Candid’s Adam Zorgani visits Marylebone to test drive the new high tea menu from 108 Pantry.
Tucked away in Marylebone village, 108 Pantry does what so many eateries seek to achieve but rarely accomplish; the seemingly effortless combination of modernity with cosy charm. The bright interior provides subtle vintage vibes, working to a teal and mustard palette with accents of red. It is all set against shaker panelled walls and a dark wood parquet floor.
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The incorporation of fresh-cut meadow flowers throughout is a thoughtful touch. It provides a visual nod to the themes of seasonality and sustainability underlying the English country garden high tea menu.
The afternoon tea itself has been created by Executive Chef, Russell Ford and Pastry Chef, Moinal Islam with the aim of encapsulating an autumnal English country garden setting – taking inspiration from British cuisine and focusing on seasonal ingredients.
For our visit, highlights included the crispy-on-the-outside, soft-in-the-middle coronation chicken tartlet; the rich and filling Scottish smoked salmon served on Guinness bread; Truffled Brie with Jerusalem artichoke crisp alongside scones served with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam. Standout sweets included the moreish chocolate and orange Battenberg and the plum and pistachio delice.
The well-thought-out presentation is also whimsical and cleverly Insta-worthy. It features grass meadow serving boards, terracotta pots, edible flowers and fork and spade-fashioned cutlery. Whilst the afternoon tea is the star attraction, it’s worth noting that the menu also includes freshly baked pastries, salads and sandwiches as well as a selection of fresh pressed juices.
The Afternoon Tea is served alongside 108 Pantry’s assortment of rare teas for £32, and with a glass of English Sparkling Wine for £42. Also available are four English Sparkling Wines: Sussex, Nyetimber Classic Cuvée; Kent, Gusbourne Estate Brut Rosé; Sussex, Ridgeview ‘Cavendish’ Brut 2014 and Hush Heath Estate Leslie’s Reserve (our top pick and endearingly named after the producer’s wife).
108 Pantry, 108 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QE
Afternoon tea served 3.00pm – 6.00pm Monday – Friday, and from noon – 6.00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
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