London’s afternoon tea scene has a new addition as Hankies, the North Indian restaurant on Shaftesbury Ave, unveils its Chai Time offering.
Hankies is breaking with tradition, its The Chai Time menu features exotics like minced keema sandwiches, rolled chicken hankies and kheer shots (think sweet rice pudding) and syrupy ladoo strudel.
Lucknowi-spiced scones are topped with clotted cream while the strawberry jam is made with a hint of cumin. There’s also a completely vegetarian menu, which has creations like crunchy bhindi bhel made from okra, paneer (cheese) hankie rolls and Bombay potato sandwiches.
Wash it down with a cup of Kulhar Ki Chai; a ginger and cardamom tea, or for those looking for something a little stronger; a Spicy Lychee featuring green chilli or the Old Colonial with gin, vermouth, Campari, marmalade and tonic.
Alternatively, diners can choose from traditional teas like English breakfast, camomile, peppermint and silver needle tea – a luxury tea where only the top buds of the plant are used.
The afternoon tea menu is priced at £15 per person with a glass of Prosecco included for an extra £5. If you’re looking for something more substantial, there will also be extra small bites available, such as lamb chops, spicy murg ke wings, crispy dahi puri and kachori poppers for an additional price.
Hankies
67 Shaftesbury Avenue, London
W1D 6EX