Japanese Tapas Style Afternoon Tea

Description

Looking for the best things to do in Hackney? La Bibliothèque serves a unique Japanese Tapas Style Afternoon Tea that blends traditional British afternoon tea culture with contemporary Mediterranean-Japanese fusion flavours. Adults and groups gather at this East London restaurant to enjoy creative three-tier stands featuring savoury bites and delicate sweets.

Prices start from £40.00 per person for the classic package. Additional booking tiers include sparkling options with prosecco or champagne, as well as packages featuring unlimited cocktails.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with friends or family to enjoy unique fusion food paired with creative teas and cocktails, this East London experience delivers. It provides a stylish atmosphere, attentive service, and inventive small plates for all attendees.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

What makes Japanese Tapas Style Afternoon Tea unique?

  • A three-tier fusion stand showcasing a creative crossover of Japanese and Mediterranean small plates.
  • Fresh artisanal bites prepared daily by the venue's culinary team.
  • An extensive tea selection featuring single pots of premium Japanese and classic loose-leaf teas per person.
  • A stylish venue environment combining an upscale dining room, dedicated sake bar, and whisky library in East London.

Top 5 Highlights

  • What savoury items appear on the three-tier stand? The menu features creative savoury items like bao buns with cured salmon and crushed avocado, cabbage okonomiyaki with sriracha emulsion, and miso-glazed mushroom focaccia.
  • What sweet pastries and desserts are included? Guests enjoy delicate handmade treats such as courgette chocolate cake with miso caramel, Japanese-style milk panna cotta with berry compote, and rose cream choux pastries with matcha.
  • What tea varieties are served with the meal? Each diner receives a dedicated pot of freshly brewed tea, featuring options ranging from traditional green teas to aromatic herbal infusions and regional blends.
  • How do the optional sparkling upgrades enhance the meal? Upgrading to the sparkling tier adds a glass of chilled champagne or sparkling sake, or guests can choose a welcome cocktail crafted with Japanese gin.
  • What makes the restaurant interior worth experiencing? The dining space features modern luxury decor, warm lighting, and floor-to-ceiling shelves displaying a vast collection of international whiskies and sakes.

Facilities

  • Toilets: Modern gender-neutral restroom facilities are located inside the venue.
  • Bar Area: A sophisticated central cocktail and sake bar available for pre-meal drinks.
  • Seating: Comfortable indoor dining chairs and table setups tailored for couples and small groups.
  • Dietary Provision: Advance notice is required for specific dietary modifications; guests should note requirements during booking.

Pro-Tips for visiting guests

  • Book Well Ahead: Weekend afternoon tea slots are in high demand and fill up weeks in advance, particularly for Sunday sittings.
  • Inform Staff of Allergies: Make sure to specify any allergy or dietary needs at the time of reservation so the kitchen can prepare alternative items safely.
  • Combine with a Walk: Plan a stroll along the nearby Regent's Canal or through Broadway Market before or after your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is included in the classic afternoon tea package? The classic package includes a three-tier stand filled with a mix of Japanese and Mediterranean-inspired savoury and sweet bites alongside one pot of tea per person. Diners experience a unique menu featuring items like salmon bao buns, okonomiyaki, and matcha-infused pastries instead of traditional British finger sandwiches.
  • How long does the afternoon tea sitting last? Most guests spend between 1.5 and 2 hours enjoying their meal, taking time to sample each tier and explore the tea or cocktail selections. Sittings are scheduled during weekend midday and afternoon slots to allow a relaxed, unhurried dining pace.
  • Are alcoholic drink upgrades available? Yes, guests can upgrade their experience to include a glass of sparkling sake or champagne, or opt for a premium package featuring 90 minutes of unlimited house cocktails. These packages pair the sweet and savoury tapas bites with hand-crafted alcoholic beverages.
  • What are the age restrictions for this dining experience? While the venue welcomes adults and older teenagers for afternoon tea, the experience is primarily geared towards adult diners due to the sophisticated menu and cocktail pairings. Families with younger children should contact the restaurant in advance to check suitability regarding the specific fusion menu items.

What to see

Menu Items and Event Features

  • Bao Bun: Cured salmon, crushed avocado, and micro-herbs.
  • Cabbage Okonomiyaki: Sriracha emulsion and spring onion.
  • Crispy Focaccia: Miso-glazed mushrooms and chives.
  • Courgette Chocolate Cake: Miso caramel and sesame tuile.
  • Japanese-Style Milk Panna Cotta: Seasonal berry compote and sablé breton.
  • Rose Cream Choux: Matcha, pistachio, and dehydrated rose.
  • Carrot Cake: Orange blossom and white chocolate.

What Visitors Love

  • Inventive Flavours: Diners frequently praise the creative fusion twist, noting that replacing standard finger sandwiches with Japanese tapas makes for a memorable meal.
  • Attentive Service: Reviews highlight that the floor staff remain welcoming, knowledgeable about the tea and sake lists, and attentive throughout the sitting.
  • Stylish Ambience: The chic, modern interior design provides a relaxed yet upscale environment for weekend catch-ups and celebrations.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Limited Accessibility: Some visitors point out that physical access to certain restroom facilities can be challenging due to the historic layout of the building.
  • Strict Service Charge: A discretionary service charge is automatically added to the final bill, which visitors advise keeping in mind when budgeting.
  • Weekend Only Availability: The afternoon tea menu is restricted to weekend lunch hours, limiting options for weekday visitors.

What is beyond the main attraction nearby?

  • Broadway Market: Bustling canalside street market offering artisanal food stalls, vintage clothing, and independent shops just a short walk away.
  • Columbia Road Flower Market: Famous Sunday market overflowing with vibrant plants, fresh flowers, and local creative boutiques nearby.
  • Regent's Canal: Scenic waterway path offering peaceful walking and cycling routes through the heart of East London.
  • Shoreditch High Street: Vibrant cultural district known for street art, independent galleries, and contemporary dining spots.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Classic Package: £40 per person.
  • Sparkling Japanese Tapas Style Afternoon Tea: £50 per person.
  • Japanese Tapas Style Afternoon Tea with Unlimited Cocktails: £80 per person.

Pricing URL: https://www.labibliotheque.co.uk/product-page/japanese-tapas-style-afternoon-tea

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The venue handles group bookings and celebrations of up to 10 guests directly through its reservation system. For larger private hire requests or custom celebration packages, inquiries can be sent directly to the reservations team via email.

  • Thursday 6pm - 11:30pm
  • Friday 6pm - 1am
  • Saturday 12pm - 1am, Afternoon Tea: 12pm - 4pm
  • Sunday 12pm - 4pm, Afternoon tea: 12pm - 4pm

Address: 325 Kingsland Road, London E8 4DL, UK

Post Code: E8 4DL

Council: London

County: Greater London

  • By Overground: Haggerston station sits within a very short walking distance on the East London Line.
  • By Bus: Local bus routes 149, 242, and 394 stop frequently along Kingsland Road right outside the venue.
  • By Car: Central London parking restrictions apply; public transport is strongly recommended as dedicated on-site parking is not available.
  • Local Parking: Metered street parking is available on surrounding residential roads, though spaces are limited and subject to local council tariffs.

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