Afternoon Tea at Bond & Brook

*I received a complimentary Festive Afternoon Tea for the purposes of review.  

I've been in London for almost two years now, but afternoon tea is still very new to me.

It's quite a special experience, very much a social ritual.  I've only been a few times and I'm still learning.

Last week, I met up with a friend to sample the Festive Afternoon Tea at Bond & Brook for Christmas.

Bond & Brook is a restaurant/bar located in Fenwick Bond Street. 

Fenwick is a classic English department store founded in the late 1800's.

"Excuse me, Sir.  Can you tell me how to get to Fen-wicks?"

"Right, Love.  Fen-nicks is just up that way and to the left."

One minute I was shoving my way through the mad crowds on Oxford Street,

the next I was gliding up the escalators in this lovely department store.

I soon found myself in the calm oasis of Bond & Brook.

It's a pristine white space with a silver bar in the center and a wall of fashions books
that I would certainly be tempted to explore if I was visiting solo.

Bond & Brook serves a full menu throughout the day, as well as a selection
of small plates or what they like to call "oversized appetisers" that you can combine for a light and lovely meal.
But, we already knew what we were having.  Bring on the Christmas Tea.
It started off perfectly with a glass of champagne.

My companion was Fiona, a wonderful blogger that I met earlier this year.

(You can read more about our visit on her site London Unattached.)

We each ordered our own selection of tea.  I chose a green tea with peach flavors that was wonderful and light.

By the way, those little candies are called Smarties and they are often served at restaurants in the UK.

In the US, Smarties are little sweet tarts but in the UK they are candy coated chocolate.

I think the UK wins that one.

I just loved the silver tea services.  But, have I mentioned that I'm the Queen of Silly Questions?

They set down my teacup with silver strainer in it.  Next to it was another little silver cup.

Fiona gently explained after my embarrassed question

that it was to set the silver strainer in after you've poured your tea through it.

I was embarrassed again when I poured the second glass without even using the strainer.

I'm still learning and Fiona is a great teacher who overlooked my newbie mistakes.

Then our food arrived presented on a three tiered platter.

I really must get one of these.  I think most anything would taste better served this way.

I've learned in my limited experience, that afternoon tea is generally three courses.

A savory course on the bottom usually sandwiches.

Scones with clotted cream and jam comes next.

Followed by sweets. 

Our savory options for the Festive Tea included
honey roast ham, mustard & pickled shallot,
roast turkey with cranberry sauce (my favorite),
Scottish smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and
Keens cheddar with spiced apple chutney (close second).

 I think the buttermilk scones were my favorite because they are the vehicle for the clotted cream.

It's so good!  There is a great debate that I've mentioned before.

Do you put on the jam first or the cream first?

After a few taste tests, I prefer to put a nice proper layer of jam on first.
And then a massive yummy dollop of clotted cream on top.

 
Our tea was topped off with a festive fondant fancy, a Christmas cake lollipop (fruitcake),
and a little shot glass with clementine jelly with mulled wine mousse.
The jelly had little pieces of orange in it.  It was really a nice combination of flavors.

 
There is just something about sharing afternoon tea with a friend that is so special.
The conversation was great and each little item a new delight.  Not too filling, but just the right amount of food.
Perfect for a day of shopping or to tide you over before a show and a late dinner.
I've decided that I need more Afternoon Tea in my life.

 
Bond &Brook Festive Afternoon Tea is £19.50 per person (without champagne).
Located on the 2nd Floor of Fenwick
63 New Bond Street, London
To make a reservation call 020 7629 0273
or go to http://www.fenwick.co.uk/bond-street/restaurants-bond-street
Open 10:00am-6:30pm - Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat
10:00am-8:00pm - Thurs
Closed on Sundays


What else do I need to know about Afternoon Tea? 


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 *I received a complimentary tea from Bond & Brook for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.


You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.