Vintry & Mercer Do It Again With Their New Circus Afternoon Tea.
Last year in September, we reviewed the gorgeous boutique hotel Vintry & Mercer’s Magic Afternoon Tea so to be invited once again to review their new Circus Afternoon Tea was a welcome experience. We definitely knew we’d be in for treat as we already knew Vinted and Mercer know how to create a wonderfully imaginative experience that brings colour, creativity and frankly a sense of pure joy to the classic afternoon tea.
From the moment you arrive, staff were polite and provided a wonderful experience that felt playful yet polished. You can expect theatrical flair alongside the hotel’s signature sophistication throughout the entire experience with the tea being designed for both adults and children. It really is the ideal weekend treat for families, friends and anyone with a love of food.
The savoury selection which is always my favourite part of an Afternoon Tea strikes a perfect balance between comfort and indulgence. My favourites included the tender roast beef with horseradish inside a classic Yorkshire pudding and gravy, truffled egg mayonnaise nestled in soft brioche and the flavourful coronation chicken with mango chutney. We definitely got seconds on these items.
The second tier consists of Homemade buttermilk scones which were light, warm, and served exactly as they should be, with rich Cornish clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam. A timeless classic and done impeccably well. Especially as this is one of the only afternoon teas which allows you to order all plain scones instead of one plain and one fruit scone.
The real showstopper, however, is the pastry finale. The Circus Afternoon Tea truly comes alive with a stunning parade of desserts that are as visually captivating as they are delicious. It was hard to choose our favourites as they were all incredibly tasty.
The Big Top raspberry and lemon curd mousse, the Carousel Macarons with peach and raspberry, Bobo the Clown (a blackberry and white chocolate cheesecake with Bourbon marble sable) were all delicious. My dad through really enjoyed the Popping Apple-Dini which was coated in fruit pulp and popping candy. It was a nostalgic twist on a circus staple.
The drinks offering elevates the experience further, with a carefully curated Tea Parade, the option to indulge with Charles Heidsieck Champagne (which I did… I mean if I’m going to have my one allotted alcoholic beverage… it’s going to be champagne) or the wonderfully inventive Circus Tea Pot Tails which are tea-infused cocktails that add an extra layer of theatrical charm. My parents really enjoyed these.
The Circus Afternoon Tea is a joyful celebration of flavour, creativity and fun. Make sure you book your experience now to add a little magic to their afternoon tea ritual, especially during this cold winter we’re currently having in London!
Available on weekends and during school holidays from 12.30pm to 5pm in the hotel’s Vintry Kitchen, starting 22nd November. The Circus Afternoon Tea costs £54.50 per person, £69.50 with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut or £74.50 with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rosé. The Junior Circus Tea menu costs £39.50 per child.
