STYLE etc returned to Cloud 23 to try the Free Flowing Champagne version of their classic Afternoon Tea at the Hilton Hotel’s renowned sky bar.
After previously taking full advantage the Easter Afternoon Tea selection our team was eager to try the updated Afternoon Tea set with a little added fizz.
The free flowing part can be interpreted to your hearts content (within realistic reason) as your server will gladly keep your champagne glass topped up throughout your session, we were advised this lasts around 2 from arrival, giving plenty of chance to enjoy a slurp.
Tea For Two
Our visit began with the standard tea selection, sampling the English Breakfast Tea (always a favourite in the office) and the more alternative White Malawi Tea. A more delicate beverage, the White Tea is best enjoyed naturally, no milk or sugar. The tea makes a good bridge drink for those who aren’t fans of green tea but want a lighter option than a typical builders brew.
Afternoon Tea Snack Selection
The seasons selection of miniature snacks were prepared to the eatery’s usual high standards. This time our platter included some British lunch classics; Ham with Horseradish and Egg Mayonnaise sandwiches, alongside Turkey with Pepper and Tuna with Sweetcorn Wraps. Savoury pastries were offered in the form of Cheese and Onion bites.
The sweeter treats were varied and thoughtful, presented eloquently and appetisingly so. Carrot Cake was included and took traditional composition, simply decorated with a little icing and carrot motif. Chocolate and Banana Profiteroles made up the sweetest of options, filled with a delightfully creamy middle and surrounded by slightly crisp pastry. The final sweet was an aesthetically pretty Chocolate Tart, which came complete with chocolate butterfly on top.
Of course it wouldn’t be afternoon tea without scones, this time we sampled the fruit version, filled with a light smattering of raisins. Paired with clotted cream and jam, a generous portion is sure to satisfy taste buds adequately and happily.
Champagne in the Sky
The USP of this particular menu choice is the option to have free flowing champagne throughout your session, with fizz being dutifully topped up as soon as your glass requires a refill. The best plan of action is to go for the tea firstly then work your way onto the champagne to avoid over indulgence and ensure the most is made of the free bar on offer.
The champagne served is Jaquart, a brand which dubs itself ‘modern yet in touch with its roots’. The flavour is not too sour as some vintages can be, yet still provides distinctive taste with remaining essences of soft and sweet tones, ideal for palette cleansing after a heavy meal.
The Champagne Free Flowing Afternoon Tea is available at Cloud 23.
