(June 2011): This summer the most surprising take on traditional afternoon tea in the capital has to be that being served at The Goring in Belgravia. To celebrate the opening of the beach in the hotel’s private garden (84 tons of white sand, 200 coconuts, 2 palm trees and a beach bar) The Goring proudly introduces ‘Tea on the Beach’; a rather more seaside version of a much-loved quintessentially English tradition...
Throw out the windbreak and get rid of the thermos. Tea at The Goring is taken on the elegant Terrace overlooking the garden and (until September) the beach. What’s more, when the weather is good, the large shaded Veranda is one of the most civilised places to eat al fresco in the capital.
Executive Chef Derek Quelch and Pastry Chef Ian Winton have created a homage to all things seaside - sprinkled with a touch of Caribbean cool. Start with Lobster and Mango Appetiser, served in a tiny little bucket and spade. Some of the sandwiches are fishy (crayfish and prawn) followed by beach treats such as gingerbread flip-flops, Lime and Margarita cupcakes and Pina Colada jelly. All rounded off perfectly with an irresistible mini cone of Rum and Raisin ice cream.
And after tea, there might just be time for a quick cocktail at the Beach Bar. Happy summer days!
TEA ON THE BEACH -- £35/£45 with a glass of Ayala
Lobster and Mango appetizer
Crayfish and Prawn Cocktail sandwich
Smoked Salmon sandwich
Egg mayonnaise and Cress sandwich
Guinea Fowl with Wild Mushroom sandwich
Gingerbread flip flop
Pina Colada Jelly with Coconut Foam
Lime and Margarita cup cake
Paradise Finger
Malibu Baba
Rum and Raisin ice cream
Tea on the Beach will be served daily from June to September 3.30pm - 5.30pm in the Lounge, on the sunny Terrace or the Veranda overlooking the Beach and the garden. Dress code is smart casual. Reservations are recommended, please telephone 0207 396 9000 and ask for the Lounge Bar.