I met up with a good friend of mine recently. She is going travelling long term with her family around Europe in an RV, so I wanted us to do something special together before she left. We arranged to meet in London for the day, for a girlie lunch and some of the best shopping in London. Then, as an extra treat, we popped over to The Ivy, Tower Bridge for a glorious Champagne Afternoon Tea.
To start with, the restaurant is in a magnificent Instagramable location. Right on the Thames with the most amazing view of Tower Bridge (which we saw opening to allow a boat through). The above photo was taken while I stood outside The Ivy, then the below one was just to the left of this. It was a grey day and they aren’t the best they could be but I wanted to give you a proper idea of what an amazing location it is. Right opposite the Tower of London. Then just a little further over you have a great view of the Walkie Talkie. Just a stunning location. On a sunny day you can sit on The Ivy’s outside bistro tables and watch the world go by.
You can see the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building to the left. Back to afternoon tea though. Firstly the restaurant itself is styled in fabulous Art Deco timeless glamour. The service was attentive and impeccable throughout.
Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Ivy, Tower Bridge.
We were seated and asked if we would like water, before being brought our glasses of Champagne (so decadent!). Then my friend was served her pot of English Breakfast tea, while I opted for the decaffeinated coffee. (There was no decaffeinated tea). I was brought a small jug of hot creamy milk with it, which I thought was a nice touch.
We began with the savouries – truffled chicken brioche rolls (my favourite on this occasion!).
Followed by smoked salmon on dark rye bread with cream cheese and chives (my friend said they were delish!) and marinated cucumber and dill finger sandwiches.
Once the savouries were polished off, we moved onto the sweets. Chocolate and salted caramel mousse – I wasn’t keen on the little chocolate topping but my friend loved it. The mousse itself was divine! On this tray was a lemon cream filled doughnut and little mini raspberry cheesecakes.
Then, as is proper with afternoon tea, we had scones with jam, cream and strawberries. It was a perfect finish to a lovely day trip down to London!
The Ivy, Tower Bridge invited me to visit and try their afternoon tea, but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
If you enjoy afternoon tea, do have a look at some of the best afternoon teas in York and Stratford upon Avon. Or this post by Wandermust Family of an Art Deco afternoon tea in London.