Oblix East must win the award for having the highest afternoon tea in the country – and perhaps with the best views as well. Situated on level 32 of The Shard, you will sip cocktails and eat finger sandwiches while gazing for miles over London and beyond.
This is a modern twist on a traditional English classic. The humble egg mayo sandwich has been elevated into a truffle-infused, buttery brioche creation, and the prawn and lobster roll is absolutely stuffed with delicious seafood. The standout savoury was the avocado, tomato and buffalo mozzarella tart, which was fresh and flavourful. Diners are encouraged to ask for seconds but, of course, there is more to come.
You are given two types of scone, the classic and a cranberry version, both arriving warm under a towel. They are paired with raspberry preserve, clotted cream, fresh honeycomb, and chocolate sauce, so you can be as traditional or as inventive as you fancy. Oblix’s sweet course is the perfect full stop to the meal. Its own super-sized version of a Ferrero Rocher is stuffed with chocolate and nut flavours, which are perfectly contrasted with the sharp passion fruit, mango and pistachio bar. The rhubarb, raspberry and buttermilk tartlet is like spring on a plate.
There are varying types of drinks to choose from, including soft drinks, teas, coffees, wines, cocktails and champagne. The tea menu also has a classic black tea that has been exclusively blended for Oblix with leaves from Malawi. But those wishing to indulge in something more alcoholic can enjoy bottomless glasses of deliciously dry Duval Leroy champagne, spicy Bloody Marys, or bitter Aperol spritzes.
Jaymi McCann was a guest of Oblix at The Shard. Available 12pm-4pm, Thursdays to Sundays. Prices start from £58 per person for a classic afternoon tea (soft drinks, teas and coffees) to £108 per person for a champagne afternoon tea (bottomless champagne, wines, selected cocktails, soft drinks, teas and coffees).