Price                   : LKR 2,800 nett (per person)

Availability      : 15:00 – 17:00 daily, until 14^th February 2022

Shangri-La Colombo has got their Valentine’s Day celebrations on with a specially curated Afternoon Tea, served at Sapphyr Lounge. The platter serves one, is priced at LKR 2,800, and is a riot of pink! Sapphyr Lounge’s chefs have rather thoughtfully managed to incorporate the colour into every element on the stand – which, at first glance, might seem a tad bit overdone, but, at closer inspection, actually paints a pretty picture.

On the stand, one would find:

Savouries

. Cherry tomato tartlet

. Wild mushroom crêpe

. Beetroot and mint cream cheese sandwich

. Coronation chicken croissant

. Shrimp and egg salad with watercress

Scones

. Red velvet scones with clotted cream, strawberry jam and fruit curd condiments

Sweets

. Chocolate ivory St. Honoré

. Macerated strawberries with whipped white ganache

. White chocolate tres leches

. Heart-shaped macarons with passion fruit

. Rose-scented strawberry roulade

And, of course, this is served with a choice of tea or coffee.

The savoury tier was, by far, the most enjoyable for me. Everything was tasty and unique in its own way, providing an array of tastes and textures as you work your way through each element. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if I had to, I’d probably place the beetroot and mint cream cheese sandwich at the top of the lot, followed by the cherry tomato tartlet. The latter was definitely something quite novel and not generally found on most high tea platters around town.

The scones were quite nice too – moist enough and not too sweet, with each of the condiments pleasantly complimenting the scones, both in combination as well as by themselves.

The sweet tier was a bit much for someone like me who has a small appetite for sugar – particularly for white chocolate. However, the presentation of all the elements were a visual treat and, like the savoury tier, provided a sense of variety in terms of texture. The heart shaped macarons were probably what I enjoyed the most, with their distinct marzipan-like flavour.

Now that Shangri-La offers their high tea platters per person (rather than for two), the Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea platter provides a unique opportunity to treat as many loved ones – or yourself – to something special, while it lasts. Reserve ahead to avoid disappointment.