The Afternoon Tea Club Reviews: Matilda Tea at The Radisson Blu Edwardian

Matilda Afternoon Tea

Last weekend we made what's become our yearly pilgrimage to London, the capital of Afternoon Tea, to try out a very special Matilda-themed tea at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street Hotel. Here's how we got on ...

To start, there's a pleasant busy atmosphere to the restaurant, a refreshing change to some more traditional Afternoon Tea venues. Plus the number of little hands tucking into stands of cakes and mini pastries showed that these Matilda-themed goodies make for the perfect attraction whilst Roald Dahl's Matilda musical brings a touch of magic to the stage at the Cambridge Theatre next door.

Kicking things off, a good selection of savouries filled the first tier including a generous amount of cucumber finger sandwiches, mini salmon bagels, egg and watercress, and ham and dried tomato baguettes. A really nice selection and the salmon bagels were deliciously moreish.

Next we indulged in two fruit scones each, both a good size as not to fill you up too much before the most important bit of afternoon tea, the cake! The scones were soft, fresh and served with just the right amount of jam and cream - it's always so sad when you run out!

Saving the best 'til last - the cake! Our sophisticated sweet selection included a fluffy Victoria sponge, strawberry tart, chocolate and orange cake and somewhat of a Radisson Afternoon Tea staple, a jelly shot made with elder flower and prosecco. The chocolate cake was definitely our favourite - though we couldn't help but feel a rich piece of chocolate fudge cake (a la Bruce Bogtrotter) might have lent itself more to the Matilda theme!

Overall we enjoyed our afternoon at the Mercer Street Hotel however we couldn't help but notice that this tea was very similar to the menu we're used to seeing at our local Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel which takes the magic away just a little. Perhaps if the Radisson were to include a few more unique pieces or some Matilda-themed accents to this classic selection, it might really stand out from the crowd.

Matilda The Musical Afternoon Tea at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street is priced at £32pp for adults and £16pp for children (including a special Matilda gift). For more info and to book visit: www.radissonblu-edwardian.com

Afternoon tea was provided to us for review purposes, but as usual, all thoughts and opinions are our own. Prices correct as of August 2015. 

#TimeForTea at the Chelsea Flower Show

Who’s been following the Chelsea Flower Show? Whether you’ve been watching it on TV or have been lucky enough to see it in the flesh, I think you’ll agree that it’s been pretty special. From Prince Harry’s co-created African themed garden, to a wonderfully wild showcase from Chatsworth House, the range of displays on offer couldn’t get more varied, with afternoon tea even making the list at this year’s show!

High street florists, Interflora, have served up a treat with their tea time inspired display, which is enough to whet anyone’s appetite for the real thing. With giant tea pots and jammy dodgers straight out of Wonderland, we only wish that we could see this for ourselves… I suppose these photos will have to do for now. Take a look at the Interflora account and #TimeForTea hashtag on twitter to see photos and tweets from the show. Display open until Saturday 23rd May!

Have you been lucky enough to visit the Chelsea Flower Show this year? What was your favourite display?

This post isn't sponsored, we just bloomin' love this display!

The Afternoon Tea Club Reviews: Carlo's Bake Shop, Las Vegas

If you’re a fan of any TV show that involves cake then you’re bound to have come across Carlo’s Bake Shop on the popular TV show Cake Boss. On a recent trip to Las Vegas we were lucky enough to sample some of the sweet treats this famous bakery has to offer.

Carlo's Bake Shop, Las Vegas.

Yeah we won’t lie, we got in to a bit of a daily routine of stopping by the shop for a morning croissant and latte – the novelty certainly didn’t wear off!

But the main attractions that caught our eye were the wonderful biscuit miniatures - presented in a cute Carlos Bake Shop box. This bite size box was perfect for taking home to share … or eating in the hotel and then rushing back to buy some more for friends back in good old Blighty.

Biscuits to go.

The biscuits come in all shapes and sizes with pink and green sprinkles, jam and chocolate flavours alternating through each one. Apologies for the post-US Airways-battering, evident in the photo. That’s either the airline’s fault for poor transportation or ours for failing to take a decent photo before munching on the first batch – we’ll take the fall for this one.

The taste? As you would expect from one of the US’s favourite bakers: buttery perfection.

Have you tried any famous bakes? Tweet us at @TeacupReview #FamousCakes

A Year in Tea - Top Tea Reviews from 2014

As another great year for Afternoon Tea addicts comes to a close we look back at some of the best teas we tasted in 2014. 

WARNING – Prepare to experience some serious food envy.

Grand Pacific, Australasia, Manchester

Sushi Afternoon Tea

“Gone are the cucumber sandwiches of traditional afternoon teas, in favour of tuna, salmon and mushroom Sushi and Nigiri on the base, whilst a wonderful Asian seafood and noodle medley replaces the scones. With neither of us being particular sushi fans prior to this afternoon tea experience, we're pleased to report that Grand Pacific have managed to convert us.”

Review here.

The Rosewater Bakery

Tea for Two at home.

“Now, we don’t know about you, but there’s little more exciting than a huge pink box filled with cake - it's just a fact. Wrapped in luxury gold gift paper, the Rosewater Bakery’s delivered Afternoon Tea hamper is a winner from the get go and girly girls will absolutely love the array of rosy accents and ribbons.”

Review here.

The Wellbeing Farm, Bolton

The Wellbeing Farm.

“Located in the rural backdrop of Bolton, this tea room is surrounded by stunning views of green fields and hills with a few animal friends to keep you company – it was a shock to drive past a free roaming llama we must admit!”

Review here.

The Milestone Revisited – Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea, London

“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.”

Review here.

Urban Afternoon Tea - Hilton Doubletree, Manchester

Urban Afternoon Tea.

“Usually, city centres are not exactly our location of choice on a scorching summer's day but the moment we stepped out onto the hotel's eleventh floor balcony we thought 'ah, this is where the fresh air lives!'.”

Review here.

Edible Garden Afternoon Tea at the IntercontinentalWestminster, London

Greenhouse Afternoon Tea.

“After we'd devoured the allotment stage, we moved on to the garden itself. Presented underneath a fantastic glass greenhouse, this second part of the tea really is its crowning glory … every cake was a spectacle and very much a feast for the eyes.”

Review here.

Bettys, York

Classic Bettys Tea

Caroline – “As a little girl, I loved nothing more than going to Bettys with my parents. The gentile surroundings and beautiful tea services, fascinated my curiosity for times gone by and secured the establishment's place in my heart. As an adult, this love has continued, making Bettys one of my go to places for a good pick me up or escape from reality.”

Review here.

Charlotte in the City – The York and Albany, Camden

The York and Albany

“The trendy townhouse restaurant is part of Gordon Ramsay’s portfolio and is known for its comforting starters and meaty mains. We had planned a week-night quickie but after the first sip of Earl Grey & Grapefruit Sour cocktail, served in a large glass tea pot, we decided clock-watching was off the cards and a mid-week hangover most likely.”

Review here.

It’s been a pretty good year for tea and cake (we all managed to get over #bingate eventually) but as the new year approaches it’s time to start looking forward to all of the teas that 2015 has in store. Tweet us with some of your fave teas from 2014 and tell us about the ones you’re looking forward to in the new year @TeacupReview #YearInTea.