Afternoon Tea at Hotal La Tour Birmingham

Would afternoon tea everyday be too indulgent?
#4

It's no secret by now that I adore taking afternoon tea. Spending a few hours, with my female family and friends, enjoying lady like bites and champagne in a relaxed atmosphere, really is a wonderful way to while away the afternoon.  So when I got invited* to sample afternoon tea at Hotel La Tour in Birmingham, I was happy to indulge.  I invited my mum to come with me as she has a celebration this week and has been with me on my last few afternoon tea indulges, so very well positioned to help me review this new venue.

I must admit to being quite intrigued to see inside Hotel La Tour, which is the newest hotel in central Birmingham, having read a number of items in the local press around the launch.  I can see the hotel it if I travel into Birmingham by train and it fits well into the landscape.  It is the first in a new group of hotels to be built by independent operator Hotel La Tour Ltd.  It has 174 bedrooms and suites, Marcus Wareing inspired restaurant and bar, dedicated conference and events floor, and a coffee shop.  Stepping into the hotel reception gives you a good taste of what is to come.  A large open space with oversized lamps and velvet chairs and the most gorgeous bauble light shade.  We were greeted by Jane, who we later discovered is the hotel's Operations Manager, who said she would let the restaurant know we were here.

We made our way up to the first floor and entered the bar which leads to the restaurant.  The decor is very much to my liking. I loved the black and white photos of fifties glamour, the oversized lamps and lush classic colours of the velvet chairs.  Even though the space is open and light, it feels very opulent.  I imagine at night time it will feel very seductive.

We were greeted my the maître d' and were given a choice of where we wanted to sit.  We chose one of the sofas, which gave us a good view of the bar, so that we could people watch.  I really love the Alice n Wonderland red chairs which are placed right at the tip of the room.

We were asked to peruse the menu and decide what we would like to drink.  We were brought a chilled glass of Prosseco which was perfect for toasting mum's celebration.  Mum grades a place by it's coffee, so having ordered lattes, she declared that it was lovely.  Believe me there is such a thing as a bad latte, having sampled quite a few.  It wasn't long before our bare cake stand arrived in preparation for afternoon tea.  We found out later that these were made by a Birmingham company called Heritage. They also made the plates to fit the stand, they have an ingenious lip on each side so that you can easily lift them of the stand to place on the table.  Not long after came the afternoon tea selection and what a selection it was - delicate, imaginative and inviting.

There were a number of things that sets this afternoon tea apart from others that I have tried. Both mum and I loved the inside out cucumber sandwiches, so simple but so delicious.  I've never had Welsh Rarebit at afternoon tea, but what an imaginative idea.  It was delicious with the crunchy bread that came with it, although slightly too crunchy for mum, which meant more for me.  There was a good selection of fresh sandwiches, with enough for two of each flavour per person.

As we were finishing our sandwiches Jane came and asked us how we were getting on.  We spent quite a time talking to her finding out more about the hotel, the afternoon tea and where else we have taken afternoon tea. Whilst speaking with Jane we got to sample an Earl Grey Bellini, which we both declared we will certainly be having again.  Move over Mojitos there's a new favourite cocktail on the block!  Jane mentioned that the scones have dried strawberries on the top, which take three days to prepare.  So with that we tucked in.

We thought the selection of cakes were lovely and completely different to others we have tried.  It was nice that they are little bite size so that you can sample all of them without feeling too guilty.  Included were mini jaffa cakes, treacle tarts, walnut whip and eton mess. Whilst these might have been mini in size, they certainly packed a punch in the flavour stakes.

During the two hours we spent in the bar, there were quite a few people who had come in for drinks, as well as lunch.  The table opposite us opted for homemade burgers, which looking at them I know SBA would love to try.  And I'll certainly be back for more afternoon teas and Earl Grey Bellinis. This is an afternoon tea that raises the bar and Head Chef Alex Penhaligon has certainly got the right combination of style and flavour.  It was a shame that our time at Hotel La Tour had to come to an end.  We could have easily stayed and soaked up the relaxing atmosphere for many more hours.

The service throughout was impeccable, you certainly weren't rushed but checked on just the right amount of times.  The surroundings are very relaxing, being both chic and opulent. Afternoon tea at Hotel La Tour costs £15.95 which we think is exceptional value.  At the moment it is served Friday to Sunday between 2pm and 5pm.   Mum and I both think that this just pips the Hyatt in Birmingham due to the imaginative selections and certainly rivals the big London hotels. We wouldn't hesitate recommending this afternoon tea, whether for a celebration or just because you fancy it.


An afternoon tea fit for a Queen....it gets my seal of approval!



LB rating: 8.5/10



Lula Belle x


*Thank you to Sue and Hotel La Tour for inviting me to sample their afternoon tea