4 /5
Reseña
★
★
★
★
It is a truth, of which I am becoming increasingly aware, that there really is no point in indulging in afternoon tea unless it makes you feel a little bit special. I’ve long bemoaned the increase in pretty decent eateries filling the lunch dinner gap by shoving in a sub standard tea, and it is these that, unfortunately, make the whole pursuit seem over priced and therefore of questionable value. If you look through the Lady Loves Cake archive, you’ll find reviews of many very good teas in the middling price bracket £25 35) but it’s more difficult to find something in the high end regions with the quality and elegance to rival the really big names. I may have struck gold...kind of literally. Kona restaurant and bar has a lot going for it from the start located around the corner from the Queen’s house, just a short stroll from Victoria Tube, it is part of the elegantly grand St James’ Court Hotel all red brick and fluttering Indian flags leaving no doubt as to where buckets of cash to make it so luxurious were found). And Kona’s afternoon tea menu sparkles especially so for me as I was there to try the 24 Karat Gold version £110 worth of savouries, sweets and a half bottle of Luxor Gold Leaf Champagne. You’ll have noticed I just said £110! Yes, that’s a lot, but most of that is the Champagne, which is an optional extra. In basic terms, the exquisitely presented sandwiches, scones and sweets come in at £40, making this absolutely top notch value. So, the details...I feel most of this can be done in my pictures, which you should take a look at...be warned, gold really is a recurring theme... It would probably help to have a little bit of commentary, so here are my thoughts. The sandwiches were right up there with the finest I’ve ever had at an afternoon tea and showed a visual flair that is normally overlooked in savouries. The scones came plain, with sultanas, and with chocolate chip. The sweets were generous perhaps overly so).The crockery and cutlery both with golden detail) were very fine. The gold leaf Champagne was distinctly moreish. The choice of teas was plenteous we plumped for the English Breakfast and the unusually refreshing Earl Grey Blue Flower house blend. The service was attentive and good humoured. It’s difficult to find fault with Kona, but one thing was striking just how quiet it was. Only one other table was being used for the sitting and the place felt a little rattly. If it helps, just a little, to get more bums on seats, let me say this. With a food offering for £40, if you’re looking for a special occasion afternoon tea, Kona represents exceptional quality at mightily good value. Would I go for the half bottle of gold leaf Champagne for an additional £70? Well, probably not. But there is a full menu of fizz available. My choice would probably be the gold leaf tea £40) with a full bottle of Nyetimber sparkling English wine £49), bringing a very high end afternoon tea for two to £130. It it’s also worth nothing a Royal Afternoon Tea is priced at £27.50 or £45 with a half bottle of Laurent Perrier NV. Most importantly of all, it will certainly make you feel a little bit special. Many thanks to Zomato for arranging the tea.