Afternoon Tea in Style at iconic Malmaison

What else could make you feel better than indulging a luxury Gin Afternoon Tea in a stylish boutique hotel like Malmaison - One of the World’s Leading award-winning Hotel Residences and Boutique Lifestyle Hotel!?

A little bit of history …

The origins of afternoon tea can be traced back to the early 1800s when Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, annoyed by hunger caused by long breaks between dinner and supper asked cooks to prepare some sandwiches for her to have with a cup of tea in the afternoon. Since then the ceremony got adopted, it became a long-standing British tradition and today it is a must-try upon a visit to Britain.

Source: Afternoon Tea at the Lilac Garden

And, of course, I, who have eaten Fish & Chips, had a Roast Dinner on Sundays, Kept calm and Carried on, could not miss on the opportunity to experience an Afternoon Tea to feel truly British!

While browsing afternoon tea deals on Itison I have spotted a place that I have been dying to visit!
The name of the place was the Malmaison Boutique Hotel, perfectly located on George Street just around the corner from Glasgow Central Train Station and famous for its high-quality delicious food prepared by Michelin starred chef Martin Wishart.

Previously, I heard a lot of positive comments about the place and knew that the hotel was built in the refurbished Greek Orthodox Church, which made me eager to visit it. Four-star hotel Malmaison was offering Hendrick’s Gin afternoon tea. Feeling very excited I have purchased the voucher for me and my friend without a second thought.

Here’s what happened next…

After entering through the main reception the spiral stair took us downstairs to Chez Mal Bar with impressive towering beer barrel wall. The décor of the hotel, taking its origins from the refurbished Orthodox Greek Church, contributed to its extraordinary style. Upon arrival, we were seated in the lounge beside the bar on cosy blue super-soft armchairs and got offered a Hendrick's Gin teapot. 

Not long after, the food was served on a two-tier afternoon tea stand. It was not a traditional afternoon tea with regular sandwiches and sweets, it turned out to be even better! The top plate was covered with a selection of sweet treats like lemon meringue cupcake, dark chocolate mousse, salted caramel banoffee tart, and a strawberry milkshake. The bottom tray had savoury delights like a coronation chicken & turmeric wrap and oak-smoked salmon, cucumber & cream cheese on dark rye and a mini beef cheeseburger. And on top of that freshly baked scones with clotted cream & strawberry jam were served on a separate plate.

The result…

We could not fault a thing! The service was smooth and professional, the food was splendid, especially the scones. We even struggled to finish it all! Easy-drinkable Gin teapot had a nice fruity taste and turned out to be a perfect addition to a traditional afternoon tea. Another best part - coffees, which were part of the deal, were so smooth and delicious.

Pleasantly satisfied and super relaxed me and my friend hardly managed to get ourselves off the cosy couches and make our way up that spiral stair…

Here's the trick, by using the voucher at the price of £34 (£17.00 each) we have saved over £26.00 as opposed to paying the full price.

Sounds good to be true, doesn't it?

Useful links:

Malmaison: Malmaison Glasgow

Itison Afternoon Tea Deals: Afternoon Tea deals in Glasgow

Itison Malmaison Afternoon Tea: Hendrick's Gin Afternoon Tea