Claridges Xmas Afternoon Tea

We’ve enjoyed other seasonal teas at Claridges before which have been fantastic but this was the first time that we’d tried the Xmas Afternoon Tea and I have to say this experience will stay with us for a long time. It was even more special as my wife was joined by her parents to celebrate her birthday. The Foyer is such a fabulous location for any occasion but once the Christmas decorations are on display it makes the place even more special. We were given the usual splendid greeting on arrival before being escorted to our table which was in the separated dining area to the rear but as the doors were left open we had a fantastic view of the Foyer plus still being able to see the choir who performed Christmas carols throughout the afternoon. We started with a nice glass of champagne while looking through the amazing list of Teas. Then it was time to enjoy a fantastic selection of finger sandwiches. a Cucumber , pine cream , wild rocket on white bread / Truffled brown egg mayonnaise , watercress on white bread / Turkey , pork , chestnut & sage stuffing , cranberry on malt bread / Ham , celeriac remoulade , spiced butter on onion bread and Smoked salmon , dill , orange on rye bread. You also receive a small heavenly Cheddar & pickled walnut Eccles cake. The staff will bring you extra if you so desire but please take my advice and don’t have to much because you need to leave room for what is to follow which is amazing.

A Selection of Sandwiches and Eccles Cakes

You are then brought your choice of Tea which is regularly refreshed. While you enjoy your tea its time for the arrival of the Claridges Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce which they ignite in front of you. The pudding itself is literally heaven on a plate.

Christmas Pudding

Now it was time to enjoy some delicious Fruit & Plain scones with clotted cream & Mariage Freres Gelee

Fruit & Plain Scones

You the finish with the most stunning selection of hand made pastries a Chocolate Buche – amerana cherry with kalingo supreme & dark chocolate ganache. A Mont Blanc – Tahitian vanilla chantilly with chestnut cream & blackcurrant. An Ingot Eclair – clementine cremaux with Yuzu pate de fruits and lastly a Winter Spiced Pear – white chocolate mousse with ginger sable

Hand Made Pastries

The Southend Choir

This brought to an end to a fabulous afternoon enjoying the most amazing sandwiches , cakes , pastries and teas with service of the highest order and the pleasure of listening to the choir. This really made it a amazing experience and one to remember for a very long time.