Review: St Ermin’s Afternoon Tea

It seems over the past few years, the notion of afternoon tea has skyrocketed in popularity with hundreds of hotels and restaurants alike offering their unique take of the typically British tradition. We recently found the afternoon tea deal at St Ermin’s hotel set in the heart of Westminster. The décor and reasonably priced menu ensured an instant booking.

On arrival we were greeted by the incredibly helpful and attentive staff who led us up to the dining area. We were seated in the upstairs section of the Tea Longue with provided us with a stunning view of the hotel, their intricate chandeliers and a live violin quartet playing Sam Smith softly in the background. The moment we sat down we were presented with the menu which consisted of:

Classic sandwiches

– Crayfish & Marie Rose sauce

– Cucumber & cream cheese

– Beef & horseradish

– Smoked salmon & caviar

Paired with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Vintage 2004 Champagne

Assorted freshly baked scones

Served warm with clotted cream and homemade jams

Paired with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut Non-Vintage Champagne

Selection of sweet treats

– Cream and strawberry posset

– Rhubarb and custard macaroon

– Red velvet and white chocolate

– Cherry snowball

A selection of Newby teas

The afternoon tea delights were presented like works of art displayed on the tray. When scanning the afternoon tea lounge it was clear to see that we were not the only diners impressed. (Nowadays the amount of pictures taken on iPhone’s constitutes just how beautiful something is right?) Of course the food was aesthetically pleasing, but thankfully it was a delight to the taste buds as well.  Every morsel was explained clearly to us by the waitress, who also recommended a personal favourite of the dishes. The selection of Newby teas all looked delicious however with only two guests, we could only handle two pots, deciding on the Masala Chai and the Darjeeling, the Chai with a distinct sweet, spiced flavour and the Darjeeling clean and crisp. 

To accompany the tea we were served crust less sandwiches, dainty and light as they should be for a traditional afternoon tea fair. All of which filled with flavoursome combinations, a personal favourite being the smoked salmon and caviar. (Well a little indulgence never hurt nobody) Followed by the freshly baked scones, which were warm and fluffy, the moment cream and jam was layered upon them they melted in the mouth. In between the courses the cream and strawberry posset cleansed the pallet well, with a fresh strawberry on top for garnish. 

Then for those with a sweet tooth, this is where you get your money’s worth. Red velvet and white chocolate cake, there are so many adjectives that could be used to describe that cake, it instantly melted in your mouth. The sensation of knowing something is not good for you, but it’s so good that you don’t even care floods your brain and taste buds simultaneously. Then there was the cherry snowball that can only be described as a sweet, tangy, marshmallow explosion in your mouth. It looks dainty on the plate but believe us, it’s hard to look civilised when eating this. It’s too small to cut in half so you just have to shove the whole thing in your mouth, don’t worry about how you look, it’s good. 

All of this sweetness is washed down with your glass of champagne and tea to bring the sugar high down slowly. Although it may not look like a lot, the afternoon tea was surprisingly filling. That being said although a little filling, we couldn’t envisage wasting an ounce of them so when the waitress saw our food coma induced smile, she kindly brought over a doggy bag for us. One of the main draws of afternoon tea at St Ermin’s is that  the quality of service they provide is five star yet without the stuffy atmosphere. You get the best of both worlds. Plus the afternoon tea is a wonderful treat for a mum, sister, Nan, aunt, friend, spouse or perhaps even yourself. Delightfully indulgent and reasonably priced the afternoon tea at St Ermin’s is perfect for Mother’s Day or any special occasion.

Sophie Dyer

Click here to book your space for Afternoon Tea – you won’t regret it.