Melody restaurant very nice afternoon tea - Hammersmith London

 On Thursday I took my mum for an afternoon tea at the Melody restaurant in St Pauls Hotel which is near Baron's court underground station London. 

This is my third time here as it serves the most amazing scones

I used an old buyagift voucher I had so got a great deal using a discount code. f you book it direct it is £29 each or £39 with glass of champagne which is a good price for London afternoon tea. 

It's a small hotel traditional in style and very homely inside. The restaurant is on the site of what was originally St Paul’s School, and was chosen as the location for “Melody”, being a story of youth and first love. Hence the name for the restaurant. Outside there is a patio with tables and chairs for the summer months.

The afternoon tea is served in a small bright dining room next to the whiskey bar. It has large windows looking into the patio outside and a lovely glass chandelier hanging from  the middle of the ceiling. 

We choose a table next to the window with the sun shining through. The table was nicely laid with white tablecloth and napkins. 

The menu did not explain what sandwiches or cakes on offer but listed the different types of teas to choose from. 

I handed the voucher to the waitress and informed her of no fish for both of us and no mayonnaise or mustard for my mum. She said this would not be a problem. 

She then poured us a very large glass of champagne each. 

We chatted for about 15 minutes then the food arrived . I ordered my tea and choose the red berries one whilst my mum ordered a cappuccino. 

The waitress explained what the sandwiches and cakes were and they all sounded very nice. 

We got 3 different types of sandwich and 4 of each type . They were cut into squares rather than the usual oblong shape. 

They consisted of cucumber and mint, ham and cream cheese and chicken. They all tasted nice and fresh. 

The scones were still warm and large in size. We got 2 each a fruit one and a plain one with plenty of jam and clotted cream. I could tell the scones were going to be nice as they were crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. The fruit one had cinnamon in too which added to the fantastic flavor. 

I remember the last time I came how good they were and this time I think they tasted even better !!!

10 out of 10 and the best scones so far this year

Before tucking into the cakes we both ordered another hot drink each. This time I had a cappuccino and my mum an Americana coffee. 

We got  5  different cakes each which consisted off  a mini cupcake, cream filled choux bun with raspberry, mango cheesecake, rich chocolate shortbread square and a unusual flavor green macaron. 

They were all nice and very different in taste. We liked the choux bun and cheesecake best. 

Once again we had a lovely afternoon tea here with good service and cannot fault it for the price

Nearest Station : Barons Court underground  station - about 10 minute walk

Best bits : The delicious scones and large glass of champagne.   

Worst bits : Nothing to mention   

Value for money : Yes defiantly with my voucher however menu price is still good for London Hotel . 

would I go back? : Yes I have another voucher so will be taking hubby next time and also visiting the Whisky bar.  

. 

Claridges Easter afternoon tea - London

 Good Friday me and my hubby treated ourselves to a afternoon tea at the famous 5 star Claridge's hotel. I had to book it up about 3 months in advance and had been looking forward to going for many weeks. 

It was expensive at £100 each but I have always wanted to go there especially after seeing the hotel on TV. As we could not afford to stay at the hotel I thought this was the next best thing !!!!!

The hotel was just a 8 minute walk from Oxford Street and bond Street station.

From the outside it was very big with lots of flags outside however the reception area was smaller than I imagined it to be . 

As we approach the revolving doors we were greeted by the doorman . There were lots of expensive cars outside and I wondered if we would see anyone famous. 

Inside it was very busy with lots of people waiting to go into the afternoon tea room which is opposite the doors as you walk in. 

Before going in I went to the bathroom as I was dying to see what it was like. I was rather disappointed with the ladies bathroom as not very big and nothing special apart from the lady in uniform turning the tap on for me and then handing me the white flannel to dry my hands. The hand wash was in a frosted glass dispenser bottle so I do not know what brand it was but it did not smell of anything special. 

The afternoon tea is served in the grand foyer. It's a large room with gold and silver pillars and mirrors. In the center of the room is a extremely large fresh flower display sat under a big glass very unusual  modern style chandelier. There was lovely background music by a  pianist and lady playing the cello. 

It was very busy and only a few tables free. We was given the choice of two different tables and choose the one on the left side towards the back of the room. 

Our table was nicely laid with crisp white tablecloth and napkin and green and white china made specifically for Claridge's. Next to our table stood a tall silver oblong shape stand. 

The waiter pulled out the chair for me to sit on and took my jacket to place in the cloakroom. We were handed a menu each that was more like a booklet. It explained in great detail what the afternoon tea menu consisted off plus tips and fact to get the best experience. There was a large choice of teas with a full description of each of them plus a coffee menu including iced coffee. 

The waiter explained that the price includes a glass of Moet champagne and proceed to pour us a glass each.  He then checked for allergies and I just informed him that I did not like salmon so could I have an extra chicken sandwich. 

We waited about 15 minutes for the sandwiches to arrive and was given a plate each. They consisted of the below.  

Smoked salmon and dill crème fraîche on rye bread 

Roasted chicken, baby gem lettuce and tarragon on granary bread

 Honey glazed ham with orange and mustard mayonnaise on onion bread 

Truffle egg mayonnaise and watercress on white bread

 English cucumber with minted crème fraîche on white bread

They were very nice and really fresh with lots of filling. I liked the chicken with mayonnaise best 😋. We also got a tiny carrot and coriander tart each which was also nice and a bit different. Just before we finished our last sandwich the waiter brought my husband 4 salmon ones as he had heard him say how nice they were. He brought me two chicken sandwiches and two ham as these were my favorite. Once we had eaten these we were offered even more but we had to decline as wanted room for the rest of the food yet to come. 

We ordered some tea each. My husband ordered the  Claridge's Blend tea and I ordered the lemongrass herbal one. They were brought out in large china teapots and poured out using the silver tea strainer. 

I could smell the lemon if my one and it tasted really good . It reminded me of a sherbet lemon sweet.  

After we had finished all the sandwiches we ordered a extra glass of champagne each priced at £25 each, after all it is Easter weekend!!!!

Next to arrive on our table was a plate of two toasted hot cross buns with a silver dish of butter. I was not expecting this but it was a nice touch for Easter 🐇🐣

Sorry I forgot to take a picture of them before I had nearly eaten it 

Our waiter was very attentive and brought us both a fresh pot of tea rather than just pouring the tea out that was left in the teapot.  

The music in the room was lovely and relaxing and the champagne went down lovely.....in fact a bit too quickly. 

Next our waiter brought out a plate of scones and large plate of little cakes. 

We got a plain scone and fruit scone each plus a large pot of jam and clotted cream to share. The jam was a mixture of strawberry and raspberry.  As you know I love a freshly baked scone and these did not disappoint. 

The waiter asked if we wanted anymore scones and brought my husband a fresh pot of tea whilst I ordered a cappuccino. Sadley I  had to turn down the extra scones to leave room for the cakes. 

We got 4 different cakes each. They looked nice but I was expecting a more fancy decoration to them  or maybe an Easter theme  would of been nice. However decoration aside they all tasted lovely. 

We especially liked the chocolate peanut tart which was delicious 😋 . The coffee mouse one on a very crispy base was our second favorite. 

We both had a lovely afternoon at Claridge's with excellent service and nice food. I do not remember our waiters name but he looked after us throughout the service. 

At the end of the service  I was handed a paper bag which contained a  small box with  two scones and two of my favorite cakes to take home plus a small chocolate Easter egg each in a box . 

This was such a nice thing for them to give to us and much appreciated. It was lovely chocolate too as we eat them Easter Sunday whilst watching a movie 

Nearest Station : Bond Street station - about 8 minute walk

Best bits : The nice sandwiches with lots of tasty filling inside plus the chocolate peanut tart and the Easter egg to take home. Also I must mention the waiter who looked after us throughout.   

Worst bits : Nothing to mention   

Value for money : It was expensive but we did get offered lots of extra food and given great service. I think its worth it for a special occasion or treat. 

would I go back? : Yes I would for a special occasion.