Two of my favourite pastimes,Afternoon Tea and Hendricks Gin, so when the two are paired together for a speciality afternoon tea it seemed only right that I should go along and experience it for myself.
The setting was perfect, The Grand Tea Lounge at the luxury five-star Trump Turnberry set in an 800-acre estate on the Ayrshire coast. Reminiscent of a bygone age offering spectacular coastal views towards the Isle of Arran.
Sitting at our window table, surrounded by opulent interiors it was like a scene from an Agatha Christie classic, the atmosphere was relaxed and there was a gently buzz as other diners spent time with their family and friends.
The Hendrick’s Gin Afternoon Tea, is a real treat. There’s no selection of tea here, you choose from a Tea Presse of either ‘Hendrick’s, English Breakfast Tea, Elderflower, Apple & Lemon or ‘Hendrick’s, English Breakfast Tea, Mint and Cucumber – a difficult decision so between us hubbie and I chose both.
Served in a Hendrick’s Gin teapot with a Hendrick’s gin teacup and saucer, that I so wanted to take home – both the presse’s were refreshingly easy to drink (I had to remind myself there was alcohol in them) but if I had to choose a favourite it would have to be the one with mint and cucumber.
Next came the three-tiered stand containing a mouth-watering array of goodies, chicken and ham bun, smoked salmon and cream cheese open sandwich, prawn cocktail brioche, pastrami, cheese and green pickles on French stick, red sweet onion and goats cheese mini tart and an egg mayonnaise wrap all a mouth-watering treat of different tastes and textures.
A sweet selection that would satisfy anyone followed, especially the fresh, soft delicious carrot cake (my favourite) and strawberry tartlets that just melted in the mouth. Before devouring all the cakes, a mental note had me making sure to save space for the scones, (no afternoon tea is complete without them) still warm, the homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream was an absolute treat, even if I felt my clothes were going to burst, and if you have got a little room left the savoury or sweet delights are topped up until you can’t eat anymore!
Although it was a winter’s day, the sun was trying to peek out from behind the clouds creating a magical ambience to the whole experience, and did I mention the bagpipes? – Well a Scottish experience wouldn’t be complete without a Scotsman in a kilt entertaining us with his bagpipes would it?
Hendrick’s Afternoon Tea is priced at £44 per person, for more details or to book, visit www.trumphotels.com/turnberry
