Birmingham Park Regis is one of the top city hotels, which is why I was really looking forward to afternoon tea there.
There is supposed to be a special sense of occasion when you take afternoon tea.
Your typical afternoon tea offers tiered platters of delicate pastries and finger sandwiches, to be nibbled while sipping the finest tea in the land.
This is what I was expecting at 1565 Bar & Terrace in Birmingham.
The reality was a little different.
The venue is pretty, customer service was good, however I was expecting a little more from the food.
The scones could have been better baked with a nicer rise, instead they had more of a texture of beignet with a slight chew.
Cranberry and brie filo pastry felt like I was eating a mince pie with a twist, which may appeal to fans of festive flavours.
There were flashes of intriguing cooking, such as the raspberry cream shortbread with lime glaze that delivered a delectable refreshing tang.
Bitter chocolate fudge cake was nicely dense and decadently fudgy.
I am not sure plastic belongs anywhere near an afternoon tea.
It somehow gives the experience an outdoor picnic feel, which is why the plastic shot glass filled with tropical fruit punch could have been better received if it was in a glass or ceramic receptacle.
Our server Youssef was gracious, he was the highlight of the whole dining experience and if he is on service when you visit, you are in for a treat.
Overall, with tweaks to the food offering I think afternoon tea at 1565 Park Regis could be great.
I think the outdoor terrace will be a popular spot to sip cocktails in the summer too.
Classic afternoon tea at 1565 Bar & Terrace at Park Regis Birmingham costs £27.95 per person.
Location: 1565 Bar & Terrace at Park Regis Birmingham, 160 Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1DT
For more information click here: parkregisbirmingham.co.uk
1. Afternoon tea at Park Regis Birmingham
We dined at 1565 Bar & Terrace in Park Regis Birmingham. The rooftop terrace bar could well be a draw in the summer for a spot of alfresco dining; during our Saturday afternoon visit we had tea inside. | Park Regis Birmingham
2. Afternoon tea at 1565 Bar & Terrace, Park Regis Birmingham
This was Classic Afternoon Tea for two people, costing £27.95 per person. | Ria Ghei
3. Afternoon tea at 1565 Bar & Terrace, Park Regis Birmingham
The scone was a talking point at the table, which had a disappointing rise. | Ria Ghei
4. Afternoon tea at 1565 Bar & Terrace, Park Regis Birmingham
Bitter Chocolate Fudge Cake had a lovely buttery texture | Ria Ghei