As I was recently awarded Best Newcomer and Best Personal Blog at the Blog Awards Ireland so Mr. FFID booked an afternoon tea at the Westin to celebrate. I've always wanted to try their 'Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea' and was very excited about it.
Afternoon tea in the Westin take place from Sunday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 1pm to 6pm in the Atrium Lounge. Make sure you book it in advance as we saw plenty of people showing up and asking for a table but the place was fully booked. They looked so sad, especially after glancing at our food.
The Atrium Lounge is very bright due to its high glass ceiling and we could see the blue sky through it when we arrived.
The room is elegant and cosy at the same time, with some tables having big comfy sofas and arm chairs.
You can chose between 2 types of afternoon tea: the traditional for €26 (€32 with a glass of prosecco, €42 with a glass of champagne) or the most peculiar for €26.
First, we were brought our drinks. Not tea, but a Victorian Mojito made with Hendrick's gin, mint, lime and freshly pressed apple juice. Don't mind if I do.
Then, our three-tier stands were brought to us by a lovely waitress, all the little goodies were placed on slated trays.
At first sight, it doesn't seem like there is much food as everything is quite small but believe me we didn't leave hungry.
Thee prawn cocktail was originally presented in a charcoal cone. The black olive, tomato tapenade and goats cheese dipper didn't disappoint.
There was also some oak smoked Irish salmon with caviar and cream cheese on a blini and a spiced roast beef, spinach, red onion and horseradish wrap (they call it 'involtine'). The savoury tray delivered a nice variety of texture and flavours.
For me the most delicious part of the tea was the middle tray. The warm, soft and moist banana and walnut bread was absolutely scrumptious and I have never been thrilled by banana bread.
It was even better with a good splash of honey and cinnamon butter on it, so indulgent!
We had to have a little break after two slices of banana bread each, they were quite filling. While Mr. FFID read the paper I made myself at home on the sofa, it was so snug I wanted to lie down on it and take a little nap.
But then it was time for some sweet stuff from the bottom tray. The look of the little desserts didn't really impress and it could have done with a bit more colour or sophistication, but maybe that's just me being French.
I didn't get much flavour from the tarragon cookie with white chocolate and lime ganache, I thought it was a bit dry and would have been better with tea or coffee rather than with the cocktail.
The almond and redcurrant frangipane tart was excellent though.
The popping vanilla marshmallows were amusing and an original touch.
The rich chocolate and caramel sea salt brownie was very decadent and melt in the mouth, a winner.
Finally, I loved the popcorn panacotta with toffee popcorn crumble on top served in the cutest little jar.
The Most Peculiar tea was such a delightful experience, we both enjoyed very much. It's good value as it includes an excellent cocktail, we got about 3 tea cups each from the tea pot which was enough to get me a little giggly (Mr. FFID called it tipsy...ahem). The food was a great change from the usual finger sandwiches and scones you get elsewhere and the service was excellent. It's definitely something to consider to make that 'most peculiar' person in your life feel special.
The Westin
35-39 Westmoreland St
Dublin
