Christmas, Christmas, Christmas. Christmas is here! However, that doesn’t mean the festivities have to end just yet. The best part about Christmas is not counting any calories, but actually going out and enjoying yourself. It’s definitely my favourite thing about the holidays, especially when there is an array of festive afternoon teas to try. Grab a loved one or a good friend and treat yourself to an afternoon of festive decadence at InterContinental Park Lane.
I’ve always been quite fond of InterContinental Park Lane’s afternoon teas — there is always something different, they add a classic yet elegant twist every time. I often find they are suited to all kinds of guests, but more towards special occasions. My last experience at InterContinental Park Lane was trying out the Paul A. Young chocolate afternoon tea, which absolutely blew my mind and it’s still my favourite afternoon tea experience to date. With that in mind, I was so excited to see what the Twelve Days of Christmas afternoon tea showcase would be about.
Stepping into the InterContinental, my festive spirit came to life, as the Christmas trees were draped in golden twinkling lights, with hints of snow-white foliage and natures favourite winter special, pine cones. As we walked through the hotel, we were greeted by many glistening smiles and warm welcomes — the festive spirit was truly in the air!
As we settled down in the Wellington Lounge where our lovely host explained what we would expect from the Twelve Days of Christmas afternoon tea. It geared my Father and me up for an afternoon of indulgence, starting with a glass of Perrier Jouet champagne, a firm favourite of mine.
It wasn’t long before the first tier of goodies came out, starting savoury, we were served a duo of partridge and pear pithiviers served with ground black olives.
Moving onto sandwiches we were served roast beef with horseradish cream on truffle-infused sourdough, followed by smoked salmon, dill cream cheese on basil bread. However, as I don’t eat fish, I was kindly offered an additional slow-roasted corn fed chicken with cranberry chutney on carrot bread, and lastly, beetroot with mint cream on olive bread. The roast beef and beetroot savouries were my favourites. However, I would have preferred it if they were all served on the truffle-infused sourdough as I have had before.
As we moved on to the sweeter notes, we were brought out warm, fluffy scones — a selection of cinnamon and cranberry, which were my favourite and plain scones, which my dad preferred. The condiments served were Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry preserve, and orange curd. I’ve never had orange curd before, only lemon curd, but it was nice to try something different. Another reason I love having afternoon tea at InterContinential Park Lane, they always introduce something new, as well as keeping certain traditions the same, such as only serving fresh, piping hot scones when we’re ready to eat them.
Transitioning into the final tier of the afternoon tea, I was really intrigued as to how the Christmas theme would be portrayed through the sweet treats. The first sweet treat was Maids a Milking, which was a chocolate tart filled with yoghurt cream and a milk bavaroise, followed by Turtle Doves and a Pear Tree which was a matcha joconde with pear confit and pear mulled wine mousse — absolutely delectable. Followed by Gold Rings which was represented through a Gianduia layered cake, and last but not least, Geese a Laying which had an orange macaron base with calamansi mousse on top.
I have to say, it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon tea experience and hats off to the pastry team for putting together a fantastic themed afternoon tea. Also to InterContinental Park Lane for inviting me in and providing us with a brilliant festive afternoon.
You can try the festive afternoon tea up until 5th January. Therefore, I would highly recommend making a reservation soon and you can do so, here.
Until next time…
