For a very special birthday treat for my mama we headed to London for afternoon tea. Yes, it's another Tea Files! Get hyped!
We have both wanted to visit Fortnum and Mason for afternoon tea for a long time, having been in love with the store for ages. The whole place is absolutely beautiful and has to be one of my favourite stores in the whole of London.
We ascended the stairs to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, where we were promptly seated to the sound of the pianist playing Disney songs (it's like they knew I was there).
Fortnum's do several different types of tea, so if you're not one for the traditional finger sandwiches, cakes and scones combination then there really is something for everyone. The High Tea includes a choice of a hot course instead of sandwiches (which is what I ended up choosing), or there is an option for a completely savoury tea, if you don't have as much of a sweet tooth as me!
The Tea Salon was decked out in white and duck egg blue (the perfect combination!) and really screamed classic and traditional. As much as I adored Sketch's modern twist on afternoon tea there really is something special about the classic style of Fortnum's.
I went for hot chocolate instead of tea as always, poured from a gorgeous teapot.
While my mum had the Jubilee tea blend (which she poured without the tea strainer enough times for her to need a fresh cup).
The first course was served promptly; my mum's dainty and perfect finger sandwiches...
And my Welsh Rarebit - my choice from the High Tea menu. I have to say that it was hands down the best rarebit I've ever tasted in my entire life. It was perfect in every way, topped with a roasted shallot and tomato.
When we were finished they offered us extra sandwiches which is always appreciated, before being served our cakes.
They were four, stunning mini pastries that were all equally delicious: a mini Victoria sponge, lemon meringue tart, a coffee chocolate cake and a rose flavoured iced eclair.
These came alongside the sugar dusted scones.
And of course, clotted cream and Fortnum's own lemon curd and strawberry jam. They give you brand new pots so if you don't eat your way through the lot you can take them home!
This is the face of a girl who's loving that cake.
All of a sudden, I turned to my mum and said, "It sounds like the pianist is playing happy birthday!" only to turn around and see a candle topped cake right in front of my nose! They gave my mum a big clap and she made a wish. It was a lovely surprise and it was extra special that the pianist played as well!
Something extra special about Fortnum's afternoon tea is that you get to pick your final cake from the cake carriage! Each looked just as delicious as the next so you may find yourself umm-ing and ahh-ing over the gorgeous choices.
I took a photo of this painting because I loved it so much!
Mama chose the battenberg which she said was perfect!
While I went for the blackberry, apple and cinnamon tart (although I kind of wish I'd had a slice of that big Victoria sponge!).
Happily stuffed, they packed up our remaining cakes and jars into a Fortnum's bag, before heading out for a little bit of browsing in their famous store.
There's nothing like a set of Alice in Wonderland themed crockery to catch my eye!
I also had a browse of my favourite part of the store: the Fortnum's hampers. They really are a true British classic and it is my dream to one day own one. They do all kinds, from picnic hampers, to ones for men, ones for tea lovers and ones for jam lovers.
They are pretty much perfect and if you love somebody very much they make the perfect gifts.
I decided to wear my Jones+Jones Audrey dress* again because I just love it that much! It just seemed perfect for afternoon tea as well. I forgot to mention in my last post (although I've edited it now) that you can get 20% off on their website with the code 'MISSJORDAN20'!
I feel like every post I'm doing recently features macarons. They're just so photogenic!
The day really was lovely and I highly recommend Fortnum and Mason for afternoon tea if you're looking for a special day out! The Tea Files Rating: 9/10.
Watch this space for the day the heavens hear my prayers and I own a Fortnum's hamper. Let me know in the comments what your dream Fortnum's hamper would be!
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