Review: Festive Afternoon Tea at The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe at Harrods

by Nadia Ismail

Afternoon Tea at The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe | Harrods

Harrods is one of London’s most iconic locations, so where better to indulge in the Greatest British tradition of Afternoon Tea?

Whilst the department store is renowned for their extensive retail selection, what is lesser known is that it also home to no less than twenty-two restaurants and eateries – two of which serve Afternoon Tea.

The Tiffany Blue Box Café is an elegant, contemporary space, adorned with the classic shade of blue synonymous with the brand. The limited-edition pop-up restaurant does not only serve ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’ but allows you to embrace your inner Holly Golightly with a Tiffany Tea.

We experienced the festive version, with seasonal additions such a poached ballotine of bronze turkey with cranberry relish, a chocolate yule log and a Christmas cherry and pistachio piece.

Afternoon Tea typically begins with a serving of finger sandwiches, but an additional amuse course is served consisting of a warm gruyere and truffle beignet. The cheese fondue melts beautifully and is served in a Tiffany tin further reflecting the elegant theme.

A truly delicious squash, brown butter and sage quiche is served alongside dainty finger sandwiches, including the quintessential cucumber and smoked salmon flavours, but not as you would imagine. The cucumber is coated in a goat’s curd and seasoned with mint which adds flavour without being overpowering.

The salmon is not your standard smoked sandwich. It is created into a mousse, filling a rectangular choux, covered with a cream cheese piped topping and finished with caviar – spectacular!

We were kindly offered another round of sandwiches and whilst this was hard to refuse, we wanted to ensure we didn’t fill up on savouries before indulging on the sweets!

The scones are served warm with a plain and fruit option and are accompanied with clotted cream and a variety of seasonal preserves.

The top tier of the three-tiered stand is home to four patisserie pieces that have had a Festive makeover. The classic Tiffany Blue Egg is filled with an eggnog spiced Chantilly crème placed upon a biscuit crumb base, adding texture to the soft custard centre.

The Paris-Brest appears somewhat simple at first, but upon indulging the hazelnut praline crème diplomate and pure praline paste fill the choux bun with a delightfully intense nutty flavour. The craquelin adds a sweetness and crunch to the soft pastry below.

The Christmas Gift is layered with pistachio mousse upon a tart cherry jam and a soft pistachio nutty sponge, encased in a red shell and adorned with a chocolate bow.

Finally, the Yule Log: a rich chocolatey piece, covered in an indulgent chocolate ganache. A vanilla Chantilly centre cuts through the decadent chocolate which has a unique crispy centre, consisting of caramelised white chocolate pearls.

The whole affair eluded elegance and transports you to the glamourous New York location and is an unmissable experience. For those with younger diners in accompaniment, a children’s Afternoon Tea menu is also available consisting of treats that even the pickiest of eaters wouldn’t be able to resist!

Fruits and healthier options feature heavily, which are disguised in delightful desserts such as an apple and mango jelly filled with berries, a pear, spinach and kiwi smoothie and a frozen fruit popsicle. For those with a sweeter tooth, a chocolate bear cupcake and hot chocolate is also served making it the perfect treat for both young and older alike!

Please note that only the Festive Afternoon Tea will be served from 2nd November 2022 to 4th January 2023 from £72 per person. The tradition Tiffany Afternoon Tea is served from 1pm to 7pm every day (last seating 5:15pm) Find more details and book here.

Free Online Booking

Nadia Ismail

Nadia is a Londoner and dessert advocate. Passionate about showcasing the beauty within food and the memories they can evoke, she shares her sweet adventures on her Instagram page @southbankfoodie

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