Attend : Milestone Hotel

Champagne Afternoon Tea : The Milestone Hotel, Kensington

 I can't think of a better way to spend a post Christmas afternoon than taking a relaxing festive afternoon tea.
 Whilst everyone else was out battling to the sales to do yet more shopping, I took in the quintessentially English interiors of 'The Park Lounge' at The Milestone Hotel on Kensington Court.

 The Grade II listed building dates back to circa 1880, and the hotel today is named after the original cast iron milestone that still stands in it's original position beside the establishment.

 
The festive champagne afternoon tea menu kept all the important tradition of finger sandwiches but served with a festive twist;

 Mini squares of Christmas cake, and miniature mince pies were served alongside freshly baked scones, only bought to your table at request to ensure they were freshly baked, served with clotted cream and homemade jam.
   Finger sandwiches included a new take on a classic; round cut chicken sandwich rolled in chopped almonds.

 I loved the wooden paneled interiors of this hotel, the beautiful vintage caricatures adorning the walls. The restaurant, Chenestons, looked amazing and I'd love to go back and dine in the adjoining oratory area.

 The Milestone is like finding a hidden gem of tradition amongst all the ultra slick modern hotels in London. Located opposite Kensington Palace it feels stepped in history and definitely opulently English.

 The Milestone Hotel : Website
 1 Kensington Court
 London
 W8 5DL

Make : Christmas Cake

Christmas : 8 weeks to go...

So, this weekend is the time to make your Christmas cake. I published the ingredients last weekend, so hopefully you've had time to go out and gather them.
Now, the cake recipe is in the 'Make - Guides & Recipes' section of this blog.

Click here for 'Make - Guides & Recipes'

Make : Christmas Cake

Christmas : 9 weeks to go...

 Christmas cakes are best made eight weeks before they are needed; maturing a rich fruit cake gives a much better taste. Next week is the ideal time to get it made.
 I love making Christmas cake as it really kick starts thinking about Christmas. I follow Delia Smith's classic Rich Fruit Cake recipe, from her classic book 'Delia's Complete Cookery Course'
 To be prepared here are the ingredients that I'll need to get this weekend:

 I love a cake that has taken real time and effort to make, the fact that you can attend to it over the weeks to give it a 'feed', and that ultimately you can be creative decorating it. The fact that everyone can share it at Christmas is even better.
 Over the coming weeks I'll be showing my progress and I'll put the recipe into the 'Make' section of this blog.