We always love an afternoon tea that has a slight twist to it, so imagine our excitement when we found ourselves heading to COMO The Halkin, a 5-star hotel in Belgravia to try the Ametsa with Arzak Instruction Spanish Afternoon Tea, a menu created by the Michelin-starred team at Ametsa, that draws on the principles of Basque cuisine.
The entrance to COMO The Halkin was draped in the most stunning tropical floral archway (in association with this year’s Belgravia in Bloom), with the same floral theme continuing inside the lobby and lounge bar area, it looked beautiful.
Our afternoon tea experience began with cocktails, for me Fernanda, inspired by Ascot, a fresh summery mix of champagne, gin and raspberry puree. Hubby chose the Frida Kaho, inspired by Belgravia in Bloom, a passion fruit margarita with passion fruit purée, lemon juice, passion fruit liqueur and tequila, this was a real hit, and I it seemed only right that as my hubby he should share! This special summer cocktail menu is inspired by London’s summer social calendar, from tennis at Wimbledon to rowing at Henley, and was created in collaboration with Chelsea-based milliner, Jane Taylor London.
The savouries were beautifully presented, and looked like works of art, just perfect for lots of Instagramable foodie posts, no traditional sandwiches here just Spanish inspired tapas that was mouth-wateringly delicious, a real treat to the taste buds.
Egg on Waffle (a fried quail egg on top a mini waffle), Txangurro’ in a Shell (a pink tempura-like shell garnished with crab meat and foam), Garlic Pintxo (a miniature stack of caramelised onions and fresh anchovies), Tomato and Raspberry soup that was so refreshing on the palette, I wanted more, Iberco Ham Croquets that literally melted in the mouth and finally Txistorra Granary Sandwich, but not a sandwich as we know it, thin white seeded crackers filled with sausage from the Basque Country, a real foodies delight.
Desserts were just as delectable, starting with the Spanish classic, Chocolate with Churros, a little pot of heaven, Mango Torrija (similar to French toast), Catalan Cream, a decadent jar of creamy delights (similar to panna cotta), Ametsa Cheesecake, Passion Fruit Cake topped with a gooey meringue, and finally, the jewel in the dessert crown – Smoked Pineapple, yes it was actually under a glass dome smoking! These desserts really were a dream to your palette.
Dessert was accompanied by a refreshing pot of tea (well you can’t have an afternoon tea without it), chosen from the JING Tea selection. My choice refreshing Mint Tea, and hubbie (he’s more adventurous) a herbal infusion of whole rose buds.
It is evident from the array of tastes and little touches that a lot of care and thought has gone into producing the food on this menu, full of imagination and fabulous flavours, a masterpiece in both taste and presentation.
Ametsa with Arzak Instruction afternoon tea is available every day between 2.30pm – 5.00pm, priced at £34 per person, the afternoon tea includes a summer cocktail inspired by COMO The Halkin’s summer partnership with milliner Jane Taylor, and is available until 30th July 2018.
To book and for further information visit: www.comohotels.com/thehalkin
