I had been invited by the Brighton Blogger group to enjoy afternoon tea at the new seafront hotel and it had turned into a gloriously hot and sunny day. Inside, the bar area and restaurant had thrown all its windows and doors wide open. On the walls were photo montages from classic films such as James Bond and pop stars like the Rolling Stones and Foo Fighters. I headed to a raised area at the back where I found some large oversized sofas surrounding a glass topped coffee table emblazoned with the British flag.
Classic Cornishware blue and white striped crockery dressed the table with big, jolly teapots, cups, saucers and milk jugs. In the background, a soulful 60s soundtrack completed the nostalgic setting and the result was a thoroughly laid back type of cool.
I was keen to check out the afternoon tea menu, which I was pleased to find was only £15.95 per person and included bottomless tea. To give a comparison, afternoon tea at other top hotels in Brighton costs around £30 at The Grand and £22.50 at Hotel du Vin. Read my review of afternoon tea at Hotel du Vin.
On the menu, I noticed there were not only finger sandwiches, scones and cakes but also a Sussex cheddar scone with bacon jam. I wasn't sure I'd like this savoury scone addition but I was looking forward to trying it, as well as a smoked chicken and mango tortilla wrap.
Tiered plates arrived with finger sandwiches, wraps, scones and fancies that I couldn't wait to dive into. The tea was ready to pour and each pot had been supplied with three Tea Pig teabags in order to make a nice strong brew.
The savoury section consisted of egg and cress, smoked salmon, smoked chicken wraps as well as cheese scones with bacon jam. I'm not a fan of smoked chicken and the tortilla wrap didn't win me over, but I thought the Sussex cheddar scone was delicious. Slather on a bit of bacon jam and you're on to a winner. Everyone at the table seemed to agree and this savoury treat is an absolute keeper.
On the tier below were delicate eclairs with a sweet raspberry filling, as well as hazelnut and raspberry frangipane slices, chocolate brownies and plain scones. Although all the sweet delicacies tasted great it was again the scone that stood out. They tasted so fresh and had such a lovely flavour that I'd highly recommend them, in fact, they're the best I've ever tasted in Brighton.
With afternoon tea over I wanted to explore the rest of the hotel and so I jumped at the chance of a tour with Charlotte. We started downstairs in the basement area that has been extended into ancient tunnels leading to the seafront. Formerly passageways and underground stores, the space has been transformed into a hot and steamy spa area, with swimming pool, hot tubs, ESPA treatments rooms, gym and special VIP area. Membership is open to local residents and currently is offered at a discounted rate of £50 a month.
The Harbour Hotel is part of a small independent chain of 12 hotels and the owner is ever ambitious to make his hotels even bigger, better and more unique. If he obtains the relevant permissions this hotel might one day boast direct access to the seafront via its underground tunnels or a rooftop terrace with infinity pool.
Our next stop was to check out one of the Superior rooms with a sea view and when we stepped into the room the sea twinkled back at us as Charlotte lifted aside the curtain. On a little table by the window complimentary decanters of gin and sherry sat invitingly on a silver tray. What a wonderful way to enjoy the view!
Brighton Harbour Hotel, 64 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1NA
Best wishes
Sarah xx
Sarah Agnew
Blogger, Modern Bric a Brac
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