The Oscar Wilde Bar

Came in here for a post dinner drink after a great meal in the Domino room… Wasnt quite what I expected for a bar named after oscar wilde. The Louis XVI detailing along with flashing lights and cheesy music made it feel a bit more appropriate for a stop on a hen party… Cocktails were good — but should be at £16+service

So here I was indulging in yet another Sunday afternoon tea, this time in the iconic Oscar Wilde Bar at Hotel Café Royal — formerly the iconic Grill Room which has been exquisitely restored to its authentic Louis XVI detailing.
Originally established in 1865, it is now the place to enjoy Afternoon tea during the day and Champagne, sparkling wine and a light menu in the evening, complemented by a further programme of live entertainment.
Dropping off our coats at the entrance, we were then shown to our table at the back of the grand room, embellished in extravagant gold detailing, vast mirrors and renaissance painted ceilings.
We were first served a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne whilst we perused the selection of teas.
I went for the Oscar, an authentic and historic Lapsang Souchong, whilst Lili chose the Celestine, a soft black China tea with sweet Madagascan vanilla pod and pretty cornflowers — both from the Exclusive Blends selection.
The amuse bouche was a ‘Low Sidecar Muffin’, filled with a luscious swirl of truffle cream cheese and a plastic pipette on the side which contained apple juice.
Soft and fluffy with a smooth, creamy centre — a great start to what was yet to come.
Then came our three-​tiered stand of tea sandwiches. Starting from the top was the wild boar crackling, pickled apple and mustard bun, and a light and crunchy pastry filled with chorizo.
On the second tier was the Mary Rose prawn cocktail, which was Lili’s favourite, and the goat’s cheese puff and sweet wine jelly.
And the final tier were a couple of sandwiches — London Cure smoked salmon and quail’s egg, and «cucumber and cream cheese».
A much more interesting selection as opposed to the usual white and brown bread sandwiches.
As a palate cleanser, we were served some refreshing iced fruit tea and a cute piece of fluffy marshmallow.
And last but not least was a beautiful and vibrant tray of sweet pastries: «Profile 66», «Opera 1865», Seasonal flower pot, Absinthe Green Fairy macaron, Pear Regent, and cream filled choux.
My favourite was probably the cute little seasonal flower pot and the petite choux buns. I truly love macarons, but although it had a nice crunch and sticky texture, the taste of Absinthe may not have quite been my cup of tea.
Overall, it was indeed a truly decadent afternoon tea experience, and I would definitely recommend a visit.
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