Festive afternoon tea at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, London is held at the Jean-Georges Restaurant, and I visited yesterday in the early afternoon with friends and the bloke. This year, we were looked after extremely well by the hotel and the staff at Jean-Georges and were seated in the beautiful conservatory. The restaurant is named after chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The traditional (with contemporary flavours and style) afternoon tea is served with a festive twist from the end of November until the end of the festive period.
At this time of year, The Connaught and London looks very festive. In front of the hotel this year, a giant Christmas tree glows. Each year, The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair has a different artist design their Christmas tree, and this year, it is designed by Michael Craig-Martin; for more information and photographs, see The Connaught Christmas Tree 2018 is Designed by Michael Craig-Martin.
We had champagne first, and this was served in the bar while we waited a couple of minutes for our table to be ready. When we were sat at the table, I ordered Darjeeling tea.
Up first was the pre-afternoon tea item of a "Black Tru e Feuillette", which is a delicious puff pastry with a hint of truffle flavour. This was delicious, and I was equally impressed last year.
Next, we were served a selection of sandwiches. These included: cucumber Greek yogurt with lime and mint on herb bread; egg and mayonaisse with watercress on onion bread; smoke salmon with chipotle, coriander and lettuce; roast ham and butternut squash and white miso/black pepper on walnut bread; turkey with mayonnaise. The walnut bread was delicious, and I enjoyed the ham and cucumber sandwiches.
Next up were a selection of plain and raisin scones, and these were served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and strawberry jam.
Then, the cute pastries arrived. On the top tier, we enjoyed spiced chocolate fondue with gingerbread men.
From the top: Orage Hazlenut Praline with orange mousse. This was probably my favourite and it was a solid thin ball of chocolate with a creamy orange flavour inside; it had a hazlenut in the centre. Christmas Log Raisin Shortbread, Caramel Tonka Crémeux.
Coconut Passion Fruit Jelly Whipped Coconut Cream. Chestnut pear compote with chestnut cream. Apple & Mince Milk Mousse, Cinnamon Streusel Chocolate.
Overall, it was a lovely afternoon and evening enjoying afternoon tea before the festivities. I hope that everyone has a good few days. Happy holidays.
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