It’s really no secret that I’m a chocoholic, I can’t get enough of the stuff… I also bloody love a good afternoon tea too, so much so that I have an entire section on my blog dedicated to it! So I was absolutely delighted when the lovely people over at Roast & Conch – the Hotel Chocolat restaurant – yes, A. Chocolate. Restaurant. invited me over to try their afternoon tea for two…
Now not your usual afternoon tea offering, everything here is served with a cocoa twist; sounds heavenly, right? That it is; however, as much as I do adore chocolate, I did wonder if it would get too sickly after a while given that even the savouries have the cocoa addition too… but that’s where it gets clever – not everything is served up and overloaded with sickly sweet chocolate (not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I imagine that it can get a little overwhelming for an entire meal) no, instead you’re treat to little surprises with the sandwiches such as cocoa gin cured salmon; white chocolate horse radish to compliment melt in the mouth beef; chocolate aioli drizzled over the chicken club; and cocoa nib cream cheese with cucumber, giving a very delicate, nutty and deep twist to a traditional favourite.
Obviously theres scones, these are served with a refreshingly fruity, tart compote that’s complemented with the decadently sweet, yet light cocoa whip. On the same tier, you’re also presented with the firm Roast & Conch favourite, banana bread; and a chocolate brownie-esque slice that was quite frankly incredible. No seriously, I haven’t stopped thinking about it since! If you’re still in the mood for more chocolate, the top tier includes an assortment of on site created tasting chocolates. I’m not in the slightest bit ashamed to say that we finished the lot, it was too good not to.
The afternoon tea is priced at £25pp, and you can also add a glass of prosecco each for £5. Given that it was a beautifully sunny Spring afternoon, we went for the procecco choice – now, shock horror… I’m not always the biggest prosecco fan, but this one was really, really good. So good that I washed it down rather quickly, then ordered my favourited salted caramel cocktail to finish off. Not only was the afternoon tea gorgeously satisfying, it was also a lovely, fun and quite unique experience, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return. We really did have a fabulous afternoon.
Afternoon tea is available 7 days a week at Roast & Conch 55 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 5EL, T: 0113 2442421.
