Afternoon Tea at The Athenaeum Hotel, London

My English Afternoon Tea review for The Athenaeum Hotel in London.

It's situated right in front of Hyde Park and it's only walking distance from the stretch of painting sellers by the great big park of London.

In this case, we took a cab from Harrods to the hotel. Only a 10 mins ride.

We were looking forward to our first session of Afternoon Tea together. I love Afternoon Teas.

The service was excellent, though we were mostly served by European waiters who doesn't speak very good English.

I don't know why White people look down on Malaysians when we can read AND write the language pretty well. Well, this is a discussion for another day.

As soon as we were seated, they presented us with this Wooden Booklet (well, sort of..) of teas to choose from. They have every type of tea to choose from. From Chinese Jasmine Tea to the Japanese Green Tea to the Indian Chai Tea (I think..damn long ago I really can't remember) and also various Fruit Teas.

They have very traditional and out-of-date interior in the restaurant. But still obviously very English.


Strong rose motive everywhere.


Dressing for to the occasion. I was doing a Blaire that day.


Obviously I didn't take this picture. Shaky one.. The tea set stuff...

Poli and I.

Savoury Sandwiches. A few to choose from.

The English Tea Party!

It's not English Afternoon Tea without scones!

Kept warm in the cloth.

Cornish Clotted Cream.


Ooo..this is making me want some NOW!



We were at the basement as you can see!

Creme Brulee, Chocolate Cake and Banana Cake. English style of course (and that means, it's hard).


Various Tarts!




:)

The Athenaeum's high tea was so so only. But it was an enjoyable day out.

Barcelona Colourful Market - Literally!

So we hung out in Barcelona before going back to the UK and explored the place quite thoroughly this time!



Took the train to the City Center where we stopped at Catalunya or you could alternatively stop at Liceu. The high street is so long, before you finish a quarter of it you'll be dying for a drink.

And we went for good old Starbucks!

But that was a huge mistake. Well not really a mistake, but we could have gotten something even better!

Cos when we walk and walk and walk, and then....

We saw the market place!


I was like,"YAY!!!" A market place can really reflect a lot on the culture of a place.


Nuts and dried fruits are quite popular here. But there're something even better....

Fruit juices in various blends and it's so cheap as well! We seem to think that Spanish people got nice glowing skin because they eat loads of fruits and vegetables!

And they've definitely got a sweet tooth!


Stores like this are everywhere in the market place. Gummies.


Chuppa Chups bigger than my head.

Another highlight is the Marzipans. Which is so much cheaper than what we got in Italy.


We didn't buy more but I guess different price different quality? We paid 66 euros for two small boxes but apparently according to the locals in Florence, it's like the "branded" marzipans. So I guess, it's still worth it?

No la, not for us. It's just a gift to the family. Too sweet for my likings!

And Spanish people really know how to get businesses!

They placed a fork with every packet of fruits they sold so that it's convenient for tourists to have their fruits to quench their thirst while walking around.


Waxed meat and cheese!


Look at the market place, all fruits and sweets!


And then more waxed meat and cheeses!


This butcher placed cute moo moos for people to look at the brighter side of sloshing cows?

You can tell, every stall owner take pride in their stall and take the market business very seriously.

This is the egg stall. Damn nice right!


Market bar.


Passionfruit! God, they looked yummy!


And then fruits we are used to, papayas and dragon fruits!


Well, you're in Spain. Sangria is a must! If you don't wanna order it in restaurants when you're having a meal then just go ahead and order a cup of sangria here. You've got to try all the local stuff man! Even if you don't drink!


I took a picture of this cos I love mushrooms and they have different types!


Nostalgic.



Okay the lesson of this post is that, you should walk till you reached the market place which is somewhere in the middle of that long street before getting drinks.


Starbucks, not for holidays!