Tag Archives: cocktails

Prohibition Afternoon Tea, Quaglino’s, Mayfair

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It feels like every hotel and every restaurant in London has an afternoon tea offering, in fact it is the most searched thing to do in the capital on Google. Needless to say I had begun to get a little bored of the usual format. And then last week I experienced a mysteriously magical tea unlike any other.

Renowned Mayfair venue Quaglino’s has recently undergone an exciting renovation and is looking more glamorous and glitzy than ever before. This restaurant and bar has always been iconic but now feels even more exclusive and prestigious. Beyond the front door the walls are decorated in a dynamic geometric pattern, it is a vision of black and gold.

We followed the staircase down to the main room, which unfolded like a scene from the Great Gatsby. Staff wear sophisticated dresses and tuxedos, and I felt annoyed with myself that I hadn’t got out a vintage dress for the occasion. On a Saturday afternoon the venue was quiet and we had a choice of any table. We settled into a space in the bar area, sinking into the plush velvet banquettes and sipping our cups of tea.

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This afternoon tea is decadent and delicious, perfect for a girls’ celebration or party. We chose the Cocktail Tea (priced at £29.50) though there is also an option with champagne. I adored my ‘Scofflaw Twist’ cocktail which was made with Bulleit Bourbon, lime juice, orange juice, orgeat syrup and Pedro Ximenez. The complex mix of ingredients worked well together to create a balanced and smooth drink with woody undertones. For a lighter and more refreshing drink, opt for the Draft of an Angel, a creamy texture with Green Chartreuse and plenty of fresh mint.

The food is the perfect selection for the ultimate sweet-toothed addict – a beautiful array from macaroons to marquise, frangipane tart to coffee choux. Each sweet mouthful was balanced carefully on the circular stand. I loved the savoury treats too, the freshest smoked salmon rosti and delicious cured ham grissini. The sandwich on offer was chicken and basil – simple but classic. I was a little disappointed with the scones, which were a bit dry and lacking in currents.

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For just £29.50 a person (including a cocktail) I think this characterful afternoon tea is one of the best I’ve tried in London. And with private rooms that can host private parties of up to 30 people, the Prohibition tea will really make an afternoon tea experience feel like a special occasion.

The Prohibition Tea continues until 30th September. More information and book here.

Bloom cocktails at One Aldwych

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In the last week I have been invited to three gin events. The most memorable drinks were at One Aldwych Hotel where the nifty bartenders are creating deliciously summery Bloom cocktails. There is a select list of four special cocktails to try, each with a range of elaborate ingredients, but each using the Bloom Gin as a base.

Bloom Gin describe themselves as “a light, delicate and floral gin with a totally unique and slightly sweet taste created by a bespoke blend of 3 botanicals: honeysuckle, chamomile and pomelo.” The sweet notes of the spirit lends it well to cocktail concoctions, mixing beautifully with fruity flavours.

I’ve always loved the One Aldwych bar… it’s got a vibrant buzz about it, the environment is relaxed but fun, and the complimentary nuts they serve are among the best I’ve tasted. A warm breezy Friday evening was the perfect excuse to sample the four new Bloom cocktails:

The Lavender Cloud – Bloom Gin, rhubarb, black raspberry liqueur, honey infused with lavender and fresh lime juice. Topped with bergamot foam.

Blooming Tea – Bloom Gin, apricot brandy, ginger & lemongrass cordial, Kamm & Sons, camomile tea and fresh lemon juice.

Smoked Flower – Bloom Gin, Mezcal, grapefruit liqueur, elderflower cordial, agave nectar and fresh lemon juice.

Almond Bouquet – Bloom Gin, Amaretto liqueur, fresh pineapple juice, syrup, fresh rocket and fresh lemon juice.

I was surprised to find I really enjoyed all four drinks. Each recipe has it’s own character. The Lavender Cloud, served with a sprig of lavender, was almost perfumed in taste with a natural sweetness from the honey and a touch of exoticism from the bergamot. The Blooming Tea was perhaps my favourite, served in a impressively decorated glass and topped with pretty edible flowers. The ingredients are very well matched to create a grown up, but addictively tasty cocktail.

Smoked Flower was my least favourite, in comparison to the other drinks this cocktail is less girly with a strong smokiness to it and a touch of bitterness from the grapefruit. I also really loved the Almond Bouquet which reminded my of my Amaretto and coke teenage years. This cocktail is very sweet, but the nutty flavour softens the sugary taste and the citrus lemon cuts through as well. It is a lovely balanced drink.

The One Aldwych Bloom drinks are immaculately presented seasonal cocktails that I would be delighted to drink all year round.

The Bloom cocktails are priced at £13.50 each and are available in the Lobby Bar until 14th July. More information here.

THOROUGHLY MODERN MAN: The Parlour’s Peroni Bar pop-up, Canary Wharf

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Before last week, I would not have said Canary Wharf was a staple destination in TMM’s London repertoire. Well from now on if I find myself out that far East this summer I know where I’ll be visiting.

The Parlour‘s popup Peroni bar has more going for it than plosive alliteration. It occupies a corner of Canada Square, which represents a pocket of comfort and relaxation in a slightly stiff part of London often dominated by multinationals and boxy suits. More than the location, this summer the outdoor bar is offering a series of beer-based cocktails, offering lighter and easier-drinking summer alternatives to more traditional spirit-heavy tipples.

The Italian Bramble (lemon, gin, Peroni and Crème de Mure liqueur with blackberries) is simple and refreshing, with enough citrus kick and berry sweetness to taste indisputably of an English summer with an Italian twist. The Italian Spritz (Peroni, elderflower and Sauvignon Blanc, garnished with cucumber, citrus peel and rosemary) brought the traditional wine cooler slap bang up to date and added more complex hoppy notes to what can so often be an underwhelming beverage. For those of you more adventurous (or to be precise, exactly as adventurous as TMM), there is the Bullet Dodger which utilises a chilli-infused bourbon to spice up the house Mint Julep. Fiery it ain’t, but the drink comes in the  impressive signature Julep cup.

One has the option of accompanying your drinks at The Parlour with nibbles and larger bites – TMM indulged in the smaller plates, the highlights of which were the rustic mozzarella and rocket flatbread, and an altogether pleasing deep-fried panko prawn lollipop with sweet chilli and soy dipping sauce.

A thoroughly pleasant evening was had, therefore, and if you happen to be in the neighbourhood in the coming months, TMM heartily recommends that you do just the same.

More information on The Parlour here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Man, James Bomford.