HIS & HERS ISN’T QUITE READY TO SAY: ‘LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW’ (NOT UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE) BUT TO SAY THE WEATHER WAS BRACING ON THE DAY WE CALLED IN TO SAMPLE AFTERNOON TEA AT THE HILTON, IS SOMETHING OF AN UNDERSTATEMENT, BUT IT WOULD TAKE MORE THAN A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR AND A FIERCE WIND THAT SWEPT US ALONG TOWARDS THE ALBERT DOCK, TO KEEP US AWAY FROM SUCH A TEMPTING PROSPECT, AS THE LAUNCH OF AFTERNOON TEA WITH A SUBTLE DIFFERENCE .

The restaurant has a real festive vibe. There’s a classic Christmas tree, beautiful glass bowls filled with baubles grace the tables, and the big screen is there to show classics like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ as a silent backdrop whilst we enjoy everything that’s on offer. The staff are friendly, attentive and efficient. Coffee and tea arrived in pots, and the coffee is seriously good, as, I am sure, is the tea. The food arrived on a wooden show-case (food slotting into mini open shelving), which is such a clever way of fitting everything on the table, and makes it fun to make your individual selections.

The sandwiches include: Ham & Dijon mustard, cream cheese & cucumber, and Turkey & Cranberries, with Veggie option. Scones come with clotted cream, decorated with strawberries and a delicious conserve. There are mini festive desserts: fondant ‘plum puddings’, a festive Santa, and mouth-watering chocolate cake. Prices start at £16.95: with mulled wine (which is spicy, warming and great depth of flavour) it rises to £21.95, and for that special occasion, add Champagne to make it a competitive £25 per head.

The timing is perfect: what better place to double-check the Christmas present list, and plan your Christmas shopping offensive, than from the safety and comfort of the fabulous restaurant at the Hilton.

Book online: www.hiltonliverpool.co.uk or call 0151 708 4300

Hilton Hotel Liverpool City Centre, 3 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool, L1 8LW.

Related feature: The Hilton’s Star Spangled Super Bowl Party.