This weekend I went on a trip to London with my eldest daughter who is just 5. I had arranged to go to the Family Travel Show and she was spending the day with her godfather. We arranged to rendezvous at the Reform Social and GrillĀ for afternoon tea at 4pm.
The Reform which can be found within the Mandeville Hotel is just off Oxford Street and is in a perfect spot for a break after a day of shopping or sightseeing in London.
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The first thing Lily was excited about (after showing me all the tat her godfather had let her buy) was the fact that she got her own menu which set out what was included in her Mini Afternoon Tea! These things are important to kids I always find, even if they can’t read it.
The first thing ‘I’ noticed was that whilst the restaurant was quiet in terms of guests when we arrived, it had a lovely welcoming atmosphere and music was playing which meant I didn’t feel like Lily had to be quiet. She could chatter away quite happily without me worrying about level of noise or that we were spoiling someone else’s afternoon. This can often be an issue when you visit somewhere ‘nice’ with your kids.
In addition to the Mini Afternoon Tea The Reform offers two types of ‘grown up’ Afternoon Tea. The Vintage Afternoon Tea and The Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea. Both versions start at Ā£26.50 including a Bellini, but we plumped for the free flowing champagne too which is Ā£36.50 each. Ā The difference between the two is that the Vintage Tea comes with sandwiches whereas the Gentleman’s comes with savoury snacks.
When the Mini Afternoon tea arrived Lily was thrilled to realise that it came in a pretty tin box. She was also excited about the fact that she didn’t have to eat her savoury food before her dessert box too! Yes that is a Jammy Dodger you can see.
The desert box was a hit, although the peanut butter and jelly sandwich wasn’t a hit with Lily. A preferable option might be for the restaurant to offer children a choice of sandwich – even just ham, cheese or jam?
For Ā£12.50 the Mini Option was a very cute addition to the grown up versions.
Our afternoon tea all came out together, and the free flowing champagne really was just that. I don’t think our glasses were ever empty! Really very very good value for an additional Ā£10 per person.
I really enjoyed the cake selection, although we did decide that more sandwiches were needed and ordered some more. Ā These are an additional Ā£3.50 per plate.
Overall I loved the atmosphere in the Reform Social and Grill. The staff were warm, welcoming at attentive, and given its location I know we will be back. The addition of the kids afternoon tea makes this a fun afternoon with or without the kids, and the free flowing champagne is a real treat!
Nb: We were invited to the Reform to try the Mini Afternoon tea but all views are my own.
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.
That is so cute! I love the lunch box! There is a Reform as well in Dubai which I have visited and I do love the ambiance of the place.
I also like the fact that you’re very considerate of other people dining around you. We don’t see many parents like you from where I live. :p
I LOVE mini afternoon teas and this one is perfect – love the presentation in a little tin and who wouldn’t want a jammy dodger! The only problem I find with taking the kids for afternoon tea is that their version is so cute – I want it too!
I searched the net for mini afternoon teas when I took the kids to London this year and couldn’t find anything suitable – this one fits the bill so I will be bookmarking for our next trip.
Thanks for linking to #TravelTales – ah it feels fab to have you all back xx
I do love afternoon tea and that’s so fun to have a mini version. I agree simple sandwiches (even cucumber?!) would be a good touch for kids. Most I know seem to prefer that to any exciting combinations. #mondayescapes
Amazing! I didn’t know they made afternoon tea for little people, my son would love this! The cake selection for the adults looks amazing too, are those mini-cheescakes in the little pots? They look delish!
Katrina #mondayescapes
I’m glad Lily had a good time – that mini afternoon tea box looks wonderful. And free flowing Champagne? Not a bad way to top off a day in London! #MondayEscapes
That looks and sounds divine. And Lily’s little box of treats is so cute. Do you know of anywhere locally that does something similar? My eldest loves afternoon tea but it’s always a bit too grown up of an affair.
Free flowing champagne….. what is not to love. Afternoon Tea seems to be a huge hit at the moment, and how lovely they have created a menu for the children too. I would love to do this with Katie. Sounds a fantastic experience for you and Lily xx
This is such a lovely idea! And look bat gingerbread man.
More afternoon venues should be more child friendly. Love this xx
Wow this looks absolutely delicious!! I love a good afternoon tea and know the girls would adore it too, although I haven’t taken them to one yet. My Lili would dive into that box and then start on the grown-up cakes, I just know it! xx
This is so cool!! Even I would like to have the Mini Afternoon Tea. What a great idea. I don’t know if I would also like the peanut butter and jam sandwich. š
Thank you for linking up with #MondayEscapes