Afternoon Tea at The Savoy
The excitement I felt when I found out I'd been invited to the ultimate... A Royal Afternoon Tea at The Savoy. Royal, because it was the week of Harry and Meghan's wedding. A special menu was created to celebrate this special occasion at the favourite hotel of the Royal Family. In the entrance hall was a year-old painting of Queen Elizabeth, quite amazing...
We met here and were taken through by our hosts to the Thames Foyer where Afternoon Tea takes place. We were given a glass of ice cold Rose Champagne from an English grower, where Princess Margaret had recently visited to give her royal seal of approval. It was very nice.
We chose our tea from a menu (I went for English Breakfast - classic) and listened to the live pianist for a while.
The tea was served on the most beautiful china and we enjoyed a round of savoury food including finger sandwiches of interesting fillings, plus my favourite - a mini crumpet with prawn mayonnaise, caviar and gold leaf!
Next was a round of freshly baked still-warm scones. We debated whether they are called Scones or Scownes, and whether its cream first then jam (yes) or jam first then cream (no)!
More tea was served as the final round came out which was the real showstopper, a 3-tier cake stand of mini works of art including cakes, tarts, Battenberg, macaroons - obviously you have to try one of everything!
By now we were quite stuffed and happily tea-drunk when the grand finale was served. A slice of the wedding cake commissioned by Harry and Meghan! Lemon and Elderflower light fluffy sponge with buttercream, topped with a lilac icing. To pretty to eat - but I couldn't help it!
Wow is all I can say. I sneaked a look at the price tag of this experience to see if I could send mum and dad one day. At £98 a head it does not suit all budgets. But I can honestly say that as I ate my last crumb of that wedding cake, I would have paid £98 to do it all again.
Being a "work trip" we couldn't leave without a tour of the hotel. Mazilli our excellent host was kind enough to show us three rooms. One was an entry level room which costs around £300 a night. Stunning. The next was a suite. The décor was fabulous, with a living room and a view of the Thames. I didn't know that you can moor your boat directly out the back and walk in via a jetty. Starting at £1000 a night in low season.
I had to leave before seeing the Royal Suite - kicking myself now - the Royal Suite comes with use of a Rolls Royce and driver for the duration of your stay. Next time!
Thank you to The Savoy and Fairmont for your hospitality! I will be back.