Large, original chandeliers cast a pleasant and elegant light throughout the space, while magnificent columns and wall paintings from 1920 give the room a historic feel.
When you pass through the doors of the prestigious Hotel Bristol, you feel like you have travelled back in time – to manor life in Downton Abbey, the world-famous Ritz Hotel and European jazz clubs in the roaring 20s.
Many people come to the hotel for a good night’s sleep, but its traditional Afternoon Tea is equally as popular.
What makes Hotel Bristol’s Afternoon Tea so special
In Hotel Bristol’s historic drawing room, Vinterhaven, you can enjoy a tasteful experience of a historic tradition said to have originated in royal circles in England in the mid-1800s.
The meticulous presentation consists of delicacies on three-tiered stands: At the bottom are small sandwiches with such fillings as classic mild horseradish cream and fresh cucumber slices. The middle tier is filled with homemade, traditional scones served with clotted cream, lemon cream and seasonal jam, while the top has sweet temptations from the hotel’s own patisserie. An amazing selection of our finest teas adds the perfect finishing touch. Those who like to imagine themselves in London choose Earl Grey or English Breakfast. A serving platter made of real silver completes the British culinary experience.
Read more about Afternoon Tea at Hotel Bristol.
How Hotel Bristol creates the ultimate British feeling
1. Lordly atmosphere
With its hotel porcelain with gold trim, white tablecloths and silver cutlery, sparkling chandeliers and a colour palette featuring red, yellow, green and gold, Bristol is synonymous with classic elegance.
When the dance restaurant (now Vinterhaven) first opened its doors in 1920, it soon became the favourite meeting place for high society and partygoers in the capital. This is also where jazz is said to have been introduced in Oslo and Eartha Kitt and Josephine Baker have performed here to dancing guests in the past.
Wherever you look, you see art on the walls, decorative ceramic vases and floral curtains with gold tassels. Even the conference facilities are adorned with chandeliers and chairs upholstered in royal blue velour. And the rooms feature luxurious beds, terry bathrobes and a coffee machine.
But you get even a better sense of being in London in the Library Bar, where you can sink into an leather armchair with a British magazine in hand, surrounded by dark wooden bookshelves, dark green wall-to-wall patterned carpeting and golden lamps that would fit perfectly in a classic British detective series. Enjoy afternoon tea while immersing yourself in British literature.
2. Royal service
There are not many places left where all it takes is a nod to be served, the food comes on silver platters and coffee and hot chocolate are poured from a silver coffee pot by uniformed waiters. But at Hotel Bristol, this is the standard, as well as a hotel concierge, bellhops, a hotel sommelier and a banquet manager. They all make sure that the hotel lives up to 100 years of tradition and the highest standard of service.
For added luxury, the hotel also offers turndown service in a number of rooms. This means that your room is readied for the evening by closing the curtains, turning down the bed and putting out water, slippers and luxury wellness products.
3. English breakfast in the heart of Oslo
Not only do you journey back in time at Hotel Bristol, but also into the culinary world.
When you stay with us in the heart of Oslo, you start your day with a genuine English breakfast. You can be served a Full English breakfast with eggs prepared to your liking, crispy bacon, baked beans, fried mushrooms and hash browns.
You can also opt for a lighter but equally British breakfast, consisting of scones or toast with jam, accompanied by a cup of tea.
Do you have a sweet tooth and dream about London’s many bakeries? You can enjoy treats from Hotel Bristol’s very own patisserie, which conjures up fresh pastries every day for you to enjoy in Vinterhaven. The menu always includes the hotel's famous Napoelon cake, Budapest roll and vanilla cream cake. Many of these treats are also included on the top tier of the Afternoon Tea stand.