Afternoon tea is a concept that was introduced to the UK in the early 1840's and nearly 180 years later it is still just as popular today, if not more. It is because of its ever growing popularity and the variety of places that offer it, it's becoming harder for differentiation. When I had the opportunity to go to Hotel du Vin in Brighton to try their April Easter afternoon tea offering, I knew I could not pass up on the opportunity and also to see what their Easter offering was all about.
I live really close to Brighton and Hotel du Vin has always genuinely been somewhere where I have always wanted to try, but for one reason or another have never been in. I was so excited when I got the chance to go and I was allowed to bring a friend with me as well which made it even more exciting.
Hotel du Vin have 16 luxury boutique hotels across the UK and 'are elegant and unpretentious with a penchant for fine wine, fine dining and great spirit' and after my experience I couldn't agree more.
The hotel was really easy to find as it was down one of the streets not far off from the seafront and you find yourself tucked away in this gorgeous little alcove. It really looked so idyllic and I loved the little courtyard guests could sit in. We were taken upstairs to the Gallery and were allowed to sit outside on the terrace as it was such a lovely sunny day. It was like a little suntrap there and I could have been anywhere in the world, it was so peaceful.
Upon arrival we were also given a glass of champagne each which was so delicious. I am definitely leaning more towards champagne now instead of prosecco. We also got our menus, which I just had to take a picture of as it looked so pretty.
For the month of April Hotel du Vin's afternoon tea has a brilliant Easter theme also including a gooey, chocolatey, deliciously sweet Crème Egg Brownie to celebrate Easter. We were also given us the opportunity to try one of their infused Gins. I'm not a fan of gin, but my friend who came with me is and said it tasted really good.
Next we of course got to choose which tea we would like to have and I honestly felt spoilt for choice. After much deliberation I decided to try Moroccan mint with rose which is blended green tea with
spearmint leaves and a subtle taste of rose; which is Hotel du Vin's favourite recipe. It was a lovely refreshing tea which I liked so much I ended up asking if I could try some more!
Traditionally when you think about afternoon tea you think sandwiches and cake, but Hotel du Vin gives you so much more. We were served a mini bagel with salmon and cream cheese, tomato and tapenade galette, tomato and spinach quiche, egg and cress brioche and ham with Gruyère croissant as our savoury choices. All were absolutely delicious and there were also vegetarian choices which my friend sampled.
Then came the pièce de résistance; the sweet treats and when it was brought out there were lots of oohs as it really did look amazing. Just look at the picture! The candyfloss idea really made this afternoon tea stand out for me, not only did it look stunning, it tasted lovely without filling you up and it gave it that edge. It is the first time I have come across this with afternoon tea and it worked really well. I also couldn't wait to try the Crème Egg Brownie and I'm so pleased to say that it exceeded expectations. It was gooey, chocolatey loveliness. There was also a choice of scones with jam and clotted creme and a few sweet mini treats of a lemon meringue pie, raspberry and dark chocolate teacakes and rhubarb and custard doughnuts. All tasted divine.
If you went to London I reckon this would have cost around £40 per person, but this was a steal at £20 per person. I am still buzzing from my experience and I've been telling everyone I know that they must go and try it! The full menu is on their website, simply click here to view.
I strongly recommend that if you come down to Brighton for a stay or a day trip that you add a visit to Hotel du Vin to your list whether it's to sample their afternoon tea or sit at the bar with a glass of wine.
Hotel du Vin have hotels across the country so if you can't make it down to Brighton go and see where else you could experience their afternoon tea.
Thank you Hotel Du Vin Brighton for a truly wonderful experience.
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