A girly catch-up was well overdue. Since we couldn’t decide between cake and cocktails we decided to head somewhere in Central London that offered both. Having been to the Quarter Bar & Lounge at London Bridge Hotel for cocktails before I was aching to try their afternoon tea.
We had a booth reserved which gave the feeling of privacy. Champagne or a sparkling cocktail can replace the usual tea offering for an additional £10. We chose the regular afternoon tea and had a couple of cheeky cocktails beforehand.
Our favourite cocktails were the Hipster which had a tequila base, aperol, ginger, passion fruit and super pretty edible flower decorations and a vodka-based apple martini which isn’t even on the menu. The staff were professional, friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
Sipping our teas (Assam and green) we were presented with our afternoon tea, beautifully presented on an impressive three-tier stainless steel cake-stand.
The finger-sandwich fillings included egg mayonnaise and cress, generously sliced pepper-edged honey-roast ham and wholegrain mayo and double-layered coronation chicken and spring onions. A mini smoked-salmon bagel with cream cheese also accompanied the savouries. All sandwiches are freshly made on the premises and you can really tell.
Two scones; one fruit, one plain followed. They scones are sizeable and hold their shape when bitten into. The accompanying thick cream and homemade strawberry jam is bountiful.
The cakes seemed almost too pretty to eat….almost. The difficulty was which cake to start with. The display consisted of a mini chocolate tartlet, mini macaroons, a vanilla and raspberry delice and a layered triple chocolate delice. The mini chocolate tartlet made it to the top of the hit list and looked especially sophisticated with the phials fruit proudly positioned on top. The pastry is crisp, light and thick enough to hold its shape when bitten into. The chocolate filling is bold and smooth.
The jelly top of layered vanilla and raspberry delice is packed full of flavour. The mousse was creamy and consistent. The layered triple chocolate delice is especially fun to dive into due to it’s crispy meringue topping.
We played guess the flavour with the macaroons. Our conclusion: lemon, raspberry, chocolate and a surprising coffee. We had been hoping for a salted caramel. The shells we smooth and crack-free, the texture firm, and the flavours unapologetic.
Example of Quarter Bar & Lounge Afternoon Tea Menu
Choose from a range of teas
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Selection of finger sandwiches e.g. smoked salmon & caper butter on brown bread, egg mayonnaise & mustard cress on white bread, cucumber, sundried tomato paste & dill cream cheese on brown bread (v), honey roast ham, English mustard & rocket salad on white bread
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Homemade plain & fruit scones clotted cream & homemade strawberry jam
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Quarter selection of pastries mini fruit tartlet, bergamot cupcake, mini macaron, layered triple chocolate delice
Afternoon Tea Prices
Classic Afternoon Tea £25
(see above)
Champagne Afternoon Tea £35
Classic afternoon tea and a glass of Duval-Leroy Fleur de Champagne Brut
Cocktail Afternoon Tea £35
Classic afternoon tea and your choice of a sparkling cocktail from menu
Vegetarian afternoon tea options also available.
Afternoon Tea Times:
Monday – Friday: 2.30pm – 5.00pm
Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Overall, afternoon tea at the Quarter Bar & Lounge at London Bridge Hotel was very enjoyable. Its location was perfect for both of us to come into central London, being a stone’s throw from an entrance to London Bridge station. The Quarter Bar and Lounge is a comfortable and relaxing environment where the staff are proficient and friendly.
For further information and to book your experience online please visit: http://www.londonbridgehotel.com/food-drink/afternoon-tea/
You may also like our blog posts:
Afternoon at The Keeper’s House, Royal Academy
Afternoon Tea on the BB Bakery Bus
*I was a guest of London Bridge Hotel for the classic afternoon tea. As always, my opinion is my own.
Contact blog@londonguidedwalks.co.uk
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Hazel Baker is a qualified CIGA Tour Guide who delivers guided walks and private tours in London. View all of Hazel’s walking tours.
