LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Afternoon Tea is a revered tradition steeped in history, born from the creative spirit of the Duchess of Devonshire. Her craving for a light snack between meals inspired the enchanting pairing of savoury sandwiches and decadent sweets.

This week, from 11 August to 18 August, this time honoured tradition and elegant ritual is being celebrated throughout the land.

With this in mind, we accepted an invitation to experience an afternoon tea at one of Birmingham’s most prestigious hotels – The Grand Hotel on Colmore Row.

Birmingham, in The Midlands is a city synonymous with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne – a city of artists and inventors and visionaries.  

And while in the city that brought us the Steam Engine, we just had to visit the most prestigious hotels in the city, standing out as a beacon of sophistication and luxury, The Grand Hotel on Colemore Row.

This landmark hotel was opened by Isaac Horton back in and has welcomed royalty, rock stars and even Sir Winston Churchill and Malcolm X.

Following a £50 million restoration and refurbishment, Birmingham’s original grande-dame hotel re-opened having been closed for almost 20 years. And one of the first patrons was Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, filming his latest Mission Impossible.

So when we got an invitation to visit the hotel and to sample their sumptuous afternoon tea, served at the beautifully adorned Madeleine Bar,  it was an offer not to refuse.

As we stepped through the imposing iron-bolted double doors and ascended the gold-lined marble staircase, we felt the coolness of the flagstone tiles beneath our feet, leading us into The Grand’s lavish lobby, where stunning marble pillars towered majestically, complemented by striking contemporary art.

Upon entering Madeleine’s, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of enchantment, seated in plush wingback chairs that beckoned us to sink in and savour the moment. It truly does reflect the grandeur of its surroundings, inviting guests into a world where tradition meets elegance.

Our attentive waitress welcomed us with a delicate glass of champagne, which shimmered like liquid gold, enhancing the sense of indulgence that permeated the space.

As the menu was revealed, I opted for the classic Earl Grey tea, its fragrant notes promising a serene escape.

Together, my fiance and I exchanged glances filled with appreciation, revelling in the profound significance of this experience.

It was as though we had slipped back in time to an era defined by elegance, envisioning the stimulating conversations that would have taken place within these hallowed walls.

The Grand Hotel Birmingham serves as the perfect venue to embrace the quintessential British afternoon tea ritual, blending its rich history with a vibrant culinary scene to create an extraordinary experience.

The sense of reverence was palpable, echoing the footsteps of influential figures like Sir Winston Churchill and the trailblazer Malcolm X. The honour of sharing the same space felt surreal; it was as if we were part of a grand historical tapestry.

When the afternoon tea was presented, we were captivated by the ornate stand which was crammed with three tiers adorned with delicate cakes, exquisite pastries, and artfully crafted sandwiches.

 It was a visual feast, a masterpiece that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate. Thoughtfully curated by Head Pastry Chef Mustapha Rahimi and his talented commis Tracy Cheung, the selection offered a contemporary twist on British tradition, showcasing innovative delights such as Balti chicken sandwiches bursting with flavour, sumptuous banana and spiced caramel cake that danced on the taste buds, and indulgent white quinoa and goji berry scones that melted in your mouth.

We immersed ourselves in the enchanting Parisian charm of Madeleine’s, and drank in the sheer magnificence of the grand Victorian hotel.

We couldn’t wait to explore. Ascending the grand staircase we began to explore some of its 185 elegantly adorned rooms, which have proudly stood for nearly 200 years, frozen in time for a spell, when the hotel was closed to the public, but thanks to investment, in recent years, it has undergone a refurbishment which honours its timeless luxury.

The pinnacle of our visit was undoubtedly uncovering the duplex penthouse suite, an extravagant sanctuary featuring its own stylish bar, an expansive open-plan dining and living area that exuded elegance, a playful table football setup, a generously spacious walk-in closet, and a lavish marble bathroom that completely redefined the notion of opulent relaxation.

Experiencing an afternoon tea at Madeline’s is not just a culinary delight; it is a captivating journey through time, sophistication, and unparalleled taste, leaving an indelible impression that lingers long after the last sip of tea has been savored..

From £35 per person. For more information and to book, please visit www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk

Other places to check out this Afternoon Tea Week.

De Vere Tortworth Court, The Cotswolds

Escape to the southernmost edge of the Cotswolds this Afternoon Tea Week to experience De Vere Tortworth Court’s limited-edition Great British Summer package – celebrating the best of UK traditions afternoon tea and beyond. Having recently completed a £1.3M refurbishment, morning can be spent exploring the 30-acre grounds before heading to the manicured gardens, where an exclusive picnic afternoon tea awaits – a spread of home baked scones, traditional finger sandwiches and chocolate covered strawberries paired with a bottle of chilled Silver Reign. Honouring the nation’s favourite pastimes, guests can also enjoy pre-dinner G&Ts, a three-course meal using the freshest of local ingredients and a relaxing stay in a newly renovated room complete with Penhaligon’s toiletries and original Victorian features.

The Great British Summer Package is available until September and starts from just £279 per room (use code SUMMER). For more information and to book, please visit: www.devere.co.uk/tortworth-court/offers/offers/great-british-summer-offer

Leeds Castle, Kent

Experience the taste of a Kentish summer with Leeds Castle’s new Summer Afternoon Tea. Set against the backdrop of one of England’s most picturesque historic estates, this seasonal offering celebrates the rich flavours of the Garden of England in an elegant and relaxed setting. From £30 per adult and £17.50 per child, the spread showcases a carefully curated selection of sweet and savoury treats inspired by Kent’s finest local produce – expect delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam.

During their visit, guests can explore Leeds Castle’s array of on-site activities, from getting lost in the iconic maze to exploring three adventurous playgrounds. Falconry displays featuring eagles, owls, and hawks also add a thrilling edge to the day, while tranquil summer walks reveal the castle’s spectacular scenery in full bloom.

Available Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30am to 2:30pm. For more information, visit https://leeds-castle.com/visit/eat-drink-and-shop/

The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Midlands

Indulge in a quintessentially British experience this summer with The Belfry’s British Afternoon Tea, featuring a tempting array of homegrown treats perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Guests can delight in an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches, warm, freshly baked scones with West Country clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a selection of delicious tea breads, pastries and miniature cakes, all served on delicate bone China. Available until 31st August and priced from £35 per person, this summer special features delightful British treats such as leek & Welsh rarebit tartlet, malted banana loaf with whipped sea salt butter and apricot and Earl Grey Victoria sponge. The Belfry also offers its traditional afternoon tea for two in its award-winning Brabazon Bar for just £59 for two people, available until end of August.

For more information and to book, please visit www.thebelfry.com/dine/afternoon-tea/