FOOD : Review of the Van Gogh Afternoon Tea at the Waldorf Astoria, Edinburgh

Possibly in my opinion one of the best songs ever written. Vincent written by Don McLean, who wrote it after reading his biography and wanting to plead Vincents case that he wasn’t crazy just ill. Vincent is one of the worlds greatest artists, known for cutting off his ear, but also producing some of the world’s most famous paintings! He produced possibly his best work around 1880 once he had committed his life to art. In the 10 years leading up to his death in 1890, Vincent produced 39 significant works of art, many of which we all know so well - Sunflowers, Starry Night and Vincent’s Bedroom.

Van Gogh Alive has arrived in Edinburgh celebrating this incredible artist and his colour palette. It’s an unforgettable multi-sensory experience in the iconic Festival Square close to the Waldorf Astoria.

Van Gogh’s works have been exhibited and admired for over a century and now you have the chance to immerse yourself inside his artworks. You’ll be surrounded by a vibrant symphony of light, colour, sound and fragrance as you wander around the exhibition and absorb it from every possible angle.

As if the Van Gogh Alive exhibition by itself wasn’t enough, The Waldorf Astoria have partnered with them to bring you a spectacular Afternoon Tea, that will either set you up for the multi sensory exhibition or will be the delectable finale to a wonderful day out.

Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and gray
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul

REVIEW OF THE VAN GOGH AFTERNOON TEA AT THE WALDORF ASTORIA EDINBURGH

Afternoon Tea is served in the beautiful Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria. It’s light and bright with a twinkling light artwork of peacock feathers hung on the main wall creating a sense of serenity and calm.

Service is impeccable and you’ll soon be caught up in a flurry of activity as teas (or coffees) are ordered, the cocktail arrives and soon your first course of savoury treats.

Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and the daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colours on the snowy, linen land

The Waldorf Astoria has a lovely array of teas, coffees and other drinks to choose from, but as its Afternoon Tea, I always feel you have to have tea with it! Chai and good ol Breakfast Tea was ordered.

The savoury plates were loaded with :

• Ham, Tomato and Mustard Mayonnaise sandwich

• Crispy Duck, Rocket, Cucumber and Coriander Wrap

• Smoked Salmon, Dill Crème Fraiche sandwich

• Prawn Marie Rose Brioche Bun

• Arran Onion Cheddar, Green Tomato and Apple Chutney open sandwich

• Tartelette of Red Pepper and Black Olive

Favourites were the tartlette, the open sandwich and the brioche bun!

Now, I understand what you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

But lets be honest here, its the sweet treats that count when it comes to Afternoon Tea and it arrived with much pomp looking ever so appetising on the silver cake stand. Laden with seven incredibly crafted pastries and scones, each their own work of art and for a moment, all to pretty to eat!

Starry, starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds in violet haze
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue

• SUNFLOWERS Burnt White Chocolate, Pear and Sunflower Seed Open Macaron

• ARTIST PALETTE Caramelised Apple, Blackberry and Chocolate Tart

• GREEN WHEAT FIELD WITH CYPRESS Buckwheat, Juniper Berries, Lemon and Lime Bonsai

• STARRY NIGHT Mandarin, Cocoa Nibs and Chestnut Petit Gateau

• ALMOND BLOSSOM Apricot and Orange Blossom Compote, Almond Frangipane

• SELF-PORTRAIT WITH GREY FELT HAT Vanilla Crème Fraiche, Hazelnut and Coffee Opera

So so difficult to pick a favourite but I’m going to go with the Sunflowers and the Green Wheat Field. The Sunflowers macaron was soft and gooey in the middle and the yellow petals reminded me of foam bananas. The Green swirl of the wheat field pasty was like eating a sweetish whipped cloud that was super moreish. Every single pastry was fabulous but by this time, I genuinely was concerned for the scones - 1. would they live up the standards of the parties and 2. would I have room left to taste them as I was already stuffed to the brim.

For they could not love you
But still your love was true
And when no hope was left inside
On that starry, starry night

You took your life as lovers often do
But I could have told you, Vincent
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you

But, there is ALWAYS room for scones and the absolute nod to Vincent comes in the way of the two paint tubes, filled with Rhubarb and Strawberry Jam (Cadmium Red paint) and the other Clotted Cream (Zinc White paint). The scones lived up to the hype and were soft, light and fluffy as any scone should be. There are two flavours - Buttermilk and Citrus Peel.

Now, I think I know what you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they're not listening still
Perhaps they never will

As an artist myself with a great love of Vincent and the Post-Impressionists, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this Afternoon Tea. Unfortunately, the Van Gogh Alive exhibition was closed on this particular afternoon, but I hope to visit it soon before it closes.

Not only are the pastries and savoury treats delicious, but you’ll be amazed at the presentation and skill!

The Van Gogh Afternoon Tea is available until April 13th 2022. It costs £45/person in Peacock Alley including a 'Starry Night' Hendrick's Gin cocktail - offer available exclusively for Van Gogh Alive ticket holders. Please note, guests must quote 'Van Gogh' in their booking notes and present their ticket confirmation upon arrival to your reservation.

OR Peacock Alley's exclusive Van Gogh Afternoon Tea will be available to non-ticket holders for £50, with the option to purchase a Starry Night cocktail for £15.

To book Afternoon Tea click HERE

To book Van Gogh Alive click HERE

The Waldorf Astoria, The Caledonian, Edinburgh

My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10

I was invited by the Waldorf Astoria to review their Afternoon Tea. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.