Reviewed by Dee Ryz
146 Paddington is housed in the Hilton London Paddington Hotel, which as the name gives away, is bang in central London, outside the front door of Paddington Station.
The main bar area is situated to the left of the reception, and has a huge bar, with hundreds of bottles lining the walls, and a beautiful display of Pommery Blue Sky champagne.
The new Time Stops Here Afternoon Tea at 146 Paddington takes place in a bright and airy space, with lux high backed velvet blue couches and chairs, white marble tabletops, a pink floral wall, and clocks akimbo, in an area tucked away at the left-hand side of the bar. The idea of the afternoon tea is for patrons to quite literally stop and enjoy some time relaxing and indulging in a delightful afternoon tea – something I found rather easy in the beautiful surroundings.
I was greeted by a pleasant staff member, who then took the time to explain the full new menu, including a run down of the beautiful teas supplied by Hope and Glory and a brief introduction to Pierre Marcolini of chocolatier fame.
I was left to peruse both the teas and cakes menu, where I had several choices to make. The Hope and Glory tea menu was home to a huge number of premium, organic teas, from all over the globe, with everything from the traditional English Breakfast to an organic Red Velvet tea (orange and berry flavoured ruby red tea). I opted for the Organic Masala Chai – a heady blend of Ceylon black tea and spices. I then selected from the different sweet options and eagerly awaited the arrival the platters.
As the tea arrived at the table, I was given a ‘perfect tea timer’, a little block of 3 egg timers, allocated a light, medium and strong tea. The Masala Chai was best as a ‘strong’ tea, so I let the timer run for the full 5 minutes. By the time my tea had brewed, a traditional 3-tier cake stand arrived, complete with savoury, scones and sweets – yum!
On the savoury plate, there was a smoked salmon and cream cheese Swiss roll (a nice twist on a tradition), a mini beef steak pie (absolutely delish!), a halloumi on beetroot bread sandwich, and my firm favourite, avocado and beetroot crostini. A perfect plateful which I quickly devoured and made for the scones – I chose a fruit scone and chocolate chip scone – which I smothered in clotted cream and jam. Sometimes the oldies are the best!
As I got to the patisserie plate, a bubbling glass of Pommery Blue Sky champagne appeared at my side – as a slightly sweeter champagne, I’d say this is the perfect accompaniment for any dessert, in my eyes. I started off with the macaron, which was lovely and light, and then quickly popped off the lid to my signature Pierre Marcolini Macaron Chocolate Ice Cream as I realised it might be softly melting under the lights. Luckily, it was still intact and I enjoyed every mouthful of the indulgent dark chocolate ice cream. The Raspberry Financier and Melove Cakes were absolutely scrumptious – I could easily have eaten a mega version of the Financier, in particular as it was gorgeous.
By the time I had worked my way through all 3 layers, I was pleasantly full, and sat back and yet again enjoyed the surroundings – a haven in the bustling city centre.
I’d definitely recommend the offer, and at £36 per person, or £46 with Champagne, it’s reasonably affordable but a booking is required – so whether you’re looking for an afternoon tea venue with a twist, or even a light dinner, I’d add this to the list of must-dos in the area.
Rating: 4/5
For more information or to make a booking visit www.146paddington.com.
146 Paddington, 146 Praed Street, London, W2 1EE | 020 7850 0585
