At some point during the festive season, you have to back away slowly from the gift shopping and unwind over a fizzy Christmas afternoon tea. 

After all, can you think of a better way to get into the Yuletide sprit? 

We sure as tootin' can't, which is why we headed to Chez Mal at Malmaison Glasgow for a decadent afternoon treat. And as soon as we stepped through the doors, the sight of the Christmas tree filled us with twinkly glow...

After being welcomed by Chez Mal's lovely host, Scott, we kicked off proceedings with a cheeky glass of prosecco each...

Next, our festive spread arrived to Beatlemania-esque cries of excitement from us...

But we were soon calmed down by our soothing pots of Afternoon Darjeeling...

Next it was time to tuck into the savouries, including this beautifully bijou Mal slider burger (there is a veggie falafel version as well)...

And these ickle pigs in blankets with honey & mustard...

And this oh-so seasonal turkey and cranberry wrap (also with a veggie version)...

Oh, and scones too, obviously (we briefly debated whether you spread the jam or clotted cream first, but within five seconds we were too busy cramming them into our mouths to care)...

Did we have room for these flirty little desserts? You're darn right we did...

For instance, we made short work of this gorgeously gooey slice of cherry yule log, alongside a salted caramel brownie and mince pie...

By the end, we were satisfied as Santa after a busy day in the toy workshop (so much so that we've decided fizzy festive afternoon tea is going to be our annual tradition from now on...)

Fancy a special Christmas treat? Take a look at our Big Deal for afternoon tea for two with a festive twist at Chez Mal, which includes a choice of prosecco or gin cocktail teapot. Oh go on — you deserve it.