With no plans for bank holiday Monday and back to school looming, we needed a treat to lift the spirits. Our family’s got a teen, a tween and a little one – and my mother in law was staying – so pleasing everyone isn’t always easy. One thing we can agree on, though, is that afternoon tea is always a good idea.
Arriving at Brighton Marina: Views and Vibes
We piled into the family wagon and headed to Brighton Marina on a typically unpredictable bank holiday, the breezy weather unable to make up its mind. After strolling past a parade of restaurants, we reached the Malmaison hotel and took the lift up to Chez Mal – its elevated position offering enviable views of the harbour.
A Warm Welcome and High Expectations
A warm welcome from the Malmaison team and our host Ibrahim set the tone. Spirits already improved, we settled at a large table, with reasonable expectations of some serious indulgence. Malmaison serves a ‘reimagined’ afternoon tea which stays true to tradition while adding some bold new twists.
Americana Savouries
The tea arrived on elegant tiers – contemporary in style, classic in structure – the bottom tier filled with savouries, the top reserved for the sweet selection.
Gone were the usual finger sandwiches. Instead, the savoury tier offered crowd-pleasers with an Americana influence. Flavoursome tuna tacos, dressed with guacamole, spring onion, soy, sesame and lime, brought crunch and freshness. Finger-licking buttermilk fried chicken came with steak sauce and roasted garlic aioli – instantly popular.
Richer snacks followed: a B&G slider topped with Ayrshire bacon and Gruyère, and a beef brisket bite. This afternoon tea meant business.
Mad Hatter-esque
The sweet tier delivered playful indulgence with a Mad Hatter-esque twist. A tiny (and very gourmet) “Fab Lolly” looked authentic but tasted divine. Light-as-air carrot opera cake layered up the loveliness, while a choc chip cookie dough sundae brought ‘happy days’ vibes. A silky vanilla crème brûlée cracked to perfection – so satisfying. We couldn’t agree on a clear winner, but hey, trying was fun.
Scones with a Sweet Surprise
Finally, the essential scones made an appearance – though these were sticky toffee flavoured – served with clotted cream and extra toffee sauce. We sipped hot tea at leisure, while the kids enjoyed refreshing lemonade.
A Perfect End to the Day
A perfect close to the long weekend, we skipped along the dock to soak up the last of the afternoon sun and enjoy a little yacht ‘shopping’. We’ll definitely be back for drinks and BBQ on the gorgeous terrace this summer.
