My friend and I went to the afternoon tea as part of a group that had a weekend event in Newport. I can't speak for the other meals, but there is very little good to say about the tea service. For one thing, I spent about half the time I was there with no table setting. The moment they brought us a box of tea bags to choose from I knew we were in trouble. No proper afternoon tea would include teabags. To make matters worse, they forgot to bring the water, so I was sitting there with a teabag and no water until I asked them multiple times to bring some. A further complication is that I have a gluten allergy. To accommodate this they brought me finger sandwiches comprised of gluten free bread with banana and peanut butter! Not exactly an authentic item for English tea. I finally got fed and went to the manager pointing at out that I was not six years old and would like some adult food, such as a chicken salad sandwich. They seemed equally baffled by two members of our group who were vegan. At one point they came out of the kitchen with three hummus plates with nothing to put the hummus on, and no apparent idea who they were for. It was kind of like a Three Stooges episode. They finally brought me a chicken salad sandwich and some flourless chocolate cake, which was delicious, which is why I gave them two stars instead of one. Otherwise, overall the food and service were astoundingly bad, especially for an establishment that purports to be ritzy. With such an overpriced and low quality output, it's a wonder that they stay in business. Perhaps it's because they rely on tourists and not repeat...
Read moreAn afternoon tea experience to remember! From the moment we stepped into the stunning, historic hotel on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, we were transported to a world of elegance and charm. The atmosphere was breathtaking, with intricate details and timeless décor that perfectly set the stage for our tea. Angela, our guide for the afternoon, was simply outstanding. Her in-depth knowledge of the six teas we sampled added a rich layer to the experience. Each tea had its own story, and Angela’s passion shone through as she expertly explained the varying caffeine levels and unique flavor profiles. Her recommendations were spot on, and every sip was delightful. The tea tower was a masterpiece, both visually and gastronomically. The bottom tier featured savory delights that perfectly balanced the sweetness to come. The middle tier was a celebration of tradition, with perfectly baked scones and a standout lemon blueberry pound cake that was as delicious as it was beautiful. But the crown jewel was the cranberry scone—heavenly, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The top tier was a whimsical indulgence, featuring colorful macarons, an exquisite éclair, and a raspberry cake that was as delicious as it was artfully crafted. Each bite was a testament to the skill and care that went into creating this magical spread. The combination of Angela’s knowledge, the impeccable flavors, and the stunning ambiance made this afternoon tea an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Newport or looking for a sophisticated yet cozy way to spend an afternoon. Five stars are...
Read moreI had the pleasure of staying at The Viking during my recent trip to Newport, RI, and I was instantly transported to the Gilded Age. My first day, while it poured outside, I ventured into the bar at One Bellevue. Initially, I was in the mood for tea, but the Gimlet on the menu caught my eye and felt perfectly in tune with the Gilded Age vibe I was seeking after visiting The Breakers.
Lincoln, the bartender, crafted the most exquisite Gimlet—a perfectly balanced mix of tart, sweet, and a hint of gin. It was so delightful that I decided the Gimlet would be my drink for the vacation, if not the entire summer!
Throughout my stay, I sampled Gimlets at various spots, including The Mooring, where it was just okay, and 22 Bowen's, where it was better. However, none could compare to the perfection of the Gimlet at One Bellevue. I had to return for another before my trip ended.
I cannot recommend One Bellevue, Lincoln, and their exceptional Gimlet enough. It truly encapsulated the elegance and charm of Newport's...
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