Sparkling Afternoon Tea for Two at Palm Court Pavillion

Received a voucher for the deluxe afternoon tea for 2 for my birthday from my lovely colleagues. Took a friend to enjoy it with. We had a prosecco each, a lovely big teapot for both of us and gorgeous food: sandwiches, a very tasty veggie quiche slice and a sausage roll. The scone and cakes were also delicious, but we couldn't manage it all, so took some home in the boxes provided. Definitely recommend!

Got a gift voucher for Christmas, it was very generous from a relative I rarely see. Went online to look at what is available, and really wanted to maximise the gifts value, however it is difficult to do this as anything under the gift’s monetary value is ‘included in the gift’. With a few options to top up where an experience is more than the value. So if you have a £200 experience vouchers/gift. You can only use it once, so a £50 afternoon tea costs all of the voucher. It also isn’t clear about where this surplus goes. Can’t help but feel this business model exploits a gifts generosity, and the people receiving it. I am now worried I have not made the best use of the gift I was given, but have just added to a corporate dividend. Pretty sure any surplus from the gift account won’t be passed onto the service providers giving the experiences. The site and booking was easy to use, and well laid out.

Gave 4 stars because we felt that the balance of the food was wrong. We had 3 finger sandwiches each plus a sausage roll and a slice of quiche each and then 5 cakes each. We ended up having to take cakes home as we couldn't eat it all. We also noted 3 other couples taking their cakes home. We enjoyed what we had and the staff were friendly and helpful. Just the ratio of food. More sandwiches less cakes.

Afternoon tea was amazing. Served in a pretty outdoor tented area. Really tasty food and so much we even got to take a few bits home in a bag ! Selection of 3 finger sandwiches each, quiche, sausage rolls. Cream and jam scones and then a whole tier of assorted cakes, macaroons and lemon dessert. Started with a lovely cold glass of prosecco we decided to buy a bottle to enjoy too. Too full for tea or coffee. Everything was served on cute traditional china cups and plates. The staff were so friendly and attentive. Highly recommend this treat and would definitely go again.