Afternoon Tea Week is coming – it’s on 10-16 August – and it’s a very good idea to prioritise this wonderful English tradition. But it’s an even better idea to add an Italian slant to that tradition, which is exactly what the gorgeous rustic Italian restaurant Cucina Asallina, in London, has done.
English sandwiches? Pah!
Forget those sandwich fingers with the crusts cut off and with a slithers of cucumber inside. The savouries in this exquisite afternoon leave English sandwiches in the shadows. Just look at the bottom layer on that fine tea stand pictured above. We’re talking homemade focaccia courgette, sun-dried tomato and pesto; and homemade crunchy ciabatta with smoked salmon; and Stracchino cheese; and behind those lurks another ciabatta with bresaola, rocket and Parmesan. The bread is made on the premises. And the fillings are, wait for it… filling! All too often afternoon tea is altogether too sticky affair in which you move onto the sweet stuff because, quite frankly, the savouries are not good enough. And this is not the case here. This afternoon tea is a meal.
Unforgettable amaretto
When you do finally move on to the sweet delicacies, you will be faced with classic scones, clotted cream and jam and home-baked amaretto biscuits which make the packet versions seem like digestives. These amaretti are not so full of almond flavouring and are beautifully soft and light, with a very gentle crunch.
On the top layer of the stand you will find a variety of exceptional sweet treats, but my favourite was the one with the Italian touch – the blackberry tiramisu. It’s mild and fruity and tastes a bit like an elegant mini trifle.
Tea brewing perfection
There’s an impressive choice of teas. I tried Chai (smoky and refreshing) and followed up with Palace Blend (which was very like English Breakfast). And here Cucina Asallina has a nice touch. They brew the tea to the right strength and serve it in the pot, having taken the tea out. The result: no stewing! You will very much appreciate that on your second cup.
Find it hard to eat all of the sweet stuff and don’t want it to go to waste? The gorgeous Italian staff offer a takeaway box. Perfect.
Turn afternoon tea into lunch
Italian Afternoon Tea at Cucina Asallina is served at daily between 1-5pm. Price £29 per or £35 with a glass of proseccio. My recommendation: go at 1pm: this is a delightful lunch. Cucina Asallina, Me London Hotel, 336-337 The Strand, London WC2R 1HA; 020 7395 3445. http://togrp.com/afternoon-tea-at-cucina-asellina