Afternoon De-Light at The Met Bar

Healthy Chic Afternoon Tea

The Met Bar at the Metropolitan hotel in London is famous for its cutting-edge attitude, legendary cocktails, and late-night parties. In July 2008 they introduced Afternoon Tea, but delivered with a cool twist and waist-friendly chic.

Afternoon Tea is quintessentially British but The Met Bar have found a way to add a contemporary twist to this tradition. This is not British 'old school' but it is fun and you get to use a silver tea service.

For more afternoon tea reviews see:
Best Afternoon Tea in London.

The Met Bar Afternoon De-Light menu offers all the indulgence, without a bad conscience. The menu combines healthy interpretations of old classics that will appeal to modern lifestyles.

There are a selection of sweet and savory cupcakes, fruit scones, and 'no-bread sandwiches' -- all made using healthy alternatives including flour substitutes, and low fat creme fraiche. Fresh fruit purees replace unrefined sugars. Olive oil is used instead of butter, as well as natural, organic, and locally sourced produce wherever possible.

Drinks

The menu is accompanied by a selection of fruit infusions and an Ultimate Iced Tea that can be served guilt-free or as Martini cocktails. There is a also a selection of fresh fruit 'Eco-Tinis' to choose from, which are mixed with London Gin.

Venue: The Met Bar at The Metropolitan

The menu is served in the Met Bar and the Lobby Lounge.

Days and Times: Thursdays to Sundays, from 3pm to 6pm.

Cost: £24 per person (which compares very well with afternoon tea at other top London hotels).

Dress Code: Smart casual.

Reservations: Reservations must be pre-booked by calling 020 7447 4757.

The famous Met Bar is just off the lobby of the Metropolitan Hotel in Mayfair. It is a bar and not a dining location so there may be guests sitting at the bar while you have your tea and cakes. The music is more contemporary than the standard classical background music at these occasions and the decor is cool and sleek.

The metal engraved menu is a great touch and really sets the mood for your time at The Met Bar. After choosing your tea - from a boxed selection of tea bags - the food is served altogether on a tiered cake stand and not in courses as is usual at afternoon tea. This does mean less interruptions, and more time to gossip for girlfriends, so it's not a bad thing.

No-Bread 'Sandwiches'

This is a curious idea, and something for all those on the anti-bread trail - small glass tumblers of puree and a topping, such as watercress (puree) and beef (small slice). My companion liked it as it meant you weren't full up on bread before trying the cakes. I tried the pumpkin and pea option but couldn't finish it as it reminded me of homemade soup.

Strange Amount

I visited with one companion and thought it strange that two people were served three no-bread sandwiches, as these can't really be shared, and only one olive oil muffin. There were two potato flour scones and a selection of cakes to share. As the cake stand, and this portion size, is designed for two people I wonder how they manage with a party of three or an odd number?

Yummy Potato Flour Scones

Potato flour makes scones a little more crumbly but a lot more yummy! These were delicious, as were the organic jams to accompany them. Creme fraiche replaced the normal clotted cream and worked perfectly.

Pros

• It's at The famous Met Bar! A seriously cool place to be seen.
• Great option for girls who worry about their weight.
• The cakes look gorgeous.
• Potato flour scones are delicious.
• Can get more hot water for tea.

Cons

• Have to make your own tea! I wasn't impressed to be given a wrapped tea bag when the teapot was good quality silver. Part of the whole experience of taking tea at a London hotel is the service and being treated like a guest (without having to check in).
• Very basic tea selection and no special blends. There were no surprises in the tea selection (and there was no loose tea).
• No tea sommelier (expert).
• Can only try one tea.
• Can't share no-bread 'sandwiches'.

Conclusion

This wasn't afternoon tea in the traditional British sense but it was a fabulous opportunity to hang out at The Met Bar for a few hours with lovely tea and cakes. I enjoyed my Afternoon De-Light and would recommend it for girls on a shopping weekend in London or for anyone who wants to try a contemporary twist on an old idea.