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one of the best afternoon tea in London. located in the lobby bar of the COMO hotel Halkin, the high tea offers unique Indonesian flavor high tea. The Shambhala high tea is only ₤55 per person before 20% VAT and 12.5% service charge. we had the reservation, but the whole time there were only two other tables having drinks there. The space doesnt look very fancy. the table for four person is a bit tight for all the food needs to be on the table, there's barely space for the tea, which i think it needs improvement. the high tea start with a shambhala ceremony that the COMO signature shambhala oil infused water pour on a hot stone on the table. the steam rises to give us the the aroma to bring us to the scent of tropical. you then pick the tea you want, each person will have a whole pot to themselves. The first plate comes out is the savory portion of the high tea, there are salad, soup, chicken wings and shrimp tempora, this is perfect for people who loves savory over sweets. once you finished the savory part the sweet part follows with strawberry chocolate cube, coconut that's marshmallow in the white part and chocolate shell , passion fruit pastry that looks like passion fruit but completely blow your mind, cucumber sorbet and banana waffle. everything is very unique and elevated instead of the normal high tea pastries. the sweet pastries are not too sweet which is perfect. The whole high tea is enough food to skip dinner. Great experience and full of unique tastes.

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Alex Zhang . 2024-02-06

MORE AT Google

On Saturday, we had the most superb, original, different and beautifully presented tea for a very long time. Como the Halkin has come up with a brand-new version of afternoon tea – it’s a winner! Based on their Como Shambala healthy based principles, it was something which the two of us enjoyed thoroughly - but please don’t think healthy, means boring! No sandwiches, scones, cream cakes, or jam; this was something totally original and thoroughly enjoyable. Based on a variety of Far Eastern tastes and originality, it is really too different to describe here, in a few words. I wish we had taken some photographs, but sure that the ever professional Como group will produce some soon so that you can all see something extremely special. You need to book in advance, and when you see this incredible tea you’ll understand why. Please try and enjoy! No, I do NOT work for Como! Philip Daubeny

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Philip . 2023-06-12

MORE AT TripAdvisor

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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DY C . 2023-05-10

MORE AT Google

Lieu élégant et discret pour un rendez-vous d'affaires. De taille modeste, le service n'a pas de mal à assurer.

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jphagry . 2019-12-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Not great service, pretty slow staff, slow to pay, sluggish.

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Jan Rezab . 2019-05-24

MORE AT Google

Fabulous food and excellent staff. Three of us had afternoon Tea each course was tailored to our diary needs, pescatarian and lactose free. As you can see from the photos they were beautifully presented. The excellent staff explained what each of us had and they tasted as good as they looked.

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AGHitcham . 2019-04-07

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I regularly book afternoon tea and this was the worst I’ve ever had, from the terrible food, to the awful ambience. Tea is served in the bar area with adjoins reception and is enroute to the bathroom. The whole time we had people walking backwards and forwards past our table to the bathroom and a stream of loud conversations from guests checking in, or sitting in the bar next to us, waiting for their room to be available. The cost of the tea with a glass of cava was £50. The food was appalling. Six tasteless canapés and a shot of lukewarm sweet corn soup. This was followed by six mini deserts, again tasteless, with a strong resemblance in appearance to the Iceland mini deserts you see on Christmas adverts, which we left most of and left us starving. I’m sure Spain would be shocked at how poorly this hotel has managed to cook their cuisine. The only good quality parts were the cava and Jing (excellent brand) tea. The staff were polite and courteous, but this is the lobby bar and so they do not have time to pour you tea etc. Upon complaining I was given a glass of cava. If you want to book afternoon tea in this area, book The Goring which is excellent.

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Mcchatterbox . 2019-03-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Excelente servicio excelente café, habitación luminosa y cómoda justo al salir del carril del parque temprano para almorzar, es un lugar agradable para pasar el rato y tener un excelente servicio

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chrismJ5400HU . 2019-03-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Amazing place, beautiful bar with delicious drinks. Bartender was so Friendly and professional. Had a great time there

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Maria M . 2019-02-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

As lovers of an alternative and creative afternoon tea it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find new experiences but here there are interesting Basque twists on the traditional. Set in the bar of the Halkin, it’s still Amesta and the partnership provides an elegant setting with matching service and beautifully presented afternoon tea. An utterly pleasant way to while away a few hours enjoying Basque delights. If we could it would have been a 4 1/2 star.

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Samantha_Carl . 2019-01-26

MORE AT TripAdvisor

This is a lovely venue for a drink before dinner at Ametsa in the same hotel. Excellent cocktails from attentive and friendly staff.

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K_R_2466 . 2018-12-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Very nice and small bar area with a very friendly barman. All cocktails (Martini, Negroni, Campari) where delicious in a quiet atmosphere.

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mikegravis . 2018-11-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

What a fabulous experience. Subtle yet professional service, a gentle environment and food that takes you to the very heart of Basque Country. The combination of spices, flavors and attractive presentation makes you wonder if the Chef is 60 years old to have become talented with food and flavors on the plate - and yet he’s young, extraordinarily talented and very dedicated to the Michelin star they truly deserve. What a blessing for Como Hotels - kudos to the Ong’s for their vision. I’m left with only one recommendation - simply leave it to Chef and order the tasting menu. I’m lost for words, a beautiful dining experience accompanied with my adorable daughter on the celebration of her graduation from university - a night we will always remember AND we will be back!

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Expattraveler100 . 2018-09-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We bought the ametsa afternoon tea after reading so many good reviews in this website. But when we got there we were very disappointed, The quality of the food was up to Michellin standards but: 1. The atmosphere, You are not in a Michelin restaurant having an afternoon tea. You will be in the Hotel Bar. Very uncomfortable chairs and very low table, you do not put a single feet inside the restaurant, which has a different entrance and different service and layout. The Bar of the hotel has chairs, tables and layout that are to have a beer, wine, drink or cocktail. Not to have an afternoon tea. 2. The service was very poor, they described the food like you are listening to a tape and they do not engaged with the client. we asked for water 3 times (even for paid water!) and never came, we asked for the tea and it came last. So we ate most of the food without any drink. At the end there is an OPTIONAL (that is not) service charged (12.5%). We were the first one to arrive and the 3rd one to be served, which I was not upset about but I was expecting Michelin standards, where there is a very good appreciation to every single detail. 3. When the food came...the waiter drop some of the food almost out of the plate...ruined part of the Chef's presentation. He didn't make a noise, didnt say anything, we ate it anyway. 4. The food is very good quality and I can't fault it. The only one that I did not like was the smoked pineapple. I love the chistorra sandwich although it looks like sobresada (spanish pate) 5.Is it worth it? Well, we paid £40 each plus £10 service charge. Obviously we would have paid more if we were served any drinks. I am not rich but like to eat properly and well, been to many Michelin restaurants in London and in Europe and this is the first one I felt very disappointed. I would not recommend to pay this amount of money for this afternoon tea when there are hundreds of place in London where you could have a much better experience.

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nachit082 . 2018-07-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

The service was very good - courteous, prompt, helpful and not obtrusive. This made a very relaxing afternoon. The food was very good, tapas style tasters. I could have done with a little more though, this was not a meal and so quite an expensive snack. We also had cocktails from the bar which were very well made and inventive.

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snoflx . 2018-05-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Nicely appointed bar in the Halkin Hotel. The afternoon teas are inspired by the Spanish/Basque cuisine at the adjacent Ametsa. For drinks a great place to relax for a few minutes between a busy day and dinner. Superb service, quiet and elegant surroundings. An oasis.

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RonL40 . 2018-04-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Loved their beautiful afternoon tea, british but with a touch of spain to it (since their Chef is from Spain).

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xenia m . 2018-02-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

4 of us came here on Saturday for afternoon tea, it was certainly different, perfect in every way from your Staff to the delicious food the cocktails went down a treat and great tasting procceco, mind you we were only staying for a few hours but stayed over 5 hours,great service we will be back.

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Clivey57 . 2017-09-18

MORE AT TripAdvisor

A brief visit to the bar for drinks before lunch in Ametsa. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and great service again from Mario who is an asset to this hotel.

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struddles37 . 2017-05-07

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Aunque éramos conscientes de que este es un té de la tarde diferentes con un toque español, la sabrosa waz, pero no lo suficiente buena anxctadty grande. Sin embargo, estábamos muy decepcionados de que los postres (dulce) parte de nuestra experiencia no fue nada buena. Todo parecía hortalizas (bien) pero le faltaba sabor todos los artículos aparte del sorbete y no eran lo suficientemente dulce para llamar un postre! ! Se sabía de nada! El chocolate era oscuro y no de buena calidad y la tarta a chapuzón en no era dulce en general fue insulsa. Este fue un regalo. . Mi hermana no podía comer cualquiera de los postres como resultado. Me las arreglé para comer por el mero hecho de que pero no sabor y no dulce? ! Tan decepcionado como la mayoría de las personas esperamos la parte dulce de un té por la tarde normalmente con helado mermelada scones y un montón de pasteles y postres que hemos tenido incluso pijo en otro lugar! ! Por el contrario en el Halkin todavía estábamos con hambre! ! Nos gustaría a ser visto como una queja y me gusta este hotel de 5 estrellas para poner las cosas bien. El servicio era amable y servicial, pero nuestro camarero olvidó nuestro segundo juego de té que había examinado a fondo antes y todavía había solo tres conjuntos de parejas!

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Joy P . 2017-04-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

the food was bad and the variety of food was good. Although i didn't like the food, the bar was very nice and decorative.

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haydenhannabuss . 2017-03-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

nel quartiere Belgravia ottima posizione suggerisco di provare il the nel pomeriggio viene servito in modo davvero originale tutto molto buono

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anna d . 2017-03-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

He estado en el Halkin Bar para tomar el té de la tarde español tres veces ya. La comida era magnífica. El té de la tarde llegó con dos partes: dulce y salado. Hay 6 artículos para la tapas saladas y 6 para la dulce. No son simplemente delicioso pero muy diferente de la normal del té de la tarde se ofreció por todas partes. El personal era amable. Recomendaría diners tripadvisor o fanaticos para probar.

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Roehamptonfoodie . 2017-03-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Cenamos en el Bar del Hotel, en un ambiente tranquilo y menos formal que el restaurante. se nota que hay buenos profesionales en cocina. Alimentos perfectamente preparados, disfrutamos una cena sencilla en un ambiente tranquilo, se nota que hay buenos profesionales en cocina. Tiene tapas, entrantes y platos principales. Precios normales para la zona.

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ELFER . 2017-01-14

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Gran servicio en este pequeño bar en el Halkin. Lugar tranquilo para tomar un café, un té o una bebida nocturna. También, la buena comida de una gran cocina en el hotel.

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zara06 . 2016-09-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Tenía unas copas de Cava antes de la cena en Ametsa. Agradable y acogedor, un entorno agradable y personal agradable. Genial para antes o después de la cena.

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Marcin J . 2016-08-16

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Realmente encantador personal agradable. Nos quedamos largo hasta nuestra mesa estaba preparada en el restaurante. Pero una gran bienvenida.

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LM_Freq_Traveler . 2016-07-25

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I loved the waterfall drink and the different salads .I enjoyed the sitting area and was able to have a great meeting with attentive staff

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Sonja K . 2016-06-26

MORE AT TripAdvisor

It was an offer via bookatable and it's WORTH!All are amazingly tasty. You can have the signature tapas from Amesta and the dessert will sure surprise you !Rather than the traditional English afternoon tea, I highly recommend this place.

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auau518 . 2016-04-03

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We had a dinner reservation at Amesta, so we decided to have a pre dinner cocktail. The bar was empty but it's a cute little place. The bartender lacked personality and was slightly robotic. They had no rum based cocktails which was a shame so I had the Halkin twist (I think it was called) it had vodka, pomegranates and elderflower, it was lovely after you stirred it. Unfortunately the first choice my partner wanted was unavailable so he had the pisco sour which he thoroughly enjoyed. The bar started getting busy as we were leaving. It is expensive for the quality of the drinks at £18 and no complimentary bar snacks offered (as you would expect in an establishment like this). Service was OK. I wouldn't really make a special trip here for a drink, we only went as we had dinner reservations.

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Saintlysinner . 2016-04-01

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Bright lights, gangway seating, poor selection of beers but very good service. Only go if you have to stay out of the rain like I did!

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Tarek M . 2016-03-30

MORE AT TripAdvisor

O Halkin é um charme. Nada lá é ruim. Mas falta um barman mais experiente, que realmente faça coquetéis legais. Afinal, na terra de James Bond todo mundo merece um vodka martini stirred but not shaken.

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Fabiana P . 2016-03-08

MORE AT TripAdvisor

This is a really good place to have afternoon tea, it is very different from the traditional but very tasty with this amazing twist. The staff were wonderful and although we were forty minutes early seated us and we're apologetic as we had to wait for our meal offering complimentary drinks, this was very unnecessary as I said we were early. Would definitely recommend

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Sandra_H186342 . 2016-03-02

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Yes it a good location and yes the food is varied and nicely presented and yes the staff were polite but its London. There are dozens of places that are better and cheaper than this

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JuliaSmith . 2016-01-17

MORE AT TripAdvisor

I had the Spanish themed afternoon tea at Halkin this afternoon and would definitely recommend a visit. Firstly the service was brilliant. We were the only customers and the server must have been a little bored but he didn't show it for a moment. Every time he served us he did so with a smile and he spoke about the food and the restaurant with such enthusiasm. Secondly the food was divine. Every element of the afternoon tea was delicious and cooked/created with perfection. The ingredients used must have been of the highest quality - I couldn't fault it. The Spanish theme made a really nice change from the traditional afternoon tea. My favourites were the Iberico Ham and Manchego Cheese Pillow, the pork croquettes and the charred sweets on a bed of beetroot crumble. The blackberry yoghurt and the interesting take on chocolate and churros were also delicious. Finally the setting was really smart, the music was lovely and since we were the only ones there it was incredibly peaceful. All in all I was very satisfied and would definitely go again.

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BMills06 . 2015-08-23

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Was a bit dubious about having Afternoon Tea in the bar area, but the place has a lovely atmosphere & the food was amazing ! Unfortunately I now have now aquired the taste for Rose Cava . Excellent service as well

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AndreaA1963 . 2015-07-06

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Had a pre dinner drink before dining at Ametsa. Small bar, lovely decor. Very relaxed, was very quiet, only 2 other people in there when whilst we were there. Perfect if you have time to spare or arrive early for dinner.

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luminosa01 . 2015-05-27

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Отличный бар в отличном отеле. Вкусные пироженные к правильному кофе, шикарные коктейли и острые орешки, все правильно!!! Но вот часто сидишь один, людей реально мало.

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smolkin . 2015-05-13

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Went for afternoon tea as a birthday treat for my mum. Fabulous, attentive service. Wonderful food, the best macaroon I have ever had. Would highly recommend.

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Lisa . 2015-03-08

MORE AT OpenTable

Depois de trabalhar o dia todo e estar sempre na luta, achei esse cantinho para tomar um drink muito acolhedor muito bem estruturado e fui muito bem servido com cocktais da casa

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willianNevezturopen . 2015-03-04

MORE AT TripAdvisor

We book on a Saturday afternoon. Surprisingly we were just two of us, which was actually nice to have the waiter just for us! Very attentive but not intrusive. The sandwiches were very good, we asked for another run of the prawn one. The pastry and the scone were very nice. My friend was a bit picky about the tea but the waiter was very accommodating even giving us a little hunt on how to prepare sweeter green tea.

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Mldbe . 2014-11-15

MORE AT TripAdvisor

For me, this hotel ticks all the boxes for Afternoon Tea. I've eaten Afternoon Tea there around 5-6 times over the past couple of years and it never fails to impress. Food is excellent (as are the cocktails), lovely service, non-pretentious atmosphere, great location, good value. I probably go for Aft T once per month in London and this is one of the few places that I return to.

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Brommers . 2014-08-23

MORE AT OpenTable

Lovely staff, food was tasty and well presented. A little more variety would have been nice, but I'm sure you can get that in the pricier Ametsa next door, which I'll definitely be trying next. Good value too, at £4 to £6 per dish.

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Jennyjp . 2014-07-30

MORE AT OpenTable

For my birthday I wanted sth special, sth that we do not have in Switzerland. We have chosen this place for an afternoon tea because already in advance I have seen the photos of satisfied visitors and assortment of delicious sandwitches and pastries. We really liked the place and the meal. These luxury-color violet armchairs, lovely curtance on the window, partly closed, delicate calm light in the room, all this created a special calm atmosphere I had desired. The choice of sandwitches was wonderful, everything was light, tender, delicious. We even ordered them the 2d time. The pastries were a real piece of art and also very light and tasty!!!!! We could not stop making photos of it:) thank you very much. We will for sure visit u again! EM.

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marmycouple . 2014-07-26

MORE AT OpenTable

I arranged a Sunday afternoon tea event at the Halkin after seeing it recommended on the afternoontea.co.uk website. There were 16 of us which I thought would be too many but the staff were more than capable to handle the large group and were extremely pleasant.We travelled on the tube and the hotel is a 5 minute walk from Hyde Park Corner station. When I made the booking they happily suggested for us to use their private room which was perfectly suited for our group. On arrival the room was very clean and well prepared. We had the fantastic Eddy over seeing our group, he was extremely well mannered and polite. At no point did he seem flustered and he was constantly on hand to see if we required anymore tea or scones. The staff were impeccable and some how were able to manoeuvre their way around the table very easily despite us playing the planned hen-do games. The food was delicious and especially a gorgeous dessert which contained Mango, Strawberry and Mascarpone - yum yum!! I definitely recommend the Halkin Hotel and will be returning soon. Many thanks to Eddy and the team for making it a wonderful afternoon for the bridal party!

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MoNewTraveller1 . 2014-07-21

MORE AT TripAdvisor

Tea at the Halkin was outstanding -- sandwiches and savories were delicious -- sweets were gorgeous -- service was prompt and attentive -- ambience low key and stylish. Traditional afternoon tea without the affectations.

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OpenTable Diner . 2014-07-13

MORE AT OpenTable

Very pleasant venue, calm and small with modern and simple decoration. Great cocktail list, expertly prepared by a barman - excellent location for a pre-dinner drink in Knightsbridge area.

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Scipion-Paris . 2014-04-26

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