.

The scene is set

As ever, the order of the day was food, food and more food. Stacked high on triple tier stands, this tea really has the wow factor - so astounding in fact that we couldn't help but notice a few envious looks from our fellow diners as it travelled across the floor.

Available with a choice of whiskey or ale to complement, guests are treated to a savoury medley of buffet snacks to start, in addition to the traditional sandwich selection. Personal highlights included the chicken lollipop skewer, and bacon wrapped toad in the hole. Both staple British classics. Both fabulous. 

What's good about this selection is the variety that it offers, meaning that there's something for absolutely everyone, and although I had to avoid the mini Cornish pasties (not much of a beef fan) I was more than taken with the mini scotch eggs available. 

Same goes for the whiskey too. The Milestone offers three different varieties, designed with an array of heady flavours from chocolate to plum, providing a good choice of tones to tempt even a whiskey novice such as myself. Can I have some more please?

Not to disappoint on the cake front, the gentleman's tea also contains a selection of boozy treats, which feature a chocolate and orange liquor torte (decadent!), a brandy soaked berry tart and whiskey cream cupcake. 

However, as we're both ladies, and ladies with a very sweet tooth, the lovely folk at the Milestone treated us to an extra serving of their traditional  cakes - and boy are we glad they did. Including delicacies such as their flawless New York Cheese Cake (oh my goodness it's good) and Pistachio Carrot cake, these desserts are by far the most exciting and flavourful that we've ever experienced - and we've experienced a lot.

All in all, we have to say that we were most impressed with the Milestone's new gentleman's offering, and although only available for a limited season, we hope that it continues long into the future. As usual the environment was immaculate and service very hospitable - if at times a little slow - although, that said, we were very grateful for the extra time to enjoy the Milestone's lovely pianist.

If you're in London and in need of tea, visit the Milestone - you absolutely won't regret it!

For more information about the Milestone's Afternoon Tea selection, please visit their website here.

Afternoon Tea was kindly provided courtesy of the Milestone Hotel. However, as usual, all thoughts and opinions remain our own!

The Afternoon Tea Club Reviews: PIMA Bar at Hilton, Liverpool

Afternoon Tea; it's what sunny Saturdays were made for. Here at The Afternoon Tea Club, we headed to Liverpool to spend an afternoon in style at one of the city's top venues, Hilton Liverpool. Here's what we thought ... 



Tea Time

Environment 
 

Laura: 

Situated in the heart of Liverpool's L1 complex, PIMA Bar boasts the perfect location for both shoppers and Albert Dock day trippers alike. Housed on the ground floor of Liverpool's Hilton Hotel, the bar is a crisp white canvas for modern day dining. Huge windows are draped with long white curtains that let in just the right amount of light yet separate the bar from the busy restaurant strip outside. The tables are laid out in a traditional way with white linen table cloths and minimalistic copper furniture. Bold artwork brings a burst of life to the room and injects a bit of colour to this otherwise simplistic yet contemporary dining space. 

 

Caroline:

Located only a few short minutes away from Liverpool’s iconic Albert Dock, the Hilton Hotel’s PIMA bar was the location of our latest Afternoon Tea adventure. Decorated throughout with white chiffon drapes and a selection of quirky Charlie Chaplain movie posters, the Hilton's tea lounge pays hommage to the cinematic legend with a projector screen placed at the foot of the room as a tribute to the late, great Chaplain. The colour scheme inside is simple, with clean lines, white table cloths and brown leather chairs which compliment the overall flavour of the tea well.

Pink Bubbly!

Food

 

Laura:

This is definitely one of the most sophisticated looking tea arrangements we have come across. Presented on dark wood with individual sections for each stage, it really is a very modern interpretation of Afternoon Tea. 

We had pre-booked a special Pink Champagne Tea and when seated we proceeded to sip on glasses of gorgeous Pink bubbly. However, when our tea arrived it seemed a lot less pink than we had anticipated. When comparing with neighbouring guests, their tea appeared to have a much wider selection of fuchsia treats, which made us question if ours was in fact the standard tea option. However, despite the lack of girly cakes, our tea was actually very good. 

We had a selection of sandwiches including; egg, prawn, ham salad and classic cucumber. The ham was delicious and definitely my favourite, with the refreshing cucumber sandwich coming in at a close second. 

Sandwich Selection

The scones were also really tasty and we each had our own individual pots of jam which was very handy. The scones were also pre-cut which was a nice touch and definitely limited the chance of mess! 

Finally we had a very well balanced selection of cakes including; chocolate fancies (complete with cute treble clef decoration), Victoria sponge, battenburg and raspberry sponge. They looked so good I had to question if they were by Mr Kipling himself! I loved the Victoria sponge the most, possibly one of the fluffiest cakes I've had on my tea travels. 

The one thing that let this afternoon down was the actual tea. For starters, our food didn't arrive with a pot of tea and so we had to wait a little while to ask a staff member to bring some over. We were surprised to learn that there are no tea options and instead guests are given a standard pot with a tea bag. Thankfully I'm a fan of a good old cuppa but more mature tea lovers might be a little put off by the lack of choice. 

Fancy Fancies

Caroline:

In the absence of a pink afternoon tea, the Hilton's standard offering is a good alternative!

Presented on slick compartmentalised box stands, the Hilton’s afternoon tea offers a unique interpretation of the traditional past time. During our visit we were treated to two of these lovely stands, but I could definitely have attempted a third - I must however note, that I was little disappointed by the absence of a tea selection, but I guess you can’t have it all.

If you read the blog regularly, you’ll know that I’m a stickler for freshness and also that I can't stand stale bread... well, I’m happy to report that the Hilton didn’t disappoint. Served on a variety of white and wholemeal breads, the finger sandwiches at the PIMA bar came in four flavours: Prawn; Egg; Cucumber & Cream Cheese; and Ham & Mustard. My favourite of the selection was definitely the Cucumber & Cream Cheese which was very light and refreshing. Offering up a similar success rate, the sugar dusted fruit scones with Bonne Maman conserve and clotted cream, were equally delicious, whilst the cakes were incredibly well balanced. Out of the selection available, my favourite had to be the chocolate fancie, which was deliciously rich, with a lovely iced finish. I also loved the strawberry garnish which accompanied the cream!
 

Warm Scones

Service

 

Laura:

The service at PIMA was good but there are a few areas that could be improved upon. When our food arrived there was no explanation of the different layers, a custom we have become quite familiar with during Afternoon Tea, and it would have been nice to have known a little more about the menu. I also noticed that we were not offered a tea top up which was a little disappointing for me. The staff did explain it was a particularly busy afternoon and those we did meet were really lovely and very friendly. I just felt that the restaurant could benefit from a better system so that guests are looked after in equal measures and at more consistent intervals. 

Caroline:

I won’t focus too much on the negatives because they’ve already been covered, but I agree with Laura that the Hilton Liverpool could benefit from a more structured service rota and perhaps a couple of extra staff on hand to assist during peak times. However, this aside, all of our interactions with the staff on site were very pleasant and courteous.

Pink Cakes!

Overall Thoughts

 

Laura:

I did enjoy my afternoon at PIMA - proven in the fact that we very much overstayed the afternoon tea hour and a half welcome slot! I think that it perhaps relies on the fact that as a Hilton restaurant, guests will continue to come, therefore the restaurant maybe dwindles a little in the quality department in comparison to some other hotels we have visited. Still the food was really great, the staff were friendly and I think that with a tighter service, afternoon tea here could be perfect - with a few more tea choices! 

High Notes

Caroline:

As with anything, there is always room for improvement and I just know that with a little attention, the Hilton can offer the top rate experience that its name commands. Nevertheless, great food and friendly staff - well done!

Rating:

 

 

PIMA Bar is located on the ground floor of Hilton Liverpool in L1. Afternoon Tea prices range from £13.50 to £21.00 pp. For more information and to book, please visit their website HERE.

Afternoon Tea News: Wimbledon 'Not Afternoon Tea' at OXO Tower

Following hot on the heels of their successful Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Not Afternoon Tea, OXO Tower have launched their themed delight - Wimbledon Style!

Experience the tastes of summer:

Join us at the OXO Tower to celebrate the fabulous fortnight of tennis with a Wimbledon themed Not Afternoon Tea Experience. OXO has planned a best of British affair, yet with the promise that there won’t be a scone in sight.

The ‘first serve’ is a glass of delicious OXO Champagne. Choose one of the four Not Afternoon Tea plates (a selection of decadent desserts paired with a unique cocktail) and enjoy a smoked salmon and cucumber crostini. Finish on a sweet note with a gingerbread tennis racket with strawberries and cream pistachio coated truffles to take home; meaning everyone’s a winner.

Glass of OXO Champagne

One Not Afternoon Tea Plate of choice with bespoke cocktail

Smoked salmon and cucumber crostini

Gingerbread tennis racket with strawberries and cream pistachio coated truffles to take away.

£46.50

So what do you think? Will you be heading to OXO Tower this summer?

Available at the OXO Tower Brasserie Sunday – Friday, 3pm until 5pm and Saturday from 2pm until 4.30pm. Friday 14 June until Sunday 14 July. For more information or to make a reservation please call 020 7803 3888 or email oxo.reservations@harveynichols.com

The Afternoon Tea Club Champagne Tea Competition!

Tempted by some of our Afternoon Tea Adventures? Well we're giving you the chance to win a fabulous Champagne Afternoon Tea for two at one of our favourite venues!

Back in March we visited Crewe Hall in Cheshire to try their famous Afternoon Tea and we must say were very impressed! Check out our review here. 

So impressed in fact, we teamed up with the folks at this fantastic venue to offer you the chance to win an afternoon of utter indulgence. 

One lucky winner and a friend will be treated to Crewe Hall's delicious Champagne Afternoon Tea at a date of their choice this summer! 

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is answer this simple question:

'Name the room where Afternoon Tea is served at Crewe Hall.'

COMPETITION CLOSED

Simply email your answers to theafternoonteaclub@hotmail.co.uk or Tweet us at @TeacupReview. 

All entries must be submitted by midnight on Friday 14th June. We will announce the winner on Sunday 16th June. 

For more information on Crewe Hall, you can visit their website at: www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/crewe-hall/food-drink/

Good luck! 

Terms and Conditions: Open to UK residents only. Only one entry per person. Competition will close at midnight on 14/06/2013. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on 16/06/2013. The Afternoon Tea Club's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. There will be no cash alternative. Winner will be notified via email. By entering the competition the winner agrees to participate in such promotional activity on our website and Twitter. No responsibility can be taken for any entries which are not recieved for any reason. The winner must be able to provide their own transport to and from the venue and accommodation should this be necessary. The venue reserves the right to specify the date and circumstance of the prize should the winner's chosen date be unavailable or conflict with the hotel's schedule. The Afternoon Tea Club operates as a separate entity to the QHotels Collective.

The Afternoon Tea Club Reviews: Crewe Hall, Crewe

Last Monday the Afternoon Tea Club were invited to sample high tea at one of the UK's top venues - Crewe Hall. With its beautiful views and exquisite Jacobean interior, this was certainly an experience that we won't be forgetting in a hurry!

Crewe Hall

Environment

Caroline: 

The expansive landscapes and quintessentially English exteriors of Crewe Hall, combine to create the perfect Afternoon Tea setting. Located on its own estate, just ten minutes away from Crewe town centre, this Jacobean manor house has an extraordinary historical background, which will engage even the most passive of historians, with previous visitors including her Majesty the Queen and Charles Dickens. However, if the celebrity-factor doesn’t do it for you, the Hall’s interior certainly will, with beautiful period features and stained glass windows running throughout to create a luxurious environment.

The Sheridan lounge, where tea is served, is wonderfully lavish with beautiful ornate turquoise ceilings and rich furnishings, working together to create a lovely vibrant feel. The room itself is light and airy, with large windows allowing for an abundance of natural light, whilst the presence of potted plants, offers a freshness which really enhanses the environment wonderfully.

The Sheridan Lounge

Laura: 

Steeped in history dating all the way to back to Doomsday 1086, Crewe Hall is the epitome of Great British grandeur. Arriving from its private approach road, this stately building set amongst vast greenery, is an absolutely breath taking fete of architecture.

Before it’s time for tea there is a lot to explore in the former Jacobean Hall. Take a wander through the hallway to admire the giant library, stunning stained glass windows and the many ornate fire places, all with their own unique story to tell.

The Full Tea

When it’s time for an afternoon treat, The Sheridan Lounge is where the real magic happens. This utterly luxurious tea room is presented to perfection with deep tones of plum, chocolate and turquoise. Its modern colour scheme works beautifully amongst the traditional setting of vintage tea room equipped with leather seating you would envisage in a decadent lounge from a bygone era of complete class. 

I loved the huge windows and incredibly detailed carvings found on the far wall and above the fireplace -  there literally isn’t an inch of this place that doesn’t come with a story. Just gorgeous.

Scones

Food

Caroline: 

Crewe Hall’s Afternoon Tea is everything that it ought to be: elegant, sophisticated and delicious. Dominating the table with its substantial height and impressive selection of treats, this tea is an absolute delight for the eyes and palate.
 

The menu itself is executed to perfection and offers a good selection of traditional classics, including: Finger Sandwiches (Coronation Chicken, Cucumber and Crème Fresh, Ham and Mustard, and Salmon) Warm Scones (fruit and plain) with Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream, and a selection if Cakey Treats (Chocolate Macaroons, Fruity Manchester Tart, Orange Gateaux and Chocolate Éclair) 

Afternoon Tea

The standard throughout the selection is consistently high, with all sandwiches being freshly prepared to order - an element which, although small, was greatly appreciated (too often do we come across sandwiches which are pre-made and a little dry!) - my favourite of these had to be the Coronation Chicken which I’ve never experienced before in an afternoon tea, but which I greatly enjoyed and thought made for a nice contrast alongside the other staple classics. My favourite from the cake tier had to be the Chocolate Macaroon, which was lovely and rich without being at all overpowering, whilst the Manchester Tart offered a nice contrast with light and fruity flavours.

With champagne, special loose leaf teas and a food selection to die for, you can’t really go wrong with Afternoon Tea at Crewe Hall.

Timed Tea

Laura:

My eyes lit up when our afternoon feast arrived at the table. Laid out on a gorgeous three tier stand with an endless supply of fabulous Twining’s tea, I knew we were in for an amazing afternoon.

Freshly prepared in Crewe Hall’s Victorian kitchen, our luxury Champagne Tea began with a refreshing glass of orange juice and a selection of teas to impress the most enthusiastic of tea lovers.

I opted for the intriguingly named Russian Caravan –a smoky blend which I’m told was transported in caravans when the tea was first brought from India to Europe. The tea was lovely with and without milk and made a pleasant change to my usual cup of coffee. Plus it was great to get a real tea experience with sand timers to ensure our drinks were brewed to 3 minute perfection!

The Cakes

The range of finger sandwiches was excellent. Traditional fillings but with a distinctive accompaniments that although subtle, made a huge difference. We were served cucumber with mint, Coronation chicken, salmon and ham and mustard. My favourite was the salmon – fresh and the bread was super soft, something that is normally very easy to get wrong – impressive!

Next up and the staple of afternoon tea – scones with jam and cream. I loved that we were given 2 of each variety, plain and fruit filled. It has to be said that these were some of the best looking scones we have ever had, brown and glossy on top and lashings of jam and cream to accompany. I particularly loved the jam and cream serving dishes as they were set aside from the main tier which made them very easy to dish out between the two of us!

The selection of cakes was tremendously generous and included chocolate macaroons, Manchester tart, orange praline gateaux and chocolate éclair. The desserts complemented each other wonderfully with a good mix of textures and flavours – a real treat for the self-confessed sweet tooth like myself!

This afternoon tea is one of complete indulgence and if like me, you find yourself defeated by this lavish cake selection, don’t worry as the lovely staff will box up any leftover goodies for you to enjoy at home – or if you’re anything like me and couldn’t wait – on the train home!

Tea Time

Service

Caroline:

We’ve had first rate service before, but nothing that quite compares to that on offer at Crewe Hall. From the lovely ladies and gents on reception, to the tea experts in the Sheridan Lounge, everyone at this hotel has a role to play and all play it exceedingly well. The commitment and enthusiasm from all staff towards their hotel is commendable, with absolutely no request being too much, as they strive for the excellence synonymous with high class dining.

Special mention must go to the Hotel’s Tea experts whose product knowledge was exceptional - Not only did they have exacting information about all of the blends available, but were also able to offer an interesting anecdote for each - I particularly enjoyed the story behind the ‘Russian Caravan’ Tea.

All in all brilliant service!

Champagne

Laura:

Passionate staff give Crewe Hall the upper hand – these guys really know their tea! The staff were extremely knowledgeable on the various tea options available and had extensive knowledge on the history of the hotel. Their appetite for great service was undeniably genuine and their warm personalities made this all the better. Special thanks must go to Kyle who was kind enough to give us a tour of the historic building and was incredibly attentive to our tea needs.

Overall Thoughts

Caroline:

It’s easy to see why Crewe Hall was recently voted by the AA as one of the top ten afternoon tea venues in the UK. Not only does it offer a perfect experience, but it does so with such ease and sophistication, as to make you feel truly at home. It is perhaps the most authentic afternoon tea experience which we have encountered so far and I would not hesitate to return again in the future.

Laura:

My favourite afternoon tea so far. With a great selection of cakes and the best tea selection yet, it puts you under a tea spell and makes you feel as special as the building itself.

The thriving yet sophisticated Sheridan Lounge has a wonderful atmosphere and brings a whole new lease of life to this longstanding afternoon tradition.

Beautifully luxurious and frequented by Royals for many generations – Crewe Hall is a must try and definitely gets our seal of approval. 

Cupcake Rating:

 

And the Golden Cupcake...

Crewe Hall is located on Weston Road Crewe. Afternoon Tea Prices start from £20.50 and are served daily from 12pm - 5pm. For more information, menus and how to book a table please visit their website HERE 


DISCLAIMER: As is common in the catering and leisure industry, we were provided with complimentary services for review purposes. Whilst this has not influenced our review, we believe in the full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.