Afternoon Tea is by far my favourite grown up pastime so I was delighted to receive an invite to the launch of the Festive Afternoon Tea at the Hilton’s Level8skybar.

I’d already seen photos so I was excited anyway and then add to that the fact that I rarely get out without the children I was pretty much bouncing through the door!

Myself and others were welcomed by the management and handed a glass of prosecco which went down a bit too well for a Wednesday but I felt it my duty to experience everything and happily accepted a second glass when offered.



From the minute you walk in the door you feel like you are somewhere special, the décor is very elegant and the views of Bournemouth are just stunning.

Once everyone had the chance to have a little natter we were invited to view the cake stands and take our seats for tasting.  If you are a tea lover then you’ll be pleased with the choice which includes Classic Chai, Persian Earl Grey, Jasmine Pearls and Mao Feng Green Tea.  The loose leaf tea is supplied by The Gilded Teapot which is based in Dorchester. 
 
We were told how a Parisian pastry chef called Cedric had worked tirelessly to create the new menu and put his own little spin on the delicacies on offer. 

First impressions were that this was no normal Afternoon Tea.  I love all things Christmassy and couldn’t wait to see how they had incorporated this into the sweet treats.  Of course it would have been a bit boring to have 4 mince pies so I was delighted with the balance and variety.



Before we sat down I had perused the menu and was a little confused about the ratatouille finger sandwich but surprisingly it turned out to be my favourite filling.  Of course the roast beef and horseradish, smoked salmon and cream cheese and turkey cranberry sandwiches were all very tasty too but I do like to try something original now and again.  



Next was my favourite part and I started with the beautifully decorated and colourful meringue with fresh cream and fruit followed by the chocolate orange dome, apple and raisin tart gourmand and Christmas pudding and redcurrant verrine.

 

All were divine but I think the verrine had to be my favourite.  There was a sweet boozy layer of Christmas pudding in the bottom with a layer of vanilla mascarpone cream topped with a sugarless redcurrant jam.  Every mouthful was like Christmas in a jar!



Of course, you can’t forget the traditional scone and we had the choice of good old plain or cranberry.  Smother them with the clotted cream and ‘From Dorset with Love’ strawberry jam or lemon curd and you’re onto a winner!



Although I am a huge tea drinker I had opted out on this occasion simply down to the fact that I wasn’t driving and the processo tasted too good.  I was assured by others on my table though that it was very good.

So my conclusion on the Level8skybar festive afternoon tea is that it’s the best I’ve ever had!  So much so that I have heavily hinted to my husband to take me back and if I don’t get there before it finishes in January then I’ll be back in the summer to try their non festive version.

Good to know……

Everything on the festive afternoon tea is homemade with ingredients sourced locally.

Prices start from £18 per person but of course if you are celebrating a special occasion you are able to upgrade and include a glass of champagne or prosecco.

Booking in advance is highly recommended.

If you are not a tea drinker then you may opt for coffee or hot chocolate instead, perfect for those cold wintry days.

Please note – Dorsetmums was invited to review the festive afternoon tea however all words are my own.

Did you know there's a beautifully chic hotel in Bournemouth which hosts an unforgettable chocolate buffet? 

The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel started the ‘eat as much as you can enjoy’ buffet in 2017 and it’s certainly been a popular event.  Chocolatier Gerry Wilton is the creator and he clearly shows his expertise and passion in the wonderful array of chocolate delights that are on show.



I invited a friend who is a former chocolatier and pastry chef and we spent a very relaxing 90 minutes enjoying many of the sweet treats on offer.

When we arrived we were greeted by friendly and welcoming staff and as we were a little early we went straight to the bar for drinks.  I was tempted to go for something boozy like my friend but I was a good girl and had a nice pot of tea instead.

When you walk in the chocolate room the smell literally makes you giddy and you can’t help but take a big deep breathe to savour it.  Visually the presentation in the room is stunning with the centre piece being the chocolate fountains, one with flowing Belgium milk chocolate and the other with white chocolate and under the fountains are bowls of fresh fruit, marshmallows and choux buns with fresh cream all ready and waiting to be dipped.

We saw huge martini glasses filled with little chocolates (I made a mental note not to go near them in case I clumsily knocked one over) and there were plenty of plates displaying all sorts of handmade mousses, cheesecakes, biscuits, truffles and brownies.  As if that wasn’t enough, there was also a crepe and waffle station with a chef ready and waiting to serve you a hot dessert with warm melted chocolate sauce.



We took our seats and cleverly discussed our tactics of sharing so we could maximise the chances of tasting everything haha.  The tables were named and each had a big jug of fresh water with cucumber, mint and lemon ready for us to cleanse our palette if we wished.

I went straight for a piece of chocolate brownie, chocolate fudge cake, a chocolate and honey cup which oozed delicious honey when bit into, a white chocolate and raspberry mousse and a piece of white chocolate millionaires shortbread.  I love that everything is in tiny portions and after slowly nibbling our way through and sharing our favourites we sat back and enjoyed our drinks before heading back up for more. 



Second time round my friend went for a waffle with fresh fruit and chocolate sauce while I had an almond and coconut truffle and a delicious sponge and pumpkin seed chocolate lolly.



Strawberries dipped in chocolate are by far one of my favourite sweet treats and I saved the best till last thinking the fruit would somehow counteract the previous sugar intake.  Cream filled choux buns are another weakness of mine so they went straight in the milk chocolate fountain which ended our visit perfectly. 

So, if you enjoy trying lots of different sweet chocolate treats then I can thoroughly recommend a trip to the Cottonwood Boutique Hotel with family or friends.

At the end I asked my friend what she thought of her visit and she said “It’s a lovely atmospheric setting with a gloriously retro decor, sumptuous pink wallpaper and golden pineapples galore.  Tables were laid out with exuberant centrepieces, decadent petit four sized goodies with something to tempt everyone.  I enjoyed mousses, silky cheesecakes, expertly tempered chocolate shards, biscuits, filled chocolates and smooth ganache truffles which were made with high quality callebaut Belgian chocolate.  Really friendly staff and excellent service.  Thoroughly enjoyable.”

Good to know

The event is child friendly so don’t feel like you have to leave the little one’s at home.  A reduced price is available for children and they have baby changing facilities too.

The bar serves a full range of alcoholic and soft drinks plus hot teas and coffees.

Groups of chocolate lovers are welcomed and the event would be especially suited for a baby shower or special birthday celebration.

UPDATED 2023

There are no more planned chocolate buffet events at The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel however if this changes we'll share the booking details.

Please note - Dorsetmums was invited by the Cottonwood Boutique Hotel for the purpose of a review however all views are my own.