Whilst having a lovely day browsing the shops of Covent Garden and briefly stopping to watch some of the very talented street performers on show, we headed off to our much anticipated musically inspired Afternoon Tea at  Middle Eight. The 5-star hotel is built upon the foundations of the iconic music, Kingsway Hall and only just a 5-minute walk from Covent Garden on Queens Street.

From the very minute we stepped through the lobby doors we were met with friendlly and attentive staff, which carried right through to our lunch. We were led to a table by the window where the manager gave us an overview of what is named the Covent Garden Crescendo, A symphony of sweets and sandwiches which are handcrafted by Clanny Rodrigues, their Head Pastry Chef.

We decided to indulge ourselves by choosing the option with bubbles, which was the perfect accompaniment for perusing the menu. There was a good variety of exotic teas to choose from, for me it had to be the fragrant tasting Jasmine Silver needle tea, and my guest the Lapsang suchong which was more full-bodied and smoky and paired lovely with the savoury snacks.

After advising our waiter of no allergies, the afternoon tea stand was brought out with each dish explained in great detail. The dainty sandwiches consisted of delicately tasting Coronation chicken, Grilled vegetables, Smoke salmon with cream cheese and some Middle Eight sausage rolls. Scones with clotted cream and jam came next  A great base before tucking into the selection of pastries and patisseries finished off with musical motifs made of icing. My favourite was the decadent hazelnut harmony; a chocolate topped éclair filled with hazelnut cream which was followed closely by the Blood Orange Opera, a citrus pannacotta with layers of jelly in a citrus sauce,  a great fresh finish in your mouth.

Overall a lovely experience with great flavours and excellent customer service, a place I will definitely revisit, although as I’m writing this my guest has beaten me to it and has already booked her next visit.

Address: 77 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5BX

Afternoon tea: £45pp/55pp with a glass of Prosecco

Website: www.middleeight.com

Written by Lorna Bryn

Photography courtesy of Middle Eight