PLANT-BASED AFTERNOON TEA IN LONDON
Available from 1st January, the menu (guided by COMO Shambhala Kitchen for Veganuary) is thoughtfully created with a wellness-led approach, showcasing whole foods, clean flavours and natural sweetness throughout.
This winter, COMO The Halkin introduces a Plant-Based Veganuary Afternoon Tea, available from 1 January, offering a lighter, more mindful take on a London classic.
THE CONCEPT
Rather than adapting a traditional Afternoon Tea with dairy-free substitutes, Head Chef Melchor has created an entirely original menu inspired by the COMO Shambhala Kitchen – where clean flavours, whole foods and thoughtful nourishment guide every dish. The result is an Afternoon Tea that feels intentionally plant-based rather than a compromise, appealing equally to vegans, wellness-focused diners and Afternoon Tea regulars seeking something fresher and more balanced.
As London’s vegan Afternoon Tea scene continues to grow, COMO The Halkin’s offering stands apart for its focus on whole foods, natural sweetness and functional ingredients, all guided by the hotel’s COMO Shambhala wellness principles.
THE MENU
The savoury selection champions vegetables, seeds and plant-based proteins. Guests begin with a roast beetroot and cumin soup, rich in antioxidants and naturally anti-inflammatory spices. This is followed by chia seed crispbread with cashew hummus and cauliflower salad, offering plant protein, fibre and healthy fats, and a courgette rösti layered with zucchini textures, chosen for its naturally hydrating and digestion-friendly qualities.
Jicama rolls filled with marinated shiitake mushrooms and avocado, finished with a tamari-orange dressing, bring depth and umami while supporting gut health and sustained energy. A garden leaf and seed salad with ginger-miso dressing completes the savoury course, delivering probiotics, minerals and warming spice.
Sweet dishes favour natural fruit sugars and nutrient-dense ingredients over refined alternatives. Highlights include a coconut and chia pudding with rhubarb compote, rich in omega-3s and fibre; a strawberry, vanilla and cashew tart; and a cacao mousse with fresh raspberries and pistachio, providing antioxidants and healthy fats.
The Afternoon Tea concludes with a strawberry and pomegranate salad paired with hibiscus flower sorbet, known for its refreshing, antioxidant properties, alongside a mango and passion fruit ‘cheesecake’ set on a banana and macadamia nut crust, indulgent yet light.
DRINKS
The experience is complemented by a considered drinks offering, including a curated tea menu and COMO Shambhala beverages. Guests can enjoy COMO Shambhala Ginger Tea, a warming infusion of ginger, honey and lemon, known for its digestive, anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties, alongside a selection of freshly pressed juices from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen. The tea menu features a thoughtful selection of classic and herbal blends, including Black Tea, White Teas such as White Peony and Jasmine Silber Needle, and herbal infusions.
While created to mark Veganuary, the Afternoon Tea is designed to appeal far beyond it – offering a refined option for those drawn to clean eating, mindful indulgence and flavour-led wellness.
The Halkin Afternoon Tea starts from £60 per person and 2 hours booking notice is required
This original article first appeared in the WINTER 2025 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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