The Afternoon Tea Club Reviews: Marco's New York Italian, Sheffield, Pt. 1

Champagne and popcorn.

It's been almost two years since we last visited Sheffield for Afternoon Tea, so when we were invited to come and try the brand new Afternoon Tea menu on offer at Marco Pierre White’s New York,  Italian Restaurant, we thought what better excuse than to hop on the train and pay the Steel City a visit.

In keeping with the New York Italian theme, there are two types of Afternoon Tea on offer: Traditional and Italian. Luckily for us we didn't have to face the difficult task of choosing which one and got to overload on cake from both (Part 2 to follow). 

Starting with the Italian, the tea arrived presented on a vintage style, vine box turned tea stand bursting with food - so don't make the mistake on filling up on the paprika popcorn beforehand! To begin there's an interesting array of savouries including bruschetta, salmon bagel, pastrami on rye and pulled pork roll. It's an interesting mix of flavours and styles, some traditional Italian and others much more contemporary but there are enough flavours crammed in there to ensure there's something you'll love. 

Italian Afternoon Tea.

For the hardcore-traditionalists out there, you probably won't be over the moon about the skipping over the scones but honestly, there are so many miniatures, sweets and even surprises to follow that you won't even notice. 

Heavy on the chocolate theme (yes please!) the tea featured chocolate chip cookies, chocolate brownies, chocolate covered strawberries, orange and polenta cake and cronuts. The cronuts were absolutely delicious followed by the strawberry milkshake shot - there's a huge trend for a mini milkshake with tea these days and we're absolutely loving it. 

Savoury selection.

And just when you think you couldn't eat anymore, there's an extra surprise waiting for you when you finish in the form of a "wow" box featuring mini biscuits with dipping chocolate. Such a unique touch and one you'll definitely make a little room for. 

The tea side of things was a little less adventurous and we were asked a little while into our food whether we would like tea or coffee. The staff were more than happy to cater to our tea choice but it would have been nice to see a full tea menu. However, we were quite settled with a glass of champagne so the tea could wait!

Mini "Wow".

If you're looking for something a little bit different with a few special touches, Marco's New York Italian is definitely a must try. The staff were really attentive and the food is just delicious. Look out for part two of our review next week!

Marco's Italian Afternoon Tea is priced at £16.00pp or £19.95 with a glass of champagne. For more info and to book visit: www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk

Afternoon tea was provided to us for review purposes, but as usual, all thoughts and opinions are our own. Prices correct as of July 2015

Afternoon Tea at The Four Seasons, London

Established in 1960, The Four Seasons Park Lane is one of London's Premier Hotels and top Afternoon Tea destinations. Offering a wide choice of loose leaf blends and Afternoon Tea menus, this is definitely one to consider if you're ever out and about in the capital

Afternoon Tea

Located on the prestigious Park Lane in Central London, The Four Seasons Hotel offers elegant yet homely surroundings, perfect for those wanting to escape the inner-city blues for a couple of hours. Decorated throughout in striking black themes and accented with red and cream hues, The Amaranto Lounge, where tea is served, consists of a series of three living rooms - all stylishly decorated with comfortable furnishings and an abundance of natural light. Feature pieces include their beautiful grand piano, hand crafted wall mouldings and art deco-esque chandelier, which create nice focal points to the lounge, contrasting wonderfully with their sleek black marble floors.

Amaranto Lounge

The choice of Afternoon Tea at The Four Seasons is considerable and offers something for everyone, including the Italian themed La Dolce Vita menu, Vegetarian Afternoon Tea and Simple Cream Tea. Their tea selection is similarly impressive, with a choice of over seventeen loose leaf varieties and two unique vintage blends (one of which is infused with gold!)

More Tea

However, their traditional English Afternoon Tea is perhaps the most popular menu and features all of the staple classics, including:

A Sandwich Selection:

Organic Free Range Egg and Watercress in a Brioche Roll; Tea Smoked Salmon with Lemon and Black Pepper Mayonnaise on Caraway Seed Bread; Cucumber and Truffle Cream Cheese on Cranberry Bread; Salt Beef, Pickle and English Mustard Mayonnaise on Rye Bread; Roast Chicken with Sage Mayonnaise on Rosemary Bread

Traditional, Golden Raisin and Cranberry Scones served warm with Homemade Strawberry Jam, Preserves and Thick Clotted Cream.

Dessert selection

Lemon Meringue Pie, Seasonal Fruit Tartlets, Caramelised Blueberry Cheese Cake, White Chocolate and Rhubarb Compote Pannacotta and Gianduia Cream Éclair

Elegant Amaranto Lounge

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, then there are also plenty of bubbly options available for that special occasion or even just as a treat (because let's face it, we all deserve one now and again!)

Have you ever been for Afternoon Tea at The Four Seasons? What did you think? Comment below with your thoughts!

Afternoon tea, £32 per person, is served on a daily basis between the hours of 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm in the sumptuous surroundings of the Amaranto restaurant, bar or lounge. In the winter there is comfortable seating by the fireside in the lounge and in the bar, and in the warmer summer months tea can be taken on the landscaped terrace under the maple trees. For more information and booking, please visit the Four Seasons' website HERE