The lovely team at Cannizaro House treated me to an incredibly special Afternoon Tea at Hotel Du Vin to celebrate my blog turning 8 years old.
One a gorgeous sunshine day on Wimbledon Common I walked through the dappled light of the trees on my way to Cannizaro House.
The wonderful Hotel du Vin stands out as one of the best places to visit on the common for an exquisite place to stay, delicious place to eat and of course a beautiful park to walk around all year.
As a special occasion to celebrate my blog’s 8th birthday (can you believe it) Hotel du Vin at Cannizaro House invited me to tour the hotel and to try their afternoon tea.
The tiffany blue menu was so stylish and instantly made the afternoon tea in such a beautiful location seem even more special.
The little details including the stylish tea strainer and the range of teas from the Bird and Blend Tea company had been expertly picked to compliment the afternoon tea.
There is something pretty wonderful in brewing tea in a teapot and straining it as your pour.
The Afternoon tea treats
The top of the afternoon tea tower was this gorgeous display of sweet treats. Including pistachio roll, tutti frutti macaron and the freshest fruit scone. More of photos of everything included below.
On the savoury bottom tier was an assortment of bite size tarts, pastries and everything made fresh. The smoked salmon with cream cheese and rye bread was the perfect bit. Soft salmon, a hint of lemon, the earthy tones of rye bread and creaminess of the cheese. It was a heavenly combination of flavours.
Exploring Hotel du Vin
On arriving at Hotel du Vin I met with Anne-Sophie who gave me a guided tour to areas of the hotel which I had never seen. We visited the receptions rooms perfect for corporate events, weddings and parties. The different restaurants and of course took a look at the bedrooms.
The bedrooms were stunning and it was lovely be able to see so many and how beautifully they had been styled. Soft tanned leather beadsteads, quirky wallpaper and crisp cotton sheets.
The greatest feature of the bedrooms in my option are the large windows. The light fills the room and the views all have rich greenery creating the calmest natural atmosphere in the suites.
All the rooms have different wallpaper and they are brilliantly quirky. From a range of classic paintings as above, to book cases and even metal drawers.
From the Park View Suite we sat out on the balcony and marvelled at the incredible views of the park below. It is the only suite to boast a balcony and one room I would absolutely love to visit and stay in, in the future.
I can definitely see myself sitting outside on the terrace with a cup of tea. Maybe enjoying one of the fine breakfasts served at Hotel du Vin after a lovely night in their gorgeous suite.
The suite itself had a huge bathroom with even a TV in the bath! I loved the patterns and modern accents mixed with the classic elements of the house from the past like the fire place.
Afternoon Tea at Hotel Du Vin – The Savoury
After exploring the hotel and seeing examples of the rooms, Anne-Sophie and I entered the Orangerie. We relaxed in their large chairs and watched the people enjoying the park and relish in the afternoon tea.
On the savoury side of the afternoon tea the range of food was incredible. Severn & Wye smoked salmon and cream cheese on dark rye bread, egg and cress mayonnaise brioche sub, ham and Gruyère croissant, heritage tomato and tapenade galette, goat’s cheese and spinach quiche.
The cute little croissant were filled with rich and mature cheese and ham which was still warm. Leaving the cheese still molten. The little goats cheese tart had crisp pastry case and the creamy goats cheese and earth spinach all work so well together.
What I loved about the afternoon tea was the size of the portions. They were small bitesizes pieces however this meant you could try more and enjoy everything presented.
The sweet
Again it was the little details of the afternoon tea which made the difference and raised the game to a special event. The milk jug was a little cow and so super cute. The delicate metal work and cut glass plates both glistened in the sunshine. It really set the scene for beautiful treats in a beautiful location.
To top off your afternoon tea you’ll find a few sweet mini treats of Tutti Frutti macaron, black forest gateau, pistachio pin wheel, rhubarb and custard tarts, warm scones served with Bonne Maman jam, clotted cream and Lescure butter.
Like the bottom tier of savoury snacks, the top tier filled with miniature patisserie just called to us. They were small and exquisite. The little tart, which was my favourite, was a bitesize rhubarb tart with custard dome.
It was so delicious. I loved how the thin later of pastry held so delicately the compote and custard. It was light and fluffy and a great taste to be used in the afternoon tea.
The Tutti Frutti macaron and the black forest gateau were the most photogenic and eye catching.
The pistachio pin wheel was probably the best item off the afternoon tea menu for me. It was so rich and had a great smooth cream filling plus chopped pistachios too. I could have had multiple slices and it’s pulling me back to visit again so I can have it again.
I loved how the choice of afternoon tea pieces at Hotel du Vin have been specially chosen. They had been thought out to include a mix of flavours and tastes which work incredibly well together. Resulting in a wonderful experience but above all a delicious one.
To book your visit for afternoon tea at Hotel du Vin click here.
Find out about Hotel du Vin’s 25th Birthday at Cannizaro House
Disclaimer - I was gifted this experience. All opinions are my own.
I have always wanted to go there! It looks so perfect. I will book for a summer treat.
You will love it!
What a perfect birthday treat. Happy Birthday Sew White!
Thank you!