If 2017 has taught me anything, it’s that I really can’t be trusted around a full packet of caramel Digestive biscuits but also that my pops and I have become quite the afternoon tea aficionados. It all started with a little afternoon tea anarchy at the Malmaison hotel in Liverpool (with a little bit of Panoramic34 in between) so it was lovely to be invited back there last week to sample the fabulous Festive Afternoon Tea.
As the name suggests, the Festive Afternoon Tea is a seasonal adaptation of the standard offering but still similar in format which I was pleased about. Brought to the table on an industrial-chic, slate modification of a traditional cake stand was two layers of unadulterated, Christmas bliss complete with flute of fizz. The lower deck was a display of savoury morsels, all with a Yule Tide twist that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside before they’d even crossed my lips.
Included was a Turkey, Cranberry & Stuffing Wrap, a Pig in Blanket Brioche and a Mini Mal Slider. Coincidentally, I’d have to rank them in the very order I just recited them as the wrap was delicious but my iddy biddy baby burger was a tad on the dehydrated side this time unfortunately. I was a huge fan of the cranberry sauce spread on the soft, golden brioche that cradled a mini bacon-wrapped Cumberland sausage like baby Jesus in the manger!
The upper tier played host to a selection of sweet treats, each with a punch of seasonal attitude that not even the Grinch or Ebeneezer Scrooge could resist. In no particular order was: a pint-sized Sherry Trifle, bitesize chunks of Christmas Cake, mini Mince Pies, a slice of rich Chocolate Yule Log and a duo of adorable little Gingerbread Biscuits. My star of this show took me by surprise as it’s not usually my taste but the Sherry Trifle was knockout with it’s luxurious layer of custard and sprinkling of white chocolate curls. (We were also treated to a couple of classic fruit scones but we took these home in our Mal 2 Go bags as we were full to the brim!)
As I said in my recent review of the Old Rathbone, there is a holy trinity when it comes to restaurant experiences in my opinion which places the edibles alongside your surroundings and the staff. These guys have got all three covered and I can honestly say our appointment with some Festive Afternoon Tea felt like a home from home. Music, singing, dancing and stunning Christmas decor meant the cosy factor was off the Richter scale and lead to us not leaving our table for two until we’d drained our teapots at least three times.
So a big fat festive thank you to the lovely lot at Liverpool Malmaison for having us again and for their wonderful hospitality (as always) – and in the words of Arnie, I’ll be back.
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