Dive Into Bohemia’s Afternoon Tea In Jersey: Review

I have made no secret of my love for Bohemia and their culinary wizardry. If I could, I would eat here on a weekly (nay daily) basis. When you dine at the Michelin starred Bohemia you know that you are going to be taken on a gastronomic adventure that awakens the taste buds and soothes the soul. During our last visit I shared how our dinner finished on a chocolate culinary high-note. The heavenly chocolates were created by their very talented head pastry chef, Ellen de Jager. Therefore, I was delighted to be invited back to try Bohemia’s new afternoon tea created by Ellen and her team. Buoy, oh buoy, I did not need asking twice if I would like to try the ‘Bohemian Afternoon Tea Cruise’.

Welcome Abroad The Bohemian Afternoon Tea Cruise

The Michelin starred afternoon tea is the latest innovation from Ellen de Jager and I could not wait to dive in and set sail on a tide of taste sensations! As someone who is partial to a good cruise I couldn’t wait to jump aboard. Now, being the kind daughter that I am, I decided to take my Mum along for the ride (or should that be sail?). Having recently returned from a cruise around the Baltic, my Mum definitely had a serious case of the post-cruise blues. Could this afternoon tea be the perfect post cruise pick me up?

First Impressions

One of the reasons that we love going on a cruise is that the service is superb. Bohemia’s team surpassed any service we have ever had on a cruise. They warmly welcomed us aboard before ushering us to our table. The staff were attentive yet discreet, friendly and knowledgeable. We were guided through the ‘Bohemian Afternoon Tea Cruise’ and invited to select our drink.

There were a vast array of loose leaf teas and herbal infusions. Teas with names like Weekend in Rome, Angel’s Kiss, Gorgeous Ginger and Arabian Magic. All gloriously tempting and promising to take us to warmer climes. However, I decided to choose coffee and I was delighted that this was even an option for the afternoon tea. My mum chose the Gunpowder Green Tea; when she peered into the pot to check out whether it was leaves or dry dust she found leaves in a humongous tea bag. She declared it to be a lovely green tea and she should know as she is quite the connoisseur when it comes to green tea.

The Sandwiches

Following on with the cruise theme, the sandwiches were generous and filled to the brim. There was no scrimping or soggy sandwiches here. No dainty fingers but more a handful of lavish opulence. Bohemia has stuck to the classic flavours with cheese savoury, smoked salmon and cucumber, ham and wholegrain mustard, and tuna. These timeless flavour combinations were all delightful. The tuna sandwich had a lovely crunch and the ham and wholegrain mustard had just the right amount of tang. As delicious as these sandwiches were in the beautifully fresh white and granary bread, they were just the warm-up for the stars of the show. We were now about to cast off and set sail on an ocean adventure searching for the treasures that were the sweet delights.

All Aboard For A Taste Explosion - The Cakes

It is the cakes that sets Bohemia’s afternoon tea apart from the rest. This is where the culinary genius becomes really evident. A tantalising array of treats that blows all other afternoon teas out of the water/sea. We were presented with an exellent shell-ection of cakes and pastries and we didn’t know where to start. This cascading tower of treats looked too good to be true. Our eyes told us to dive straight in but our bellies told us to take our time. And take our time we did. This was a treat to be savoured, to be relished and we did not want to rush it. Instead of diving straight in we chose to dip in and luxuriate in the taste sensations.

A Jolly Good Lolly

First up was a classic mint-chocolate chip ice lolly. A lolly is a staple for any cruise to exotic climes and Bohemia’s ice lolly was simply out of this world. Skillfully made with a crunchy outside layer, a subtle tickle of mint and a smooth mouse hidden beneath the surface. It was the perfect lolly to cool down with and to waken up the taste buds.

Sail Away

Then we cruised onto the next sweet stop. This glorious cruise cake was made with Malibu-soaked coconut sponge and filled with a mango, passion fruit, papaya and lime mousse and a tangy passion fruit jelly. A refreshing cake that made my taste buds dance in sheer glee. This was quite possibly my favourite part of Bohemia’s afternoon tea. This miniature cruise ship took us away to exotic shores and the tastes had transported me to an idyllic tropical island.

Get Your Ring Buoy On!

Next, we floated away on the perfect macaroon which looked too good to be eaten but we managed it ;-). This really was the anatomy for a perfect macaroon. A slight crisp shell on the outside, the inside was light and fluffy with a slight chewiness. The filling was a peachy perfection. Just the right amount of filling took this macaroon to the next level (or should that be shore?). A combination of tantalising flavours of peach, olive oil, sea salt and apricot which will have you dreaming of summery shores.

Mum’s Favourite - A Berry Good Tart

Mum’s post cruise blues had by now been well and truly banished as she savoured the juicy summer berry tartlet. No soggy bottoms on deck here! The perfect pastry was light with a slight crispness to it and contained a delectable filling of raspberry and chocolate mousse with a touch of tarragon. This was topped with crunchy raspberry coral and fresh berries.

It’s All Scone (Gone)

We had savoured our afternoon tea and by now we had spent a good couple of hours nibbling and wowing. We were feeling full to bursting but still had the plain and raisin scones to enjoy. With eyes bigger than our bellies we filled our scones with Jersey Black Butter, strawberry jam and clotted cream. They were oh so good. Light and moist. I often use the word “perfect” when talking about Bohemia but these really were the perfect scones. However, we finally had to admit defeat and the team at Bohemia kindly boxed up our left-over treasures for us to take and savour at home.

It’s Not Over Until Mum Has Had Her Cocktail

We were having such a lovely time that we decided to round off the afternoon tea with a delectable cocktail. As the rain poured down outside we revelled in a Lanique Spritz. A divine cocktail made with lanique, prosecco, soda water and lime. Bohemia are known for making the most amazing cocktails and I have been known to pop here to sample a cocktail on a weekend. I was not disappointed with this cocktail. It really put me in the holiday “spirit”

Overall Thoughts On The Bohemian Afternoon Cruise

Heavenly would be the one word to sum up Bohemia’s afternoon tea; it is a masterpiece and this was a glorious way to spend a rainy afternoon in Jersey. It transported Mum back to her cruise and scored me some serious brownie points. The afternoon tea was incredible value for money priced at just £19.95 per person, especially when you consider that Bohemia is a Michelin starred restaurant and the only one in the Channel Islands to be listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants. This afternoon tea is one of the very best, if not the best, on the rock! If the rumours are true and this summer is set to be a washout then this afternoon tea is the perfect way to escape to more sunnier climes

This is the best way to say Bon Voyage to the rain and hello to the sunshine.

For reservations please call: 01534 880 588 or visit www.bohemiajersey.com

Disclaimer - please be aware that I was invited along to review the afternoon tea. However, as always all words and opinions are my own. My tastebuds love Bohemia.