Royal Afternoon Tea at the Park Regis, Birmingham

Traditionally, I take my beloved out for his birthday meal, usually on the day. This time, we’d just landed back from out big Canadian adventure and sensing exhaustion, I offered to delay it so we can both enjoy it. That was partly because we didn’t have an idea on where to go.

Eventually we happened upon the festive tea (it’s now December) at the new kid on the block. He saw one of those offers and I snapped it up.

As expected, midweek was nice and quiet in the classic surroundings of the 1565 Restaurant. We were given a choice of tables and shown to what amounted to mini-armchairs that I could quite happily sit in all afternoon.

As we were served our Prosecco, we perused the menus. As you know, I’m no tea drinker but got into this ancient refreshment while in Hong Kong by drinking the recommended Marco Polo tea with my afternoon tea at the Intercontinental. Here I chose Camomile Blossom – it just seemed to go with the relaxed setting. The birthday boy chose Russian Caravan which they used to serve at Brewsmiths café until its unfortunate demise.

(As a side note, he tracked down Marco Polo tea and gave it to me as Christmas present that I cannot wait to try!)

This is possibly the first time I’ve been served an amuse bouche at an afternoon tea.

The cucumber sandwich was switched out for a festive turkey number, although I would have been happy with the former; if we’re talking traditional, there has to be cucumber sandwiches!

For a lovely change, the scones are an assortment of sweet (fruit) and savoury (cheese), warm and lovely – just the right size and served with the extra touch of smoked sea salt butter.

The Royal Tea comes with a rainbow of macarons and cakes, most of which came home with us as they were far too good to waste after a surprisingly filling meal.

Regular price £29 per person for Royal Tea or £24 for classic.

December 2016