AFTERNOON TEA AT HOTEL DU VIN BRIGHTON EXPERIENCE DAYS REVIEW

Before my visit with Amilah and Bissy last Friday, my experience with afternoon teas had been fairly non-existent. So when getting the opportunity to attend one for the very first time, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than that provided by Hotel Du Vin Brighton. The staff were impeccable and accommodating from the beginning of our visit, as we had the cheek to arrive an hour before our scheduled appointment. They dealt with this inconvenience with ease and showed us straight to a table, before promptly offering us tea from their extensive selection. Once we’d placed our order, I had a chance to stop, breath, and take in the beautiful décor of their dining room; and I noticed how the white and pastel colour scheme and natural lighting made the crowded dining hall feel all the more spacious. 

The waiter returned swiftly with our selection of teas, and made a caring effort to consult Amilah on her gluten-free dietary requirements before proceeding to the kitchen. The food followed shortly, and consisted of a wonderful selection of sweet treats, luxurious finger sandwiches and the classic scones with jam and clotted cream. Each dish was carefully crafted and the portions were very generous. I would’ve been embarrassed to admit I finished the lot if not for how delicious the food was! Then finally after I thought the food had finished, we were presented with three of their mouth-watering special desserts, a raspberry and dark chocolate ice cake pop. Believe me I’ve done excessive Googling in search of something similar - but these seem like a truly exclusive product to this Hotel Du Vin afternoon tea experience, and are good enough alone to justify a visit, let alone everything else I’ve mentioned! 

One aspect of the experience that I didn't make use of which I would've loved to was Hotel Du Vin's afternoon tea cocktail and fizz menu! I was impressed by the consideration for people who aren't a huge fan of hot drinks and might fancy a boozy alternative. The menu itself was double sided, and featured everything from timeless classics like a Side Car or Negroni, to champagne based cocktails Kir Royale and Bellini. My personal choice for an afternoon tea if I wasn't on duty would certainly have been a Mimosa! Finally it would be wrong to not draw attention to their mocktail menu providing sophisticated soft drinks. From the mocktails to the gluten free and vegan menus, I was repeatedly impressed by the inclusive and accommodating nature of the hotel generally and specifically the afternoon tea. 

The afternoon tea selection in Brighton is certainly extensive, however after our visit to Hotel Du Vin I don't see a reason to look any further in future. Beautiful décor, delicious food and friendly service is what awaits any and all who take part in this experience and I'm looking forward to visiting again in the future.