I consider dinning on my own to be a luxury, a rare treat. For some the prospect of spending 2 hours alone in a full restaurant might not seem like fun. But I could not think of anything better. Don’t get me wrong, I do like people and I enjoy the company of others but a table for one is like being on a deserted island. I can spend the entire time doing whatever I please. I can read a magazine, surf the net or catch up with friends, it’s up to me.
The Hotel Cafe Royal’s rose inspired afternoon tea in collaboration with Diptyque roses candle presented me with the opportunity to visit a new island.
The Restaurant
Whilst my initial draw to this restaurant was the collaboration, on entering the building I realised that this was going to be so much more than an afternoon tea with a candle as the gift at the end.
To start, I always judge a hotel by the quality of the flowers in the lobby and Hotel Café Royal did not disappoint.
The hydrangeas made this flower arrangement.
The entrance to the Oscar Wilde Lounge is positioned behind the flower arrangement. Unsurprisingly, given the hotel’s name, the lounge is a wonderful mix of decadence and opulence. The gold and red interior makes you feel like you are dining in a Palace. I was transported out of London and to an island resembling 18th century France.
Opulence at its best.
No one raised an eyelid when I stated that the reservation was for one, I was welcomed by each and every member of staff. Thankfully they seated me on a table backing the wall, vital for solo dinning as it allows for people-watching.
I opted for the afternoon tea with a glass of Rose Laurent Perrier, N.V Champagne and the full sized Roses candle. An absolute steal as it meant that I paid £20 for a full sized Diptyque candle.
The waiter talked me through the menu and explained how the scent and flavour of rose had been added to their classic afternoon tea for the collaboration.
The Afternoon Tea
First up was the tea. I love nothing more than a cup of earl grey and whilst it is the obvious choice, I rarely have the opportunity to have it brewed by experts. I was not disappointed. Tea was followed by a delicately flavoured quince and goats cheese muffin. Added flavour and drama was provided by a pipette full of quince liquid which was positioned in the muffin ready for me to infuse my muffin. A fun twist to the proceedings.
Moist, soft and creamy whilst being tart and full of flavour.
Now to the sandwiches. As all of my friends will know, I have an aversion to cold egg. Egg sandwiches being the worst form of cold egg. As with all afternoon teas there was an egg sandwich on the menu. I explained my hatred of cold egg to the waiter and was offered an avocado option. Ironically, I liked the avocado sandwiches least of all. That’ll teach me for being picky.
Thank god I was on my own, there was no more room for anyone else.
After the sandwiches came the palate cleanser. A divine hibiscus, red berry and mint chilled drink. Whilst the cleanser did not contain rose per se, it was as if the restaurant had done exactly what perfumers do to create the scent of lilies; they cannot be distilled. They had concocted a drink which, when all of the ingredients were combined together, had many of the qualities of a rose. Genius and seriously moreish.
Red pieces of heaven.
At this point and while i I was happily juggling tea, champagne and my hibiscus goodness, it was time for the cakes.
I opted to start with the scones. I was presented raisin and plain scones accompanied by clotted cream and a rose, lychee and raspberry jam.
The moment I realised that I may had bitten off more than I could chew.
Disclaimer
Whilst I love roses in the form of flowers I am not keen on rose water or rose infused foods. I know, why had I chosen to eat a rose inspired afternoon tea? It was for this exact reason that I chose this afternoon tea. I wanted to be converted, see if my aversion to rose could be cured and it was. All it took was one bite of the rose jam covered clotted cream smothered scone. I was finally converted.
With regards to the delicacies, all were absolutely yummy, particularly the raspberry lychee and rose tart. I could only manage a spoon of each cake. Funnily, I managed to drink my champagne with relative ease. As I could not finish my cakes I asked for them to be boxed and was presented with my candle.
Goody Bag
I opened my goody bag once at home and was pleasantly surprised to find that my waiter had exchanged my partly eaten cakes with fresh ones. It was a lovely surprise and I was happy to have been given a goody bag as opposed to a doggy bag.
As an aside, the Roses collaboration celebrated Valentine’s day but the collaboration has been extended and now features different Diptyque candles.
I will review the Roses candle separately but wanted to end by saying that I recommend Hotel Café Royal for afternoon tea, especially if you want to celebrate. Further, this place is definitely solo diner friendly.
Leave a Comment