The Wolseley: afternoon tea with the family

After a brilliant day out with my Mum and Sister at Buckingham Palace, visiting the State Rooms, we looked forward to a spot of afternoon tea. Having read some brilliant reviews we decided to book a table at The Wolseley, in Mayfair. We arrived a little early for our booking, so treated ourselves to a Champagne Bellini in the cosy bar area.

The Wolseley is a café-restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Booking is recommended - we booked a few weeks in advance - but some tables are available for walk-in customers.

Once seated, we had a moment to take in the impressive Grade II Listed Building. The café-restaurant is open plan creating a noisy yet brilliant atmosphere. There is also a private dining area upstairs which looked to seat around 15 people.

Having enjoyed our champagne bellinin’s, alot, we decided to continue in style. We ordered the Champagne Afternoon Tea (£32.00 per person). The traditional finger sandwiches, scones and a delicious selection of pastries sounded too good to miss out on.

Our Champagne Tea included:

• one glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV champagne
• a selection of teas
• an assortment of finger sandwiches
• two fruit scones with home made strawberry jam and clotted cream

For me, the sandwiches were a highlight. Along with the traditional cucumber, egg and cress, and salmon and cream cheese fillings, we were also served chicken and pesto, and a celery, cheese and chive filling on tomato bread. The sandwiches were so scrummy, we couldn't resist asking for more.

After our second plate of sandwiches we moved onto the warm fruit scones. You can never go wrong with scones, jam and cream.

Our selection of pastries and cakes were also delicious, but by this point we were struggling to fit anymore in! The selection included mini battenberg, coffee eclairs, cheesecake, chocolate and coffee torte with gold leaf, mini victoria sponge and a raspberry and custard tart.

Overall, The Wolseley is a great place for afternoon tea and I hope to return soon to sample their breakfast, lunch or dinner menu.