REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
Our journey to the Hilton Birmingham Metropole was accentuated by a splendid afternoon tea at the Gild Lobby Bar & Lounge. Nestled on the lobby level, this venue seamlessly merges elegance with warmth, inviting guests into a space that feels both luxurious and inviting.
The heart of the lounge is its magnificent bar, surrounded by high blue chairs and tables, setting a scene that’s vibrant yet refined. This configuration invites an atmosphere that’s perfect for guests seeking relaxation within an environment of sophistication and style.
The design ethos of the Gild Lounge & Bar captivates at first glance. The interior, with its round, orange sofas against the backdrop of elegant brown wooden flooring, offers a striking contrast that is both bold and harmonious. The use of vibrant colours, highlighted by subtle gold accents, pays tribute to Birmingham’s rich legacy in quality manufacturing, infusing the space with a sense of history and place.
Our afternoon tea experience at the Gild Lobby Bar & Lounge was nothing short of exceptional. Starting with a comforting round of hot chocolates for the children and tea and cappuccinos us adults, the stage was set for a memorable feast. We were then presented with two stunning 3-tier trays filled with an assortment of sandwiches, scones, and cakes, thoughtfully divided into vegan and non-vegan selections.
The non-vegan tray offered a delightful variety of finger sandwiches including avocado, tomato and basil, tomato and cheese, cucumber and cream cheese, beetroot falafel, and roasted vegetable. Each sandwich was crafted to offer a unique taste, ensuring every bite was a discovery of flavours.
As one of us was vegan, the culinary team also prepared a special selection that mirrored the diversity of the non-vegan options using vegan bread, vegan spread, and vegan cheese, showcasing the kitchen’s commitment to accommodating all dietary preferences.
The scone selection was particularly noteworthy, with a generous offering of fruit scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam, providing a quintessential British tea experience. This was complemented by an array of cakes including three indulgent chocolate cakes that were a hit among both of our young children.
In addition to the traditional afternoon tea staples, we were treated to a varied assortment of pastries. This included an apple crumble cheesecake, a chocolate and dried fruit cake, and a vanilla fruit cake. A Victoria sponge with clotted cream and raspberry sauce rounded off the selection, each pastry more divine than the last.
The vegan options were equally impressive, with two large slices of chocolate cake served alongside salted caramel ice cream and vanilla ice cream, ensuring that everyone at the table had something special to enjoy.
The abundance and excellence of the food were remarkable, leaving us thoroughly satisfied The cucumber and avocado sandwiches, alongside the vast selection of desserts, were particularly well-received by the children, marking the afternoon as a delightful culinary adventure.
The service we experienced was exemplary; the staff were attentive and genuinely eager to make our afternoon tea a memorable one. It's rare to find such a harmonious blend of exceptional service, stunning décor, and culinary excellence, making our afternoon tea at the Gild Lobby Bar & Lounge a real highlight of our stay.
Reflecting on our visit, it was undeniably one of the most enjoyable afternoon tea experiences we’ve had. The Gild Lobby Bar & Lounge not only offers a premium afternoon tea but does so in a setting that is both beautiful and rich in history. We look forward to returning and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a luxurious tea experience in Birmingham.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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