I’m a pretty lucky girl to have some incredible friends, including ones that are only too happy to eat cake, share loads of giggles over Afternoon Tea and who can get me a 40% discount off shoes!
For our Afternoon Tea escapade I had choosen Fortnum and Mason and was extremely impressed with their free from range of Afternoon Tea’s on offer including gluten free, diabetic, vegan and dairy free just to name a few.
I am always impressed when the gluten free Afternoon Tea comes out on a cake stand and Fortnum and Mason didn’t disappoint, we both had our own cake stands including a third tiny one which held the clotted cream, jam and lemon curd.
Sandwiches
The gluten free sandwiches had the same fillings as the classic Afternoon Tea on offer and the bread was lovely and soft, with a selection of brown and white bread. The fillings were the standard including Cucumber with Mint Butter, Coronation Chicken, Roast Beef with Gherkin and Caper Dressing, Egg with Mustard Cress and Salmon with Dill Butter.
Sad to say it but I was extremely impressed with the bread!
Scones
Once I had finished the gluten free sandwiches I moved quickly onto the gluten free Scones which were to die for. I have to say that the last few Afternoon Tea’s that I have tried the scones have been amazing and Fortnum and Mason didn’t disappoint.
The gluten free scones passed my test, they were easy to cut into, they didnt crumble, they didn’t chip a tooth and they were Yum with a capital “Y”.
Pastries
The gluten free pastries included a Rose Scented Macaroon, Rich Chocolate Cupcake, Manchester Tart and a Summer Berry Almond Loaf.
I did enjoy the Rose Scented Macaroon (I ordered another two for the table and shared them with my friend) however I wasn’t particular fussed with the other pastries on offer. I found the Manchester Tart and Summery Berry Almond Loaf to be particularly bland unfortunately.
Tea
Obviously Fortnum and Mason is famous for their exquisite collection of teas that they sell on the ground floor and their tea menu is impressive. I went for the Jasmine Silver Needles tea which was highly fragrant and refreshing.
My friend had a filter coffee, see you don’t need to drink tea you can have coffee!
Atmosphere
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is gorgeous, if you love duck egg blue you are going to be in duck egg blue heaven!
I think if Miss Hepburn was to have Afternoon Tea in London she would have picked Fortnum and Mason’s as its super elegant.
Service
The service was fantastic as you would expect. I was shown to my table and awaiting the arrival of my friend was offered the tea menu to make a choice while I waited. We were never rushed even though we were there for over two hours.
All tiers of the cake stand are replinished free of charge and these were bought out promptly to the table.
Would I go back – definitely would go back however I think I would try The Parlour Restaurant so I could sample a Knickerbocker Glory.
After taking tea, we strolled around all the levels of the shop to burn off some calories. If you loved your tea, visit the ground floor of Fortnum and Mason as they have numerous teas for sale.
The Afternoon Tea at Fortnum and Mason starts at £40 pp
xx
