Afternoon Tea with Laura Ashley
Of all the Afternoon Teas I’ve salivated over around the world, this one seems to be the most archetypal English. It is what is to be expected from one of Britain's most iconic High Street brands. I expected it to be much more of an advert for the traditional store although in the Coventry location, this was pretty discreet and they were just promoting some jams in the corner of the room that is set aside for the Laura Ashley teas.
This was traditional to a T, with finger sandwiches updated with four different types of bread, two types of scones and beautiful cakes all with varying textures and colours. The tea menu may not extend to the size of yellow pages like at some establishments, there is something for everyone, especially for an ordinarily non-tea drinker like myself. I chose Red Berry & Hibiscus Flower and devoured my favourite cucumber sandwiches which rather delightfully were spread with cream cheese.
The meal served had clearly been given meticulous attention to detail by the chefs and it was cheerily served up for us as we looked out to the enchanting gardens. To have lemon curd with the scones was a lovely surprise as was the delicious amuse-bouche.
Although the service was a little slow, we found afterwards it was the first week of our server and she apologised anytime she kept us waiting. Anyway, we were in no rush and perfectly comfortable in our exquisite pale green surroundings.
We left in the customary way (except in Toyko where there is no such thing as a doggy bag) with most of our cakes untouched in a custom made box ready to relive the memories for at least another day.
May 2019
