The Luggage Room, London
LOW TEA AT THE LUGGAGE ROOM: LONDON
04/06/16
By Ellie
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT:
- To taste the fantastic cocktails - both the classic and the unique are part of the cocktail menu
- It's one of the quirkiest and most fun afternoon tea's you'll be presented with
- If you prefer a bit more savoury to go with the sweet for your afternoon tea
- The almost secret location makes you feel like you're in on a secret
The Luggage Room is aptly named as it could easily be disguised as an ordinary hotel luggage room from the outside, but hidden behind a discreet door, lies an intimate speakeasy themed cocktail bar.
Inside, the ornate interior has an authentic Twenties feel and the walls, resembling original Louis Vuitton luggage, adds a decadence that sets it apart from other similar speakeasy bars.
My guest and I were welcomed with Perrier Jouet by our attentive waiter and introduced to the novel concept of ‘Low Tea’, which is a new venture for The Luggage Room beginning in May, and what we’d come along to enjoy. Originally introduced in England by the Duchess of Bedford, Low Tea consists of tea and biscuits served on a low table, and it is from this the name was originally derived.
To start, our waiter presented us with a variety of loose-leaf teas; from their own signature blend, Balsamic Hyperion, which was similar to Earl Grey but with a lighter taste; to the Very Berry infusion, which had a delightful natural sweetness.
We were then served our ‘Low tea’, which arrived in a quaint imitation suitcase with three compartments. Opening the little doors added to the excitement of the experience and each compartment held an array of delectable treats.
The delicate Wild Boar Sausage Roll packed a lot of flavour and was complimented by Wholegrain Mustard. Warm Cheese Scones were served with a Spiced Pear Chutney alongside lashings of Smoked Salmon and Caviar, and whilst not an obvious pairing, it was delicious. Other highlights included the Smoked Eel and Horseradish Vol Au Vents and Venison Scotch Eggs.
The Luggage Room has steered away from traditionally sweet afternoon teas and opted for a more savoury version, which was typical of the Twenties era when chocolate was a rarity. However, those of you with a sweet tooth need not be deterred as there are still plenty of sweet treats on offer, including a classic Victoria Sponge, Salted Caramel Meringue and a limited edition Rum Syllabub, which had a beautifully light texture.
With so much food on offer it is easy to get defeated, however save room for the pièce de résistance: the Jar Scone Trifle. The ratio of scone, cream, jam and raspberries was perfect and it proved completely irresistible, with the fruity flavour perfectly complimented by the rich and creamy texture.
Although Low Tea is an English concept, The Luggage Room has introduced American influences and offers a range of cocktails to reflect this. The first page of their menu features a selection of light Punches traditionally enjoyed by the English but as you turn the page, the cocktail potency increases significantly with a selection of Gin and Rye cocktails typically enjoyed by Americans.
We enjoyed one of each including a Sherry Cobbler, which was just as impressive in flavour as it was to look at, and a Monkey Gland, which despite its unappealing name, was very refreshing.
If you want more from an afternoon tea than simply prosecco and sandwiches, The Luggage Room is for you. Not only will you sample delicious food and the finest cocktails but enjoy a new experience made all the more enjoyable by the passionate and dedicated staff.
Dotty Dishes was a guest of The Luggage Room.
The Luggage Room, On the Corner, Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6JP
