LOW TEA @ THE
LUGGAGE ROOM, LONDON – REVIEW – 4TH JUNE 2016
By Ellie
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
http://luggageroom.co.uk