For a fun and unique twist on a tradition, The Ivy Asia’s moon festival afternoon tea is a must-try before it ends on October 20th!
While The Ivy Asia has become a beloved fixture in London, with multiple venues including the expansive St Paul’s location (which, after some digging, seems to be the largest and original!), this moon festival experience offered a delightful departure from the usual. It’s a celebration steeped in tradition, with a modern and playful edge that perfectly reflects The Ivy Asia’s ethos.
Décor and ambiance
Stepping into The Ivy Asia is akin to entering a world of vibrant elegance. The Mayfair venue, where I enjoyed this experience, was no exception. Lush greenery intertwined with rich textures and bold design elements, creating an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and inviting.
Lanterns of all shapes and sizes adorned the space, adding a touch of whimsy and aligning beautifully with the Moon Festival theme.
The savoury delights
The Moon Festival afternoon tea menu is a delightful exploration of Asian-inspired flavours, presented with meticulous attention to detail. The savoury selection kicked off with a combination of different textures and tastes.
Aromatic duck spring rolls were a familiar favourite, executed with perfect crispness and a flavour that lingered on the palate. But it was the spicy avocado maki rolls that truly surprised me. The creaminess of the avocado beautifully balanced the subtle heat, creating a refreshing and moreish bite.
Sesame-crusted prawn dumplings were another highlight. Each delicate dumpling held a juicy sweetness from the prawns, perfectly complemented by the nutty richness of the sesame crust. It’s a testament to the expertise of the chefs that each dish, while distinct, felt part of a cohesive culinary narrative.
Pastries and delicacies
No afternoon tea is complete without a sweet finale, and the moon festival offering did not disappoint. Golden brownie mooncakes were a delightful twist on the traditional mooncake (yes, that’s the emoji for a mooncake!), offering a rich chocolatey indulgence with a satisfyingly dense texture. Plum and cinnamon doughnuts were a lighter option, bursting with warm spices and a hint of tartness that perfectly cut through the sweetness.
For those seeking an extra decadent touch, the dark chocolate mousse choux buns were pure bliss. The delicate pastry shell gave way to a smooth and creamy chocolate filling, a perfect marriage of textures and flavours. Each bite was a celebration of pure indulgence, leaving me wanting more.
A toast to tradition
While the menu boasts a selection of teas and infusions, the lemongrass and ginger herbal tea is a highlight. This fragrant and calming beverage is a perfect accompaniment to the rich flavours of the food. It cleanses the palate between bites and offers a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the pastries.
Other drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, pair excitingly well with the bites on each tier.
A memorable afternoon
The afternoon tea and experience, as a whole, is a celebration of cultural heritage and the joy of togetherness. From the beautifully presented dishes to the elegant atmosphere, every detail is crafted to create a fun and memorable afternoon.
The Ivy Asia Mayfair
8-10 N Audley Street
London, W1K 6ZD
United Kingdom
