We were scheduled to watch a production of Romeo & Juliet at the Shakespeare's Globe on the River Thames in Bankside, and I saw an option while purchasing tickets to enjoy an Afternoon Tea for extra at the Swan London, located on the same property. It was too good to pass up, and my wife and I were more than pleased with our tea time following the performance.
The establishment comprises three floors with the Afternoon Tea set up the third floor with lovely views of the River Thames and the surrounding streets. A bee kept trying to fly in through our open windows and drink our tea., but our server saved the day and shooed it back out the window and buzzed away down the walls of the building.
My wife enjoyed with her tea a Hibiscus Rose that comprised sparkling rose and hibiscus flower granita. I opted for just tea, enjoying their English Breakfast that was full bodied and robust. Just like me.
Our afternoon tea comprised the standard three-level tier of pastries, freshly made scones, and finger sandwiches.
I enjoyed the raisin and plain scone varietals, which were served with creamy Devonshire clotted cream and sweet and succinct strawberry jam.
For the finger sandwiches, they served sweet corn and egg mayonnaise, smoked salmon and sheep's curd, roast beef and cowboy butter on what was called a rocket bun, and buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil tartlet. Out of those, my favorite was the smoked salmon and sheep's curd.
For the pastries, I enjoyed ones that comprised 70% Verona chocolate, raspberry mouse, and milk chocolate Chantilly, which was very magical.. the smoked cherry bakewell tart was also glorious with a chocolate cowboy boot on top of the pastry. The vanilla heart sable biscuit with rose buttercream was also tasty, while the Apple and elderflower sparkling potion was fascinating and made me feel like I was living Romeo's role without the death part. The passion fruit and strawberry fairy cake really spoke to me in a profound way, sealed by a golden true love's kiss -- like a sweet pastry kiss in shape that allowed me to embrace synergy. Synergy.
The tea time was glorious and grand at Swan. The staff was lovely. The views were wonderful of the River. A lovely way to conclude the afternoon of delightful events. read more