Call me old
fashioned, but I feel like Sundays are a sacred day; the day of rest and
indulgence. They aren’t days for errands or stress but breakfast in bed, spa
days and the ultimate Sunday treat – afternoon tea. Last Sunday I popped over
to the beautiful Le Meridien Piccadilly to try their new decadent
French-inspired afternoon tea extravagance – Patisserie Party.
Each Sunday,
the Patisserie Party takes place in the magnificent Oak Room, a beautiful space
which retains a regal air thanks to its original oak paneling and high ceilings
adorned with sparkling chandeliers. The centerpiece of the room is a pretty
table laden with the most delicious cakes you’ve ever laid eyes on – more on
those a little later.
The party kicks
off in style with a glass of Prosecco to ease you into the most indulgent
Sunday ever. I opted for a light and fragrant jasmine tea to accompany my
feast, which began with classic afternoon tea sandwiches such as cucumber and
cream cheese and smoked salmon with citrus crème fraiche, created by Chef de
Cuisine Michael Dutnall. The sandwiches were accompanied by scones which were
surprisingly light, often afternoon tea scones feel so dense I can only manage
one. I indulged in a couple of scones overloaded with clotted cream and jam
while watching a group of women delving into the super fun dress up box of
treats, wigs, masquerade masks and elbow length gloves are on hand to enhance
the regal French vibe.
Now, the piece
de resistance of Le Meridien Piccadilly’s Patisserie Party is the dessert
table. Mr Dutnall has really outdone himself with the most delectable treats to
finish off an outstanding afternoon tea party. From the classic Red Velvet cake
and chocolate fudge cake to the rainbow cake, cake pops and macaroons, I was in
heaven. I actually circled the table a couple of times before digging in,
partially in awe and partially to figure out where to start! Like the
scrumptious scones, the cakes were surprisingly light and thus very moreish –
so it’s a good thing that you’re free to help yourself to as much cake as you
can manage.
In keeping with
the regal theme, every member of staff at the Patisserie Party was so sweet and
attentive from the moment we walked in. Nothing was too much trouble, from
fetching an extra chair for our bags to refilling our tea as soon as the last
drop was poured and bringing out extra sandwiches, I felt so pampered and
indulged. As well as knowing all of the specially created dishes for that week,
the staff were also really knowledgeable when it came to the tea menu too which
always impresses me.
Between
the decadent surroundings and irresistible cakes and treats, I think I’ve found
my favourite way to while away a couple of hours on a Sunday. PatisserieParties take place on Sundays between 3pm-6pm now until 30thAugust at le Meridian Piccadilly.
Tickets are £39 per person, which includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival plus
unlimited tea, sandwiches and cakes.
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