Reid’s Palace Hotel (afternoon tea) – Madeira (8.5/10)
Jul 3rd, 2007 by admin
Having been informed that traditional British afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace Hotel (former guests include Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher) on the cliff-tops above Funchal, Madeira was an event not to be missed, I duly booked a table for five on the elegant terrace. This is the place to sit, as the view of the sea is breathtaking. It was peaceful, with live piano music coming from inside, and the service efficient and friendly.
There were far too many choices of tea on the menu, which tea connoisseurs would have loved, so in the end we opted for the delicious Reid’s blend (which you can also buy in a tea caddy to take home with you, for 16 Euros), Darjeeling Second Flush and Assam. Delicate finger sandwiches (cheese, egg, salmon, prawn and avocado and tomato) were quickly devoured. The small scones arrived hot, with cream (not clotted though, which was a shame) and jam, while there were far too many dainty cakes and pastries for us to finish (some ended up being smuggled out in a sandwich bag which I just happened to have in my bag).
Everything was served on classic Wedgwood, and overall it was a beautiful setting to have a tranquil afternoon tea. Afternoon tea per person was 26 Euros, which was not that expensive considering how much there was to eat. Dinner that evening at Villa Cipriani (also in Reid’s) became a struggle though…
For a summary of all restaurants, have a look at Where To Eat In Madeira, Portugal
10 – Perfection, 9.5 – Sensational, 9 – Outstanding, 8.5 – Superb,
8 – Excellent, 7.5 – Very Good, 7 - Good, 6.5 - Above Average, 6 – Average
All the Portugal restaurant reviews on World Foodie Guide
Contact Details:
Reid’s Palace Hotel
Estrada Monumental 139
9000-098 Funchal
Madeira
Tel: +351 291 717 171
Fax: +351 291 717 177
reservations@reidspalace.com
www.reidspalace.com
It looks like you guys where in paradise for awhile, the food drinks and scenery of Portugal look beautiful.
Hello! It really was a perfect afternoon – the sandwiches, cakes and scones were delicious (far too much for us to finish), the tea heavenly, the weather and view of the ocean perfect and the surrounding so peaceful (with live piano playing quietly in the background). I really recommend going to Reid’s for afternoon tea! And Madeira is a wonderful place to visit too.
Helen Yuet Ling
tea at reids was not good when i visited several years ago. the sandwiches were not fresh,only one teapot of tea, the cake was ordinary slab cake. i had tea in the dorcester a few weeks previously, and reids was not in the same class. i am visiting maderia in a few weeks, and it will be interesting to see if reids has improved.
ray miles – that’s a shame to hear. When I went in July 2007, it was amazing. I’ve also been to The Dorchester, but I don’t think you can compare the two! Reid’s has no access to fresh clotted cream for example. It’s lovely to go for the experience, relax on the terrace with friends and family and just enjoy being on holiday!
Helen Yuet Ling