Gayle Ritchie checks out The Savoy Afternoon Tea experience at Fairmont St Andrews
Quaffing pink champagne, feasting on finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries…what better way to spend an afternoon?
One of the best places to enjoy such naughty treats is at Fairmont St Andrews and today marks the launch of its absolutely epic Savoy Afternoon Tea.
I was lucky enough to be invited along to the press launch yesterday, where six of us were more than happy to be guinea pigs for the session.
Modelled on the offering at the world-famous London Savoy Hotel – also a Fairmont-managed property – the arrival of The Savoy Afternoon Tea celebrates the multi-million-pound refurbishment of the five-star St Andrews hotel and the appointment of executive chef Frank Trepesch.
Stepping down into the airy atrium lounge, where the sumptuous teas are served, I knew I was in for something very special.
With its stunning views out to the North Sea, a 60m lighting sculpture reflecting the movement of the sea, fine china and bespoke interior design, the lounge is a fantastic place to while away the hours.
Admittedly, I’m no tea expert so when I was handed the lavish menu of fine, rare, scented, herbal, white, green, oolong and other teas, I didn’t have a clue where to begin.
Luckily, the staff are trained in all things tea, so I was glad when the waitress advised me to try the silver needle white tea, described as being light, delicate, fruity and underpinned by cucumber and melon freshness with a surprisingly velvety finish.
Once I’d enjoyed my glass of champagne, the tea was brought out in a gorgeous blue and white teapot, decorated with pink roses.
I let it infuse for just over three minutes and then poured myself a cup.Wow – refreshing!
Then, the moment I’d been waiting for – the sandwiches and scones. These were brought out by Frank himself and I wasted no time in getting stuck in.
Greed got the better of me and I sampled absolutely everything.
There were three types of sandwiches: Ayrshire ham with wholegrain mustard and apple chutney on wholemeal bread; coronation chicken in brioche rolls; classic egg salad with watercress on white bread; Scottish smoked salmon with herb cream cheese on malted brown bread and my favourite – mozzarella, beef tomato, pesto and balsamic glaze on herb and spinach bread.
Spinach bread? Green and absolutely amazing, believe me.
Then I guzzled on scones. With a choice of raisin or plain (or both), I slathered on clotted cream, strawberry preserve and homemade lemon curd like there was no tomorrow.
As I sat back and admired the ceiling sculpture, I discreetly undid one of my skirt’s buttons and allowed myself to breathe out.
However, there were more surprises in store. “Are you ready for your pastries and gateaux?” asked Frank.
Well not really, but I’d never say no to cake!
Brought out on a silver tray, these were a work of art. There was everything from citrus tarts to pistachio sponges, eclairs, strawberry tarts, chocolate cakes, victoria sponges and more.
I managed to stuff in two of these wonders and took away three in a cake box (no doggy bags here!).
Alas, I had to head back to work so I wasn’t able to explore the grounds of the hotel, take in the air and enjoy the panoramic cliff top views of St Andrews and the North Sea while burning off a few calories, but I’d recommend anyone who comes here to do so.
The Savoy Afternoon Tea experience was designed to draw on Fairmont St Andrews’ abundant regional larder and includes smoked salmon from the local smokehouse, St Andrews Bay lobster and Ayrshire ham.
A wide assortment of tea blends from across the world feature on the menu, including black, yellow, green and white teas, herbal infusions, flowering teas and a collection of rare teas.
In order to perfect the traditions and meet the exacting standards associated with taking tea, the team from St Andrews were trained at The Savoy.
Ludwig Hely, The Savoy’s executive pastry chef, shared his extensive knowledge and helped create the selection of bespoke pastries.
John Keating, general manager at Fairmont St Andrews, said: “Fairmont St Andrews is one of Scotland’s landmark hotels and it is fitting that we partner with another establishment renowned for its hospitality and luxury.
“We want our afternoon tea to stand out and we have gone to great lengths to create an experience that will live long in our guest’s memories.
“Afternoon Tea is a fantastic way to relax and enjoy family, friend and ‘me’ time. Add in beautiful homemade sandwiches, bakes and teas along with our extensive investment in interior design and it’s the recipe for a fantastic afternoon.”
Of course, I totally agree.
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Fairmont St Andrews Savoy Afternoon Tea experience is available from £25 per person and includes hand cut finger sandwiches, home baked scones, afternoon pastries and The Atrium Lounge signature cakes. Champagne Afternoon Tea is priced from £36 per person. www.fairmont.com
