What a wonderful day, after all my time the other week stressing and researching many options for the perfect afternoon tea we finally made it to St Ermins Hotel. I use finally loosely, mum got off the train at 12.30 the reservation was for 13.30. That gave me an hour to distract my mother without giving away the surprise. So we walked from Embankment, saying we would get on the tube at St James. Oh the distractions on the way… Big Ben, the London eye, the war memorial with granddads name on and Westminster of course. All the time I was trying to hurry her along without braking. Until we got to the Caxton Grill and turned the corner to the hotel when I gave in and said I had booked in for lunch…. She was pleasantly shocked. Soooo the verdict, after my mothers hysterical surprised cry, she never expected to be wined and dined.
I cannot fault the service, from entering the front of house and being welcomed into the hotel, shown to the tea room, our coats being taken before we were seated. To the waitresses being polite and explaining to us how the afternoon tea worked and what food was on the lavish cake stand.
We were given a choice of freshly baked scones, fresh cream and jam. I usually do not like the above but I fell for these, the scones were still warm the cream was not sickly and for a person who really does not like jam … Well it vanished and well received. But that’s not all, the first thing that the waitresses came out with was peach Bellinis and oh wow it went to my head. Just don’t fill up yet… More to come.
We got to pick out our own tea. Mum and I don’t really like fancy tea, so we decided to go for the breakfast tea which we later found out was made by the head chef and Wow it was perfect . . . And that is saying something coming from two northerners ha! So tea and champagne 🙂 not just that they were both unlimited yes as much as you can drink whoop.
Then oh then the spectacular begins, the cake stand is brought to the table. It looks amazing. Little sandwiches all perfectly presented, my favorite was the prawn. You would not believe the flavors in these little fingers of sandwich. All on different types of bread too.
After you have eaten the warm scones, and finger sandwiches you have to leave room for the most amazing little desserts. Five fine looking deserts stand between you and afternoon tea perfection. Take it slow though, I was stuffed after the first two. So mum and I had a tea brake, got another glass of champagne before we tucked into the last few sweets. We over stayed out time slot of 1hour 30mins, and stayed for nearly 3 hours. They did not complain or move us on. We could have freely moved to another room and kept drinking the champagne, but I do think you need more than the allotted time to take it all in. It’s a grand occasion and I am extremely happy about my choice.
Cheers!
Yes it was £34 each but it was well worth every penny and more. Altogether I paid £80, it did come to £76ish with the 12% service charge added, they did come to give me change but I was so impressed by the whole event that I just let them keep it. I recommend St Ermins Hotel for any occasion, it is great for mothers day, or just a day out with a friend. My mum had a fabulous day, she made me take lots of photographs to show everyone at home her day. I would go back again. Could not fault it. Really made my mums visit extra special.
Night,
L
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