Who doesn’t love a good afternoon tea? 

The Bayleaf Restaurant recently launched their new Afternoon Tea Menu with a range of specially curated teas by Zesta Teas. Served at the Wine and Tea Room at Bayleaf, the Afternoon Tea includes a selection of sandwiches, savories and sweets with a special blend of teas. 

At the launch, owner Harpo Gooneratne stated that he was thrilled to have ‘partnered with Zesta Teas to promote the Afternoon Tea at The Bayleaf.’ 

Committed to perfecting the Art of Tea, the Zesta Tea Collection at Bayleaf includes the rarest premium quality single-estate teas, bespoke blends and infusions. At the launch, Zesta introduced 15 unique blends that are brewed especially for the Bayleaf Wine and Tea Room.

The new collection of teas includes the likes of Lemon Bush Tea (an herbal infusion with a sweet, citrusy orange), Duchess of Grey (an aromatic blend of the oil of the tart bergamot fruit and bright blue corn flowers), Rose Bourbon (strong black tea paired with the essence of pure roses), Masala Chai (strong black tea with a strong hint of cinnamon, ginger and cardamom), Detox Tea (a herbal mix of fennel, peppermint leaves, rosehip and lemongrass) and one of our favourites; the Pumpkin Spice (premium black tea leaves with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves). The star of the teas was the Bayleaf Signature Blend, the Bayleaf Delight made with fresh tea leaves with the essence of succulent apricot, sweet pineapple and golden peach tossed with marigold blossoms. Others include Fruitea Medley, Green Tea GP1, Citrus Tango, Chamomile and Peppermint. 

The food at Bayleaf has always been beyond exceptional and the Afternoon Tea is no exception to it. The Afternoon Tea Deal includes 3 sandwiches, 3 savories and 3 sweets and one tea flavour. 

The Sandwiches include Tuna Mayonnaise, Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, Mustard Roast Beef, Ham, Cheese and Sliced Apple, Spicy Egg and Sweet Cheese, Onion and Green Chili sandwiches. We loved the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Sandwich and the Tuna Mayonnaise was equally delicious. 

For Savouriesthere are Bacon and Prawns stuffed Capsicum, Sausage and Cheese wrapped in Bacon, Chicken and Mushroom Vol Au Vent, Fried Tortellini with Spicy Pomodoro Sauce and Chicken and Vegetable Roll. The stuffed capsicum and the roll were highly enjoyable as it was crispy and spicy. 

The Sweet is what we were waiting for and we weren’t disappointed. The choices for something sweet include a shot glass Tiramisu, Brownies with a Mint Ganache, Panacotta, Chocolate Éclair, Baked Cheese Cake and a Strawberry Banana Pancake. We loved all of the deserts but we were especially happy with the tiramisu because so few places can get it right! 
All in all, the Afternoon Tea Deal at the Wine and Tea Room at Bayleaf is a real steal! Not only is the food amazing and the tea flavours unique, the private tea room makes it an ideal location for an afternoon meet up with your friends as the ambience and the privacy offered is just right! 

*The Afternoon Tea is available daily from 2-6pm and is Rs. 825 for one person and Rs.1600 for two. For reservations call 0112695920. 

Pictures by: Waruna W.