Just in time for the season of Christmas gluttony, writer Giverny Masso heads to Mayfair for a Champagne-laced afternoon tea at InterContinental Hotel Park Lane
There are endless choices of afternoon teas in London – so it’s no easy feat to stand out from the crowd. Having a theme always helps, as does a glass of something sparkling to accompany your brew.
Perrier-Jouët’s Twelve Days of Christmas-themed Festive Afternoon Tea at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane ticks both of these boxes and many more. With the choice of a standard or vegetarian menu, the tea features 12 delicious items inspired by the lyrics of the popular Christmas carol – and I couldn’t wait to devour them all.
The Venue
I’ve spent the day strolling around Piccadilly with my mum, who is accompanying me for the tea, so by the time we reach the hotel we’ve worked up a real appetite.
On arrival, we are told they are busier than expected and taken to the hotel’s adjoining Mexican restaurant, Ella Canta, while our table is made up. We are treated to exquisite signature cocktails, which make it a welcome detour.
The waiter then brings us through to the hotel’s Wellington Lounge; a spacious room with relaxing, muted interiors. Add Christmas decorations and beautiful live piano music, and it’s the perfect festive atmosphere.
The Food & Drink
After a refreshing welcome glass of Perrier-Jouët, my first course from the veggie menu arrives – a mushroom and pear pithivier, which is a unique addition to the usual offering in an afternoon tea.
Next are the sandwiches. Traditional veggie options are often a bit predictable, so it’s a pleasant surprise to be offered a more creative range, which include courgette and onion relish, kale and chickpeas, tomato and pesto, and beetroot.
With these savoury courses, I enjoy a rose-infused white tea – which is absolutely divine, and my mum opts for an earl grey, which she says is so good that it’s the first time she’s ever drank it without milk.
Then come a selection of cinnamon and cranberry and plain scones, which have the perfect balance of a crunchy exterior and moist, fluffy centre.
And as if this meal wasn’t decadent enough already, next come a plate of beautifully crafted deserts. These include a ‘Maids a Milking’ chocolate tart filled with yoghurt cream, a ‘Turtle and a Pear Tree’ matcha joconde sponge with pear confit, a ‘Geese a Laying’ orange macaroon, and a ‘Gold Rings’ gianduia layered cake. Talk about gourmet gorging.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Oh come all ye hungry. There are so many things that make Perrier-Jouët’s Festive afternoon tea extra special. Whether it’s the exquisite theme, the exceptional teas, the designer bubbly or the beautifully crafted deserts, this is a must-try experience.
Overall it’s simply tea-riffic, and makes a wonderful festival treat for a special occasion for your special foodie in the lead up to Christmas.
Make it happen
The Twelve Days of Christmas afternoon tea runs until January 5.
Price: £65 including a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, £94 including unlimited Perrier-Jouët Champagne for 90 minutes
Where: InterContinental Hotel, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY
Bookings: Call +44 (0)207 318 85 09, email wellingtonlounge@ihg.com or book online here.
