Afternoon Tea at Le Chalet

This afternoon, my friend and I paid a visit to a lovely little French cafe situated just off Park Row in Leeds. Le Chalet is a stunning eatery that serves up an array of French decadences, from crepes and macarons to french toast and onion soup, you really are spoilt for choice with a menu that leaves you instantly wanting to return for more.

On this occasion, we opted for the afternoon tea. For a mere £12.95 pp, you are treat to a selection of sandwiches (you get the choice of two fillings each, on white or brown bread); a rather generously sized scone each, these were served with a selection of strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb jams and clotted cream; and lots of beautiful miniature sized pastries and cakes. We were also offered a pot of loose leaf tea each from the considerable selection on offer. I chose the aromatic vanilla blend and my friend selected the soothing chai tea. We also went with a rose lemonade each, to wash down our cakes with.

The sandwiches were gorgeous, and I felt we were given just the right amount too. We chose a selection of egg mayonnaise, smoked salmon, and cream cheese & pepper. We were also provided with some additional spreads homed upon crusty french bread, which were simply stunning. The scones were still warm and almost melted in the mouth; we also got a generous portion of clotted cream, something I find myself often having to ask for more with afternoon teas. I particularly enjoyed the rhubarb jam, I felt it complemented the fruit scone perfectly. The selection of cakes and pastries were so beautiful and were a welcome change to some of the usual boring afternoon tea offerings. But our favourites had to be the violet meringue – wow – this was exactly as a meringue should be, crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside; and the macarons, which were pure perfection – I believe we had rose and bubblegum flavours, wonderful.

The service in here is incredible, we were seated instantly and the French lady serving us was so friendly and polite. She kept checking that we were satisfied with our food, but never to the point where it became irritating, which I find it can be in some places. Once we had finished our food, the chef even came out to see if we enjoyed it and she seemed genuinely delighted, when we informed her that we did – this I thought was a lovely, personal touch. I will most definitely be returning to Le Chalet and it can’t come sooner. I’m desperate to try the French onion soup that was on the menu and I’m also intrigued at the alluring breakfast selections, too.

Le Chalet can be found at 31-32 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JD, you can also check the menu out here.