"Booked the standard afternoon tea at the Mandolay on a dismal February afternoon. I was surprised to see that there were pay and display machines on the hotel forecourt. It was pouring with rain but I did my best to scan the small print on...the machines to see if diners or residents get a discount for parking. Sadly not , nor does the machine give change! I decided to pay by card, for hours which I hoped would be a suitable time for us to partake of the tea time offerings. We were welcomed by a friendly receptionist who asked how we were. Actually soaking wet but that wasn't her fault. We were shown to our seats and a tea menu was brought to us. The tea menu itself was presented beautifully in a clasped box. Sample teas are contained in screw top jars within the box and we were invited to unscrew the jars to smell the teas. The teas offered were wide, varied and also unlimited. The restaurant was quiet with just a few friends gathered, sampling the afternoon tea as were we. The table linen was clean and crisp and service excellent. In due course a stand was brought to us with the usual fare of sandwiches, cakes and scones. There were fingers each of smoked salmon, coronation chicken, egg mayo and beef and horseradish. Before we started on the sweet items, we were asked if we would like more sandwiches but we politely declined. There were warm homemade scones, plain and fruited, (a little on the dry and heavy side) along with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Patisserie included a macaron, strawberry tartlet and chocolate cake each. The chocolate cake in particular was very light and delicate. We ordered more tea and the waitress very kindly provided a box so we could take home the strawberry tartlets that our tummies could not find a home for. The afternoon tea itself was nicely presented and plentiful and the service good. The decor in the hotel was not very cosy and I would imagine that the hotel would lend itself more to business or conference delegates. The parking situation was a bit off putting, this is the first time I have had to pay to park my car before dining in a restaurant or partaking of afternoon tea. I appreciate that the hotel is fairly close to Guildford Town Centre and they would need a deterrent to stop people just parking their car at the hotel and going shopping. However, I think it would be appropriate to offer free or discounted parking to residents or diners. Whilst the afternoon tea was acceptable, I think there are better alternatives around."
