WHERE’S MY CHEESE? – The GREAT British Food Tour 2014 (part 4)

When it gets to four o’clock the Brits get big time into afternoon tea – it’s a tradition and an institution – I went off piste with Pawel from RadioJem to give him a feel for the GREAT British Afternoon Tea….

Afternoon Tea

Continues to be a great tradition and a must-do for many visitors to London. London’s afternoon tea offer is quite varied. At the top of the Tea Guild’s Awards scheme (seen as the Oscar’s of afternoon tea) with top afternoon tea experiences at places like the Goring Hotel in SW1 to Brown’s Hotel where the first afternoon tea was served to guests in London.

Afternoon tea doesn’t stand still and we have seen places like The Berkeley Hotel continually experimenting with the offer using the changing face of fashion as a key influencer in its design work and presentation of the afternoon tea experience. We’re also seeing different teas appearing. Worth having a look at is the Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanctum and Paramount at Centre Point with their gourmet tea. Many from China including flower teas. Top tea places in London (many of them in hotels) can expect to offer up to 50 different varieties of tea. In some cases clients just want a really good tea with a delicious piece of cake. The people who do this really well are Kipferl, Tea Smith and Sketch.

Pawel and I disappeared off to the Goring where Kate Middleton spent her last night before becoming a Princess! Irene Gorman, Head of The Tea Guild told us:

“Afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel is a truly special experience. The elegant surroundings and faultless presentation make it a memorable occasion aided by friendly, efficient and knowledgeable staff. It is easy to understand why this leading establishment attracts so many, of all ages, to take afternoon tea.”

We had to give it a try….

The Goring Afternoon Tea

Sandwiches

Chicken Caesar

Ham & Mustard

Egg Mayonnaise & Watercress

Cucumber

Scones

Pastries

Raspberry & White Chocolate Tea Cake

Royal Velvet Slice with Chocolate & Cheese Cream

Pistachio Bakewell Tart

Blood Orange Macaroon

Lemon Curd Religious Choux Buns

Poached Rhubarb, Rhubarb Meringue, Espuma & Baked Vanilla Custard

I didn’t tell Pawel about the Bollinger and strawberries – he’d had a couple of beers at lunchtime – but I will tell you. Sumptuous, savoury and sweet. A GREAT experience and some GREAT teas. Have to move on. Need to find the others….