Brits like tea.
A stereotype my travels have proven true…the majority of the time.
So, in proper British style, I of course had to partake in afternoon tea while visiting Liverpool.
Although a fancy hat and a posh accent, are two things only a true Brit can sport with ease, I conjured up my best British accent and practiced my table etiquette in hopes that I could blend in with confidence.
My dear friend, Jessica (see how British I am, “Dear friend”, Americans don’t say that!) and her equally British sister escorted me to a place they had been eager to try for a while, OHMEOHMY.
OHMEOHMY is marketed as a secret space housed in a former bank opposite the Liver building in downtown Liverpool. The large windows are placed just above head level with excellent views of the city street from the dining room. From the outside, OHMEOHMY appears empty (hence the secrecy).
The space is breathtaking. The immeasurably high ceilings, marble pillars, ballroom chairs, and narrow balconies contribute an air of elegance to the large space. The elegance is complimented by pink, blue, and yellow mosaic tiles behind the bar, distressed wooden tabletops, and string lighting.
The playful accents are worthy of the Mad Hatter and the elegant overtone is suitable for a fancy affair or an afternoon tea any American girl would be happy to attend.
Upon our arrival we were seated by a friendly young woman who showed us to our reserved table and brought over a wooden clear topped box with six selections of tea and their descriptions.
The tea was “bottomless” much like mimosas at a Sunday brunch in New York City.
The only difference being, the tea was freshly brewed and served in individual teapots whereas the mimosas in NYC arrive in plastic pitchers likely used for Bud Light the night prior.
Momentarily two three tiered pedestals with our tea time lunch graced the table.
The bottom tier offered a mini croque brioche, and assorted requisite finger sandwiches, politely, sans crust.
The sandwiches were exactly what comes to mind when I think of British finger sandwiches. Lightly buttered white bread with cheese, egg, and smoked salmon fillings. The only delight missing was a classic English cucumber sandwich! The sandwiches were all satisfying and in my opinion, proper, but do remember, this was my first afternoon tea experience in England.
The middle layer held the first set of sweets, a French almond cake, a chocolate pot, and a mini meringue adorned with strawberries.
The upper level housed two more sweet treats, vanilla crème brûlée and a shortbread filled with cream and a lonely raspberry.
Despite their beauty, the pastries and sweets were overwhelmingly sweet for my liking. The vanilla crème brûlée was inedible, the shortbread, although delicious on it’s own had too much cream filling to stomach, and the other sweets were exactly that, sweet, sweet, sweet!
One tier of sweets and two tiers of savory snacks would be more appetizing for my “American” taste buds.
Without a doubt, the most exquisite part of OHMEOHMY is the atmosphere, not the tea time treats. It is a dreamy space for a wedding with it’s minuscule quirky accents and grand allure. If only I could transport the location back to America for a wedding of my own.
Details: Bookings for tea must be made no later than 48 hours in advance. OHMEOHMY is only open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am – 5 pm and for special occasions on the weekends.
Where’s your favorite place for afternoon tea?
OHMEOHMY, West Africa House, 25 Water St, Liverpool, United Kingdom
