Читать книгу London's Afternoon Teas, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition - Susan Cohen G. - Страница 11

The famed original Balthazar opened in downtown New York in spring 1997, but London had to wait until early 2013 for the brasserie to finally make its debut in London, right in the heart of Covent Garden and theatreland. This is the only Balthazar outside of Manhattan, and afternoon tea – which you won’t find in the New York restaurant – is a very important part of the French-inspired all-day menu. The late 19th-century building has an interesting history, for it was home to the Covent Garden Flower Cellars, where the market traders kept their stock. Then, for many years, the London Theatre Museum was located here, but now the London Film Museum shares the building with Balthazar. The interior décor is ornate, but retains the feel of a typical French brasserie, from the zinc bar, brass rails, and red banquette seating to the bustling atmosphere.

The set afternoon tea menu does change from season to season, and in the past has featured a Bobbi Brown summer tea, inspired by Bobbi’s cosmetics, so check out the website to see what is current. Whatever is on the menu will be delicious, for head pastry chef, Régis Beauregard, is a genius at creating divine pastries. Balthazar’s High Five afternoon tea, designed to celebrate five years in London, is no exception, featuring the Queen of Tarts, a red, white, and blue macaron which is a salute to the American, British, and French flags, plus the chocolate Balthazar Icon, unmistakably a replica of the famous awning outside. Before you get to these sweet sensations, there are the mouth-watering sandwiches with traditional fillings given a twist, and a really good brioche roll filled with lobster prawn. As tradition demands, there are nicely glazed, light, fruit and plain buttermilk scones, served with rich clotted cream and homemade jam. If you want to dig a bit deeper into your pocket, you could add a real touch of luxury and order 30g (about an ounce) of Imperial caviar, served with blinis and crème fraîche, as well as a glass of champagne or a High Five cocktail. Postcard Teas supply the leaf tea here, and although the list is small, it is very select. Apart from any uneaten treats, which will be boxed up for you if you want, you’ll have a lovely take-home gift of an individual cannelé bordelaise. It’s up to you how long you hold out before biting into the thin, caramelised shell of this rum-and-vanilla-filled magical confection which is melt-in-the-mouth perfection.

ADDRESS: 4–6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ

TEL: +44 (0)20 3301 1155

EMAIL: info@balthazarlondon.com

WEB: www.balthazarlondon.com

AFTERNOON TEA SERVED: Monday to Friday 3.00pm–5.30pm, Saturday 3.00pm–5.00pm, Sunday 3.00pm–6.30pm. Monday to Sunday during December 3.00pm–5.00pm

SET TEAS: seasonally changing themed menu, gluten free

NEAREST UNDERGROUND STATIONS: Covent Garden

PLACES OF INTEREST NEARBY: London Film Museum, Covent Garden, Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Lyceum Theatre, Fortune Theatre, Savoy Theatre, Somerset House