Springtime Tea Luncheon:
27th April 2011
The Engineers Pub nestling in the heart of Primrose Hill was great gastro-pub that played host to an unusual tea luncheon jointly hosted by Ed (Manager) and Henrietta Lovell (The RareTeaLady and Tea Extraordinaire.) I say ‘was’ because this Autumn M&B pub chain overtook the pub and the Team and great offering has since moved to the Hampshire Hog (in Ravenscourt Park, London, W6).
I’ve come across Henrietta Tea’s in fine dining restaurants such as Dinner and in the aisles of Waitrose. Her mission is simple, to introduce tea-drinkers to great quality loose tea and ‘de-bag’ Britain. Ed an appreciator of the ‘finer things in life’ brought the tea to life in another dimension by mixing them into alcoholic concoctions.
*****
To start the event with a kick, we were served a Jasmine, Elderflower & Hendricks Punch, using a heavenly scented silver tip
*****
Double baked Gruyere & Dorstone goats cheese soufflé, basil puree, tomato compote & confit cherry tomatoes
With Iced Chinese Oolong cocktail
*****
Green Tea-smoked sea trout ballotine, pickled cucumber, fennel, shimijii mushrooms, seawater & Green-tea
With Whole leaf Green tea
*****
Earl Grey infused crème brulee, Jasmine tea sugar shard & old English tea cake
With English Breakfast cocktail, orange bitters
*****
This was a light and well-balanced match of dining courses with tea cocktails, perfect for a Spring day. With charming dining company and great anecdotes from Henrietta, on her tea travels and suppliers, the afternoon was wiled away.
My donation towards lunch, was in aid of The Hope Foundation – www.thehopefoundation.org.uk
