Afternoon tea at Radisson Blu Edwardian

I’m writing this after having consumed the most insane meal. But I’m not going to talk about that today. Mostly because I can’t. Not yet. I’m still recovering.

Instead, I’ll tell you about the absolutely gorgeous afternoon tea that Mr GFB and I had at the Radisson – because these, well mine certainly – are part of their festive fayre and if you want to take advantage, you should do so while Christmas is still upon us.

I’ve enjoyed afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of the former Free Trade Hall a few times now. Friends, family, everyone has enjoyed the experience – friendly staff and attentive service, the surroundings and the goodies on offer.

We weren’t the only ones taking advantage of the cool weather and graceful surroundings. Behind us a group of ladies enjoyed a tea, whilst across from us a mother and daughter did the same. And a group, complete with shopping bags arrived to sip something fizzy whilst making their own selection.

Settling down and choosing a smoky Lapsang tea, Mr GFB took the opportunity to try the Gentlemen’s afternoon tea, whereas I, after 12km run, needed cake, so chose the festive option. I’d claim it was the winter berry jelly that won be over on the menu, but I’d be lying. It was the mini chocolate fudge cake.

When they arrived, I began to wonder at my choice. The scent of roast beef in gravy and a crisp Yorkshire pudding, fish and chips with peas and a crisp pastried, berry topped pork pie almost beckoned at me from the top of Mr GFB’s cake tier.

I busily distracted myself with my sandwiches while Mr GFB exlaimed over every morsel. I’d claim he refused to share, but the gravy in his Yorkshire pudding was so good, he had to share, just so that I could enjoy a smear from the tines of his fork.

My sandwiches were perfect. Cool cream cheese and cucumber on soft white, and turkey and stuffing with a smidge of cranberry sauce, and a cheese and pickle in nutty malty granary that filled the empty hole my long run had created.

While I moved onto my scones, Mr GFB moved to his sandwiches. That gorgeous malted bread made an appearance again, filled with thick slices of beef, ham and cheese and onion. He was a very satisfied chap.

I felt much more pleased with myself now. Whilst Mr GFB only had a layer of scones as a dessert, I, on the other hand had two tiers. And whilst his sandwiches looked (and he did share a bite this time around) and tasted lovely.

I had light, yet crisp scones, oodles of cream and Tiptree jam to smear on top. While he chomped on sandwiches, I nibbled on these beauties. And yes, I do favour the cream first option. I wonder if it’s the proximity of my birth town Bournemouth to Devon?

Now turnabout was fair play as Mr GFB began to paint his scones with jam and I reached the top tier. The scones were excellent, but the pretties on top? Oh yes.

Winter berry jelly – light, fruity and full of fresh berries – no frozen or puree here. Feeling the little blueberries pop in your mouth while the jelly sits on your tongue is heavenly.

Then a sliver of Christmas fruit cake. Rich, fruity, crumbly. Then the teeniest cream horn, covered in chocolate shavings at one end and filled with fruit at the tip.

But we all know what I was waiting for. The bit that kept me going during that long run that morning was the chocolate fudge cake. Rich. Dark, chocolatey. I was quiet for a few moments, giving this my full attention.

Yes, this was why my twitter account was quiet. I was savouring.

All in all? This is why I keep coming back. The service can’t be faulted, staff are attentive, without hovering. Mr GFB was especially impressed with the beef gravy in that Yorkshire pudding and agreed that if looking for somewhere to take your mum/nan/sister/mother in law/insert other relative or friend here for a Christmas treat, this is perfect. His appetite for something bigger (or mine for that matter) would be more than happy with either the Festive or the Gentlemen’s options. And yes, you can have a beer instead of tea or something fizzy.

So if you have someone who’s difficult to buy for, or fancy something other than a mulled wine on the Christmas markets, head to Opus One and have something in warm elegance complete with Christmas Carols.

At £18.95, it’s a perfect present and couldn’t be more appropriate to get you in the Christmas spirit.

This afternoon tea was supplied for free by the Radisson Blue Edwardian. As ever, this doesn’t guarantee a positive review (if anything, I tend to be a harsher critic). In this case, I’m thrilled to write a positive review as the service, food and drink and venue were excellent and I will continue to visit as a paying customer.