Initial impression, totally underwhelmed. My vision of a 5 star entrance is obviously different to their minimalist style. I am of the old school where everything is plush, dark and opulent. This is my own personal taste, I am sure many are impressed. The greeting was non-existent and we had to go and look for our table. The setting was lovely, a table by the window overlooking the bay ...
My only criticism was that some of the outside tables had not been cleared and looked a bit scruffy, am I being too picky? It was pouring with rain, but I expect to see clean tables at this level of service. Our server was marvellous explaining the overwhelming array of teas on offer from the Novus loose tea range. We chose to mark the event with a glass of Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut and so, let the gluttony commence ...
The savoury/sweet balance swung well towards the sweet. Considering the origin of afternoon tea and the Duchess of Bedford's desire for an afternoon snack I am always left feeling, wherever the venue, that a bit more savoury would not go amiss. As nice as the sandwiches were, there were just not enough and so tiny it made us feel like we had mutant giant hands. It was a creamfest, every item containing fresh cream which doesn't do John's lactose intolerance any favours, but he knows the score and laughs in the face of danger, scoffing along with the rest of us cream tolerant pigs!Score: I give the St. David's a 7 out of 10. The cakes felt a bit shop bought leaving us in doubt as to whether they are produced in-house. The mis-matched china was delightful, the service excellent and the venue pleasant. I did like that they offered a box to take away leftovers. In conclusion, been there, tried it, moving on. Cost, £52 for two.
Nice lighting ...
If you would like to see any of my other afternoon tea reviews, click on the captions below the photos...
 |
| Afternoon Tea 1 - Holm House |
 |
| Afternoon Tea 2 - Celtic Manor |
 |
| Afternoon Tea 3 - Park House |
Oh that tea sounds so good...I know...calorie over load. I bet they were clearing tables and the rain started down...hahahahaha..no excusses. I'd love to taste the little sandwiches, too.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
DeleteI should have just smeared the cakes all over my thighs and hips cos that's where they will end up going :-)
Di
X
Hi Di!
ReplyDeleteYet another fabulous array of my favorite things, sweets and champagne oh and the tea too!
It looks like you had a wonderful time! How could you not with all of those delicious morsels.
Hope the sun is still shining and you are enjoying the Olympic festivities.
Have you checked out Lovely CLusters? Great place to showcase your etsy store.
Take care, xxoo Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
DeleteIt's one of my favourite indulgences, but I have to confess, they all just seem to melt into one as once you have had one afternoon tea, not much surprises you. I hear there is a new artistic movement in afternoon tea happening in London. They are making it an art form. I will try and find a link for you.
It has now been raining for 3 days off and on, but not affecting the Olympics which I have been glued to. Loving every moment, you?
Di
X
Hello Dianne:
ReplyDeleteSomething of a disappointment, we suspect, and that is such a pity. As for uncleared tables, there is no excuse at all [something about which we complained at the far lowlier Peter Jones]. The cakes do, we feel, have a rather mass produced appearance but all is made up for by the wonderful picture of, we assume, Meg.
Hello Jane and Lance,
DeleteI do have to say, overall I was a little disappointed. But there we are, we can cross it off the list of experiences. Yes, that is Meg, and thank you!
Di
xx
I'm sorry to be SO generalistic but I really think modern hotels do crap Afternoon Tea- I feel they seem to miss the point completely.
ReplyDeletethe real art to Afternoon Tea is that it should feel naughty-but-nice at a time when you ought not really to be eating...especially calorie laden morsels of utter delight!
Afternoon Tea needs an atmosphere of total indulgence which minimalist interiors don't quite give you do they? (as much as we might admire them from afar).
Afternoon Tea means service (exquisite tea service and attentive waitress service) of the highest calibre, and a table laid with linens of the frothiest frothiness imaginable!
English Afdternoon Tea is every bit as ritualistic as the Japanese tea ceremony, and you're SOOOO right, savoury sandwiches are an absolute MUST!
Ted and Bunny,
DeleteYou have hit the nail on the head. I have yet to experience the total indulgence you describe. I am always left feeling a little let down. However, I will continue my quest for the perfect experience. The only one so far which came close was the Celtic Manor. I am planning on the Dorchester in London next. Let's see what they can deliver :-)
Di
xxxxx
It all looks rather super to me. Sad that it rained. I do agree that I like the old style Hotels, and someone who shows you to your table.. especially when its 5 star.
ReplyDeleteThe scones looked delicious.
whatever the weather all in all, it sounds like you had a good day with champs to boot.
Maybe i tiny cosy little tea house next time.. home made cakes and all that.
Happy tuesday Dianne.
val..
Hi Val,
DeleteThere is a small tea house in Cardiff that does an afternoon tea. I will have to try it. I need to add some more fat to my hips - NOT!
Di
X
HI DIANNE,
ReplyDeleteYour outing sounds so wonderful to me.....I understand your desire for more decor..I too like the overload of decor as opposed to minimalist...but it is classy. The View is lovely even if it is raining...this desert rat loves pics of rain!!!Your tea Looked amazing....I love sweets...But I hear ya when you say it was TO MUCH!!!I am watering at the mouth looking at it all!!!We I went to Paris in April, two of my friends and I had lunch at the Paris Ritz...it was an experience as well as a Fabulous Lunch!!!It was expensive but worth every Euro!!!So in American Money...it was quite costly!!!
have a Great day..your daughter is lovely!!
hugs,
jamie
Hi Jamie,
DeleteIt was nice but as you say, I too love a bit of opulence! I did read all about your trip to Paris and London. Lunch at the Ritz looked wonderful and, as you say, worth every euro. How often can you do that, once in a lifetime!
Di
xxxx
52 quid (no sterling key) for tea seems a bit much to me....or am I out of touch.
ReplyDeleteI know, it's really expensive for what it is. It's an indulgence that worth saving for once in a while and we always think, we don't smoke or drink (much) so why not!
DeleteDi
xxxxx
I do not like tea (the beverage, I mean) but I love all the other stuff that goes with it - especially the cakes.
ReplyDeleteHi Loree,
DeleteMy husband doesn't like tea either, he always opts for the coffee. Who doesn't like cake!
Di
xxx
I agree with the Hattatts. Meg's mythic hair and gorgeous smile goes a long way to putting things aright.
ReplyDelete(That tea *looks* addicting ...)
xx
Hi Suze,
Delete"Meg's mythic hair"! I will have to tell her, she was having a bit of a crisis, a bad colour job from the salon!
It was yummy!
Di
xxx
Love tea party's......nice to see your post........love from me...xxx..
ReplyDeleteHi ri,
DeleteLovely to see you dear friend. Join me for tea?
Di
xxxxxx
Another addict here!!! Morning, afternoon and evening tea addict :-) I'm with you on the decor. I love taking tea in a cozy and traditional drawing room......with lots of Chesterfields and cushions around :-) Meg looks divine....pure sunshine that girl.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Loi
Loi,
DeleteNext time you visit London shall we do tea? :-)
Meg is pure sunshine! Thanks for that. Are you enjoying the Olympics?
Di
xxxxx
My British Nana would disown me, but I hate tea. That sweets table? A whole different story. Gained 3 lbs just looking at the pics.
ReplyDeleteHi Marianne,
DeleteI had to chuckle, I gained about 7lbs eating it!
Di
xxxx
Hello Dianne
ReplyDeleteSorry you were a tad disappointed with afternoon tea at St. David's Hotel. I am like you in that I prefer the traditional table setting of good linen and lace and good home-made cakes and scones and a decent plate of sandwiches. Usually a good afternoon tea leaves us with no appetite for dinner.
I chucked at your confession at the beginning of this post
Helenxx
Hi Helen,
DeleteYou are right, an afternoon tea should leave you not wanting much for dinner, if anything! We actually ended up taking most of it home, then I left the box in the car so had to throw it away! :-(
Di
xxxxx
I don't mind that modern,sleek minimal look. I especially like it in a hotel room. I love an afternoon tea. It makes even more sense with that rain. I won't see rain like that until mid November most likely. Looks so cozy. It's strange they just left the tables uncleared in that downpour, I think that it made for a wonderful picture though. The white cups in the rain. All of the patisseries look delicious. Beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
DeleteI love that you saw the positive in the uncleared tables, and you're right, the white cups look good against the grey Sk. You are a glass half full girl!
It was delicious. Tea anyone?
Di
xxxx
Hi Dianne, great to "meet" you!! Thank you so much for your lovely comment on my blog recently, I'm sorry I'm a little late in responding, i've been away from blogland for a few weeks as we've been so, so busy with the Royal Welsh Show (my husband works there) which, being quite close you have probably heard of. I am really looking forward to reading your lovely blog and have become a follower - we appear to have a lot in common :)
ReplyDeleteI too LOVE afternoon tea - i haven't been to the St. Davids but we had very similar, although not with the pretty china unfortunately at the Lowry in Manchester as a treat before I got married in 2010. Something I keep meaning to do, is invite all my friends round for a traditional "afternoon tea" in the garden - complete with bunting, etc, - sadly whenever I think about it the weather it like it is today - miserable! Right, i'm off for a cup of tea and a good read of your blog! I've just finally finished a post for my blog too, and have plenty more posts planned shortly,
Marina x
Hi Marina,
DeleteI love the Royal Welsh Show. All that farm produce and crafts, love it. I also love the Welsh Cobs, who wouldn't! Beautiful.
I bet the Lowry was nice. I have a friend who started her hen party with afternoon tea at the Dorchester in London. It seems to be the done thing :-)
Great to see you.
Di
xxxx
Having arvo' tea is always nice....have you tried the arvo tea at George V Hotel in Gay Paree....now that's 5 star opulence...I think you would definitely like this one Di. A bientot.
ReplyDeleteBonjour mon Cherie,
DeleteNow, tea at the George V, that's going on the bucket list! Pictures please :-)
Di
Xxxx
It all sounds so very elegant, but the food looked a little depressing. My favourite teas are from Singapore.
ReplyDeleteHere's a little example
BTW completely agree with you about the savouries. Here in New Zealand, they have things called savouries. miniature pies, pastries and quiches. Small enough to engulf in one (large) bite.
Hi TSB,
DeleteNo link to your example and I would like to see that.
Now, your savouries sound like my idea of a proper afternoon tea, more focus on savouries, less on cake. I never thought I would hear myself say "less cake" but it does get a bit OTT.
Di
Xxx
I am SO LATE HERE! But tea time is everlasting throughout the day for me.....dear Di, your tea times are GORGEOUS! We too, are addicted. Since it has been so hot here, I just make it ahead of time and serve it ICE COLD at night with lots of milk....HEAVEN ON EARTH!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs and again, what a gorgeous post! Anita
Hi Anita,
DeleteEven when it's hot outside I enjoy a hot tea on my inside, it seems to cool me down!
It's never too late for an Anita visit.
Di
x
Right next to our precious Anita here...I too am late for this tea party!
ReplyDeleteBut I love that thatched cottage china! And beautiful Meg...looking so happy!
I agree with you, dear friend, I like my savories with tea time...of course we Russians adore our tea, and a little savory something is essential.
Do I spot some smoked salmon sandwiches there?
Sorry it wasn't everything you hoped for, but still yummy and with the best of company...I love your writing...you had me giggling...mutant giant hands! :)))
Big hugs!
xoxo,
- Irina
Hello Irina,
DeleteYou do indeed spot a little smokes salmon. The sandwiches were just a mouthful each, not enough. I am not sure how afternoon tea became so cake focussed. The original Duchess' tea was bread and butter. Nevertheless, it was yummy and maybe I made out I was more disappointed than I actually was. It was just not the best I have had but still 7 out of 10!
Are you enjoying the Olympics?
Di
xoxoxox
I have never "done" afternoon tea, but would love to some time. I don't think your expectations were unreasonable, especially at those prices. A greeting of any kind would have been nice!
ReplyDeleteWe must "do" afternoon tea when we eventually meet somewhere on this crazy planet! I bet it's hot where you are.
DeleteDi
xoxoxo
I recently had a lovely "tea" in Forpnam and mason's
ReplyDeletetry it!
Hi John,
DeleteYes, Fortnam's is on my list for the future, it looks wonderful!
Di
xoxoxo
ooooh
ReplyDeletei want to have tea with you!!!
gorgeous!
xox
Renee,
DeleteWouldn't that be LOVELY!
One day my friend.
Di
xoxoxo
Hey there, thanks for your comment on my blog! And it's ok, I'm addicted to morning, afternoon, evening and every half hour in between tea!!! Thanks for this lovely post, I really enjoy dining via other bloggers! Hope you are really well :)
ReplyDeleteHellooooo!
DeleteI am supping a cuppa as I type. Chin, chin!
Di
xoxox
Fascinating! Looks quite delicious even if the setting was a bit modern and the tables scruffy! Thanks for coming by to say hello! I am off to visit our other tea reviews!
ReplyDeleteHi Sares,
DeleteThanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy.
Di
xxxxx
Dear Di,
ReplyDeleteI don't think that you are being picky at all ......at £52 for two, I would definitely expect clean tables and homemade cakes !! ........ although, it still looks delicious !! I have to agree about the sandwiches ......... we went to The Ritz for tea and I would have like more savoury and fewer cakes. We seemed to be overloaded with cakes and, halfway through, they came with fresh scones and, delicious as they were ( I don't think that I have tasted more delicious scones in my life ) I was begining to hate the sight of cakes !! I think that might be because I'm more of a savoury kind of girl, so that's just personal.
Thanks for your lovely comment today ..... It seems as if I haven't left the sofa since the Opening Ceremony !!!! .....we are LOVING every minute of the Games. XXXX
Hi Jacqueline,
DeleteYay,a kindred savoury spirit. I know exactly what you mean, when they first bring it out, your focus is immediately drawn to the cakes, they look delicious, but after 4 cakes in it's already enough. I always end up taking half home. I have never taken any of the sandwiches home, they are always gone.
Thanks for visiting.
Di
xoxoxo
Holy Cow!
ReplyDeleteDianne, That David Hotel sure lacks Ambiance. It's as empty as an ole bus station. Now I like that Park House, bet that is elegante. For that price
I would want ELEGANCE and the best of pastry and tea. What was on the
cucumber Sandwich? Those prices = Rape and Pillage. Have they lost the value of a dollar? yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
DeleteYes, you've spotted the lack of elegance exactly. The Park House is architecturally and interior design perfection, in my opinion. I'm a plush leather sofa and tartan kind of girl. I think I detected the thinnest spread of cream cheese on the cucumber sandwich, but without a microscope, I can't be totally sure :-) They have lost the value of the dollar, but I guess, when there are suckers like us out there, why should they charge less? I will tell you why - it was empty!
Di
xoxoxo
Hello again, chere amie! I am so glad you liked the refreshment at my place...and yes, the Olympics are positively riveting, the excitement you feel there now!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for letting me know how you liked the Opening Ceremony, I can imagine it was emotional. I thought it was very interesting, and I was so touched, (to tears), at the lighting of the torch...beautiful!
Much love,
- Irina
Hello Irina,
DeleteI know, I'm late in replying but have been obsessed with the Olympics. I feel like I have fallen off the world into sportsville! Normal programming will resume next week.
Did
xxxxx
MY DEAREST DI!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so late in posting a new post and right before I published it today, I saw that you came 'a callin' to my older post! What a busy week!!!
You are SO KIND to come visit me. I SEND YOU HUGS across the pond and dear one, YOU ARE SPECIAL....I had an epiphany moment that inspired my new post...often times I wonder what MY PURPOSE IS....and sometimes the simple things in life are the most important of all.......YOU ARE LOVED, YOU ARE KIND and that is all that matters.....
Be well my sweet princess, Anita
Dear Anita.
DeleteYour new post is so inspiring. Hugs right back at ya!
Di
xoxoxo
Pretty Meg, pretty setting (in spite of the soggy, uncleared tables), and what enticing photos of your Tea! However, what made me smile most: "...sandwiches were...so tiny it made us feel like we had mutant giant hands." --Made my picture-book brain light up big-time ;) :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
DeleteI don't think I've ever been anyone's muse before! Enjoy the giant mutant hands :-)
Di
xxxx
£52 for two? That's a bit steep. I am going to try the Bird on the Rock soon, I'll let you know what it's like.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be happy in your hotel, I don't take lactose and wouldn't have been able to eat much of the food. I enjoyed seeing the many varieties of tasters you had, but I don't think much of the presentation. It all looks a bit lacking in artistry. At that price, I'd have expected a bit more style.
Bird on the Rock, I will have to google it. Will you post about it, will look forward to that! £52 is a bit steep, I want a whole bottle of champers for that, not just a measly glass :-)
DeleteDi
Xoxox
How I long to have a REAL tea...like this one, with friends like you.
ReplyDeleteDi, your comment on my newest post is ever so kind....I was thinking of you as I was out shopping for groceries a few hours ago....just thinking about TRANSITIONS...we all have them in our lives, I for one and going through one with my career change...you maybe, with watching your beautiful bird fly on her own.....but you taught her to fly and she knows the way back into your arms.....be well, be kind and it will fly back to you. LOVE ALWAYS, Anita
Anita,
DeleteI know, sometimes it's just difficult to make the adjustments. Thanks friend :-)
Di
X
fantastic post and Thanks for sharing this info. It's very helpful.
ReplyDeleteguest house in jaipur
Hi Gopal,
DeleteThanks for visiting.
Di
X
Dianne...
ReplyDeleteLike you, I am a fan of afternoon teas as well, even more so after living in the UK. I feel that no one does it as well as the English...which is why I felt your disappointment too. You got me on the bubbly..and the sweets would be really appreciated at the moment but you are right...a balance with savoury is essential...thank you for this post and thank you for the lovely comments you have sent my way...very appreciated!
Jeanne xx
Hello Jeanne,
DeleteI am wondering if you will find afternoon tea in Vietnam? You may have to come back to the UK for it :-)
Di
X
Hello Di, I'm so glad you stopped by my post on Painesville, because it led me here, although I'm sure I would have discovered YONKS sooner or later. I love the moody shot of the rainy deck with the cliff beyond. I also started poking around the blog, and was fascinated with your beautiful post on snowflakes.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to much more.
--Road to Parnassus
Great to meet you Parnassus,
DeleteI have quite a bit of reading to catch up with on your blog too :-)
Thanks for stopping by, I love meeting new friends.
D
X
Hello Di!
ReplyDeleteHow are you? I hope that you are relaxing, enjoy he Olympics and having some summer fun.
I have been missing your posts and comments...I hope all is well. How was Megs move? Is she enjoying her new little car? Has she had her feelers out for a job? Or is it too soon to be looking?
Hope all is well! Take care, xoxoElizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
DeleteI'm still here, just have square eyeballs from non stop Olympics. We really have put life on hold for 2 weeks. Normal life will resume after Sunday :-). Meg has announced she is going back to college for 4 years. My question, who is paying for that then? What can you do? She is loving her car and her new apartment. We still see a lot of her, she can't afford to buy food so hunger brings her back :-)
Di
xoxoxo
Hello!
DeleteI know the feeling! I have been glued to the TV for 17 days and loved the opening and closing ceremonies.
What will Meg be going back to school for? Is this for a Master's? I am sure that she could get some student loans...
I think it is great that you get to see so much of her. Hiw is the new apartment? Closer to you?
Take care and have a great week!
Oh I love afternoon tea too, and morning tea, and night time tea hehe. The desserts look amazing, especially the chocolate ones. I know what you mean, I have to have the tables clean when I eat out. Your daughter is so pretty, Dianne.
ReplyDelete~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
Oh my goodness - you have me literally drooling at your yummy pictures! I am a HUGE fan of afternoon tea - both savoury AND sweet - and in no particular order! I'm with you on the decor - I'm not a huge fan of minimalism either, but glad to see that they took special attention with their crockery to give the event a vintage feel. £52 sounds quite a lot for afternoon tea for two - did you order a bottle of Cristal champagne to go with that - lol!
ReplyDeleteA lovely review - keep them coming!
Best wishes,
Paula xx
p.s. Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog - they never fail to make me smile.
OH MY BEAUTIFUL DI!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy dear one, what a wonderful afternoon you have had....ITALIAN FOOD, BEST FRIEND, CHAMPAGNE???? Oh dear, that is my idea of a FUN DAY! And you came to see me....I am always so happy to see your comments come in. Oh dear, what a wonderful summer this has been! There is nothing like having some freedom to explore creativity in your own home. We did not travel, but rather, had guests and just enjoyed our beautiful city.
MANY HUGS TO YOU and thanks for always being there. BISES! Anita
I haven't been to Wales YET, but we must do soon while the weather is so beautiful. I LOVE the teacup/saucer duo with the thatched house on it - if you could leave with the china, wouldn't that make for the best Afternoon Tea?! XoL
ReplyDeleteHello lovely Di. I finally made it to your place. Whew...been a bit dizzy with to-do lists lately. Your pictures are gorgeous. Sorry to hear some of the details were off, but the occasion alone was so special that everything else can be off just a tad. ;) I prefer more savoury with my tea as well, but when I see such beautiful china as you've shown us here, I forget everything else.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for stopping by the shop and leaving such an adorable comment about your tag. It made me smile...and good to know I'm not the only one who has gone mad. :O) (clown face)
XOXO's,
Marcia
I was lucky enough to stay at this hotel when I visited Cardiff last year. It was beautiful and now I am sad we did't have an afternoon tea! Wales was just amazing. I can't wait to visit again!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteits such a nice & Awesum blog provide info
hope more people discover your blog because you really know what you’re talking about. Can’t wait to read more from you!
for more plz visit
debt management