This is my review of the L’Espresso Afternoon Tea buffet at Goodwood park hotel. Specifically, the Festive Menu – after all, it’s Christmas season, so why not?
Year-End Well Wishes
First off – Merry Christmas 2020 and a Happy New Year to everyone! It’s been a bit over a year since this blog was launched, and it is approaching a readership of nearly 10,000 a month. For that, I thank each and every reader and subscriber from the bottom of my heart. The blogging journey has not been easy – I work full time, and have two small children, of which the younger was born almost 4 months ago. It’s the positive feedback and encouragement from my husband, close friends, and regular fans that kept me going, so again, thank you to all for making this journey worthwhile.
Every year, my family and I will enjoy a Festive spread, usually a buffet, at any reputable dining establishment in Singapore. This year, the honours goes to Goodwood park hotel.
The decision was a tough one – after all, we know many wonderful places that specially do a Festive or Christmas menu. Last year, we had the year-end BBQ buffet last year at St. Regis Singapore, in their in-house Italian Restaurant, LaBrezza.
For us, we’ve heard so many good things about L’Espresso at Goodwood Park but have never personaly tried the place out.
L’Espresso Afternoon Tea Menu
The colonial building had old British vibes both inside and out.
L’Espresso Afternoon Tea set up
The menu boasts a BUFFET spread consisting of sandwiches and a generous selection of savoury and sweet items.
L’Espresso Afternoon Tea Menu
And of course, an extensive coffee and tea menu.
L’Espresso Afternoon Tea – Drinks Selection
A note on the fine coffee selection – in addition to usual choices typically seen in hotels (lattes, cappucinos, espresso etc) – there were a variety of coffee options topped with whipped cream.
I managed to even custom-request a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for my daughter… unfortunately she whacked it so fast, this mama couldn’t get a picture.
All Menu Images Source: Goodwood Part Hotel
I ordered the Goodwood Hotel Exclusive Legacy Blend 120 – a black tea with bergamot, and blue cornflower with hints of almond fragrance. A slightly nutty taste that wasn’t sweet like fruit teas – this is unique and definitely something different from the usual TWG blends.
Goodwood Hotel Exclusive Legacy Blend – I love their English old-school Teapots and Teacups
High Tea: Small Bites, Warm Mains
What’s a good Afternoon Tea without sandwiches and fingerfood?
Assortment of Petite Sandwiches
Salads, Cold Cuts and Cheese
There were also several hot items to choose from.
Hot Savoury items
With COVID-19, patrons do not pick any food items themselves. Behind each food section, there is a server – tell him what you want and he will happily give you a serving (or more) of whatever requested. I applaud Goodwood park for this move; it is more manpower-intenstive but with this system the hotel managed to preserve the integrity of a buffet high tea.
Churros (Behind), Mini Turkey Bacon and Cheese Quiche (Left), and Tomato Spaetzle with Bacon and Cheese (Right)
Crispy Beetroot Batter Fish with Greens Herb Dip (Back), Swedish Meatball with Smoky Homemade BBQ sauce (Left), Savory Crusted Turkey Pot Pie (Right)
Turkey Carving
Served with Crispy Polenta (made with vegetables and parmesan), and Butter Glazed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese
A key highlight was the Turkey carving. Some people don’t like turkey as they find the meat too tought or hard. But the Turkey here at L’Espresso was EXCEPTIONAL. Very soft, very tender, and thoroughly roasted without compromising on the natural oily turkey flavour, the Turkey carving alone has made this high tea worthwhile. If you’ve got friends who dislike turkey purely for its toughness – this is the dish that converts them into turkey lovers.
Sandwiches and Turkey Carving – It truly feels like a Christmas Afternoon Tea
The other warm food items were well done too – a noteworthy mention is the Crispy Beetroot Batter Fish – crunchy on the outside but light and slightly fishy on the inside, all of us had multiple servings of this.
Beef Stew (back), Crispy Beetroot Batter Fish, Churros
Pie lovers – there is also a Turkey Pot pie dish. It resembles a chicken pot pie except that it’s more healthy it’s infused with the flavours of a turkey. Somehow that alone renders it more comforting than the chicken version. I guess because it has more fat content.
Spot the Turkey Pot Pie
High Tea: Desserts
The main food table has few sweet options. Namely, scones, creme brulee, and a bread and butter pudding. However the server informed us that the warm desserts are on one side…
Turkey Carving
And the cold items are in a refrigerated display across the hallway…
Not pictured: Fruit platter
(yes there was one but I got so excited with the sweets, I forgot to show that fruit existed)
Festive special alert – Log Cake! A traditional chocolate one, with hints of an orange and nutty cream frosting.
Chocolate Truffle (Left) and Chocolate Log Cake (Right)
Life is a Buffet: Everything Must Try
Of course, a huge assortment of mini cakes were on display (much to the delight of my 3 year old daughter and her parents).
Left to Right: Tiramisu, Kiwi Mousse Cake, Chocolate Crumchy Hazelnut, Mango Mousse Cake
Left to Right: Mini Fresh Fruit tartlet, Chocolate tartlet, Christmas Fruit cake, Blackcurrant cake
Left to Right: Strawberry panna cotta, Pistachio Chocolate mousse, Raspberry Chiboust financier, Orange Chocolate cake
The best part? You could have as much of it as you wanted. This is one buffet that you definitely want to save some space for dessert; it’s too good to be missed.
My 20th plate. I think.
Don’t like cake? Fret not, there’s also ice cream.
Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream, topped with nuts and gummies
If I had to choose my favourite dessert of the day, it’s definitely the chocolate truffles. Velvety smooth, rich, and very round, I don’t know what it is that makes them special… but both the daughter and myself loved them so much, we ate till we almost passed out from a sugar high.
Assortment of White, Milk, and Dark Chocolate Truffles
Totally worth the calories.
Overall Thoughts
I tend to have mixed feelings about Afternoon Teas – most places tend to have a fixed set so you typically don’t get to refill on food items. For example, the Afternoon Tea at Brasserie Les Saveurs (St. Regis Singapore)– it was gorgeous, but the inability to request for more helpings can be slightly disappointing, especially when these sets do not come cheap.
Hence, having this lovely high tea buffet-style already puts L’Espresso at Goodwood park a cut above many other places. The only other close rival I can think of, would be the Rose Veranda at Shangri La.
The meal here does feel special, being Yuletide themed – items such as Turkey Carving, Turkey Pot Pie, Log Cake, were additions to the regular menu.
Service-wise, the staff were very busy but despite that, were exceedingly polite and helpful. Plates were cleared quickly, queries were handled patiently – and bonus – they even spoke to my three year old, asking if she would like hot chocolate, and attempted to make my four month old baby laugh.
Highly recommended overall.
Price review
Priced at $54++ on weekdays or $58 on weekends, the December Festive Dining Menu is slightly pricer than the usual Afternoon Tea ($45++ weekday / $48++ weekend). Moreover, the hotel informed me that there were no credit card discounts whatsoever during this period.
Price: $58.00++ on weekends for 3 Adults (my two children dined for free)
– Sub Total: $174.00
– 50% for Amex Love Dining, minus – $32.50
– 7% GST: $13.40
– 10% Service Charge: $17.40
– Total cost: $204.80 for 3 adults
However, in spite of that, I am actually WILLING to pay full price for this place – it is THAT GOOD. For someone whose husband once asked me, “Is there anywhere we dine that DOESN’T have a discount at all?” – this is a real testament to the L’Espresso Afternoon Tea
Should you wish to find out more about dining with huge discounts – think eating out in hotels and fine dining establishments up to 50% off – i highly recommend you check out my posts on the American Express Love Dining benefits. I have both the restaurant dining guide and the hotel dining guide, and have written extensively on various personal experiences with the Love Dining Programme.
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Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed on this page are that of Happy High Life and may not necessarily reflect the position of American Express. Happy High Life is not responsible for any decisions made by readers. The terms and conditions for credit card applications may be subject to change by American Express. Readers are recommended to check with American Express or its partners; the list of all benefits of the Platinum Charge Card can be found here.
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