If there's one hotel in South Wales that always puts me in the christmas spirit then it's the celtic manor. We adore the hotel and we have stayed there on wedding anniversaries. It's become a bit of a christmas tradition for us to have their festive afternoon tea every year. The hotel is always fantastically decorated and it feels cozy, warm and homely.
I love going for afternoon tea and I've tried lots of them in South Wales. I always find the ones at the Celtic Manor to be far more superior than anywhere else and very good value for money. I was delighted to receive a voucher at a blogging event to try out the christmas afternoon tea they had on offer this year.
Then came the first round of food which was savoury treats presented in a picnic style basket. There were 4 different things and each were very different but the flavours all complimented each other very well. My favourite from that selection was the crayfish, mango and chilli bilini. I've never tried that flavour combination before but it was light and very refreshing. I was surprised it was included in the festive selection as I felt it was more of a summery appetiser. This didn't bother me though as I could have eaten about 10 of them, they were that satisfying.
The next installment was what you would normally expect to see at an afternoon tea. We were served finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries on a 3 tiered stand.
There were 4 different sandwiches which were all very nice. There was turkey and cranberry, smoked salmon, cucumber and egg mayo. I would have liked to have seen some more winter flavours with perhaps stuffing and cheese and chutney etc.
The cakes and pastries all looked lovely. There were 6 each, so there was a lot to feast on. Even though I enjoyed them, I felt like I needed something sweeter. I felt like I was missing something extremely chocolaty. The selection was very filling. I had to ask for a box to take some of them home as I couldn't finish them and I knew we had more to come.
Finally, we were given freshly baked scones. I loved the way they were presented in cute baskets. You could smell them before they reached the table. They were warm, the perfect texture and above all delicious.
I really enjoyed this tea, so much so that I went back again with my mum and daughters. I think it's fantastic value for money as it's so much food. In fact, it may be a bit too much food but as I mentioned earlier, you can take it home. I can't recommend the afternoon tea at The Celtic Manor enough. It always seems better than anywhere else I have it.
There is still time to enjoy the christmas afternoon tea. It's available from 1pm - 3.30pm and costs £26 per person during the week and £36 on the weekend. There is also a 50% reduction on the price for any children wanting to enjoy the tea.
Have you been to the Celtic Manor before?
Sounds lovely! I went to the Celtic Manor not long ago to see Santa with our girls. Was the first time I've been there and it's a lovely place x
ReplyDeleteI love afternoon tea, it's a really special afternoon. I usually go in London but if I'm ever in South Wales I will treat myself to afternoon tea at the celtic Manor x
ReplyDeleteI like my afternoon tea. I've never had it at the Celtic Manor though. I really like the sound of their christmas tea x
ReplyDeleteOoh this sounds lovely, I might give it a try some time if I'm over that way. That's a pretty good price too, I am also a huge fan of afternoon tea.x
ReplyDeleteWe have driven past a few times and always comment that we would like to visit - hopefully we will in 2016 as it looks amazing
ReplyDeleteWow this sounds gorgeous, you've made me very hungry ;) this looks like a lovely way to spend an afternoon x
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely! Such a treat to have an afternoon tea somewhere as lovely as that xxx
ReplyDeleteThe photos look scrummy! I love the Celtic Manor. I could do with a cheeky little spa day there soon I think! We should hold a bloggers spa day there! How lush would that be?!
ReplyDeleteThis looks gorgeous! I love how the food is presented in baskets- so quaint! I imagine there are good veggie choices too. I'll have to treat my mum next year x
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing I'm going there in the New Year. Now I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good - I have never been to The Celtic Manor but often wonder what it is like. I must visit this year! Kaz x
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