BIG TOP MAGIC AND TREATS WORTH THE STANDING OVATION

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon | Press Invite

I was really excited for a return visit to Vintry & Mercer after visiting in the summer. Previously, it was to try the Crown Afternoon Tea, but this time it was for their new Circus Afternoon Tea. The bar was already high, so I was curious to see how they would fare with a new theme. Afternoon tea is already such a lovely day out, but a themed one always feels more elevated. It gives a little dash of added theatre!

From the moment we arrived, the tone was set. The hotel was already beautifully decorated for Christmas, giving the warm, cosy and festive feels. Add in the circus element and you get a playful twist without it ever tipping into gimmick territory. After being seated, we were given little pots of popcorn. It was a simple touch, but such a fun way to open the “show” and ease into the theme.

THE FIRST ACT: SAVOURY STARS THAT TAKE CENTRE RING

The Vintry & Mercer really know how to do a savoury selection. They may actually be my favourite afternoon tea sandwich selection to date. The Coronation Chicken and Mango Chutney in a brioche bun is sensational. This is where I first realised I liked Coronation Chicken, the sweet against the spices, chef’s kiss! Another favourite is the Roast Beef, Horseradish, and Gravy in a Yorkshire Pudding. Succulent meat, a splash of gravy, and the softness of the Yorkshire is a delightful combination.

I enjoyed the Truffle Egg Mayonnaise in a brioche bun more than I expected. Although, I did remove the cucumber slices as they’re always a no from me. And I did skip on the Salmon Blinis but my friend Char was more than happy to take that off my hands. The Plain and Raisin Scones were lovely. I always prefer raisin to plain because it gives them something extra, but both were baked well. And they were happy for me to swap from clotted cream to butter before I smothered them in jam.

THE GRAND FINALE: PASTRIES THAT BRING THE CIRCUS MAGIC TO LIFE

The pastry selection is where the circus theme really comes to life. “Picture-Perfect” couldn’t be more apt a name because they look incredible. Bright colours, playful shapes, and beautifully presented. There was even a touch of circus magic thanks to an added fog effect. My favourite was the Carousel Macarons. They were a lovely size, delicious and topped with a purple carousel horse. The Big Top came coated in chocolate over a raspberry and lemon curd mousse and a thin cake base.

Bobo The Clown, a blackberry and white chocolate cheesecake, was always going to be a no from me. Simply because I’ve never been a cheesecake girlie, no fault on their end. I did, however, eat and enjoy the bourbon marble sable clown biscuit on top. Balancing Nelly had a teeny white chocolate blue and gold elephant sitting atop a chocolate cake pop. It was a touch richer than I expected but still fun to try. And the elephant was white chocolate which is my fave. It could not have been a cuter selection!

THE FINAL BOW: CHAMPAGNE, COCKTAILS, AND A THOUGHFULLY CURATED PERFORMANCE

There are three price points for the Circus Afternoon Tea, £54 with tea, £69.50 with a glass of Champagne Brut, and £74.50 with a glass of Champagne Rose. We went for the Champagne Brut, naturally, but you can choose one of their themed cocktails if you’d prefer. And you can add them on separately if you want to try more than one. There’s also a children’s menu, so it’s a fun experience for both adults and kids.

The staff at Vintry & Mercer are lovely and looked after us so well throughout our visit. The whole experience is fun and adds a fun twist to a day out. Everything feels thought-out, from the theme to the presentation, and down the smaller touches. Overall, the Circus Afternoon Tea is a hit, and I would 100% return.

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