September 23, 2016 - London Afternoon Tea Locales Planned AND London Afternoon Tea Locales for Vegans

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 14 DAYS

Scheduled Afternoon Tea in London 

Is it Friday already?? Wow, are these weeks just flying.

Well, today the weather is GORGEOUS.  Just your perfect Fall day - sunny, cool temps and cheery.
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My day started off with a wake up "cry" from my Punkin at around 6:15.  After doing her business, we both retired to the den for a while for an extra thirty minutes of snoozing - she curls up next to me on the couch!

After packing everything (back packs, lunch boxes and Punkin) in the car, we headed over to drop the girls off at school and then me and my fur baby companion headed over to do a slew of morning errands.  

First stop, to get mommy a hot chocolate to get my taste buds going.  Then, a short distance across the avenue, I had to bring my comforter to the laundromat since "someone" (A-hem) had an accident on it yesterday.

From there, it was a quick run to the cash machine and last on our morning runs was Walgreens to pick up a custom photo album I had made for Kelsey filled with lots of pictures from her 10th Birthday celebration at Adventureland last weekend.

I do hope she likes it and is surprised!

Kelsey on her 10th Birthday last week! (c)travelincousins.com

Before, I tell you about the rest of my day, let me give you some a Fast Flash into the Festive Foodie Fun we have on our agenda for Afternoon Tea during  Gianna's 13th Birthday Trip to London next April.

I spent a great deal of time researching the various options based on location and where we are going to be each day of the trip, as well as "theme" and child friendliness, and of course menu. 

All in all, we will be enjoying six Afternoon Teas during this trip!!! So excited.  Unfortunately, two of the six are still not finalized since we are awaiting information regarding Vegan-friendly menus, for which Tanya has taken the lead on contacting numerous hotels and restaurants.  

Hopefully, we will have that tied up by next Foodie Friday.

OUR AFTERNOON TEA RESERVATIONS CONFIRMED:

1. ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA
​THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE
​Overlooking the Mews at BUCKINGHAM PALACE

(www.afternoontea.co.uk)

What caught my eye about this place was that it had that regal feel.  I wanted the kids to experience something memorable about Buckingham Palace. 

Accoridng to the description, 
"Afternoon tea features mouth-watering pastries that were heavily influenced by Royal events and dining trends throughout the centuries.

From Her Majesty the Queen’s much-loved jam pennies, the red velvet cupcakes influenced by the House of Stuart or the chocolate biscuit cake, a favourite of Prince William and Prince Harry of the House of Windsor."

Sounds yummy and with a view of the mews at Buckingham Palace, I'm sure it's going to be royally good fun!

http://www.rubenshotel.com/food-and-drink/afternoon-tea
1:00pm - 5:00pm (Sat - Sun) 
2:00pm - 4:30pm (Mon - Fri)  

​2. CHESTERFIELD HOTEL

(chesterfieldmayfair.com)

I had read about this place while doing my research this past Spring and it sounds delightful!!
 
In the heart of exclusive Mayfair, the intimate Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel is a luxury hotel ideally located for taking Afternoon Tea when shopping in Piccadilly, Bond Street, Regent Street or Oxford Street. 

So, I thought, this would be a totally fun place to enjoy Afternoon Tea on Easter Sunday while in London.  The reviews didn't hurt my decision either...renowned as one of London's best places for Afternoon Tea, this elegant venue's Afternoon Tea service was recognised when they were awarded a Commended certificate at the Afternoon Tea Awards 2016.

The "Charlie and The Chesterfield Afternoon Tea" theme seemed to perfect for my girls, as it takes guests on a journey through the sweet, colourful and chocolate-y world of Charlie and his friends!

How fun is it going to be when arriving and being welcomed with a shot of a Fizzy Lifting drink!
Guests can then choose their tea from one of the hotel's 18 loose teas which will include a special Willy Wonka chocolate tea blended especially for this occasion.

The food offerings sound just a wonderful, which include a selection of delicious finger sandwiches will complement the treats including honey roast ham and cheese with tomato chutney; egg and watercress on basil bread; smoked salmon and cream cheese on brown bread; chicken with grain mustard mayonnaise on white and the classic cucumber and cream cheese.

But, the best part is that at the end of the meal, each guest is given an everlasting gobstopper and lollipop!
​
www.chesterfieldmayfair.com/afternoon-tea
1.30pm to 5.30pm - Weekdays. Afternoon Tea - 1pm to 5.30pm Weekends


​3. One Aldwych, Covent Garden

One Aldwych, according to their website, is one of the most important Edwardian buildings in London, and currently protected by English Heritage.

Designed by Charles Mewes and Arthur Davis, the Anglo-French partnership behind the Ritz hotels in London and Paris, it featured distinctive interiors and a permanent collection of exciting contemporary art and sculpture which is displayed throughout the hotel.

Their Afternoon Tea is under the direction of Executive Chef Dominic Teague and his team, who have created a scrumdiddlyumptious Charlie and the Chocolate Afternoon Tea which has been inspired by the hotel's official partnership with the magical new musical.​

So, can you believe it!!!!! Another magical Candy-themed Afternoon Tea for my girlies!

www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/afternoon-tea
12:30pm to 3:30pm
Monday to Saturday
12:30pm to 4:30pm Sunday​


​4. THE DELAUNAY
COVENT GARDEN

Since we cousins are going to be meeting up in Covent Garden, the day upon their arrival, we needed to find an option that could accommodate vegans.

Tanya found the Delaunay, which, according to all accounts, has a less "stuffy" and relaxed atmosphere, where children are always welcome.
 
With more of a Viennese feel, The Delaunay’s afternoon tea includes savouries, cakes and pastries - including Sachertorte; poppy seed gugelhupf, or bundt cake, with apricot jam and whipped cream; and a variety of millefeuille - along with a choice of teas or coffees, as well as child-pleasing milkshakes or ice cream floats. 

Sounds amazing right!!

www.thedelaunay.com/afternoon-tea
Monday - Sunday
3.00 pm - 6.30 pm


So.... back to my day today.

It's a bit hectic. First, I have some work to do around the house - actually, I'm re-building a "gate"  in the yard.  It was all rotted and so that is my morning project.

Then when the kids get home, we are off to get Kelsey a haircut and my hair colored.

From there, we have to run over to Dover Saddlery, where Gianna will (finally) graduate to her tall riding boots.  She will need these for her FIRST upcoming show next week!

I don't know who is more excited - her or me!  There is a dress code for being in shows, if you did not know this already and so, along with the boots, we have to get her the required riding top and pants.  Whew - how did I ever get these kids into such an expensive sport!!! But, as long as they love it, that's all that matters!

One last thing - I was also at the stove early this morning making stuffed peppers  Filled them with onions, rice, mushrooms, garlic, celery, parmesan and mozzarella cheese!! YUM!

Sauteeing my veggies for my Stuffed Peppers (c)travelincousisncom

Everything is ready - just have to throw in the eggs to the mixture (c)travelincousins.com

Headed into the oven! (c)travelincousins.com

Ok - let me get my hammer and get going!

​Enjoy your Friday!

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 1 DAY

My Favorite English Tradition

I can't believe that we are already leaving tomorrow!!

And I'm not finished packing yet. To be perfectly honest I am still not 100% unpacked from my last trip (of which I returned almost 3 weeks ago!) Which reminds me that I still need to update that page with pictures and links.  

My life is so crazy that I can be so behind on some things and yet at the same time so ahead of myself that everyday is yesterday.

And speaking of yesterday, where did the time go?!
Of course I had lots to do, but packing was one of them and the day just flew by. Before I knew it I had a beautifying appointment and Dominic's classes. At least I did manage to help Dave B with his packing - even though he's not leaving for another 2 weeks!

No choice today but to crack down today and get it done! 
After which I will reward myself with a lovely relaxing mani/pedi just in time for the trip.

What's been lovely is that since yesterday (the first day of Fall) is that the heat has broke...if only temporarily, and the air has just been nice and even a bit crisp in the mornings. But in looking at the forecast, it seems like summer doesn't want to leave without a fight and next week while we are gone the temps are going way back up into the upper 90's!!! Ewwww
Sorry I won't be here and we'll be missing this. Nope not sorry at all. Bring on the Fall weather!

Fall is only 2 seasons away from Spring and not to rush anything or anyone (this is where I get ahead of myself), next Spring is when we are going on a cousins trip to London for Gianna's birthday trip - we like to call it Gianna's 13th Birthday Trip to London and while I have been scouring the internet and contacting numerous restaurants and hotels for find out if they are both kid friendly and vegan friendly,  Elisa has shared with us today the locations that have already been confirmed. Super cool stuff there cuz!

While we will only have 3 days there together, and the rest spent solo with our kids in tow both on the front end and on the back end, I'll be sure to take Cosette and Dominic to an all vegan afternoon tea as well as to my very favorite venue - which I will reveal in my upcoming Foodie Friday that will feature several venues that I've been so fortunate to have tea at - let me remind you just how much I love the tradition of afternoon tea!!

Here is a reminder and a quick sneak preview of the vegan friendly locations that I will be reviewing:

The Langham (c)travelincousins.com

1. The Langham
According to their description:
The centre piece of The Langham, London - the dazzling Palm Court is famed as the place where the tradition of afternoon tea was born 150 years ago. An indulgence that lives on today and the heart of enchanting hospitality.

Guests can enjoy a bespoke version of the afternoon tradition – “The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood” – serving Wedgwood specialty teas in tailor-made “Langham Rose” Wedgwood teaware.
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Click here for more information
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Fortnum and Mason (c)travelincousins.com

2. Fortnum and Mason
According to their description:
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
A BRITISH ICON
The tradition of taking tea and that little bit of something between lunch and dinner has long since been a feature at Fortnum & Mason. Our tranquil Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was opened by HM The Queen and has since become a stylish destination for the most traditional of afternoon teas.
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Click here for more information
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La Suite West (c)travelincousins.com

3. La Suite West
According to their description:
Nothing is more British than Afternoon Tea in London. At La Suite West we offer a quintessentially contemporary vegan alternative to this Great British tradition, with a combination of designer finger sandwiches, home made scones served with coconut cream and fresh strawberries, followed by a delectable selection of home made pastries.

​Served daily from 12p-3p
Click here for more information

Claridges (c)travelincousins.com

4. Claridges
According to their description:
At Claridge’s we’ve been observing this delightful aspect of our nation’s culinary heritage for the best part of 150 years.

Set in the splendour of Thierry Despont’s magnificent Foyer, inspired by the 1930s’ heyday of art deco, Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s is truly a magical experience.

Served daily 2:45pm, 3pm, 3:15pm, 3:30pm, 4.45pm, 5pm, 5:15pm & 5:30pm
Click here for more information

The Savoy (c)travelincousins.com

5. The Savoy
According to their description:
​The Thames Foyer is very much the heart of The Savoy.  A stunning glass dome floods this sociable spot  with wonderful natural light – and beneath this, a pianist serenades guests from a winter garden gazebo, as they enjoy our world-famous afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea at The Savoy is an enduring custom where guests can choose from a range of teas served with finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream & jam and a mouth-watering selection of seasonal cakes and pastries created by The Savoy’s Executive Pastry Chef, Ludwig Hely.

​Served daily from 1pm-5:45pm
Click Here to make reservations

​So many choices and of course I have my favorites...which you've got to wait until publishing to find out which they are!!

I'll also add in The Langham in Boston - which I've also had afternoon tea at.

The Langhan (Boston) (c)travelincousins.com

The Langham (Boston)
According to their description:
Embracing The Langham's classic heritage, The Reserve offers guests its signature afternoon tea, The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood, recalling the grandeur of the brand’s flagship, The Langham, London, where the tradition was born in 1865.

The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood includes proprietary Langham teas, and an array of sweet and savory bites. To finish, order a glass of champagne and toast to the perfect afternoon tea time.

Serving daily 2pm-7pm
Click here for more information

What I also noticed is that the Langham in Pasadena offers an Afternoon Tea! I'm gonna contact them and see if they can accommodate vegans and let you know. My fingers are crossed that they can and being that they are technically in Los Angeles - one very vegan friendly city, I don't see why not.

Anyhow, did you see those yummy stuffed peppers that Elisa is making for dinner?
Italian Stuffed Peppers are one of my favorites!
While the recipes we use are slightly different and ours are veganized of course...and oh how I love it!!
               DROOL DROOL DROOL

​Well that is about it for me today, I've gotta get to it and finish packing my bags!!!

See ya back here tomorrow,
​-T