Tea…is a religion of the art of life.

- Okakura

In his long essay ‘The Book of Tea’ in 1906, Okakura Kakuzō wrote in detail about how the tea ceremony can be practiced to foster and promote harmony, discipline the mind, quiet the heart, and attain the purity of enlightenment. Teasim he called it. Well, we are not in Japan, and Paramount’s latest offering may not achieve all of the above, but it most certainly makes joyous steps in that direction.

Before I begin, a little history. In spite of its origins in the Orient, there can be few things more pleasing, or considered more quintessentially English, than the pastime of drinking tea. It was first made fashionable in this country during the 17th Century by Catharine of Braganza, Queen and Consort to Charles II, and who was actually Portuguese. By the 18th Century tea gardens had became popular throughout society, whereupon ladies and gentlemen would take their tea together outdoors (weather permitting) surrounded by entertainers and arranging all manner of assignations.

But ‘Afternoon Tea’ as we know it today is generally considered to have come into being in the mid 1840’s by the hand (or stomach perhaps) of one Anna Maria Stanhope, the 7th Duchess of Bedford; clearly a Dame of the Empire with an appetite.

With an early light lunch then nothing until dinner at 8.00pm (to this day still the most popular time requested by those dining out) the Duchess complained of a “sinking feeling” by late afternoon. And so she began the indulged small feast of tarts, cakes, scones, and of course, pots of tea. Understandably this seemed a simply splendid idea, the Duchess acclaimed for her forward-thinking, and so the custom swiftly caught on. Now in the 21st Century, whilst perhaps not a daily affair, it has nonetheless become the perfect genteel luxury to indulge in with delight, all cares and woes thrown to the wind.

At last then it has arrived here, at the very pinnacle of the capital, to be supped and savoured at leisure against the backdrop of that unparalleled panorama.
To be enjoyed with or without a glass of champagne (for me such an occasion rightly deserves the salute of bubbles), Paramount presents this wonder in all its glory. We chinked our glasses and saluted the day.

Your chosen brew is conjured before you into clear pots (which only added to the delight of my companion’s selection as we watched the Flowering Osmanthus unfurl its sweet blossoms). Myself, I’ve always felt the comfort in the smokiness of Lapsang, as if I’m retiring in my study, and this was poured for us into the crystal cups (with no handle, in a twist on the traditional Chinese style, a modern vacuum design making it cool to the touch), with the advised note of not allowing it to steep for too long else the taste become overbearing with liquorice intensity.

Then to the bites, a feast most certainly! Beautifully laid out for our eyes to dance upon were all manner of treats, graciously laid so temptingly vibrant in contrast to the tiered tray of ebony slate.
Open savouries such as generous Smoked Salmon & Fromage Blanc on Rye Pumpernickel, and Egg elevated with Mustard Mayonnaise upon Toasted Brioche, to name but two, no needing of playful fight over in their plenty, and punctuated with a quiche that practically melted upon command. I would have been quite sated here, but… okay, we were most satisfied certainly, but the sweeter half of what was ours would be the proof of those appetites truly sated.

A ballet of sweet and bitter chocolate, Crème de Violet Macarons, as fine no doubt as those made for Catherine de’Medici by her Italian pastry chefs in the 1530′s, tangs of fruit softened with silken soufflé… they seemed unending, yet just, JUST, allowed room for warm bite-size scones with the perfect jam and obligatory decadent cream.

We sat back, marvelling at what we had eaten and with the ever-changing skyscape that cannot be beaten our constant companion, wondering for a moment if perhaps the cranes over the Crossrail site would have to be called into action to send us on our way.

Paramount had done themselves, and the 7th Duchess of Bedford, most proud; to the point we both skipped dinner at 8.

So to paraphrase one T’ien Yiheng when he spoke of tea, climb to the peak, sup for a few hours and just “forget the din of the world.”

To read more about our Afternoon Tea offering click here

Surely one of the most important dates of the calendar befalls this year upon the 10th of March with Mothering Sunday. There can be no doubt, as one unknown once said that ‘Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever’, so celebrate that special Lady in your life with a luncheon high above London Town.

One’s beloved Matriarch could perhaps begin with an appetizing Warm Beetroot Fondant with Goat’s Cheese & Crème Fraiche, to be followed by a scrumptious Spring-time dish of Stuffed Saddle of Kentish Lamb with Fondant Potato Spinach & Ratatouille, sublimely finished by Blood Orange Jelly with Marscarpone Cream and a Lemon & Almond Madeline…

But with a choice of six starters, six main dishes and six desserts her options for this celebratory feast are wide and varied (menu available upon request). Set at £38.50, this beautifully crafted menu is bound to show your Mother just how much you rightly exalt her on high.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

“Golly Gosh! New Year?” you say, “one has barely begun to plan for Christmas!”

No doubt that is true for all, but the greatest party of the year will soon be upon us, and where better to celebrate than exalted up on high.

Those that have been with us before will be well aware of what an unforgettable way to spend New Year’s Eve it is at Paramount. This year promises to be even more memorable, and now is the time to book because tables are strictly limited with just one seating.

You and your guests will arrive in your finery to a champagne & canapés reception at 8pm, warmly heralded by a string quartet.

At 9pm dinner commences with a specially created 5 course menu, accompanied with an unlimited flow of wine, champagne and spirits (plus water, to aid you in not peaking too soon).

By 11.30pm, appetites supremely sated, it is time to retire up to the Viewing Gallery (exclusive to our dinner guests) and settle in for the enviable and unparalleled views of the capital’s celebrations across the skyline.

And then party on into the wee small hours with our DJ raising the roof with joy.

Tickets, including the reception, dinner, Viewing Gallery access for midnight and all drinks until Big Ben strikes are £225 per person.

As G. K. Chesterton once put: “The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul”. So come, be merry, and renew your spirit with us.

8pm Reception
9pm Dinner
11.30 for 12am: Fireworks
Dress Code: Black tie
Coach & Horses: 3am

January
Tue 1st closed
wed 2nd closed
Thu 3rd 10am-3am

Ingredients:
50ml Aperol
25ml lemon juice
5ml sugar syrup
10ml egg white

Method:
Dry shake (without ice) all ingredients
then add cubed ice and shake again.
Strain into cubed ice filled glass.

Glassware:
Tumbler

Garnish:
Lemon peel

Ingredients:
25ml Bacardi Superior top with
15ml lime juice
10ml honey syrup (mix honey- water 1:1)
Champagne

Method:
Shake all rum, lime juice and honey then pour into the flute and top up with Champagne

Glassware:
Champagne flute

Garnish:
Lime peel

Some of you may remember that our entrance to Centre Point was originally on the West side of the building by the Tottenham Court Underground. Then the works for Crossrail began and it was moved to the East and St.Giles High St.

Well what goes comes back, and so the original entrance has returned.

Of course, it is also good news for those dashing to catch the last tube after a night cap!

Ingredients:
50ml Apple brandy or Calvados
12.5ml Cognac (we’re using Courvoisier Exclusif)
12.5 ml Sweet Vermouth (we’re using Antica Formula)

Method:
Stir all with cubed ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass

Garnish
Maraschino cherry

To celebrate Team GB’s first gold medal – we are celebrating with a very special offer for the duration of the Olympics in the hope of many more!

Monday – Friday half price on Olympic cocktails 5pm – 7pm.

Watch TeamGB in action on our large screens 480ft above the capital