Did you get the idea that we quite like a bit of afternoon tea?
Honestly, whatās not to love? Taking some time out from the 9-5 on a glorious spring Monday, after a few beverages on the Quayside, a pair of comfy wingbacks and cakes awaited us at the new love it/hate it Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Newcastle (NE1Ā 5XN).
Speaking to the restaurant manager, weāre assured the afternoon tea is of the ātraditionalā sort – no Heston stuff, just finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones, and apparently itās proving very popular.Ā A safe choice maybe, but achieving perfection through simplicity is hard. Itās priced sans champagne atĀ Ā£15.95 each, so about average for high-end of Newcastle.
Youāre seated away from the main restaurant in the Grainger Lounge, which other hotels might call āthe lobbyā – could see this being annoying on busy days. Comfy though, and you get the positive/negative of being doused in sunshine from the full length windows/seeing (drunk?) people go down a not particularly nice street in town.
Tea selection is better than anywhere weāve seen recently. An entire little book devoted to describing the nuances of the ten or so loose leaf teas on the menu is helpful for those not well versed in the world of tea (supplied by Ringtons here). One of few places with Lapsang Souchong among some fab others.
Sandwiches are typically classic – cucumber, smoked salmon, and ham, you know the sort. Very light and pleasant and all, if not exactly bursting with intense flavours.
If we had one beef with the overall afternoon tea experience itās that in this age it could do with a little more balance of savoury vs. sweet. Happily enough here we have a dainty quiche lorraine, which balances rich egginessĀ and salty well, but honestly, itās a bit tight to serve us one halved between two. Arenāt you making enough from your Knorr stock pots already?
Scones come next and we could level a similar complaint. They are of just the right textureĀ somewhereĀ betweenĀ light as air and chewy/crumbly, but one plain and one fruit makes the sharing between two awakward, as one inevitably prefers ātopā or ābottomā. Nice cream & jam though.
By the time it comes to the cake tier, the food coma is in the post. A chocolate tart with a good pastry isĀ enjoyablyĀ melty and studded with pistachios, but the Victoria sponge a little too dense for our liking. A solid and sharpĀ lemon posset to finish should allow you to sit back and take ten minutes time out.
Finishing off the last dregs of tea, youād have to say, if on the rareĀ occasionĀ that Mr. P-White was to take tea in Newcastle here, he would probably be quite satisfied. Local competition is tough though, and apparently heās a coffee guy anywayā¦
Worth a shout – especially if you follow the mantra that MPW is āthe place to be seenā.
Contact:Ā http://www.mpwsteakhousenewcastle.co.uk
