Happy Halloween from the Hilton, Park Lane: Dress up and enjoy their spooky Halloween Afternoon Tea
Another year of Halloween trick-or-treating has come and gone, but the Podium Bar and Restaurant, situated in the renowned London Hilton Park Lane, is extending the celebration with a week-long spooktastic Afternoon Tea, running until the 10th November.
Located in London’s prestigious Park Lane, deep in the heart of Mayfair, the contemporary Podium Restaurant is the perfect base from which to explore the many nearby London attractions, including the world famous Harrods and Selfridges, the West End’s vast array of historic theatres, Buckingham Palace, and the distinguished Hyde Park. Whether you are a born and bred Londoner looking to try something different, or simply visiting the city hoping to gain an insight into the glorious activities that our capital has to offer, this is the place for you.
The Hotel invited the team at Your Coffee Break to enjoy the Afternoon Tea on the day of Halloween, and were amazed by their imaginative approach. Led by Head Chef Alexandre Derouck, the usually traditional décor and relaxing atmosphere of the Podium Restaurant was greeted to an infestation of spooky decorations. The burst of eerily carved pumpkins, sweeping cobwebs and artificial spiders reinforced the holiday spirit, adding an atmospheric cheer to the festivities. Upon our arrival, we were received with enthusiasm and shown to our seats, overlooking the bustling Park Lane. We arrived at 2pm for the start of the festive tea party, which is advisable if you prefer a quieter ambience; after 3pm the room overflowed with guests chattering animatedly.
As it was indeed a holiday, we decided to spoil ourselves and opted for the Royal Halloween Afternoon Tea, served with a glass of Pommery Champagne for that extra hint of sophistication. While we perused the extensive menu, we were brought the selection of teas to smell. As Podium is a dedicated member of the Tea Guild – founded in 1985 and recognising establishments which serve tea to a high standard – our waiter was more than happy to assist with our choice, offering specialist knowledge of the various kinds of tea leaves. We were overcome with option from the broad range of Harney & Sons fine teas, including Imperial Earl Grey with blue flowers, Assam Golden Tippy, Lapsang Souchong Imperial, Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Oolong – Blue Tea and Orange Blossom Oolong.
The first course was a selection of beautifully presented open sandwiches, including prawn mayonnaise with baby gem lettuce, cucumber, cream cheese and chives, egg and cress, honey roast ham, pommery mustard and tomatoes, and our favourite, Forman’s smoked salmon and horseradish. If we’d known quite how much was yet to come, we probably would have resisted that fifth sandwich. As our individual teapots arrived, as did the three tiered stand brimming with what can only be described as a chocoholic’s dream. The bottom tier boasted a selection of freshly baked chocolate chip, plain, and raisin scones, accompanied by praline chocolate spread, clotted cream and strawberry jam with fresh strawberries.
The second tier contained Halloween-inspired orange and dark chocolate cupcakes, decorated with sugary witch hat icing, and lime and white chocolate cupcakes. The third tier held an assortment of miniature fancies, including dark chocolate mousse and crumble decorated with a RIP stone, iced ghost shortbread, a blueberry macaroon and white chocolate pumpkin, cherry cheesecake decorated with a bat silhouette and an orange meringue lolly decorated with a chocolate spider. Feeling hungry yet? We barely made a dent in our scrumptious variety of sugary delights, but that wasn’t a problem as we were giving a chic pink box to take home our goodies for later.
With prices ranging from £29.50 to £37.50 with a glass of champagne, indulge your sweet tooth and celebrate all Hallows’ Eve this year with spine-tingling delights at London Hilton on Park Lane. The Halloween Afternoon Tea will be a welcome treat for any trickster this season.
For more information, visit the website www.podiumrestaurant.co.uk or to book, call +44 20 7208 4022
