High Tea isn't something I do everyday, especially now I'm vegan. I also had a negative experience having Afternoon Tea at Harvey Nichols in Birmingham, which put me off. But when I was invited to the Rooftop Restaurant at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, I knew I had to go and see what they offered. I'm so glad I did!
The restaurant is obviously located in the rooftop of the picturesque RSC building. There is seating inside and outside on the balcony and it is a beautiful spacious area to dine before or after a show.
The wall in the middle of the restaurant is from the old theatre, which instead of being removed, was restored and made into a feature wall.
We were lucky enough to visit Stratford-upon-Avon on a beautiful day and chose to be seated on the balcony seating of the restaurant.
As always, the madre was my plus one. We picked out what drinks we wanted with our High Tea and we were given both sparkling and still bottles of water, as well as a choice of hot drinks. I chose to go for a soya decaf latte, which was creamy and nice but nothing is matching up to the coffee in Italy. So, I chose to have peppermint tea, which was from a loose leaf teabag and was deliciously fresh.
As you can see the vegan High Tea was something of beauty. Three tiers of vegan heaven: cakes, scones and sandwiches. This was the portion for two people, when it arrived we thought it wouldn't be enough. But it was, more than enough.
The sweet selection contained carrot cake, fruit jelly, Belgium chocolate cake and Madagascan vanilla panna cotta with poached Worcestershire rhubarb. All were amazing, decadent and tasty. I especially liked the fruit jelly and least liked the carrot cake, as I liked the spice in it but not the graininess of it. Saying that I would still happily have it again, just in an array of great cakes, it was the least great. If you get my drift.
Next, it was the scones. Oh my god, the scones! They were served with vegan cream and tiptree strawberry jam. The cream had vanilla in it and had a consistency that had become watery overy time but that did not take away from it's taste and it was still lovely slathered onto the scone, especially with the jam. The scones were warm, big and tasty all on their own. Decadently good!
Lastly, it was the savoury aka sandwich selection. This selection was so innovative. I was really impressed, especially as the Vegan High Tea was readily available and not a case of having to ask for it around a month before, which is often the case. In the selection was salted cucumber and black pepper squares, roasted vegetable and basil pesto filo tart, smashed avocado and cherry tomato open rye sandwich and lastly, falafel, hummus and pickled red cabbage wrap. Take out the tomato and this selection was like it was made for me, as it's exactly what I love. The standout for me was the filo tart, the filling was so full of flavour that I would have happily had that ten times over. I loved how their was different types of bread that were used, as well as fillings and sizes. Bravo, RSC!
As well as scoffing our faces on one of the hottest days of the years with cakes, scones and sandwiches, we got to have a look around the RSC building. Let me tell you, it's a thing of beauty. From the various cafes that are scattered around the building, all serve vegan options, to the costumes.
One of the highlights was seeing the Love as a Revolution exhibition, which includes hand drawn sketchings by Jasmine Thompson. They had embodied different types of love, were black and white with red elements, and had a political aspect too. Sad thing is they were all drawn on to the walls and now the exhibition has ended. Meaning that they were now just paint over it in preparation for the next exhibition.
One of the hidden gems you will find in RSC is this face of a man made of mini stars, that moves with a little wind. Innovative and a little creepy, right up my street.
Overall, the Rooftop Restaurant's Vegan High Tea is amazing and well worth a try, especially for that special day out or occasion. Faultless.
**FYI, I was invited to try out the Vegan High Tea and would like to thank the team for looking after my mum and I with the tour as well as the food**
Would I go back? Hell yes! It was soooooooooo good. I am still thinking about it.
How did they cope with the vegan dietary requirement? Considering they have the vegan version of the high tea readily available, as well as soy milk for tea or coffee, they coped with ease.
What are the prices like? Considering the quality and portion sizes, £18.95 per person is a bargain!
What is eatery best for?A special occasion or great fun day out
Have you been? What did you think?
Post a Comment