Mews of Mayfair Champagne infused Afternoon Tea marries together all our favourite things…
Afternoon tea in London is having an absolute moment to say the least. From fantasy-themed to traditional we were blessed with a wave of tea experiences this summer – I could have easily fitted a dozen in to a single month. Their resurgence and popularity is unsurprising; summer kicked off with the wedding of the century and it was all British traditions and tiaras for us from then on. Of course, being Londoners we were not prepared to merely drink tea. We added our own twists and made it completely our own; afternoon tea took on a proverbial life of its own. In a tide of exceptionally good teas in the capital we’re here to say that Mews of Mayfair Champagne infused afternoon tea is The One.
Where it is
Mews of Mayfair is hidden five minutes walk from Bond Street and is one of London’s last secrets. The tiny historic courtyard has a choice of bars, pizzeria, brasserie, cocktail bar and courtyard bar all under the same umbrella company. Did I mention? It’s gorgeous. Being tucked away and hidden from the hustle and bustle gives the mews a quaint feel but more importantly offers a great deal of privacy too.
Why it’s The One
Veuve Clicquot and Mews of Mayfair have collaborated to create something very special. A carefully curated selection of black, green and herbal teas have been infused with Veuve Clicquot Rich Champagne. This is Veuve Clicquot’s most versatile champagne especially designed to be mixed with other flavours. So mixologists have been able to work wonders with rare teas.
Mews’ in house mixologist, Erik Giarratana, says about the new drink: “Tea leaves infuse in champagne in a slightly different way to hot water. In hot water, there are three stages of steeping, in champagne, it stops at one. While the same simple process of osmotic diffusion occurs, the steeping and speed is different. In champagne the aromatics are adopted while the caffeine, tannins and flavonols are kept out, ensuring the best of both drinks and a fragrant and light taste.”
Vueve Cliquot infusions
There are several infusions to choose from during the Mews of Mayfair Champagne infused afternoon tea. I ordered the Rare Earl Grey with fresh grapefruit and lemon and my companion ordered lotus flower tea with ginger and rose. Both arrived in glass teapots and cocktail glasses. The Rare Earl Grey infusion was light and refreshing, while the lotus flower tea was sweet and floral as expected. I must add that they were so delightful that we ordered more; silver tip jasmine tea with fresh ginger and Sri Lankan lemongrass tea with fresh lemon. The jasmine tea was exquisite with a bold flavour of ginger and the lemongrass tea was reminiscent of all that is good in the world. It was utterly divine.
They were accompanied by an array of sweet and savoury edible delights. Heritage tomato and bocconcini crostini, spinach and feta pastry and prosciutto and goat’s cheese crostini were wonderful as light appetisers and buttered scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream didn’t disappoint. My companion enjoyed the strawberry macaroons the best whilst my favourite was the mint meringue and Pimms jelly.
It was a wonderful afternoon altogether. As we were there in the quiet of early afternoon it was possible to take our tea in the courtyard. It was remarkably pleasant to soak in a quaintness that has become increasingly elusive in this big city. There’s little doubt that the Mews has peak times but for now I was grateful for a moment of escape with The One.
Mews of Mayfair champagne infused afternoon tea costs £50 per person and is available in the cocktail bar from Wednesdays to Fridays from 2pm – 5pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm – 5pm. Mews of Mayfair is located at: 10 Lancashire Court, Mayfair, London W1S 1EY
