*This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Last weekend John and I headed to Edinburgh to experience the city at Christmas time. We had loads of things we wanted to do but there was one thing I was particularly looking forward to, afternoon tea at G&V Hotel.
Afternoon tea is something I never fail to enjoy and G&V Hotel in Edinburgh take it to another level. Their Italian chef has based their current afternoon tea menu on the fashion house Missoni and the attention to detail, unique flavours and stylish surroundings make the experience truly special.
G&V Royal Mile Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel on the corner of George IV Bridge, Victoria Street and The Royal Mile, in the heart of Edinburgh. Previously Hotel Missoni, G&V is a design hotel which is evident in everything from the décor to the drinks.
On arrival we were led to our table in the modern Bar G&V. After settling in our waitress explained the menu, the inspiration behind it and asked if we had any dietary requirements.
We chose from a selection of fruit teas and opted for a glass of prosecco to enjoy with our food. We were presented with cucumber water to cleanse our pallets and before long an aperitif of miniature pina colada ice lollies arrived. Missoni’s current collection features the elements fire, water, air and earth and this is reflected in the chefs choice of ingredients. Served in a cocktail glass on a bed of ice the blue lollies looked spectacular and represented Missoni’s swimwear range and, of course, the element water.
Next was the main event and the array of sandwiches, scones and deserts on offer was mouthwatering. Our waitress guided us through the order in which best to eat them and we carefully followed her instructions.
We started with the sandwiches which included brown bread with smoked salmon, red onion, cucumber and pickled lemon again representing water, ciabatta with caprese salad which was so light and fluffy that it represented air, focaccia with grilled artichoke, egg mayonnaise and mustard cress, the fire, and finally wholesome brown bread with baby spinach, red onion jam and cheddar cheese, earth.
Next we tucked into home made plain and fruit scones with a light clotted cream and an Italian strawberry jam. The scones were perfect but we were concious to leave some room for the final course.
The deserts were decadent but not too heavy. We had an almond tart with fresh strawberry, macaroon éclair with chocolate cream and semi frozen ricotta with candied fruit, sugar coated pistachio nuts and chocolate chips. We ended with a rhubarb and strawberry compote with yoghurt foam which was incredibly sweet and the perfect way to round off the experience.
As you can see there wasn’t much left…
Afternoon tea at G&V Hotel surpassed all our expectations. The food, service and décor were 5-star and the price is extremely reasonable for the quality of the offering at just £21.50 per person or £27.00 per person with a glass of prosecco. Thank you to G&V Hotel for inviting us for afternoon tea, it made our weekend in Edinburgh extra special.
*Image of the bar courtesy of G&V Royal Mile Hotel.