High tea is taken to another level at Paramount, the restaurant and bar at the tip of Centre Point. Ascend 32 floors and enjoy its all-new high tea – the highest in London, no less – with 360-degree views of the capital.
Whether with leaves (£28) or with bubbles (£42), high tea at Paramount is a welcome respite from the buzzing, chaotic streets below – from a quick pit-stop between shopping or a more languid, all-afternoon affair. Featuring a copper-clad bar and loungey, stay-a-while seating – Paramount’s take on afternoon tea is presented in the tiered way with plate after plate of sweet and savoury delights.
Courtesy of new head chef Mark Kay gourmet sandwiches include the likes of ocean-fresh smoked salmon and fromage blanc on rye pumpernickel; perfectly poached chicken with spring onion mayonnaise on multi-grain; and free-range boiled egg with grain mustard, mayonnaise and cress on toasted brioche. These are accompanied by the signature quiche of the day – always packed with interesting, inspired ingredients – and oven-fresh scones served with rich clotted cream and thick, homemade strawberry jam.
Paramount’s range of teas and coffees is extensive, with nine varieties to complement its afternoon fare, including Jasmine Pearls – hand-rolled and scented with fresh jasmine flowers for a rich, round taste – and Organic Bohea Lapsang, with its smoky, liquorice-tinged flavour. Those who want to toast to the top can do so too with a flute of champagne, providing a treat-yourself twist on the age-old, quintessentially British tradition.
Those seeking an altogether more private tea-time can hire the Red Room: the 30-cover space is a sexy, scarlet-hued spot for intimate get-togethers away from prying eyes, a live snapshot of London framing any event through the near-floor-to-ceiling windows. Perfect for baby showers, engagement parties and any other occasion that calls for tea at the top.
High Tea Times: 3pm-6pm daily.
Paramount, Centre Point, 101-103 New Oxford Street, London www.paramount.uk.net
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.