A few weeks back I was contacted by the Marketing Team at The Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford asking if I was interested in visiting their establishment and then writing a review about my experience. I jumped at the chance and found out the Great Victoria did Afternoon Teas.
My lovely friend Sharon from Cake Club and I meet up for afternoon tea regularly so when I had the chance to try out the Great Victoria I asked Sharon if she would like to go with me. I don’t know Bradford that well, whereas Sharon does and knew that the Great Victoria was conveniently located opposite Bradford Interchange station.
The building itself was very grand and the interior did not disappoint either. High, ornate ceilings and classic decor harking back to the heyday of rail travel in years gone by. The reception area looked very pretty with an enormous Christmas tree which nearly reached the ceiling!
When we arrived at the hotel we knew that the Afternoon Tea was to be held in Bertie’s Bar. We didn’t know where it was as there weren’t any signs as to where it was. As the hotel was busy with a couple of Christmas functions, we had to wait in the queue at Reception to find out where the bar was. Once we did find out where it was we were shown to a table for two. The surroundings were pleasant and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.
On our table was a large wooden box containing a selection of Rington Tea Bags. We were allowed to choose as much tea as we wanted and the staff brought along some hot water and some milk. Although the tea was lovely the large wooden box was a bit of a pain being on the table and we had to put it on the next table so it didn’t take up space. This wasn’t a problem but could have been a bit cumbersome if the restaurant had been crowded at the time. Both Sharon and I opted for Earl Grey tea even though there was a mouthwatering array of flavours including fruit ones. As a traditional person I went for Earl Grey. The other problem with choosing the tea bags was what to do with them when we had mashed the tea. Both Sharon and I agreed we love loose leaf tea and a tea strainer when we go to afternoon tea. We both felt that either a big table would have been better to put the wooden box on or perhaps to serve the tea in pots already.
The Afternooon Tea itself was absolutely delicious- a huge selection of sandwiches first. The bread was fresh and the fillings varied and delicious. We had a scone each which was fresh and came with a huge pot of cream but there was only one pot of jam between the two of us so we had to eek it out!
There was a mammoth selection of fresh cakes which we really enjoyed. It would have been nicer to have had two of each cake instead of one of each so you are not “fighting” over who gets the chocolate eclair, etc.
We both really enjoyed our afternoon tea at the Great Victoria. Although ours was complimentary I felt it was tremendous value for money at only £9 for one or £17. It was busy with it being near to Christmas but I can recommend the hotel. It is also centrally located for the Interchange and the brand new shopping centre.
For more information visit : www.victoriabradford.co.uk
Address: Great Victoria Hotel, Bridge Street, Bradford, BD1 1JX.
Telephone: 01274 728706
Email: info@victoriabradford.co.uk
Twitter: @GreatVictoria
Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatVictoriaHotel
All thoughts and comments about this review are my own.
SmartCookieSam 