Afternoon Tea Week is not all about scones and sandwiches, it can also be a seafood stand if you know where to search.
Afternoon Tea Week is fast approaching. It’s a celebration of the British tradition of Afternoon Tea taking place between 12th-18th August.
As we all know, a traditional afternoon tea typically involves finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
However, for those watching their waistline to fit into summer wear in time for the holidays, or for someone like me who favours artisan bread with a crust, a few days of proofing, and a short ingredients list, there are alternatives if you know where to look.
One of those alternatives is Afternoon Sea at The Mayfair Chippy. Clever wording with the sea and tea here.
For the unfamiliar with the establishment, myself including due to being partial to fish & chips. The Mayfair Chippy is a fast-casual restaurant with a luxury touch.
Simply put it’s a fish & chips restaurant with a Mayfair flair with a burrata salad, fresh oysters, crab and salmon tartare casually sitting on the menu, alongside your normal fish & chips classics and fish of the day.
When we arrived it seemed we were the only two unware of this pesceterian destination. It appears half of Mayfair is queuing, although yes admittedly it is Friday, the fish Friday.
Our waiter however tells us it’s Fish Friday everyday here with bookings highly advised.
Understandably I see why with a few accreditations on board and dishes looking rather delectable it’s no surprise it’s so popular. While we wait I have a good look at people’s plates.
The staff are very efficient here, it’s me who made us wait, I asked to switch our indoor table to the outside, it’s a rarity that England gets a sunny day so I had to ask.
I also spot a constant flow of takeway orders and food delivery guys. A busy lady on the phone flawlessly dealing with orders is just asked about the origin of the fish and if it’s wild or farmed.
A question a regular chippy probably never gets. I recognise myself there. Is it me calling? I’m usually that girl asking fish origin questions.
The question that more people should be asking really. It’s reassuring to know the fish on the menu here is sustainably sourced and changes according to the season.
Now to the Afternoon Sea is a chilled seafood platter, a three-tiered stand layered with cornish crab on toast, Severn & Wye smoked salmon, & pickled cockles, dressed Cornish crab, Atlantic crab claws & king shell on prawns, Maldon rock oysters and cooked mussels.
It’s a feast not only for the eyes but also for the taste buds it’s tough to decide where to start.
Perhaps the top tier of Cornish crab toast, topped with avocado, micro greens and spiced tomato relish. Balanced, fresh and a tad bit sweet with a vinegary relish it’s a big yes from me.
Every ingredient is spot on there, my guest is a little unsure about the relish though. He prefers the smoked salmon item with fresh English cucumber, crème fraiche and sourdough.
The platter also comes with a selection of four condiments all the usual fish flavours such as marie rose, mignonette, but also the tomato relish and pesto. I’m a little unconvinced about the pesto but it makes for an interesting experiment.
Another great addition to the Afternoon Sea is a warm ciabatta with smoked cod roe. It goes down nicely with our protein rich dinner.
We share a fresh oyster for both of us and then continue the way down the tiers, pickled cockles add an excellent savoury kick with its acidity and kind of work as a condiment even.
It’s too many items and too little space to describe them all. But I will say this for only £38.00 per person it’s a steal. And also a very filling one, we ask for prawns and crab to join us in a takeaway box home and move on to dessert.
Sticky date pudding, toffee sauce topped with clotted cream ice cream is the perfect way to complete a dine. Clotted ice cream should always be served with all sticky toffee puddings.
Unlike sickly sweet vanilla it adds a refreshing milky touch to a rich dessert.
I mustn’t forget the décor—it’s original old train booths with seating and tables that have had a makeover with glossy, vibrant tiles. This charming blend of vintage and modern creates a cosy yet chic atmosphere.
Whether you are a fish& chips enthusiast or a connoisseur of more decadent fare The Mayfair Chippy makes for a pleasing fit.
The Afternoon Sea is priced at £38.00 per person with a booking for 2 people minimum and must be pre-booked 24 hours in advance, available seven days a week.
The Mayfair Chippy, 14 N Audley St, London W1K 6WE