There is nothing ordinary about either the venue or the tea at the Oxo Brasserie, situated on the eighth floor of the Oxo Tower on the south bank of the River Thames. The breathtaking views from the amazing 250-foot terrace, combined with the contemporary decor and airy spaciousness, make this an exceptional location.
Nancy Mitford, the English aristocrat, novelist and biographer, claimed that ‘milk in first’, known as the MIF debate, was, without doubt, not the thing to do.
Not Afternoon Tea is just that, so don’t expect scones and sandwiches but indulge yourself instead in one of the wicked pairings on offer. Combinations might be based around chocolate or rhubarb, tea and coffee, or a ‘hot and sticky theme, and each will include four picture perfect to-die-for desserts along with a carefully matched cocktail. Just thinking about a sticky toffee pudding, treacle tart, apple and pecan tartin and pear and ginger crumble is enough to set your taste buds tingling. But add to this a quirky Voodoo Child cocktail made from Havana rum shaken with cinnamon syrup, lime juice and crushed pears charged with lashings of organic ginger beer, served over crushed ice, and you’ll have an idea of what is in store. Better to visit the Tate gallery before, not after, tea.
Address: Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank London SE1 9PH
Tel: +44 20 7803 3888
E-mail: oxo.reservations@harveynichols.com
Web: www.harveynichols.com/oxo-tower-london-brasserie
Afternoon tea served: daily 3.30-5.15pm
Nearest underground station: Temple
Places of interest nearby: Tate Modern, Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, Globe Theatre
