Afternoon teas are well known to be one of my favourite pastimes, but personally I think they go up to a whole new level when its Christmas time.
In 2017, we started the tradition of going to an afternoon tea in December in the lead up to Xmas by visiting the Sanderson. While last year we didn’t quite make it as we were away, this tradition is back with a bang this year!
And where better to go but the Savoy?
One of my favourite things about walking into the Savoy was seeing and feeling the incredible festive vibe everywhere. One of the most spectacular pieces was the grand arch of flowers that wrapped over the staircase leading to the Thames foyer, home of the Savoy afternoon tea.
How beautiful are the light patterns playing on the floor in the third pic by the way?
Of course, the service at the Savoy is nothing but impeccable, and so we were shown to our seats around a very comfortably sized round table that had a direct line of sight to the atrium in the middle of the foyer, where a pianist was playing beautiful instrumental versions of Christmas classics.
We had soon ordered our teas, and had our savoury selections, included unlimited sandwiches:
First, the sandwiches. I think all in all, this was my most favourite overall plate of sandwiches I’ve eaten in an afternoon tea: every single one was impeccable. From left to right in the above photo:
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Shrimp and *something* on charcoal bread (eek)
- Coronation turkey on cranberry bread
- Egg and truffle on spinach bread
- Cucumber
These were accompanied by two warm savoury bites per person, a smoked venison and chestnut puree toast, and a pumpkin and goats cheese quiche. Yum!
After all of that deliciousness, it was time for the most decadent, festive set of treats to be delivered.
While the traditional scones, served with generous helpings of all the usual accoutrements, were very yummy, the festive-themed cakes really stole the show for me.
Look at how cute they are!! They looked so good I almost didn’t want to eat them (I got over this very quickly!). We had:
- Cranberry delice, with pistachio cremeux
- Rudolf’s Nose, with vanilla, mandarin and a chocolate sphere
- St Nicholas choux a la creme, with spiced apple compote and sea salt caramel
- Chocolate Christmas tree, with peppermint ganache
- Savoy Christmas Cake, with raisins, candied orange, earl grey tea (not pictured)
- Traditional Mince pie, topped with spiced streusel (not pictured)
If I had to pick a favourite, I would say probably the Christmas tree. Not only lovely flavours but I thought the presentation was so great!
This afternoon tea will go down in the books as one of my favourites! If you’re thinking about what festive afternoon tea to go for, I would highly recommend this one!
We’ll be back again thats for sure.
