I think everyone knows that I love afternoon tea and was recently lucky enough to enjoy an afternoon tea preview at Crusting Pipe, in the heart of Covent Garden, when it began to be served in 2011.
The Crusting Pipe is best known as the wine bar in the square that has outdoor seating alongside live opera singers. Yes, you read that right. This wine bar features opera singers and classical musicians who perform on the patio where the wine bar offers outdoor seating. When I met the manager, they asked him to consider what was so special about the afternoon tea that he could offer, but I felt like there was no need to ask as the live music and location are unmatched!
Unbelievably, I had never visited Crusting Pipe before and was pleased to find a friendly and professional welcome from all the staff in an interesting location. Inside there are bedrooms and cellars, but it is still light and airy. Oh, and don’t worry about the name; A pipe is a port barrel that generally holds 570 liters. A crusted pipe is the barrel used to make the crusted port. So now you know.
Back for your high tea, Crusting Pipe offers a traditional afternoon tea that has everything you’d expect in a lovely three-tier cake for just £ 18.95 (which is the one I tried).
They also have the Crusting Pipe Afternoon Tea which, in addition to everything you would expect, has a selection of artisanal British cheeses, with a reddish port aged 10 and over.
Afternoon tea is served from 2pm to 5pm, seven days a week. Find out more at: www.crustingpipe.co.uk.
