The Waldorf Astoria, Edinburgh and Laings “Diamonds & Pearls Afternoon Tea”: a truly sparkling, romantic, luxury experience
The original Caledonian hotel 1903
The magnificent, pink Permian sandstone Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh opened in December 1903, to offer a taste of opulence from décor to hospitality. The Telegraphic address was simply “Luxury Edinburgh”. After a lavish re-design, the hotel was launched anew as the world class, 5 star Waldorf Astoria in 2012 reflecting the glamorous art deco ambience of the original Railway Hotel. The old station clock hangs in the magnificent, glass-roofed Atrium, Peacock Alley, the place to see and be seen for morning coffee, a light lunch, champagne, cocktails and traditional Afternoon Tea.
Peacock Alley
Diamonds and Pearls, cakes and candies
A dazzling Diamond and Pearl themed Teatime has been created to celebrate Valentine’s Day. To add authentic sparkle, Laings, the famous jewellery company has been the inspiration for this event as well as VIP diamond-themed weekends with champagne and special gifts.
The partnership between the Waldorf Astoria and Laings is the perfect match, both sharing a sense of traditional heritage oozing the epitome of luxury. Established in 1840 by two brothers James and William, Laings is Scotland’s oldest family jeweller, with a collection of boutiques for memorable birthday and wedding gifts as well as bespoke diamond Engagement rings – a girl’s best friend!
And so with a Springtime mood of Love in the air, on a cool February day, my partner Ken and I arrived at the Peacock Alley to experience this sparkling Afternoon Tea. Sitting in huge comfortable armchairs, the ambience is elegantly casual with soft music on the soundtrack. The table is set with white crockery, silverware and crisp white linen napkins, wrapped in a Laings blue silk ribbon.
Perrier Jouet Champagne flute
We are presented with menus packed with information on the wide choice of teas, finger sandwiches, pastries and cakes. Our waiter than offers a glass of Perrier Jouet Champagne, served from a neatly designed drinks trolley. The unique PJ Champagne bottles and the pretty flutes are both hand painted with pink and white flowers, which are simply fabulous.
I select the fragrantly smoky Lapsang Souchong tea while Ken is keen to try the Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria’s own blend, a secret combination of teas, fruit, spices and herbs. Both are most refreshing and full of flavour. Then a tall sandwich and cake stand arrives featuring a wonderful array of sweet and savoury treats – Goat’s cheese mousse & red pepper cannoli, Smoked salmon and avocado, Asparagus and green pea torilla, Smoked chicken and mushroom on rye toast – all deliciously light canapes for a contemporary-styled Afternoon Tea.
Tradition is preserved with Scones, (rather too large!) with thick clotted cream and strawberry jam. Another cup of tea is poured as we slowly move on to the colourful cakes. First a tiny white frosted Red Velvet Cupcake: the Waldorf Astoria, New York City claims it is the birthplace of the iconic Red Velvet cake, a popular menu item from the 1950s, (although research reveals the original flavour was invented in the 1920s by the Adams company).
Waldorf Red Velvet cupcake
Chocoholics will be in heaven when sampling the selection of artistically decorated pastries, from white chocolate cheesecake to a triple chocolate dome. The Oreo Chocolate Truffle is wrapped in a sugar-coated, (edible), red Ruby ring to reflect Laings gorgeous gems and jewels.
Oreo Chocolate Truffle with Ruby ring
As part of the “Diamonds & Pearls” event, all guests are given a voucher for an exclusive diamond cleaning session at one of the Laings stores. While there, you can view the range of jewellery and watches covering the most famous, fashionable global brand names from Rolex and TAGheuer to Cartier and Chanel.
Laings fashionable jewellery and time pieces, 1840 – 2018
Over three hours, we nibble little egg sandwiches and taste rose petal macaroons, sipping delicious tea, and an indulgent flute of ice-cold Perrier Jouet champagne. Gracefully served, Afternoon Tea at the Peacock Alley is the perfect opportunity to meet family and friends (or of course your loved one) for a leisurely and relaxing sociable experience.
Laings bridal jewellery
This joint venture to celebrate Valentine’s Month is an imaginative concept. The ethos of Laings is based on the fact that everything they do is for a memorable occasion.
Likewise at the Waldorf Astoria, where the fine hospitality revolves around exemplary wining and dining from the cocktail bars and Galvin Brasserie de Luxe to the Pompadour Restaurant. Following the romantic connection, Weddings are also a key speciality!.
“Laings share our passion for creating truly unforgettable moments for our guests” Dale MacPhee, General Manager, Waldorf Astoria
Diamonds and Pearls Afternoon Tea: 9th – 28th February 2018. 12 noon – 5pm. £45 per person.
(A new Spring menu for Afternoon tea will thereafter be served at the Peacock Alley)
AfternoonTea.Reservations@waldorfastoria.com
A luxury, romantic weekend break – caledonian.reservations@waldorfastoria.com.
For information on accommodation, bars and restaurants, private events: http://www.waldorfastoriaedinburgh.com/
Laings – www.laingsuk.com
72 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3BX – tel: 0131 225 4513
(also in Glasgow, Southampton and Cardiff).
Laings, 72 George Street, Edinburgh
The Smart Leisure Guide 