To celebrate The Halkin’s new afternoon tea, in association with JING Tea, I enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of tea tasting, cakes and poetry.
Located on Belgravia’s chic West Halkin Street, the petite boutique hotel by COMO has a calm atmosphere, with its unique blend of minimalist Asian and Milanese design. While the hotel’s one Michelin star restaurant Ametsa with Arzak Instruction attracts a dedicated foodie crowd in the evenings, The Halkin Bar is a great spot for a refined afternoon tea.
Britain’s Tea Poet Elizabeth Darcy Jones began the tasting event with a new poem inspired by afternoon tea at The Halkin, dedicated to Executive Chef Sergi Sanz. Her descriptions of the joys of taking afternoon tea in The Halkin’s stylish surroundings and her animated, soothing voice set the tone for a relaxing afternoon tea.
We started by tasting a selection of exquisite JING teas, served in delicate glass orbs. JING Tea Creative Manager David Hepburn talked us through the character and origins of the teas as we tasted cups of White Peony, Oolong and Jasmine Pearl tea.
The Halkin’s new afternoon tea is timeless and classic, with tempting, beautifully-presented cakes. We were served a pot of fine, strong English Breakfast Tea, however a selection of JING loose leaf teas are available to accompany the afternoon tea.
We started with a selection of sandwiches including Scottish smoked salmon with salmon caviar and Basque spicy peppers, King prawns with watercress and cocktail dressing, Baby cucumber with cream cheese and chives and Confit corn-fed chicken breast with turmeric and spring onion.
The sandwiches were larger than the usual tiny finger sandwiches served in afternoon teas and filled with high quality ingredients. I particularly enjoyed the chicken and king prawn sandwiches, however, I usually prefer a few less sandwiches and the addition of a savoury item such as a mini quiche, wrap or tart.
The freshly-made scones were fluffy and warm, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. My favourite cakes were the decadent, creamy Pistachio brownie with white chocolate and vanilla cream and the heavenly Raspberry and passionfruit macaroon, bursting with fresh raspberries and silky crème pâtissière.
The zesty Lemon meringue tartlet was perfectly bite-size and while I didn’t try the Opera cake due to my coffee allergy, it looked exemplary, finished with a pretty piece of chocolate ‘honeycomb’. The Mango, strawberry and mascarpone brew was fresh and light – great as a palate cleanser or a refreshing end to the tea.
Afternoon tea at The Halkin is ideal for a post-shopping refuel and the tranquil bar, with its cosy booths, gives it an intimate feel. Every part of the tea is light and flavoursome and the delectable cakes avoid being too sweet – a perfect afternoon treat.
The Halkin afternoon tea starts from £28 and is served in The Halkin Bar from 3pm to 5pm daily.
Chérie City was a guest of The Halkin
Photos by Chérie City and The Halkin
