There are few buildings more grand than London’s Royal Albert Hall and when I think of it, concert venue is the first purpose that springs to my mind.

When I was invited for afternoon tea there, I was somewhat surprised – I genuinely didn’t think it would have more than a perfunctory cafe. How wrong I was!

I spent an afternoon to remember there for Mother’s Day with my wee mum, one she got to tick off her bucket list and where I fell in love with the R.A.H.

We were kindly invited on a pre-tea backstage tour which I was looking forward to more for my mum than myself but by the end, I was hooked. Steeped in history, sentiment and grandeur, it is now my burning wish to attend a concert or performance of some kind. To feel the adrenalin, the atmosphere and the majestic splendour of this grandiose venue.

Our host took us through the history in such engaging fashion. We heard tales of how Princess Diana used to come and watch events as a child, with her future husband just a few boxes away, where her two beautiful children now regularly sit.

Learning how the entire building was funded, how Queen Victoria ensured her beloved late husband’s legacy would never be forgotten and sitting on the very seats that the Royals do in their private room before they head into their family box – it was a right Royal day out.

Once our tour was finished, we were directed upstairs to the restaurant where we were treated to a darling afternoon tea.

You know how sweet my tooth is peeps, so I was in seventh heaven! I’ve been for afternoon tea in the swankiest of places over the years and usually, the fancier the venue, the more of a disappointment it is! So it is always a gamble to see how it will pan out.

I can honestly say this was one of the good ‘uns! A definite treat you need to add to your wish list!

Our cakestand consisted of the most quintessentially English sandwiches and clever cucumber garnish.

Each finger sandwich more delectable than the one before, we devoured the lot, no rejects!

A scrumptious selection consisting of cucumber, cream cheese and mint, smoked salmon, creme friache and balsamic caviar, egg and cress crepe wrap and British honey roast ham, mustard and rocket (my personal favourite!), we couldn’t have asked for more.

 

 

We greedily moved on to the traditional afternoon tea staple, the scone with clotted cream and jam. I built my stack eagerly and the end result was the scone of scones!

Our third tier consisted of a plethora of sweet treats which were so Instagramable it hurt!

 

 

The most darling carrot cupcake I have EVER seen bar none, (see actual fondant cute carrot) plus the frame of a curtain of cakes with varying degrees of hand crafted excellence.

Crunchy salted caramel dark chocolate mousse, White chocolate, mint and rum macaroon, Mango, passion fruit and Jivara eclair, Strawberry and rhubarb custard tart and finally Raspberry almond cake with tonka bean meringue.

 

 

So as if that wasn’t enough, we had bottomless tea from the East India Company and optional crisp and delicious Moet & Chandon Champagne – it nearly killed me not to have some but as it was Sunday I was parked right outside!

I must say, I was super impressed. My mum and I had a truly wonderful day and couldn’t have felt more regal.

If you’d like to book afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall, click here and enjoy!