Ting is located in the Shangri-La Hotel on the 35th floor of the Shard. Being on the 35th floor the views over London are stunning, and with impeccable service we had a delightful afternoon tea experience.
We selected the English afternoon tea with a glass of the Duval-Leroy champagne, an elegant champagne with a personality to match our wonderful surroundings. We then proceeded with our selection of sandwiches that had been meticulously cut and prepared in uniform. First we sampled the London Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese on Wholemeal Bread, the Salmon was thin cut lightly seasoned and delicious. Next we sampled the Roasted Organic Chicken with Jamon Serano and Tomato in a Brioche Roll. The Brioche Roll gave this sandwich a lovely soft texture that perfectly accented the flavours. Next was the Organic Egg Mayonnaise with Winter Truffle and Cress on White Bread, the Truffle was superb. Stilton Blue Cheese, Caramelised Walnuts and Cucumber on Brown Bread was our next sandwich and we finished with a Tea Poached Prawn, Lemon Mayonnaise and Baby Gem. All of the sandwiches were superb, the level of detail and preparation cannot be faulted.
We ventured on to the scones next which included a choice of Plain, and Earl Grey, along with Cornish Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jam. There is something quintessentially British about scones with jam and cream, and I’m proud to say these scones were outstanding.
“Afternoon tea prepared to an exceptional standard.”
Afternoon tea would not be complete without a selection of pastries, we enjoyed the Double Cheesecake with Yuzu Infused Sponge and Yuzu Orange Marmalade. Yuzu is an exotic, Citrus fruit, and the flavour is utterly delicious. We also sampled a Tiramisu Tart with a Coffee Crème Brulee and Mascarpone Cream, a welcome addition to the menu and very enjoyable. Next up was the Chocolate and Caramel, Caraibe Chocolate Mousse, with a Salted Caramel centre which we quickly finished off. We were just about able to move on to the Blackcurrant and Violet Macarons, with Blackcurrant Jelly, Violet Cream and a Blackcurrant and Violet Ganache. Macarons and afternoon tea go hand-in-hand, and these Macarons were the perfect accompaniment. We finished with a delectable Jasmine Tea Panna Cotta, with a Black Cherry Compote.
For our tea choices we decided on their Signature Breakfast offering of Assam, Sumatran and Yunnan Blended to a subtle and spicy finish. This was an enjoyable tea, it did indeed have a subtle spicy finish and I savoured every sip. My partner ordered their Assam Doomni, complete with Broken Tea Leaves that develop a unique, strong and creamy infusion. A tea that must be experienced to be understood, but exceptional in every way.
As of February 1st, Ting are celebrating the Chinese New Year with a Chinese inspired afternoon tea menu. The menu will include a twist on the traditional afternoon tea and features items such as Steamed Pork Dumplings, Smoked Salmon Mousse in a mini tart shell Tapioca infused in Yuzu, and of course Jasmin Macarons. It’s not to be missed. The service is outstanding at Ting, the food is prepared to an exceptional standard and we had a wonderful afternoon. It’s an absolute must if you’re in London.
The Bill: £62 per head
