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24 June 2022Tiers of joy
Afternoon tea, a symbol of Britishness, gets an amazing revamp at Tīng at Shangri-La The Shard, London
D oris Day famously sang about it, 84% of the UK population drink it every day* and it has featured in Hollywood films. According to the 1998 Guy Ritchie film, Lock Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels: ‘The entire British empire was built on cups of tea, and if you think I'm going to war without one, mate, you're mistaken.’
From the traditional cuppa to the delicately scented bergamot Earl Grey to the smokiness of Lapsang Souchong, to Assam. Tea. Glorious Tea.
First introduced to the UK in the 16th century, the ritual of afternoon tea was originated in England by Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. Her custom continues to this day.
There have been several variations to what is considered a traditional afternoon tea and some people will say that you can't and shouldn't mess with a classic.
I disagree. Especially when you sit down to afternoon tea at Tīng cosily nestled within the luxurious Shangri-La The Shard, London – the five-star hotel housed in its eyrie above the historic pavements of London. In all the premises are 35 floors up – 35 tiers of joy maybe?
This is not just a new twist on a classic; Tīng has taken the traditional and elevated it. The result is their new Skyline Afternoon Tea, which is deliciously decadent. The Skyline Afternoon Tea at Tīng has undoubted wow factor. From the moment you enter the premises you are greeted by the musical duo New Classics singing contemporary popular songs from a variety of decades.
There have been several variations to what is considered a traditional afternoon tea
Their melodies provide a harmonic background as you sit and sip your champagne 130 metres up in the air, overlooking the London skyline. The city’s iconic landmarks, steeped in history as well as modern architecture, stretch out in front of you as far as the eye can see while you relax with glass in hand.
The Shard in chocolate form is our first hint of what is to come. Expertly created, a hard chocolate shell is the casing for a rich, smooth, and celestially light chocolate mousse which has a sweet yet sharp raspberry purée at its core. The next course is pure theatre – a deliciously cold, Earl Grey-and-strawberry infusion which, served over dry ice, cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate shard. The palate is thus excitedly prepared for the delights that follow.
As a symbolic nod to the hotel’s geographical origins, the Skyline Afternoon Tea has an element of the Orient, encapsulated in the Hoisin Duck Pancake and the Hazelnut and Passion Fruit sliced cake. The savouries are nothing short of exquisite and if I had to choose a favourite sandwich, it would have to be the Reuben – meltingly soft pastrami on rye bread with lip-puckering sour gherkins and a smear of hot mustard, it was everything I could want in a sandwich.
Tīng is an innovator, not an imitator, and the light-as-air choux pastry, bursting with a velvety smooth chicken liver parfait was delectable. No afternoon tea would be complete without scones and with two choices – plain or lemon poppy seed – strawberry jam, and a large pot of thick, clotted cream, what more is needed?
There is a difference between needs and wants and the experience doesn’t end with those exquisite scones. Petite and perfectly formed, an array of crafted pastries awaits. The Jubilee Tart, in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, is a glistening confection. The blueberry mirror glaze shines like a purple sapphire and although it does look too pretty to eat, my sweet tooth needs to be satisfied. The crumbly pastry bottom combined with the silky lime curd filling and fruity blueberry glaze is luscious.
To wash down these culinary treats we had glasses of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Crisp, deliciously cold, pale straw in colour, and bursting with tiny persistent bubbles, it was the perfect accompaniment to the Skyline Afternoon Tea.
There is a difference between needs and wants and the experience doesn’t end with those exquisite scones
The service at Tīng is seamless. Supremely attentive without being intrusive, the staff are divine. Utterly polite, knowledgeable, and keen to make the experience truly memorable, it really is the epitome of service.
Cosmopolitan London has many places that serve afternoon tea in varying iterations and standards, but the Skyline Afternoon Tea at Tīng at Shangri-La The Shard, London is more than just ‘an afternoon tea’. It is a truly memorable experience. Traditions are institutions, and Tīng has taken a great British ritual and has artfully created a contemporary experience way up near the cloudline.
Tiers of joy indeed.
*According to The UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA)Words: Li Boatwright
- Tīng at The Shard
- The Skyline Afternoon Tea is available until 30th September and priced from £65 per person
- To book a table call +44 (0)207 234 8108 or email