It’s around a year since I was at The Halkin for lunch. Ametsa with Arzak instruction already has one Michelin star and is the London offshoot of one of the most famous restaurants in the Basque region of Spain – three-Michelin-starred Arzak. And, as I discovered on a recent trip to San Sebastian, Arzak himself is regarded as being the founder of New Basque Cuisine. So, the idea of a Basque afternoon tea, with perhaps more of an emphasis on savoury than sweet treats, was intriguing.
Spanish afternoon tea with unlimited sangrias, who's in??
Me!!!
Food : good quality food with all little Spanish treats and impressive desserts selections. However there aren't enough of it, will leave you wanting more and Hungry! Which is unusual for afternoon tea as they don't seem to offer refills like other afternoon tea.
Sangrias: indeed free flowing but service is a bit slow and aren't the best sangrias I've drunk in my life, low on the alcohol side.
Service and atmos: not glamorous as the hotel itself, interior is very 3 stars holiday inn feel but not busy so quite relaxing to spend an afternoon.
32 pounds plus service charge. Would I go again? Yes, if I don't have to pay myself
Stopped by for a light lunch before entry into the Garden Party in Buckingham Palace, very quiet on a Tuesday afternoon, tried their mushroom croquettes and Como club sandwich in the Halkin Bar, friendly service in comfortable surroundings.
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