Afternoon tea has such a sense of occasion. It feels celebratory and the dining experience at The Grand Hotel Birmingham, where I escaped the hustle and bustle of the city was a rare treat.
I made the special trip into Birmingham for the highly anticipated Jo Malone London afternoon tea.
Now, you may have heard of wine flights, and beer pairings, but have you ever seen perfume being incorporated into a menu?
Innovative chefs at The Grand Hotel Birmingham have created ‘Jo Malone London Moments — A Grand Afternoon Tea Experience’.
They have been inspired by the iconic Jo Malone London fragrances to offer a theatrical culinary journey to transform an afternoon staple into a scented celebration for the senses.
I am a huge fan of Jo Malone London. I wear Amber & Lavender scent whenever I can (I need a top up so that’s on my Christmas list).
You don’t have to be familiar with the Jo Malone London perfume library.
I went with my husband who is new to Jo Malone London. He also really enjoyed the afternoon tea. What we both decided, was that flavour profiles seen on The Grand Hotel menu are a rarity.
For example, I have never seen bay leaf whipped ganache which was in the blackberry tart.
The scent pairing is Jo Malone London’s Blackberry & Bay Cologne which I thought was really clever.
Regardless of whether you’re into afternoon tea or not, I heartily recommend a visit to The Grand Hotel Birmingham, to see for yourself the utter magic, that chefs are creating in the kitchen.
The Jo Malone London afternoon tea experience is available until November 2, 2025, Wednesday through Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm.
It is £70 per person which includes a £25 voucher redeemable in-store towards Jo Malone London products.
Location: The Grand Hotel Birmingham, 1 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2FE
For more information about the afternoon tea and The Grand Hotel Birmingham click here: thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk
Here are a few photos from the day below.
9. Blackberry tart had a tasty disc of olive oil and blackberry sponge. It topped with an intriguing bay leaf whipped ganache and gossamer thin tuille. It was deliciously tangy and the pastry delectably short.
Jo Malone luxury afternoon tea at Madeleine Bar | The Grand Hotel Birmingham, 1 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2FE | Ria Ghei
10. As a big fan of pear - I don't see it enough on menus - pear gateaux was a hot favourite. I especially enjoyed jasmine whipped ganache and piped pear gel.
Jo Malone luxury afternoon tea at Madeleine Bar | The Grand Hotel Birmingham, 1 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2FE | Ria Ghei
11. Towering afternoon tea for two at one of the top hotels in Birmingham is a real treat on a chilly autumn day
Jo Malone luxury afternoon tea at Madeleine Bar | The Grand Hotel Birmingham, 1 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2FE | Ria Ghei