A teapot of English breakfast or Earl Grey, maybe, with scones and a conversation about which comes first – the cream, or the jam. That's probably how you imagine Afternoon Tea.
But if you pull up a pew at Las Iguanas you can prepare to have that image blown away.
We popped along to The Hub in Milton Keynes to celebrate the flavours of Latin America by indulging in the vegetarian version of this new menu addition.
After some deliberation and much menu attention, we opted for Afternoon Tea & Tapas for Two (£35) and were soon waiting for our Havana Rum Teapot to 'brew.'
The iced treat – Havana Club 7 Year Old Rum, grapefruit, lemon and tea is incredibly moreish, and as we settle into our seats and enjoy the al fresco experience on a balmy afternoon, it becomes clear that we won't be dashing back to sit in front of the computer any time soon.
When we pour, we are treated to a refreshing, clean taste, and not too heavy on the alcohol.
The icy treat sets us up nicely for food. We're eating in the early afternoon, but, keen not to ruin any savoury and sweet temptations puts before us, we've gone without lunch. It's an understatement to say that we are peckish.
The only disappointment with the menu is that there is no vegan alternative, although that is easily overcome – a quick word with our incredibly attentive server Harrison, and he goes to check with chef to see what they can do.
And just like that, all the savoury dishes are swiftly changed to vegan – absolutely brilliant.
So we have two Mushroom Smoking Cuban Cigars, one vegetarian, one vegan.
They are each crammed with garlic mushrooms, smoked cheese (and the dairy free alternative), and American mustard, all tucked tidily into a toasted beetroot tortilla.
It's heavy on the taste and the filling, is deceptively spicy, and let assure you they don't call it a smoking cuban cigar for nothing!
But what about the other cute little serving suggestion? There are plenty of treats waiting to be investigated there too.
I opt for the Jackfruit Tinga Taco and take Mushroom Quesadillas while my meat-eating fellow diner is enjoying his vegetarian experience, and then some – he eats the same, but also involves Dadinhos, perfectly formed little cheese cubes with a chilli jam.
The sticky stuff isn't such a hit across the table, but everything else is being devoured at a pace.
If this was a race, our table would be winning.
The Jackfruit Tinga Taco was a lovely flavoursome addition. I've always resisted jackfruit until now. More fool me, I guess. Certainly this little taco treat, dressed with a smoky beetroot chipotle sauces on a blue corn tortilla with avocado aioli, is a winner.
Savoury sorted, suddenly we realise that our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, and what is served is deceptive in size – we are stuffed even before tackling the cakes.
Obviously, these aren't vegan, although we understand Las Iguanas are looking into making a change there too.
Cute little portions of Colombian Chocolate Brownies, Tres Leche Cakes (soaked sponge) and Peruvian Biscuits (shortbread, dulche de leche and dessicated coconut) sit waiting to be devoured.
We should own up and say that we have also added a cheeky cocktail into the mix – a Gin Smash brings together Beefeater Gin, Funkin raspberry, grapefruit, lime, mint, cardamom in lively style.
The cardamom gives the drink a nice little kick, and by the time we've dispensed of that delight too, we've written the afternoon off!
The staff made it an easy vegan swap on the savoury front, which is great for those embracing a plant-based diet, and the food was fabulous, exceeding expectations, and even wowing the meat-eater who could happily make the switch to veggie if all food tasted this good, apparently.
We've said it before, but Las Iguanas really are leading the way when it comes to veggie and vegan dining on the High Street. And hands-down they win when it comes to delivering on taste.
After this little treat, you'll never think of afternoon tea in the same way...
Afternoon Tea is £25 for two, or add a cake stand for £10.
Advance booking is required: The Hub, Milton Keynes MK9 2FB
T: 01908 251040
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