Afternoon Tea at 1766 Bar & Kitchen

Now the weather has decided to co-operate we can turn our minds to traditional English summer pastimes like BBQ’s, drinking cider in the park and a proper afternoon tea.

After enjoying rave reviews for not only their theatre offerings but their food, 1766 Bar & Kitchen nested within the Old Vic have nailed the breakfast, lunch, dinner and roast trade and have turned their eye on the much loved afternoon tea. The venue is certainly the setting for such a treat, with the sunshine streaming through the tall windows, illuminating the exposed brickwork and incredible, sweeping platforms, it’s hard to not have your breath taken slightly away when you enter.

After extensive photographing of the building, mostly, we were all seated at a top table and treated to a glass of fizz. My hangover had been slightly sated by the incredibly refreshing lime and soda I’d been served earlier (by the manager, who remembered me from 3 months before, how is that for service?!), we were all offered a range of teas too and eagerly awaited the main event.

Bookcase sized displays were put in front on of us, one between two with savoury options below and sweet above. We had finger sandwiches, mini sausage rolls, beetroot wraps and salmon rolls made with brioche to start. The sandwiches were a little dry on top which I assume is from being prepped in advance but the little beetroot and goats cheese wraps made up for that tenfold. I could have snacked on those all day!

The sweets were a non-traditional mix of lemon posset, a layered salted caramel dessert, mini macarons, eclairs and scones with jam and cream. The salted caramel dessert is apparently an in house favourite with a coveted permanent residency on the main menu. Sadly it was far too sweet for me but the tangy posset and still-warm scones were a dream.

For afternoon tea in the sumptuous Old Vic you will be looking at £17.95 per head or £21.95 with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne, which is what you would expect for something considered a bit of a treat.

Afternoon Tea is served Mon-Fri 12-4pm and Saturday 3-4pm. To make your booking email: 1766@bristololdvic.org.uk

Please note this meal was received free of charge but did not impact my review, not even with a hangover.