You think that English tea needs to be traditional? Think again. Consider these contemporary approaches to this quintessentially British custom
Aquavit
Aquavit’s new Nordic Afternoon Tea in London consists of four salty and four sweet dishes, and includes house specialities like open gravlax sandwiches made with Danish-style rye bread and Semla Swedish cardamom cakes filled with almond cream. The spread also comes with seven different types of traditional cookie. www.aquavitrestaurants.com/
Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley
The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge has already launched its Spring/Summer 2017 Prêt-à-Portea, a traditional afternoon tea that takes its inspiration from the world of fashion. Teatime nibbles celebrate the latest in catwalk favourites, such as the kitchen’s lemon biscuits that pay homage to Miu Miu’s current bikini collection. www.the-berkeley.co.uk
Vegan Afternoon Tea at The Egerton House Hotel
Most ingredients that make up a traditional afternoon tea are usually out of the question for vegans. Not the case, however, with the latest offering at The Egerton House Hotel, complete with vegan versions of the classics, including a vegan scone. www.egertonhousehotel.com/
ChocolaTEA at The Montagu, Hyatt Regency London
Chocoholics rejoice! The Montagu restaurant at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has created ChocolaTEA, a feast of chocolaty temptations, even a hamburger with chocolate-infused barbecue sauce. It can be washed down with Maya Cocoa tea or a Sir Winston Martini, mixed with dark chocolate. www.themontagurestaurant.co.uk/
Sanderson Hotel, Afternoon Tea
The Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel is back, now with a new seasonal menu. The latest creations include a mocha cake in the shape of a chessboard and an exclusive “Drink Me” concoction. www.morganshotelgroup.com/
Sosharu – Japanese afternoon tea
Say “kon’nichiwa” to this novel take on afternoon tea, which was launched by the Sosharu restaurant and is inspired by traditional Japanese customs. The taiyaki, a traditional fishcake stuffed with rhubarb and white chocolate cream, goes down particularly well with green tea or one of the fragrant house cocktails made with matcha or jasmine. www.sosharulondon.com
