A playful journey down
memory lane, with an exciting series of nostalgic and creative sweets and
savouries that pay homage to Travers’ books. Was Aqua Shard’s Mary Poppins themed
afternoon tea practically perfect in every way?
Over
three weeks ago, I met up with my lovely friend Vicky (Foodie for Thought), as
we both share a love of afternoon tea. We had booked Aqua Shard’s Mary Poppins
afternoon tea back in the summer, but the earliest we could get in was
November! It was a busy Saturday afternoon, but my first time up The Shard and
the first time in ages we were able to catch up, so I was really looking
forward to it.
First
of all, I’d like to mention the theme, which was wonderfully presented
throughout. From the gold gilt mirror menus (which were impossible to
photograph and equally hard to read) and the medicinal liquors waiting on our
tables, to Mary Poppins’ trademark carpet bag and even the cake stand itself –
there was no denying this was a themed tea. I particularly loved the chinaware,
illustrated with motifs from the book and said cake stand, which was
custom-made and complete with umbrella top.
Our
first decision was to choose our tea: Mary (faintly sweet and floral with rose)
or Bert (subtly sweet and smoky with vanilla). I’m personally not a fan of
anything floral, but we both chose Bert’s tea, which was nice enough. At this
point, we also decided we’d take advantage of the medicinal liquor and opted
for a flute of champagne. With three bottles to choose from: rum punch,
strawberry (gin) or lime cordial (vodka), we both opted for strawberry.
Unfortunately, it was very much style-over-substance and we were in agreement
that the liquor added nothing to the colour or flavour of the champagne. A
shame, as it was a cute extra. I even added an additional pipette to my flute –
but nothing!
Onto
the food and unusually, I was team savoury! Vicky ate the truffled egg
sandwiches (which she said were divine), as well as the honey roast ham &
mustard ones. I tried the cheese ploughman’s which were okay, but ultimately
just cheese & pickle. As Vicky doesn’t like fish/seafood, I lucked out with
double portions of crab & cucumber brioche (incredibly light, fresh and
yummy) and miniature crumpets topped with cream cheese & smoked salmon (got
me wanting this for brunch at home) – so can’t complain,
Our
waiter then arrived to the table with Mary Poppins’ oversized carpet bag,
magically revealing a paper bag of warm scones. We only managed one each (I had
plain, but there was also golden raisin). We also couldn’t work out the jam
flavours, but apparently, they were supposed to be cherry and plum. And then it
was onto the sweets... boy were they sweet!
First
up, we sampled ‘Strike Me Pink’: a Victoria sponge cake covered in freeze-dried
raspberries and topped with fresh berries and chocolate drops. I found the cake
too heavy, but thankfully the fresh fruit cut through any dryness.
Next
up was Mary’s chocolate & cherry hat: cherry mousse encased in dark
chocolate. It didn’t look like a hat to me and I struggled to finish it, due to
the amount and bitterness of the chocolate. The mousse centre was nice enough.
‘Back
to Front Zoo’ was a golden syrup tart, with a dollop of cream. It reminded me a
bit of cornflake cake; very sweet, very sticky, very chewy. I actually enjoyed
this one, but maybe due to its small size. Any more would have been far too
much.
By
the time we got to taste Mrs Correy’s gingerbread star, we were both so full.
Vicky’s biscuit lacked snap and mine was the other end of the spectrum. I love
gingerbread usually and it was definitely the lightest of the desserts, so I’m
gutted I couldn’t manage more than a mouthful.
And
just when you think you couldn’t manage anymore, there’s fairground candyfloss!
It’s spun from a machine on the restaurant floor and served by staff in
costume, which is a great touch. I will always have room for confectionary and
most definitely candyfloss, so I saw my stick off pretty quickly!
I
have to admit, that while the theme was totally on point, the execution of the
food was slightly lacking – especially when you consider the location and
price. The Mary Poppins afternoon tea is £49pp (£66 if you opt for a glass of
Champagne). I have been to better themed afternoon teas and also had a better
taste experience at other establishments priced in a similar bracket. That
said, the overall experience was good and I would return to Aqua Shard (or one
of the other restaurants) in the future.
Love,
Lucy xx
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Love, Lucy xx