High Tea in fancy hotels had been the norm, but now mainstream restaurants are putting their contemporary stamp on a British tradition. Quaglino's is the latest with their Prohibition Tea, but was it any good? Time to find out...
Ideal for:
Trying something quirky for Afternoon Tea
Casual chill out time with mates
Those who prefer sweet to savoury
Ambience & Décor
Quaglino’s interior has a 'wow' factor. The hallmark was the viewing gallery overlooking the entire dining area, giving full sight of the decorative bar, gold & pewter staircase and the stunning glass panelled ceiling. The bar area (where the tea is,) is a myriad of dark colours, shiny surfaces and gadgets. It all looks so classy, complete with comfy sofas.
Service
The service was atrocious, despite having many waiters. A clumsy waiter dropped one of the afternoon tea stands and took an age to bring the fresh one. Had to wait an equally long time for a refill on the vanilla black tea. The disastrous service kept us for over 3.5 hours!
Food
Quaglino’s have taken a modern approach with the food and presentation. Aficionados may complain there is no bone china but I like this quirky twist. The drinks (left) were all refreshing and full of great flavour balance.
The Prohibition Tea (right) was:
Egg and baby cress disc brioche toas
Chicken and basil on white bread
Smoked salmon rosti
Cured ham Grissini
Prawn cocktail and baby gem leaf
Bitter chocolate marquise
Strawberry frangipane tart
Assorted Macaroons
Crackled coffee choux
Visually, the arrangement on the modern, nouveau deco stand was tantalising. Most of the items were a joy but the prawn cocktail and chicken & basil lacked 'wow factor' and the macaroons were a tad sickly. The highlight was the vanilla black tea. The vanilla essence paired well with the strong black tea, and not only smelled wonderful, but tasted divine. Shame I had to wait so long for my second pot.
Quaglino’s Afternoon Tea was a mixed bag. Whilst I could not really complain about the food and décor, the service was one of the worst I have had. When you are made to wait so long, and all you have for sustenance are finger food, you have angry diners. I will not give up my usual Afternoon Tea spots for Quaglino’s. Overall I give Quaglino’s a B- Rating.
Photos of Quaglino's Afternoon Tea and more can be found on Instagram here.
Final grade: B-
Final comment: Quaglino’s modern, swanky afternoon tea marred by terrible service.
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