A 70th Birthday Celebration Fit for a Queen (Of Cakes). Afternoon Tea in Glasgow West End – a perfect Mother’s Day treat.
When it comes to celebrating a milestone birthday, only the finest experience will do. So, when Louise Sylvester set out to mark her mum Linda’s 70th in style, she opted for Hotel Du Vin’s One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow. Joined by her sister Nicola, the trio indulged in a luxurious afternoon tea – a fitting tribute to a woman who knows a thing or two about great baking…
By Louise Sylvester
We were all really looking forward to our afternoon at One Devonshire Gardens. None of us had set foot inside the hotel previously, so we were keen to experience all that it had to offer. On arrival we didn’t have long to admire the stunning Victorian entrance as we were taken directly to our table. It was here that we were able to take in our surroundings. Understated elegance is the phrase that springs to mind. Some boutique hotels can seem garish in their décor choices; but the restaurant at One Devonshire felt refined – to use a Glasgow phrase ‘pure class’.
Bubbles Anyone?
Our Champagne glasses were promptly filled with precision pouring. We were asked to choose from an extensive tea menu (coffee is available for those not afraid to defy convention). My sister was delighted with her Bird & Blend Peppermint Tea. My mother, a devout decaf drinker, was even more delighted that she didn’t have to whip out her decaf teabag stash from her handbag.
We didn’t have to wait long for the main event. Two cake stands full of sumptuous looking delights were placed in front of us; this was when the real fun began. A carrot and coriander velouté amuse bouche set us off. A decadent selection of finger sandwiches with fillings such as smoked salmon, cheese savoury and ham and mustard got our taste buds flowing. These were accompanied by heartily-filled sausage rolls.
Top Tier Dining
Moving up a tier, we all agreed that the two scones per head was generous – these were full size scones and there was no way we were going to manage to eat both and still have room for the show-stopping top tier. The scones were utterly delicious, some of the best I have eaten, and comfortingly warm. Two of our party opted for true ‘Devonshire-style’ assembling, whilst the third performed an act of sacrilege by putting the jam on before the cream!
Stomachs decidedly full, it was time to move onto the dazzling top tier. We were treated to a trio of sweet treats that were just too good to relegate to a doggy bag (which was offered for the scones – without us having to ask, a nice touch). I particularly enjoyed the banoffee tart which brought back memories of the 90s when banoffee was a new recipe in my mum’s repertoire. There was also a decadent chocolate delice and a unique choux pastry that was light and moreish.
The Verdict
Mum is a retired home economics teacher and something of a star baker – although she is yet to surprise us all and turn up as a contestant on that well-known baking show. Regardless, she is the Mary Berry of our family and knows more than a thing or two about what makes a good scone, cake or pastry. So her opinion of One Devonshire’s Afternoon Tea counts. Suffice to say that if she were a certain famous TV judge, the chef would have earned a Hollywood handshake that day – there wasn’t a soggy bottom in sight!
Afternoon tea in Glasgow West End at Hotel Du Vin is the perfect way to treat your mum this Mother’s Day (30th March). Relax in the sophisticated surroundings while savouring finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and fluffy scones paired with your choice of tea or coffee. Adding to the ambiance, the talented pianist Alex Graham will provide a live musical performance, creating the perfect soundtrack for your afternoon. It’s the perfect way to show your love and appreciation.
Afternoon Tea at Hotel Du Vin – One Devonshire Gardens
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