Wednesday 7 November 2012

REVIEW

 CUP TEA LOUNGE, GLASGOW




This city centre venue is the second branch of 'Cup' to appear on the Glasgow scene, with the first opening 2 years ago in the west end. This branch however is trying to do something a bit different by expanding out to the evening crowd opening late for cocktails, fizz and desserts.


Situated in a corner building on Renfrew Street the interior of Cup is certainly impressive. Filled with mirrors, chandeliers, candles and impressive displays of fresh lillies, it has an air of opulence and indulgence. Perfect for a girly treat.

Desserts, and a variety of cupcakes are served all day, with afternoon tea and a lunch/snack menu served up until 6. There is a large selection of teas, over 35 to choose from and your tea is served with a little timer to get the brewing time just right! There is also a creative and very reasonably priced cocktail menu and a wine list. Cup will also facilitate packages for hen parties, birthdays and baby showers and other events. Staff were very friendly, helpful and happy to answer any questions.

The desserts are inventive and clever and fall into 5 categories - fruit, chocolate, tea and coffee, classics re-worked and classics. There is a sense of Heston Blummethal about the recipes, for example try the 'a tea, a cake and a biscuit' which consists of a set elderflower and blackcurrant tea custard, a caramel cake, rose shortbread and chai ice cream. For something with a fruitier flavour you could opt for 'Rhubarb and Vanilla Sushi' which is made up of chilled vanilla rice pudding, rhubarb puree, wasabi caviar and lime sorbet.

Desserts can be taste matched with cocktails falling into corresponding categories and again the drinks go from classics to unusual. Whilst my friend enjoyed an espresso martini, I sampled an apple and ginger mojito. Both were delicious. Other options were the chocolate based 'millionaires shortbread' or a glass of earl grey fizz.




There are a selection of cupcakes, all of which look fantastic. They are presented beautifully with edible glitter, different decorations and served with dainty silver forks. The cupcakes however were the one downfall of our visit, and for a place such as Cup, this is not a minor issue. Whilst the cakes looked beautiful, all which we sampled were very dry and missing that spongy, light goodness. The icing was far too sweet and we couldn't finish them.

The cupcakes were a real disappointment and defintely need some serious attention. As one of my companions pointed out, if the name 'cup' is derived from their cupcakes, it would be most unfortunate if their cocktails became the star of the show. A change in name to a shortened version of 'Cocktail' wouldn't necessarily have the same ring to it!

However the concept of Cup is different and daring. It is definitely designed for girls although men are of course allowed! It offers a little bit of luxury in a quirky way and is the sort of place that you will leave talking about and telling your friends to visit. All in all definately worth a visit but stick to the cocktails and desserts.


No comments:

Post a Comment