Hendricks Afternoon Tea at Park Plaza, Cardiff

As a rule of thumb I tend to stick to a fairly healthy diet but I have to say I too am partial to a little afternoon indulgence every now and then so when Park Plaza asked me to come along and try out their Hendrick's Afternoon Tea with some other lovely local bloggers I was excited at the prospect of not only a little bit if baby free time (possibly the 3rd social activity minus kids in the last year) as well as cheeky cocktail and decadent treats. 

John and I have actually had the Hendrik's afternoon tea before but it was slightly different as we tried out the Gluten-free option which is possible with this tea. The Park Plaza is situated right in the heart of Cardiff but as soon as you go through the doors you leave the stress and manic atmosphere of the city and step into a calm, stylish and peaceful environment. The afternoon tea takes place in The Laguna Bar and before sitting down we had a chat over a delicious cocktail made up by one of their highly experienced bartenders.

Once we sat down at the table laid out with tier upon tier of finger sandwiches and cakes we were introduced to the Hendricks brand with a little history to this fairly new British Gin which is produced in minuscule batches in Ayrshire Scotland. I have to say that G&T is one of my favourite summertime drinks so as you can imagine the teapot filled with Hendricks Elderflower Collins went down a treat accompanied with some thick cucumber slices. 

On the first tier you have a selection of finger sandwiches including some locally source Severn & Wye smoked Salmon and Home Roasted Ham as well as two vegetarian options of Free Range egg mayonnaise and cress and cucumber, dill and cream cheese on a mix of white and wholemeal bread. Once the savouries are done you move onto the freshly baked warm sultana scones with cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve.

The third and final tier is by far the most indulgent with delicately handmade assortment of cakes and pastries. My favourites have to be the dainty French macaroons and Chocolate opera gateau which accompany the strawberry tart filled with champagne pastry cream and lime jelly topped with mint & cucumber Chantilly cream.

The whole experience feels a bit like a mad hatters tea party and adds a wonderful fun and more adult take on the standard afternoon tea especially with the Hendricks Elderflower Collins served in a special teapot and each tea cup having it's only individual quirky quote on the side plus after one or two cups you certainly will be feeling a little silly (in a good way) as well. This would be a perfect Valentines or even mothers day gift and is served daily in the Laguna Bar from 2:30-5:30 with what I think is a very reasonable price of £21.95 per person.