Indulge Your Senses with a Chocolate Inspired Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House
The Man has done it again. Not long after the launch of his new chocolate shop in Heal's Tottenham Court Road, Paul A Young has found the time to create his chocolate inspired afternoon tea - and invited us along to sample the magic. 
For those of you unfamiliar with Paul, he is one of the master chocolatiers in the forefront of the British chocolate industry.
Unafraid to make some strange choices, such as his Marmite Brownie, Paul tries to incorporate seasonal flavours into his chocolates. He is hands-on with his approach, as he and his team handcraft small batches of chocolates, using fresh, local ingredients to create a chocolate worth waiting for.
Paul is a trained chef who focused his skills to create his award winning chocolates, whilst opening shops, attending events and exhibitions and even putting his name to his very own book 'Adventures with Chocolate'.
Set in Grosvenor House, the chocolate inspired afternoon tea incorporates the elegance that the hotel has to offer. The luxury of this experience begins before you even step foot inside, with doormen on hand, waiting to open the front door for guests. 
As we took our seats we were offered a glass of Louis Roederer champagne before being presented with a fruit salad amuse-bouche; designed to cleanse our palette so that we could fully enjoy and appreciate our afternoon tea. A tower of treats followed our champagne start and to compliment the spread we were offered an exceptionally refreshing Madagascan cocoa nib tea, which carried more than a hint of chocolate without overwhelming the base flavour.
The finger sandwiches were all beautifully sliced and for the most part, were classic flavours from which there is something that everyone can enjoy. On Paul's recommendation, we started with the cucumber and Venezuelan chocolate pairing. To say we were nervous at this unusual creation would be an understatement but in true master chocolatier style, Paul had managed to bring together the most unlikely partners to create something truly divine. With just the right balance the cucumber lifted the flavour of the chocolate and the combination was a great success, with all of the guests at our table in complete agreement.
Moving up the tower, we sampled a selection of miniature desserts, which looked almost too cute to devour. Delicate in their flavours and not so overwhelmingly chocolatey that you couldn't bear to eat another, the desserts gave us an insight into a variety of flavour combinations, coupled with a few classics, such as Battenburg and shortbread.
Before we had finished our sandwiches, a selection of scones was added to our table. Served to us wrapped in linen to keep them warm, the scones were, in true fashion, plain or fruited. With the customary clotted cream came not jam, but Paul's award winning salted caramel spread.
Working closely with Nigel, Paul has managed to build on the staples of Grosvenor House's own afternoon tea by injecting his chocolate knowledge to complement the flavours.
Our favourites of the day were difficult to pinpoint. With such an array of different flavours, no two things were the same, so we can't fairly compare one treat to another. That being said, our Editor-in-Chef was more than tempted to tuck into the salted caramel sauce with just a spoon! For myself, I was very much taken with the Pistachio and Raspberry slice - with its bright green topping, it stood out in appearance as much as flavour.
You will most definitely not be left wanting more from this afternoon treat. With seven different flavours of finger sandwiches, six delicious desserts, a cocoa nib tea, champagne (if you opt for it) as well as scones, we were so full by the end we were reluctant to leave our seats. As an extra treat everyone who takes this afternoon tea experience will also be presented with a small selection of Paul's chocolate truffles to take home.
If this indulgent afternoon tea sounds a little like chocolate overload, do not fear; Paul's skill at combining ingredients coupled with the inclusion of savoury finger sandwiches left us full for hours after, yet we were still eyeing up his chocolate truffles on the way home.
Launching on Monday 14th April 2014 Paul A Young's Chocolate Inspired Afternoon Tea costs just £39.50 per person or £49.50 with the inclusion of a glass of champagne. Reserve your table now at www.parkroom.co.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7399 8452.
Those who want to further explore the magic of a Master Chocolatier Paul A Young can enjoy a stay at Grosvenor House with the "Adventures with Chocolate Package", which includes an overnight stay with breakfast for two, Afternoon tea for two, a signed copy of Paul's award-winning 'Adventure's with Chocolate' book to take home and a surprise chocolate treat during your stay. Rates start from £444 per night inc. VAT. To book, visit www.londongrosvenorhouse.co.uk