Iced Tea for Two and the Food's Divine Too!
I've always been a big advocate of Hotel la Tour since it arrived in Birmingham a couple of years back. What I've always been particularly fond of was their High tea, which they change to complement the season, although the only drawback is... it leaves me so full up I have to sit back for about half an hour whilst the food induced palpitations subside. A small price to pay though I feel considering the fabulous nosh they allow me devour whilst sipping on tea and cocktails (I recommend peppermint tea, by the way, for its digestive benefits. Trust me on this one).
So they've launched their latest High Tea menu haven't they. And quite frankly I consider it rude of me to not go and sample it again. So I did. And I took my mummy with me for a 'treat', since she always pays for me when she comes to see me, and I've been raving on about the place for so long.
So here we go:
First, take a look at the menu:
Now take a look at the food (minus a few sandwiches - I was so enthusiastic I forgot to photograph it at first!).
Looks divine, doesn't it?
Well, let me tell you... it was!
Let's start with the drinks: choice of teas, coffees, or as it is summer, iced teas. Myself and my mum both chose iced teas as it was rather a warm day. They still came with a tea pot to allow the tea to infuse, but instead they came with lovely glasses with ice, rather like a cocktail. Speaking of which, we chose from a lovely selection of those too (or you could simply have a glass of fizz) as an aperitif. These do come at an extra cost, but it's well worth it.
On the top tray you receive a selection of sandwiches: Smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber, coronation chicken and ham. Beside these is the fresh, warm welsh rarebit with 'soldiers'.
Next up we had my all time favourite: scones. You receive two small scones each with jam and cream - one plain and one fruit scone!
And finally, the bit I always get excited about: the desserts. You receive four mini desserts each:
1. Strawberry and chocolate macaroon - quite simply, divine!
2. Lemon sponge cake - again, divine! The name of it doesn't do the wonderful flavour justice!
3. Home made 'jammy dodger' - not my favourite, simply because it is shortbread and shortbread isn't a big hit with me, but nice all the same.
4. Panacotta, with berries (a little like a coulis) and a top layer of cucumber jelly. Sounds strange, tastes delicious!
After all that, do you think I got palpitations again? Too right I did! I thankfully had also remembered to wear stretchy clothes as right on cue, my stomach expanded so much I look like I was smuggling a little one in there. It was just a food baby, you'll be happy to know.
Considering my sweet tooth, I was surprised to find that actually, my favourite bit of the whole experience was actually the Welsh Rarebit! Definitely worth a try! And I recommend you take your mum too - mine loved it.
So. Anyone out there fancy trying it? You do? Great. Of those of you who do, who likes a glass of fizz now and again? Well, I have a little offer for you:
Mention this blog when you book your High Tea at Hotel La Tour and you can receive a FREE GLASS OF FIZZ! Aren't I nice to you. Now go, go and book. Here's the website for info on the location and contact numbers: http://hotel-latour.co.uk/
