Scoff & Banter

It was my second afternoon tea ever and the best one! Good idea is that you can design your own set, which is not so easy because everything looks and taste delicious! I really like china in which they serve tea, you can feel like Alice from Wonderland. Staff is very helpful, they answered for all our questions.

I’m not a big fan of afternoon tea. I love the tradition, but I’ve always felt that paying £30−40 for a cup of tea basic sandwiches and average cakes is a bit of a rip off. Until I’ve visited Scoff & Banter!
The new Tea Rooms in the Radisson Blu are a few levels up from the other hotel afternoon teas I’ve tried so far in London and are truly special.
The first thing that won my heart is that you don’t buy a pre-​prepared pack. You can design your own set (by picking 2 items from each of four sections).
Secondly, apart from cold sandwiches, scones and cakes, you start with little portions of delicious hot food.
We were welcomed with a glass of prosecco followed by a tea (leaf teas from Newby Teas). There 12 different teas to choose from, from the traditional to less known flavours, served in cute porcelain crockery from Bombay Duck (available to buy on the site). I went for a lavender tea, which was a bit too herby for my taste, but the milk oolong, for example, was delicious.
While we were sitting and comparing the teas, the food started to arrive. I’ve started with an warm caramelised onion tart, which was so delicate and crumbly and full of flavour that I could have eat five more. Lobster and brandy soup was served in a shot and although I didn’t taste the brandy, it was great.
I’ve also tried spiced scallop and Oysters Rockefeller served with herbs and crispy seaweed, both were both amazing.
Most of the stuff was served in a size of a one bite portion, but believe me, at the end of the evening you will be super full and satisfied.
Next came the scones, sandwiches and cakes. Again, scones were miniature, but you get 4 of them, they are freshly baked and you can choose between pecan and apple, orange and a few other unusual flavours. They are obviously served with clotted cream and preserves, we got rhubarb and ginger and strawberries. As for the desserts, I chose trifle with roasted balsamic strawberries and sticky pudding with peanut butter ice cream and macadamia brittle. As for the sandwiches, you won’t get bored. They are served on various breads, and so you have rye bread, focaccia, bagel, anything but usual. The oak smoked ham with gin and tonic relish was outstanding!
The staff was absolutely lovely and attentive, patiently explaining all the foods they were serving and generally treated us like a bunch of princesses. So if you visit London and want to try a proper British afternoon tea, look no further.