Last Wednesday it was my birthday – another year as a twenty-something-year-old – and despite having a night out with my best girlfriends on the cards, I also wanted to do something a little more chilled during the day. For me, December is all about festivities and a birthday two weeks before Christmas is both a curse and a blessing; although having been burdened with busy social diaries and joint presents for year on year, it also means that there are some special activities that only run at this time of the year. Festive afternoon tea, anyone?
As the Radisson knew it was my birthday, they arranged for me to have a day-pass of their leisure facilities at the Sienna Spa as an extra treat. To be honest, I’m not sure what I was expecting – probably your standard white, clinical pool and token cramped sauna – but I was greeted by the most beautifully lit spa area. As cliche as it sounds, the pool was just the right temperature; not too hot, not too cold. It was also so peaceful and I had the pool to myself for almost an hour, before dipping in the jucuzzi and steam room.
After my relaxing swim, I got ready in the privacy of the secluded changing rooms. The getting-ready-after-swim-bit is always the part I dread most about swimming, and to be honest, puts me off usually. However, I needn’t have worried as the changing rooms each had a separate shower cubicle with shower gel and moisturiser, and the changing rooms were just ideal. Each locker comes with a complimentary dressing gown, slippers(!) and towels. Plus, the changing rooms have straighteners, toiletries and mirrors for you to use – major plus points.
By this time, I was pretty peckish so when I was welcomed to the OPUS bar and restaurant and told I could try both the Festive Afternoon Tea and the Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea, I greedily accepted the challenge. As well as having two afternoon teas on offer, there were four types of tea to choose from and I was told the tea was unlimited. Although I tried an exotic Japanese tea, I wasn’t a fan and went for good ole’ Breakfast tea instead.
When the afternoon tea arrived, it came on two traditional tea stands with everything in miniature – so cute! The Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea (bit sexist, but we’ll go with it) came with a top tier of mini “traditional” meals including a Yorkshire pudding and mini fish and chips (so yummy) and a bottom tier of “rustic” sandwiches. The Festive Afternoon Tea instead had a top tier of wintery cakes, including a berry jelly and chocolate muffin, and a bottom tier of finger sandwiches. This one was my favourite of the two. Both came with scones, jam and cream, too – beautifully presented in miniature.
Over all, the afternoon tea was a delight. I took my time and enjoyed trying all the bits and pieces, dibbing in and out over a couple of hours. Even though I probably outstayed my welcome a little – okay, I was milking it – the staff didn’t seem to mind at all and were in no hurry to move me on. There were also carol singers in the restaurant, Christmas decorations everywhere and a fire burning next to me. Heavenly!
To be honest with you, I couldn’t recommend this enough and if you are looking to treat someone this Christmas, definitely purchase them a voucher for the Festive Afternoon Tea and take advantage of this seasonal teat while you can. I can’t wait to see what variations the Radisson Blu Edwardian will have in the new year and, hopefully, finally have a stay at the hotel next. Stay tuned!
Looks like a lovely day! Happy Birthday! I visited the Sienna spa a few years ago for a spa day and it was amazing! I'm not really an afternoon tea girl but I think I could make an exception for this!
I adore afternoon tea but as much as this does look beautiful I have a sneaky suspicion that it would be a bit pricey for myself. There are some lovely little places in Liverpool that do Afternoon Tea so I'd probably be going to them. It does look like you had a lovely time and I hope you had a wonderful birthday. xx
Ohhh you will have to let me know where you recommend! I've never been for afternoon tea in Liverpool so would love to visit some of your hot spots :) Thank you x
That sounds lovey! My husband's birthday is this week and I've taken him to spas before, which he loves – but will keep this on my radar for next year spa+great food, I don't think he could be any happier!
Wow this looks fantastic. And what a great-looking blog you have – love your colours scheme and background! That is the nerdiest thing I have ever said… :)
Aw Kerrie, that comment has really made my day! So glad you like the blog layout as I have inner struggles with myself every so ofter as to whether to calm it down a little :) x
Happy bday. I too know the curse and bless of having a bday near xmas, mine is boxing day. This afternoon tea looks amazing and since coming to the uk six years ago I am on a mission to try every afternoon tea I can!!!!
Love scones with jam and cream. Every time we go to Devon I have to go to Dawlish to see have a Devonshire cream tea. It looks like you had a fantastic birthday.
Oh definitely go for some new year afternoon tea – a lovely treat to yourself! :) x
Meet The Creator
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.
Looks like a lovely day! Happy Birthday! I visited the Sienna spa a few years ago for a spa day and it was amazing! I'm not really an afternoon tea girl but I think I could make an exception for this!
Thank you! :) Yes I LOVE the Sienna spa, I definitely need to go back now. It was just so luxurious x
I adore afternoon tea but as much as this does look beautiful I have a sneaky suspicion that it would be a bit pricey for myself. There are some lovely little places in Liverpool that do Afternoon Tea so I'd probably be going to them. It does look like you had a lovely time and I hope you had a wonderful birthday. xx
Ohhh you will have to let me know where you recommend! I've never been for afternoon tea in Liverpool so would love to visit some of your hot spots :) Thank you x
That sounds lovey! My husband's birthday is this week and I've taken him to spas before, which he loves – but will keep this on my radar for next year spa+great food, I don't think he could be any happier!
You're so lucky to have a man that loves spas – perfect excuse to treat him whilst treating yourself at the same time ;) xx
We've also been lucky enough to enjoy the Festive Afternoon Tea & particularly liked the cranberry & orange scones. The spa looks lush!
Oh the scones were lovely – I love how tiny and cute they were! :) x
That looks like some up-market afternoon tea to me! Really hoped you enjoyed your birthday lovely, mine was the day after yours!
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Thanks Jess – Happy Birthday to you too! :) xx
Sounds like a real treat day! The food looks yummy!
It was definitely a bit of a naughty treat day, but definitely worth it! x
ooh I know what to ask for my next birthday..
Definitely recommend Becky, the perfect birthday treat! x
Right I know where I'm staying next time I'm in Manchester! I had no idea it was so nice!
Highly recommend it, Maxine – a little pricey but definitely worth it for a treat :) x
Looks amazing and happy belated birthday x
Thanks Steph – a belated reply from me too! :) x
Sounds lovely, I keep trying to persuade hubby to take me for afternoon tea!
Oh you need to make him take you here – a new year treat perhaps? :) x
Sounds like the perfect to me, glad you enjoyed your day. :)
Thanks, Hannah – it was absolutely lovely to be spoilt! x
Wow this looks fantastic. And what a great-looking blog you have – love your colours scheme and background! That is the nerdiest thing I have ever said… :)
Aw Kerrie, that comment has really made my day! So glad you like the blog layout as I have inner struggles with myself every so ofter as to whether to calm it down a little :) x
What a perfect birthday day! And you look gorgeous as always!
Aw thank you Susan – that compliment means a lot coming from a stylist! :) x
Happy bday. I too know the curse and bless of having a bday near xmas, mine is boxing day. This afternoon tea looks amazing and since coming to the uk six years ago I am on a mission to try every afternoon tea I can!!!!
Oh gosh, a boxing day birthday really is VERY close to Christmas. I bet you get so many joint presents haha!
Yes definitely try afternoon tea here Jenny – very British :) x
Love scones with jam and cream. Every time we go to Devon I have to go to Dawlish to see have a Devonshire cream tea. It looks like you had a fantastic birthday.
Oh you can't beat a bit of Devonshire cream tea, can you Joanne? You've made me hungry now! x
Happy Birthday! Looks like you we're so very rightly spoilt :)
P.S I love your blog design! Super cute
Thank you! So glad you like my blog design – sometimes I have the urge to white it out, so glad you enjoy it :) x
I wanna go to afternoon tea sooo bad xx
Oh definitely go for some new year afternoon tea – a lovely treat to yourself! :) x