Afternoon Tea - House Of Coco Magazine

Afternoon Tea June 3, 2021

11 of our favourite London restaurants that are reopening this summer

Endless lockdown iterations have hit London restaurants hard and with the restrictions finally easing and us on our way towards freedom, plenty of our favourite London spots are finally opening their doors once again. To help these creative and truly special foodie spots keep their doors open, we’re giving you the lowdown on exactly which London restaurants are reopening this summer – so you can get to booking ASAP.

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a latest entry to Marylebone’s restaurant scene and the new passion project from acclaimed restauranteurs Barry Hirst, Marcello, and Gabriel Bernardi. This casual spot is a relaxed take on elevated Italian dining and offers impeccable all-day dining in a super relaxed Italian ‘bacaro’ (which means bar in Italian) atmosphere. We recommend the Panelle, Sicilian chickpea fritters or the John Dory with Italian spinach.

Cin Cin

This intimate neighbourhood restaurant is being classic and delicious Italian food to the heart of Fitzrovia. The Fitzrovia spot is led by the same eponymous duo behind this Brighton favourite and offers plenty of al fresco seating to maximise the (likely) brief but very glorious British summertime. Foodies will love Cin Cin classics such as the agnolotti of pea with mortadella and tropea onion or the trombetta courgetts and chive sauce. Wine lovers will also have plenty to explore with Cin Cin’s extensive wine list.

Flesh & Buns

This Japanese Izakaya favourite is once again opening its doors and we can’t wait to check it out. The restaurant duo in Oxford Circus and Covent Garden offer an amazing Japanese-inspired brunch perfect for those looking to take their brunch game to the next level.

Brasserie of Light

Selfridge’s proverbial ‘shining light’ has reopened with a dazzling new cocktail menu, limited-edition afternoon tea and DJ programme as part of its spectacular ‘Light it Up’ campaign. The new cocktail menu, designed by Brasserie of Light Bar Manager Will Beauty, was inspired by the glamour of London after dark and includes several noteworthy concoctions like ‘The Light Fantastic,’ The Prize of Pegasus’ and ‘Jalisco Disco.’ We can’t wait to try it.

Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish is bringing sexy back to Berkley Square with an exciting entertainment programme that includes live DJs, a new state of the art sound system and plenty (I mean plenty) of new cocktails. Foodies will enjoy Sexy Fish’s impeccable menu of sushi platters, skewers and signature dishes including the Sexy Fruits de Mer platter, Japanese Wagyu Beef with King Crab, and the Indulgent Dessert Platter. The restaurant is also debuting a new underwater inspired hand-etched artwork from Paul Clifford to really immerse you in a decadent aquatic culinary experience.

Heddon Yokocho

Heddon Yokocho takes you back to the dimly lit alleyways of Showa era japan and has a vibrant street food inspired menu that will surely impress. Heddon Yokocho’s menu celebrates the history of ramen and highlights the nuances of regional ramen cuisines in Japan, serving up sensational bowls from the northern islands of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Kyushu. To celebrate its reopening, the restaurant has opened new social-distancing approved ‘Shuchu Booths’ – who those who like to dine comfortably alone.

Locket’s London

This vibrant café and wine bar, which sits right at the heart of St. James, is reopening in style with the launch of its indoor bar and garden terrace. Locket’s Is famous for its wide array of fine wines which are available by the glass or by the bottle. The blend of new and old world labels has been carefully curated to complement the restaurant’s striking international menu. To mark its reopening, Locket’s is also offering 50% discount on freshly baked pizzas from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane

Located at the stunning InterContinental in Park Lane, ‘Theo’s’ or Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane is reopening with a bang with its popular ‘A Taste of Italy’ set menu this summer. The menu will feature authentic flavours from Puglia, Tuscany, Lombardia, Campania and Sicily and shines the light on regional Italian ingredients that have inspired chef Theo throughout his stellar career.

Burr & Co

Burr & Co is tucked into the ground-floor of the stunning Kimpton Fitzroy London and offers a contemporary twist to Victorian-era coffee houses. This casual café is open throughout the day and perfect for solo cups or breakfast meetings. It also offers small plates and wines for those late afternoon catch-ups that we have so dearly missed throughout lockdown

The Secret Sandwich Shop

From the minds of Notting Hill’s iconic Globe nightclub, the Secret Sandwich Shop, which recently opened on 20 May, is the perfect spot in town to get your sandwich fix. The sandwiches are based on the Japanese culinary concept of ‘Wanpaku Sando’ which means cheeky or naughty and are piled high and masterfully layered. Perfect to satiate all those lunchtime cravings.

Six by Nico Canary Wharf

Culinary superstar chef Nico Simeone is opening a second location to his much loved Six by Nico restaurant brand in Canary Wharf this August. Six by Nico offers a fresh and accessible dining experience with truly tantalising six-course seasonal tasting menus inspired from the chef’s memories, films, locations, and even philosophical concepts. It’s a ride – and we can’t wait to visit.

Afternoon Tea March 28, 2021

The top 10 Easter meal kits and hampers for your delectation –

It’s that time of the year again when the only things that seem to be on our minds are cute fluffy bunnies and an endless supply of chocolate Easter eggs. With lockdown still very much in place, you might be looking for some impressive meal kits or delightful hampers to cheer up yourself or your nearest and dearest. We’ve done all the hard research work so you don’t have to, below are our top recommendations to make sure you bring some sunshine into your at-home Easter experience.

PAUL Bakery

For those with a sweet tooth, they are an ever-reliable option having established themselves in 1889. They have an eggsceptional Easter range with the likes of a family-sized celebration carrot cake to their Easter bunny bundle box with adorable bunny-shaped individual Fraisier cakes. They offer a noon cut-off time for next-day orders, so it’s ideal for those looking for last-minute Easter gifts.

Proof

If you want even more sweet options, then do check out the fabulous offerings at this bakery. The variety of Easter-themed treats are unrivalled from the likes of hot cross buns to mini egg profiterole kits to their multicoloured Easter shag cake (which does resemble my hair currently).

Benares

For a show-stopping Easter roast with a difference, look no further than this iconic Michelin-starred restaurant. This tandoori gosht is a ginger and fennel spiced roasted crown of lamb which is stuffed with quail egg pulao. It is served with delectable rogan josh gravy, saag aloo, garlic naan, cumin raita, Punjabi onion salad, and chilli and mint chutney. It serves a minimum of 4 people and requires 48 hrs notice. They also have a very innovative eggs of India menu for Easter with the likes of organic duck egg masala bake.

London Stock

Talking of luxury dining experiences, you should check out Head Chef, Nico Fitzgerald’s luxurious three-course Easter meal box. It’s about championing British produce and bringing fine-dining to an at-home environment. Duck liver or mushroom parfait served with cherry jelly? Wellington of beef or hay-baked celeriac? If the sound of these dishes is making you salivate, make sure you check out their website as soon as possible.

Galvin Bistrot & Bar

Easter is all about BBQ and it does look like we are heading into a period of BBQ-friendly weather conditions. Galvin has the perfect meat box with the likes of Côte de Boeuf, half-rack BBQ pork ribs, beef burgers, and hot dogs as well as a wide selection of sides like tomato & basil salad and couscous salad. One thing to remember, this is top-notch restaurant quality produce you can’t find at your local supermarket.

Smokestak

If you love your BBQ meats in a rich, smoky style, then Smokestak is the website you should be hitting up to order your festive meat feast. Smokestak owner David Carter’s Ole Hickory wood-fired smoker is used to smoke everything right in the heart of Shoreditch for up to 15 hours over kiln-dried English oak. The items are then vacuum-packed and sent overnight to ensure the food doesn’t stay in the restaurant for a day more than is necessary. Their Easter menu includes the likes of native breed pulled pork and beef brisket with pickled red chilli.

Bocca di Lupo

They have an inspired feast based on spring animals. There are four courses with the likes of babe, Easter bunny, spring lamb, and speckled Jim. The main event (spring lamb) consists of honey marinated boneless leg of lamb, roast potatoes & onions, lettuce & lemon dressing. The kit also comes with a bottle of Lambrusco to ensure celebrations start in style.

Aquavit

This Nordic powerhouse has just launched a brand new DIY kit for Easter weekend. Most of the dishes you’ll struggle to find supplied anywhere else include the likes of Gubbora, a traditional egg and anchovy salad with rye bread, and the pictured signature Semla, which is filled with almond and Chantilly cream. You need to order by the 30th of March to get this kit delivered before Easter weekend.

Gelupo

If you don’t have time for a lengthy 3-course meal but still want to celebrate Easter with a high-quality dessert treat, then check out the Italian Easter offering from the finest gelato parlour in London. The Colomba offering is the springtime equivalent of a Christmas panettone. This gelato is inspired by the indulgent, fluffy classic Italian cake that is made with made top-quality flour, farm-fresh eggs, sugar, and butter sprinkled with nuts.

The Last Piece Bakery

Finally, we can not end without recommending an independent, small business that we know and love. There are no boundaries to their baking influences from gooey American-style ombre cookies to delicate, Arabic-influenced milk cakes. Their beautiful creations in particular their hampers to celebrate special occasions like Valentine’s day and Easter are much-loved by Londoners and beyond. Do check out their Instagram for some hunger-inducing photos.

Afternoon Tea March 22, 2021

April 12th: Are you ready to support the hospitality industry?

Most people in England have marked down the 17th of May as the key date to return to their favourite restaurants to support their favourite local businesses. However, there’s a raft of restaurants that are ready to open their terraces to famished diners from the 12th of April. Here, at House of Coco, we check out the 10 venues, you should be visiting in April.

Vinegar Yard

If you are looking for wide-open spaces and a relaxed atmosphere to catch-up with friends and family over evening aperitif or to check-out the latest street food trends, this is the place to visit with the likes of Baba G’s, Sugo, Nik’s Kitchen, and Nanny Bill’s. It is conveniently situated next to London Bridge with the iconic Shard building as a backdrop.

Devonshire Terrace

With some people returning to work in the city, you might be wondering what decent outdoor drinking and dining spaces might be open in April. Look no further than Devonshire Terrace. It’s secluded, it’s tranquil, their cocktails are always impressive so whether you are on a date or a business meeting, this is the ideal urban hideaway. Quite a few of the Drake and Morgan venues are opening up, so do check out their website.

Mariage Frères

One of the most aesthetically pleasing pedestrianised areas we came across last year was King St in Covent Garden. It’s lined with boutique shops and elegant restaurants. The one to check out here is the renowned French tea emporium, Mariage Frères. If there is any tea they don’t stock, it’s probably not worth trying. And their tea-inspired food menu is staggeringly creative.

Double Standard at the Standard

The hottest hotel opening in recent years is back with their ever-popular terrace opening in April. This is the place to see and be seen. Their Aperol slushies have been a huge hit with Londoners and they will be launching a new flavour in the spring. Expect burgers, expect cocktails and expect frivolity.

JOY at Portobello

For those floral-loving diners, look no further than the outdoor terrace at JOY’s dahlia-filled Flora restaurant at Portobello Docks. The waterside views are almost as incredible as the ultra-fresh produce in the restaurant which is brought up daily from The Good Shed in Canterbury.

Angelina

If you are looking for an outdoor terrace in April that will offer creative fare, then the place to go is Angelina in Dalston. They have been arousing Londoners’ taste buds with their imaginative fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines. Think uni & sausage chawanmushi and cime di rapa tempura. Plus they have a covered terrace, so you can still meet up with friends even if inclement weather strikes.

Aquavit

You might be wondering if you can still enjoy fine dining experiences on the terraces in April. The answer is most definitely yes if you visit the terraces of the ever-popular Nordic restaurant, Aquavit. All the Nordic classics you would expect are present including Skagen, highland venison loin, and Icelandic cod.

Natak

A lot of restauranteurs decided to not wait for the May indoor hospitality opening date and made the call to extend their terraces to start welcoming keen restaurant-goers from April. Natak is a case in point; this relaxed, informal Indian restaurant serves iconic Indian dishes alongside traditional family recipes. You need a considerable spice rack to cook up decent Indian dishes at home, so why clutter up your kitchen and just go and check out Natak instead.

Heddon Yokocho

Heddon Street is another one of those hidden pedestrianised treasures that exist in the West End. This retro-style ramen bar is a temple to all things noodles-related. They have ramen recipes stretching back to 1884 with their Hakodate Shio to modern-day vegan London creations. And why sweat whilst slurping away at your comforting bowl of ramen when you can enjoy the cool outdoor breeze on their terrace?

St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys

Finally, what better way to celebrate the re-opening of hospitality than toasting with a glass of Champagne? The best place to experience this is at St Pancras by Searcys, which is home to Europe’s longest Champagne bar (98 metres long). They have buzzers you can press for Champagne and they serve the cutest afternoon teas in designer suitcases.

Afternoon Tea December 9, 2020

A Cosy Après-ski Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London

With limited options to travel outside of the UK, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London’s Apres-Ski winter wonderland transports visitors to the snowy Alps of Lech, Austria. #TeamCoco’s food culture writer, Eulanda Shead Osagiede, cozied up for a delightful afternoon of modern Austrian delights high above the London skyline.

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is giving guests a European winter experience similar to what you might find in the snow-capped slopes of Lech, Austria; an alpine-inspired ski lodge reception area, cosy winter chalets, ski gondola displays, and a gingerbread village.

The festive experience would not be complete without several standout culinary experiences like their Après-ski afternoon tea at TĪNG Lounge and Restaurant. Several delightful themed treats include their black forest chocolate sponge cake, the snowball coconut mousse, and their Christmas Kombucha welcome tea that will envelop you in a cloud of wonder.

The alpine themed decor and installations make a perfect backdrop for documenting special holiday moments. If you book a late afternoon tea, make sure to grab a photo of the bauble-forest window display behind the gingerbread village. The twinkling evening lights of London below will be on full display.

On New Year’s Eve, Shangri-La Hotel London will host an Après-Ski White Party with a unique twist. Night owls can toast the close of 2020 during Last Sunset celebrations on 31 December 2020. Guests can enjoy an extravagant five-course menu made from premium locally-sourced ingredients and accompanied with fine wine pairings. Early-bird guests can ring in the New Year during a First Sunrise brunch on 1 January 2021.

Guests looking for an indulgent New Year’s Eve in, can book a decoration and celebration room package, and an in-room massage featuring Neal’s Yard Remedies essential oils.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a laid-back alpine experience, head to Bar 31 on the ground floor to enjoy ‘Mama Macher’s Apfelstrudel,’ Raclette, Schnitzel, Glühwein and more winter warmers inside a cosy winter chalet, complete with a snow machine to provide the perfect snowy backdrop.

Après-Ski Afternoon Tea is available for £59 and £69 with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut per person. To reserve a table or book a room, please email specialevents.slln@shangri-la.com or call +44 207 234 8000. A superior double room begins at £950 per night.

Afternoon Tea December 7, 2020

Waldorf Astoria Festive Afternoon Tea at Home with Champagne Laurent-Perrier

A very Merry Christmas indeed

Have yourself a merry little Christmas this December with Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh’s Festive Afternoon Tea at Home with Champagne Laurent-Perrier. Feast on award-winning afternoon tea while sipping on Champagne Laurent-Perrier in the comfort of your own home with this ultimate luxury home kit.

Featuring delicate finger sandwiches of smoked salmon & cucumber with caviar, and Scottish Clava brie, apricot & ginger chutney as well as traditional turkey, stuffing and cranberry, freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and homemade jam, and a selection of delicious pastries including candy cane macarons, orange & hazelnut financier and gingerbread cupcakes with caramel buttercream. This festive afternoon tea will be available from 1st to 31st December and priced at £99 for two people, including tea and a bottle Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne.

To add something extra for a truly decadent Afternoon Tea at Home, choose from the option of two alternative upgrades inclusive of afternoon tea for 2 people with the pioneering house in champagne innovation, Laurent-Perrier: Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé for £130 or Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle for £195, with both options including Laurent-Perrier Champagne flutes.

The benchmark of rosé champagne, Laurent-Perrier’s Cuvée Rosé is known for its freshness and aromas of red berries making it the perfect for special Christmas celebrations. Alternatively, Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siècle is crafted to embody the perfect vineyard year to offer delicate bead of bubbles, will give notes of fresh brioche, citrus fruits and hints of honey.

The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh’s Festive Afternoon Tea at Home with Champagne Laurent-Perrier comes with a choice of classic, vegan or free from gluten. Available for collection from the hotel daily from 12pm – 2.30pm and for delivery to EH1 – 55 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

To find out more about Festive Afternoon Tea at Home or to book your collection, visit www.waedinburgh.co.uk or call 0131 222 8795 between 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday.

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh will continue to welcome guests throughout the festive period for overnight stays with unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle, dining in the iconic Peacock Alley and relaxation at the UK’s only Guerlain Spa featuring luxurious spa treatments, two gyms, an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool. Festive Afternoon Tea will also be available to be enjoyed in the historical surroundings of Peacock Alley for £49 per person.

Adventures October 29, 2020

Wake up here: Crown & Garter, Inkpen, West Berkshire

Staycations are here to stay. The Crown & Garter in idyllic Inkpen near Hungerford, West Berkshire is the perfect spot for a great British getaway, in any season. Crisp country air, long leafy walks and cycle routes with award-winning, wholesome food waiting for you by a fire. This is exactly what we all need after the events of 2020. Come away feeling totally refreshed and rejuvenated without getting on board a plane, or indeed applying any sun cream.

The Crown & Garter has ten stylish rooms, just adjacent to the pub property for a relaxed night sleep, each with plush super king beds. The rooms make for the perfect cosy base to head off on glorious walks nearby. Cobwebs, be gone. Inkpen Common is right next door and contains beautiful and ancient heathland, a myriad of flowers, birds and wildlife. We opted for the ten kilometre walk that begins at Inkpen Common but there are options to go on for even longer. The staff at the Crown & Garter are extremely helpful in recommending routes to help to get the most out of the surrounding countryside and to advise which ramble is best for the specific season. On our arrival back, we enjoyed a well-deserved local ale in the Crown & Garter’s large beer garden in the sun, taking in panoramic views of the Berkshire countryside.

The pub offers fresh, seasonal food and a large selection of drinks from local distilleries, breweries and producers. The wine served is exclusively sourced from small producers in the UK and Europe. Food aficionados will appreciate the Crown & Garter’s commitment to sourcing a large portion of its ingredients locally with the fish served in the restaurant coming from UK coastal waters and rivers. The pub’s menu is small, concise and expertly curated. Mouth-watering starters include the broad bean and pea bruschetta, soused mackerel and mini scotch eggs to have alongside a crisp and cool glass of white wine. The dinner menu includes the hearty British pub classics as well as some superb vegetarian options such as a vegan aubergine and chickpea stew with a homemade flatbread, dukkha and soya yoghurt and lighter bites such as the heritage tomato salad with buffalo mozzarella and a roast carrot and spelt salad. The award-winning pub is part of the Honesty Group, which includes nine coffee shops, a bakery and a cookery school across the Berkshire countryside. As a result of being part of Honesty Group, bread is extremely important to the Crown & Garter. Fresh loaves and rolls are supplied from the pub’s local Honesty Bakery and of course the butter is homemade (and delicious).

The private garden is a tranquil setting where guests can start their day with a newspaper, coffee and a freshly-baked croissant, or a full English of course, before embarking on the day’s activities. Although the Crown & Garter feels like it is tucked away in one of the most glorious and secluded parts of the country, guests are not far away from activities and well-known places to visit. The historic Bombay Sapphire Distillery is in the neighbouring county and nearby lies UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, making the Crown & Garter well located for visitors wishing to experience some quintessentially British days out.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Just thirty minutes away from the Crown & Garter lies Laverstoke Mill and the home of Bombay Sapphire. The extremely knowledgeable staff take visitors on a journey right from the beginning of the brand’s origins to the present day. The history of Laverstoke Mill is recorded as far back as the 1086 Doomsday Book. The Mill has been under the ownership of William the Conqueror, Henry VIII and enjoyed four royal visits, most recently Queen Elizabeth in 1962.

Guests to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery learn about the ten botanicals which make the gin so delicious in the iconic glasshouses designed by Thomas Heatherwick. Guests are then able to configure their own gin flavour profile during a hands on activity that incorporates all the senses. Once the flavour palette is chosen, visitors can match their preferences with a complimentary speciality cocktail that is enjoyed at Mill Bar at the end of the tour.

Blenheim Palace

Great Britain in all its glory. Grand, majestic and seeped full of history. Guests can enjoy the expansive grounds with awe-inspiring views of the property or wander inside and take in centuries of pomp and pageantry. The palace was home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and was also the birthplace of one of the most famous Britons, Sir Winston Churchill. Grab yourself an audio tour and go back through three hundred years of history or take a ride on the miniature train which runs through the grounds between the palace and the Pleasure Gardens. For the more glamourous ‘staycationer’, sip a glass of Searcys Selected Cuvée Champagne in The Orangery and enjoy Blenheim Palace’s famous Afternoon Tea with delicious cakes, scones, pink rhubarb choux buns and strawberry macarons. What could be a more British ritual.

Until the 3rd January 2021, guests to Blenheim Palace can enjoy a major solo collection by acclaimed British female artist, Cecily Brown. Brown’s works display various stylistic influences from Francisco de Goya and Francis Bacon and the exhibition is the first to be comprised solely of new work created in response to the Palace’s history as an English country estate and as the home to successive generations of the Spencer-Churchill family and their impressive collection of paintings, tapestries and decorative arts.

Holidays within the UK are certainly not going anywhere soon with travellers discovering that there is so much to explore, right on the doorstep. Having stood on the same spot since 1640, we predict we will be seeing more of the Crown & Garter as exploring more locally becomes the order of the day. The staycation at the Crown & Garter was everything a luxurious short break should be and a great place to escape from London or any big city. In the words of Sir Winston Churchill who resided just forty-five minutes away at Blenheim Place, ‘my tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best’.

To book and for more information, see: www.crownandgarter.co.uk

Afternoon Tea October 14, 2020

Wear It Pink with the Barnett Hill Afternoon Tea for Breast Cancer Now

An afternoon of tea and charity at the beautiful Barnett Hill Hotel in Surrey

Strike out the the 1st November in your diaries, dust off your finery and dig out your best lipstick for the prettiest afternoon tea in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness month. For one day only, the opulent Barnett Hill Hotel will be offering an exclusive pink edition of their impeccable afternoon tea to raise funds for Wear It Pink, part of the Breast Cancer Now charity.

Featuring rose hued editions of their renown afternoon delicacies such as strawberry tart and pink lemonade cheesecake, attendees will be presented with three tiers of savoury and sweet delights including Barnett Hills oven warm scones with clotted cream, a treat I’ve been dreaming about since my last visit in August. Also included is a welcome glass of pink bubbles, a delicious and, dare I say it, perfect accessory for any shots you want to capture in their insta-worthy mansion or picturesque grounds.

Whilst this will no doubt be a beautiful event, the thought behind it goes much further than delicious treats in a stunning setting. As stated by Wear It Pink:

“It’s never been more important to wear pink, raise money and help make life-changing breast cancer research and care happen.

The coronavirus crisis is having a devastating impact on our ability to deliver the progress and support that so many people affected by breast cancer rely on us for.

If there was ever a time to find that pink top, grab that pink tie or dig out that pink tutu, that time is now. People affected by breast cancer need us, but we can’t do it alone. We urgently need your help”

Demand for this event will no doubt be high, so early booking is strongly advised. For information on how to book, please head on over to https://www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/barnett-hill/food-drink/afternoon-tea/ for full details.

Afternoon Tea September 3, 2020

Searcys launches in Chelsea with a new Afternoon Tea at Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie

Wedgwood brings art to the table with the new Chelsea Afternoon Tea at Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie by Searcys, available from 7th September 2020 and served with award-winning Louis Pommery England English sparkling wine from Vranken-Pommery.

Art lovers and afternoon tea connoisseurs rejoice, as the Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie by Searcys gets set to launch a new Afternoon Tea experience from 7th September 2020. In a celebration of British iconic brands, the new Afternoon tea will see one of the Britain’s oldest caterers, Searcys, partner with one of the original British potters Wedgwood, for a decadent Chelsea Afternoon tea collaboration, bringing art to the table. Set to the backdrop of the gallery, guests can dine on crowd-pleasing classics and sweet treats, all served on bright and colourful tea ware from Wedgwood’s Wonderlust collection, and paired with a Louis Pommery England, the award-winning sparkling wine produced along the South Coast.

Returning to their founding roots in Chelsea, where Searcys was based in the 19th and 20th century, the Afternoon Tea will showcase British heritage in the stunning setting of the Saatchi Gallery Brasserie, opened by Searcys in spring 2020. Focusing on the best of seasonal, British ingredients, the new Chelsea Afternoon Tea will start with a John Ross Jr Smoked salmon mousse with crème fraiche alongside a selection of sandwiches including Coronation Chicken, and classic Cucumber sandwich. Indulgent pastries include Passionfruit mousse tart, Black Forest cheesecake, and Lemon macaroon, as well as classic freshly baked scones with strawberry preserve – all served with a choice of Newby tea.

Adding a touch of wonder, discovery and art, every element will be set upon striking tea ware, each piece adorned with detailed and distinctive patterns from the Wonderlust collection by Wedgwood. A British institution with over 260 years’ experience, Wedgwood’s Wonderlust collection pays homage to the wonders of travel, from Europe through to Asia, with contemporary floral motifs and bright colours designed to delight and inspire.

The bubbles will be flowing as guests can also enjoy a glass of Louis Pommery England; the award-winning English sparkling wine created in the distinctive terroir of southern England. Produced through the classic and traditional method in a region known for high chalk density, this delicate and excellently balanced wine is the first English sparkler from Champagne Pommery and won gold at the WineGB Awards 2020.

The Chelsea Afternoon Tea will launch on 7th September 2020 and run from 3pm-5pm from Wednesday until Sunday at the Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie by Searcys. Located in the ground floor of the renowned Saatchi Gallery, Searcys took the reins in early 2020, reimagining the all-day dining menu for Brasserie and Champagne Bar, as well as introducing new event packages for parties and group bookings.

Limitless Sparkling Chelsea Afternoon Tea is priced at £79 per person, with free-flowing Louis Pommery English Brut for 90 minutes. Alternatively, choose from Chelsea Afternoon Tea (£35 per person) or upgrade to the Sparkling Chelsea Afternoon Tea at £45 with a glass of one of the best English sparkling. The packages are available to book online at Searcys or as a gift voucher.

Booking is necessary, please visit Searcys online store to secure your place at https://searcys-events.giftpro.co.uk/events/chelsea-afternoon-tea-saatchi-gallery-bar/

Afternoon Tea August 16, 2020

All Aboard for a regal afternoon tea on the Fingal

Afternoon tea experiences don’t come much more impressive than being on board a luxury, floating ‘boatique’ hotel. The story of how the Fingal came into being is fit for a Hollywood movie. It was commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board to undertake maintenance work on lighthouses on the western and northern shores of Scotland. It was sold to a private owner when it was decommissioned and in recent times, sold to The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and turned into a premium hotel on the shores of Leith.

It might be a sister ship to The Britannia and a 5-star hotel, but it is fascinating to discover that it used to be a working ship. Even if you are just popping in for an afternoon tea like we did, if you speak with the hotel staff politely, they will gladly take you on a tour of the ship. Two places you must visit are the spectacular ballroom to admire the splendid acoustics, and the engine room to get an understanding of what the Fingal was about. And if not in use, do visit their unique, luxury cabins such as the penthouse Skerryvore Suite with one of the most elegant bathrooms you will find anywhere in the country and every small detail attended to like the super kind size bed headboard with map contours to trace of the famous lighthouses in Scotland.

Afternoon tea in their Lighthouse restaurant is a decadent affair with sumptuous art deco interiors that transport you back to a time when cruising the seas was only a luxury for the elite classes. The tea selection isn’t necessarily the most lengthy you will come across, but it’s been carefully curated to appeal to most people including their own Fingal’s blend, which includes different Ceylon teas, combined with Assam, Yunnan, and First Flush Darjeeling tea. They are keen to support local businesses and use Pekoe Tea Edinburgh, a Leith-based artisanal tea supplier. They offer a Champagne upgrade option with either Moët & Chandon Impérial or Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial.

The showstopper here is the exquisitely prepared canapés-style dishes. Each piece is a dainty work of art, that invigorates your sweet, savoury, umami taste buds without ever making you feel bloated. The heritage tomato arancini had a zingy sweetness that you know comes from well-sourced tomatoes rather than artificial sugars. Likewise, the pork rillette had a refreshing sweetness that came from the beetroot relish. Sandwiches were present and correct such as free-range egg mayonnaise and hot smoked salmon but the chef is more than aware, no one wants to walk out of a restaurant feeling like a sack of wheat.

Mastering the texture of a scone is a tricky affair but the pastry team at Fingal seems to have come up with the winning formula: it’s light and crumbly. They are freshly made daily in-house rather than purchasing stale supermarket varieties. It comes in buttermilk, plain and fruit options and served with Tiptree preserves and Rodda’s clotted cream.

The sweet items were universally impressive with highlights including hazelnut praline choux bun and Oakchurch raspberry trifle with Chambord jelly.

It might be quite a trek to travel from the historical part of Edinburgh to Leith, but this is one-afternoon tea worth making the pilgrimage for.

https://www.fingal.co.uk/food-drink/afternoon-tea/

Afternoon Tea July 23, 2020

WAKE UP HERE: A STAYCATION AT MAMA SHELTER LONDON

After (who knows how many) months of lockdown, three postponed destination weddings and one cancelled romantic getaway (with my better half), to say I was excited when I was invited to review the cheeky London outpost of Mama Shelter in Hackney, is an understatement! It’s been on my bucket list for some time and it didn’t disappoint.

On arrival, I was instantly greeted by all of the things that helped propel Mama Shelter as one of the world’s leading hotel brands: bombastic décor, welcoming and knowledgeable staff and of course, incredible location in London’s culture hub of Hackney. Needless to say, it offered a more subdued version of its usual self, but that’s fair given it now has to operate in a COVID-19 world, but they still did well to retain the playful personality it’s known and loved for. This included the team’s mandatory face masks, each emblazoned with its own unique mouth design (tongue out, lip biting, smiling with braces) turning a dull and restrictive item into a fun and desirable accessory.

The overall style of the played on its location in the heart of trendy east end with a mixture of mid-century and vintage furnishing throughout. The ground floor was a kaleidoscope of colours with a mish-mash of lampshades, long tables (which also double-up as great workspace), booths and chalkboard ceilings, along with an open plan kitchen. The Greenhouse, where I was met by their resident mixologist trying out new concoctions, was airy and bright with a retractable roof – a perfect space for dining with friends and drinking cocktails al-fresco. In winter, I can imagine it also offers a cosy alternative.

My room was 70’s inspired with playful little touches, including a novel corner booth with lush velvet emerald green cushions, super comfy bedding and perfectly proportioned (and very well lit bathroom). The room also had a great view over the old gasworks synonymous with nearby Regents Canal. And of course, it wouldn’t be a stay with Mama without their lovely selection of Mama Organic Skin Range (along with their suggestive namesakes, ‘Mama wants to cream you up’).

My beautiful room overlooking the famous gasworks on Regent’s Canal

After unpacking and freshening up, I headed to the Greenhouse for dinner. The (paperless QR) menu offers generous family-style dishes with some Turkish influences. My favourites: the burrata with borlotti beans, golden raising and gremolata and the simple (but delicious) cured sea trout with heritage beetroot, horseradish and lime. For the main, I devoured the Chicken Za’atar with harissa yoghurt, pickled cucumber and pistachio. The downstairs space and Greenhouse would also make a great brunch spot – the fluffy American pancakes were incredible! – with your friends or family and ideally located for exploring the area after.

As a former Hackney resident, I know the neighbourhood well and I couldn’t recommend it enough for readers looking to discover a new part of London or just fancied a fun night out without the hassle of getting a taxi home later. The hotel is perfectly placed between bustling Broadway Market (for lazy Saturday mornings) and Columbia Road (the infamous flower market runs on Sunday’s) and about a 15 minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street, offering endless art galleries, contemporary furniture and clothing stores and live music venues (although this is on pause for the time being).

Mama normally offers an unmissable program of events (currently on hold due to government guidelines) which has helped it to create a great sense of community among locals. Downstairs, Japanese-style karaoke rooms – they often host drag karaoke nights – are decked out with pinball machines, retro video games and classic 50s-style microphones and are available to hire for groups. Guests can also create personal souvenirs of their Mama Shelter experience with the photo and video booths, via the brand’s social platforms.

My first Mama experience was in Paris for my birthday a while back. It was one of their first hotels – Mama Shelter East – and I remember thinking then that it was ahead of its time, offering an affordable boutique hotel experience with all the trimmings you’d expect from a five-star hotel: great food, buzzing atmosphere, service and modern design (but without the hefty price tag).

The Mama Shelter journey started in 2008 with the launch of Mama Paris East. Founded by the Trigano family – co-Founder of Club Med – and world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, Mama Shelter believed in launching in lesser-known, ‘out of the way’ neighbourhoods in iconic cities, allowing guests to discover new creative corners with Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Belgrade, Prague and Toulouse soon added to the group’s portfolio. Today, MAMA’s international footprint continues to grow, with hotel openings in Lille and Paris West this year, and properties in Luxembourg, Dubaï, Santiago de Chile, Lisbon and further locations set to open by 2022.

It was lovely to see Mama’s managed to retain her charm even after global domination.

To celebrate their reopening, Mama London is offering stays from as little as £49* per night. The only condition is that you have dinner in their restaurant or via room service – seems fair to me!

For more information please visit: www.mamashelter.com/en/london/special-offers/staycation