Last month I was invited to try the new Chelsea Garden Show Afternoon Tea at Sofitel London in the stunning Rose Lounge. The afternoon tea is floral inspired to celebrate the Chelsea Garden Show which is taking place from the 19th – 23rd May in London.
Sandwiches
Unfortunately the gluten free bread was too thick and dry for my liking and the fillings were a little on the light side. I’m hoping that the gluten free bread will be changed in the near future. The fillings were all the traditional favourites. (Left – Gluten Free / Right – Gluten Monster Sandwiches)
Scones
The gluten free scones were delicious and they passed my scone test with flying colours – they were easy to cut into, they weren’t rock hard and were extremely tasty. I’m a sucker for a good jam and the Chelsea Garden Show Afternoon Tea comes with a very yummy rose scented strawberry jam or lemon curd.
The scones for the gluten monsters just in case you were wondering what they look like!
Pastries
As the afternoon tea is themed on the Chelsea Garden Show I would have liked to have seen a few more flowers on top of the pastries. For me they lacked a little in presentation and I think would disappoint in their visual appeal but they did taste lovely.
For the gluten free folks we can only eat two of the pastries which are the Rose Macaron with Rose Cream and Raspberries and the Hibiscus Jelly which includes Raspberry Jelly, Mascarpone Cream, Rose Jelly, Hibiscus Jelly and then topped with Crystallised Rose Petals – this was my favourite for taste and presentation!
For the gluten monsters you also have the Mimosa and Poppy Pastries.
Tea
Ever heard of a macaron tea, no neither had I until ordering a lovely pot full of the Dammann Macaron Cassis Violette at the Chelsea Garden Show Afternoon Tea. All the tea is provided by Dammann and the Macaron Tea is gorgeous; its the calorie free way of consuming a lot of macarons!
I had my tea leaves read at the end of the Afternoon Tea; it was an interesting chat to say the least. Apparently I should move into a hotel (until all the dust settles) and the lady could see three little piggies in my future which originally started as small babies (heaven help me!); plus I was told that I should start writing about sausages on the blog – so watch this space!
Atmosphere
The Rose Lounge is super feminine and is the perfect setting for afternoon tea.
We even had a sneak peak inside their hotel rooms; I have to say their beds are the best I’ve ever slept in and you do become Sleeping Beauty (you’ve been warned!).
Service
Would I recommend – while I wasn’t a fan of the gluten free bread; the scones and pastries did make up for it but if you are looking for lots of floral decorations over the pastries you may be left a little disappointed.
The Chelsea Garden Afternoon Tea is available at the Sofitel London throughout the month of May and starts at £30pp. You can book directly via their website here.
You can read my review on the Sofitel London Spa Afternoon Tea and also my review of the Afternoon Tea at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, Egypt.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary afternoon tea for review purposes however you can see I’m a moody old cow and will always give you my honest opinion.
xx
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