Mel has some afternoon delight......

Since the 1840s us Brits have been knocking back the fizz with a cucumber sandwich or chit-chatting over an Earl Grey and scone (however you pronounce it). Afternoon tea appeals to the hungry, the hen dos and is a perfect post-shopping meal for mother and daughter. It can appeal to the likes of me too, who simply want the odd mid-week luxury away from the current football fever.

Rinin brought in our afternoon tea gleaming with pride; and rightly so because it looked superb consisting of decadent finger sandwiches, glistening cakes and cute patisseries. I liked the presentation because on one hand the concept is very traditional, yet to match the contemporary setting; it’s presented on a sleek three-tiered black curate stand. Think pigeon holes filled with rich goodies.

Now anyone who’s seen Downton Abbey knows that you start savoury working your way to the final scone. Really how do you say that? I’ve never managed it confidentially scared of being judged on cake class.



Sandwiches were great. Although I love a thick crust, sometimes you don’t want to chew too much. Lazy I know, but it was mid-afternoon on a Wednesday.



Fillings this month consisted of cheese and pickle, cream cheese and cucumber, salmon and spinach, and ham and tomato. But it’s so much more than that. For example, the tomato (usually a tasteless addition to balance the dryness) was sweet and broken down so it was almost a paste instead of wedges. No seeds. Generously filled - which is always nice.



What do you go for next? Profiterole? Chocolate? I went profiterole which was very light and was rich in the taste of hazelnut. Again, generous with the fondant and unless you’re on a first date you need to take this in one bite. I know, not very Victorian but I tell you what, it tasted great. I like choux pastry and its ideal for that savoury/sweet transition.



Next were the delicate mini cakes. A very strong chocolate pave (I think?!). I watch a lot of Great British Bake Off and can’t keep up with all the various French patisserie types but what I can tell you is that it was delicious! First your mouth is coated in wonderful dark chocolate followed by the sharpness from the raspberry and texture from the crunchy sweet meringue. The meringue then dissolves leaving you with a balanced mix of raspberry and cocoa - wow.



The next, I believe(!), was a very light mango bavarios sitting on a coconut (dacquoise) base topped with a passion fruit gel. It not only looked a picture but was the best thing I ate. I felt guilty eating it so quickly as it was clear that Rinin had spent a long time putting it together. Incredible flavours marrying so well together - a tropical nugget that followed the chocolate so well.

I then came to the scone. One of my favourite things to eat - especially when they come with a superb clotted cream and incredible jam. Seriously, it was the best jam I’ve ever had. Crumbly, warm, soothing - such a lovely way to end a rich, lavish meal. With a proper cup of tea too, it was lovely.



Finally I had a little fruit tart consisting of a thick pastry encasing cream, strawberries and kiwi. I thought it would be crème patisserie but am pretty sure it was a simple cream. In a way it was a relatively straightforward pud compared to the rest. Gave your palate a rest!

I have to say here that I didn’t pay for this. More of a treat from Rinin (read about Rinin here). But having been, I will be back. Maybe this afternoon because it was the best afternoon tea I’ve had.

So go gather your friends, go shopping and then hit The Lowry Hotel, because it’ll make you feel regal, giddy and most importantly, will allow you to slow down to think how great this British tradition can be.

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Posted: Thursday 16th June 2016
ID: 2911 - 1709