Seaside in the City Afternoon Tea at TĪNG Restaurant, Shangri-La The Shard London

If you’re a dessert lover, Shangri-La’s Seaside in the City Afternoon Tea is an unmissable summer indulgence. The pairing of artfully crafted cocktails with delicate, sweet creations is second to none.

If you’re a dessert lover, Shangri-La’s Seaside in the City Afternoon Tea is an unmissable summer indulgence. The pairing of artfully crafted cocktails with delicate sweet creations is second to none.

We were whisked up to TĪNG Restaurant on level 35 of The Shard for a limited-edition experience, arriving at an entrance hall adorned with palm fronds and colourful beach umbrellas.

Inspired by the coast and crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Piero Sottile, the menu features sun-drenched flavours through delicate pastries, paired with a curated selection of five cocktails made with Papa Salt Coastal Gin.

Right after we set our things down on the handbag stools provided, we were welcomed with a refreshing peach and mint tea. We drank this while we looked out to sweeping views of the Thames and London’s iconic Tower Bridge.

In keeping with the summer theme, we decided to forgo tea in favour of cocktails initially. On the waiter’s recommendation, I chose the ‘Berry Tide’, the most popular choice on the menu, as I understand, and rightly so. It was vibrant and refreshing, with just the right balance of sweetness and punch. My guest opted for the ‘Lychee Breeze’ which she thoroughly enjoyed. Both cocktails were beautifully presented with elements evoking the sea and sky.

This visit marked the third time I’ve enjoyed afternoon tea at Ting, and the team has now truly perfected the sandwiches, which were perfectly crafted and as delicious as any I’ve had in London in terms of freshness and balance of flavours. We enjoyed these enormously. The sandwiches we enjoyed included Coronation Chicken with raisins, Madras curry, and caramelised onion; Smoked Salmon with dill crème fraîche and lime zest; Roasted Dry-Aged Beef with horseradish and watercress; and Truffle Egg and Cress with St Ewe’s organic eggs and baby watercress. I was particularly fond of the Coronation Chicken for its delicious flavours, however I loved them all.

The experience of the very fresh, flavoursome sandwiches course was just the start of an exceptionally delicious afternoon tea.

Next, we enjoyed Sottile’s Montgomery Cheddar and Spinach Muffin, followed by the Avocado and Prawn Cocktail Bun. Both were impeccably crafted and thoughtfully distinct from the sandwiches that came before, complementing the previous course.

The scones were fluffy, light and very tasty, served warm with strawberry jam and clotted cream. My photographer, who ate from the gluten free menu, was pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of her gluten-free scones, and overall, was very impressed by this afternoon tea and recommends it to gluten-free individuals, noting many of them do not make it anywhere near this quality. Bravo, Shangri-La.

The best, however, was yet to come.

For dessert, we enjoyed Ocean Jewel with vanilla and pecan praline; Blue Horizon with blueberries and lemon; and Coral Bloom with Valrhona Caramelia, apricot, and verbena. Each dessert was perfectly sculpted, glittering in all the right places, and immaculately presented, and we were very sad to have to ruin the appearance of these dessert masterpieces by eating them. Out of them all, I truly could not pick a favourite. The unique blend of flavours in each won me over equally.

The Shard of the Sea’s flavours were Japanese sencha tea, peach and mango. Although I found these a little overpowering together and this wasn’t my favourite aspect of the experience, the spectacle of the liquid nitrogen haze and the carefully designed appearance of the dessert is largely what it’s about. The theatre of this moment is exceptional, and something anyone would love.

During the dessert course, we ordered some Tie Guan Yin tea, which we found floral and pleasant, and we felt it aided with digestion, although as we were about to go outside into the heat, we did not drink very much of it.

This was the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon in London, and I wholeheartedly stand by the five stars I’ve awarded this experience. Nearly every element of the menu surpassed expectations, showcasing exceptional taste, freshness, quality, and originality. The artistry and imagination of the team behind this event were truly on full display, and they deserve high praise for pulling off this idea so well.

TĪNG restaurant, Seaside in the City Afternoon Tea menu:

FINGER SANDWICHES

• Coronation Chicken – Raisins, Madras Curry, Caramelised Onion
• Smoked Salmon – Dill Crème Fraîche, Lime Zest
• Roasted Dry-Aged Beef – Horseradish, Watercress
• Truffle Egg and Cress – St Ewe’s Organic Eggs, Baby Watercress

SAVOURIES

• Montgomery Cheddar and Spinach Muffin
• Avocado & Prawn Cocktail Bun

SWEETS

• Ocean Jewel – Vanilla and Pecan Praline
• Blue Horizon – Blueberries and Lemon
• Coral Bloom – Valrhona Caramelia, Apricot and Verbena
• Shard of the Sea (To Share) – Japanese Sencha Tea, Peach and Mango

SCONES

• Plain & Raisin Scones – Served warmed with Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream

 

Afternoon Tea London – find more experiences in our High Tea Venue Directory