I have always been a fan of Searcys who run some of London’s most iconic stand-alone restaurants and Champagne bars. This time I visited another one of their fabulous venues which opened in Spring 2020, The Saatchi Gallery Bar & Brasserie, located in the wing of The Saatchi Gallery in Duke of York Square, just moments away from Sloane Square tube station.
You all know how I am particularly partial towards afternoon tea, and so I graciously accepted the invitation to review their newly launched afternoon tea in partnership with Wedgwood’s Wonderlust collection, an eclectic crockery collection inspired by the wonders of travel. A British institution with over 260 years’ experience, this striking and vibrantly coloured collection pays homage to the wonders of travel, from Europe through to Asia, putting a unique contemporary spin on their famous floral motifs.
On offer are three-afternoon tea choices, all of which include a starter, sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a choice of Newby Teas, served on the finest and beautifully designed Wedgwood’s crockery pieces.
We were presented with a wooden tea box which displayed a selection of teas from luxury tea brand Newby Tea, renowned for uncompromising flavour that mirrors the character of their source. I started with the classic Earl Grey, and later on also tried their warming and aromatic Masala Chai. My dining guest went for the Jasmine Princess which had a lovely floral finish. And of course we didn’t miss out on indulging in a glass of Louis Pommery England; the award-winning English sparkling wine created in the distinctive terroir of southern England. Produced through the classic and traditional method in a region known for high chalk density, this delicate and excellently balanced wine is the first English sparkler from Champagne Pommery and won gold at the WineGB Awards 2020.
The Afternoon Tea menu focuses on the best of British seasonal ingredients – we started with an appetizing John Ross Jr smoked salmon mousse with creme fraiche, followed by a selection of classic finger sandwiches, which included cucumber, ham, smoked salmon, and coronation chicken.
The freshly baked scones were accompanied by clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and the platter of sweet treats included a black forest cake, passion fruit mousse cake, lemon macaron, and a classic Victoria sponge slice.
We dined indoors during our visit, but there is also a charming outdoor terrace that overlooks The Green – a perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining and make the most of the last few days of summer.
Afternoon tea is currently served daily at 15:00 or 17:00, priced at £39 per person for the Chelsea Afternoon Tea. Alternatively, you can choose to upgrade to the Sparkling Chelsea Afternoon Tea at £49 with a glass of Louis Pommery English Brut, or for a more decadent experience, why not opt for the Limitless Sparkling Chelsea Afternoon Tea, priced at £79 per person, with free-flowing Louis Pommery English Brut for 90 minutes. The packages are available to book online at Searcys or as a gift voucher.
Booking is necessary, please visit Searcys online store to secure your place via this link.
- My Chelsea Afternoon Tea experience at The Saatchi Bar & Brasserie by Searcys was complimentary – views and photos are my own.
