“Our walls tell a thousand stories, now come and write yours.” The Grand Brighton
My annual afternoon tea and catch up with my good friend Amanda looked in jeopardy this year but luckily we still got to enjoy our favourite British pastime at the famous, majestic Grand Hotel on Brighton seafront.
The multi-award winning Grand Afternoon Tea is a decadent affair that transports you to bygone era as you tuck into British classics. The two-hour ritual is served in the elegant Victoria Terrace & Lounge overlooking the famous Brighton promenade.
Guests can indulge in freshly made sandwiches, pastries, scones and bespoke cakes accompanied by an extensive choice of over thirty types of tea including the hotel’s own unique blends.
The glass fronted Victoria Terrace has undergone a colourful upgrade, a bright space with plush, forest green and mustard velvet seating offset by a vibrant botanical artwork on one wall. The delicate china embraces a nature theme adorned with birds and dragon flies in contrast to the heavy set traditional silver tea service. The reception area and lobby cocktail bar are charming, the recent multi-million pound makeover has retained the hotel’s rich history and its Victorian roots, a perfect blend of old and new. I also always love a welcome from a well dressed doorman to get an experience off to a great start.
Displayed on a three tiered platter, the tea menu offers a good selection of sweet and savoury options. Tasty mini goats cheese & spinach quiches to start followed by a selection of crustless sandwiches that included poached salmon, egg mayonnaise & cress and the classic cream cheese & cucumber (I ordered a vegetarian version which was very good). Delicious pastries created by executive head chef Alan White featured a white chocolate & hazelnut praline eclair and a mini lemon meringue tart as well as the more unusual orange & polenta cake. In all honestly we struggled to sample them all after eating all the scones, cream and jam. We boxed the remaining baked treats to take home.
The afternoon tea itself is very affordable, just £24.95 per person on weekdays and £29.99 from Friday to Sunday. Those looking to pimp up their experience can enjoy the Brighton G&Tea that offers local Brighton Gin and gin-themed goodies or indulge in Moët Moments Afternoon Tea with bubbles served from the vintage-style Champagne trolley. Those with a smaller appetite can try the Victoria Terrace Tea which offers only the scones and tea.
The Grand Brighton is the old dame of the city, a stately Victorian icon that sits in a fantastic location of the seafront. Since the ‘Palace By The Sea’ opened in 1864 it has welcomed thousands of visitors including royalty, celebrities and politicians, it has appeared on screen in TV and movies and survived a political bomb attack in the 80’s. It’s central location offers visitors the luxury of easily exploring local landmarks such as Brighton pier, Brighton beach, The Laines and i360 that are just a short stroll away. Whether you are an in-house guest or visiting Cyan restaurant renowned for its seafood and use of local produce, enjoying an afternoon tea or stopping by the bar for a drink you are ensured a warm welcome.
The Grand Brighton
Location: 97-99 King’s Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 224 300
E-mail: eat@grandbrighton.co.uk
Website: www.grandbrighton.co.uk
Time: Weekdays 2pm and 4pm, weekends 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Cost: Grand Afternoon Tea £24.95 (Monday to Thursday) and £29.95 (Friday to Sunday)
All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2020. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of www.grandbrighton.co.uk