3 minute read
A Scottish Gin Tea
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.
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The setting was perfect, The Grand Tea Lounge at the luxury fivestar 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 we 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 egg mayonnaise wrap all a mouthwatering 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?
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Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Delicously sweet, featuring flavours of fresh berries, juicy cherries, red apples, and other subtler notes such as orange. Pairing perfectly with mild cheese like halloumi, as well as fruity sorbets and cheesecake £7.99, www.barefootwine.co.uk
Ridgeview Fitzrovia Rosė A delicate salmon colour with an abundance of fine bubbles. Chardonnay brings freshness and finesse, whilst the Pinots add the classic red fruits for which England is so acclaimed. A raspberry and redcurrant nose carries through to a fresh fruit-driven palate. £35, www.ridgeview.co.uk
Freixenet Italian Rose Presented in a striking cutglass bottle, Freixenet Italian Rosé blends superior quality with stunning beauty. A delicate blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes, carefully selected from the finest Italian vineyards. Light and effervescent, with notes of red berries and underlying hints of white flowers and apples. £12, Tesco
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