AN ITALIAN AFTERNOON TEA AT VEENO, LEICESTER
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Last Updated on 28th March 2026 by Bejal
I’m always up for the Great British constitution of Afternoon Tea but when it’s served with a twist that makes a reference to Italy then I’m well and truly sold! Veeno has always been a firm favourite (Read about my recent Family Wine Tasting Experience) but when I heard of their version of an Italian Afternoon Tea, sampling was always going to be inevitable. I mean it goes without even saying.
We started with a glass of Prosecco, well after all it is AN Italian Afternoon Tea!! Beautifully crisp and lightly sweet and got us in the mood for what we were about to tuck into.
Soon after a couple of sips of Prosecco and fine chat, we were presented with a three- tiered slate plate cake stand. With a simple yet elegant presentation, the components of the tea had all the allure of Italian food.
We chose to have our hot drinks at the end and decided to concentrate on the flavours of the food.
THE BOTTOM TIER
The bottom tier focused heavily on the savoury components in the form of paninis, Italian smoked cheese, olives and prosciutto.
A Panino is a diminutive of a pane of bread and refers to a bread roll. The Panini was made from Ciabatta having the texture of a French bagette and were served warm. My panini was filled with Mozzarella, tomato and Oregano where as Dr C had cheese and Prosciutto in his.
THE MIDDLE TIER
With the savouries done and dusted in no time, we made a start on the warm scones, which were accompanied by Mascarpone of course as opposed to traditional clotted cream.
There was also servings of jam. Mascarpone first, Jam first, I’m not fussed. As my late father used to say, it’s all going down the same hole!! I actually enjoyed the lighter and creamier taste of the mascarpone.
If you’re not familiar with Mascarpone, then it’s an Italian cream cheese coagulated by the addition of certain acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar or citric acid.
THE TOP TIER
We finally made it to the top layer and were greeted by a slice of Sicilian lemon cake and Italian chocolate cake! There could not have been a better choice of cake as I love lemon and Dr C loves chocolate! Beautifully moist, rich and flavoursome, a slice of this heavenly cake was just the perfect way to top off this Italian inspired afternoon tea.
We ended our experience with a cappuccino and black coffee whilst mentally planning our next Italian escape!
ITALIAN AFTERNOON TEA VERDICT
A definite yes from me! I loved that most of the items on the tea were warm, especially the paninis and the ration of sweet to savoury was perfect for me. The food isn’t replenished but for the price is great value for money with respect to the amount and quality of ingredients you receive. As always service was exceptionally synonymous to Veeno and a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon.
VEENO
19 & 20 St Martins Square
9 St Martins
LE1 5DE
Tel. 0116 262 8719
Reservations can be made via Veeno’s website
http://www.theveenocompany.com/veeno-leicester-wine-bar/
The Italian Afternoon Tea is priced at £21.90 per person with a minimum of two to book.
Disclaimer: Our Italian Afternoon Tea was complimentary however all views, opinions and photographs are honest and my own and therefore remain a copyright of be-lavie.
À Bientôt…
PIN FOR LATER
Simply Rasha
It all looks so good! I’m glad they kept the scones in there and added the touch of Mascarpone. I’ll have to try scones that way now…
Bejal
Simply RashaI’m not the hugest fan of scones but they did go well with the mascarpone and they were lovely and warm too. I love the sicilian lemon cake and panini!
Mostlyfoodandtravel
Yum this looks and sounds right up my street. I have heard a lot about their afternoon tea and may just need to go and check it out. The bottom tier.. love it when it comes with such a great twist.
Bejal
MostlyfoodandtravelIt really was sooo good! The tea is really good for two people and just the right combo of savoury to sweet for me!
Binny
This sounds amazing! I love mascarpone so thats a lovely touch
Bejal
BinnyOh you will love the scones topped with it then for sure!
louiseloveslondon
“it’s all going down the same hole!!” hahahaaha! I love your father!
The top tier would be my go to plate… That chocolate cake looks sooo good! Yummy
Louise x
Bejal
louiseloveslondonIf you’re a chocolate fiend then I would agree, go for the top tier! I’m more of a savoury person so I guess there is something for every taste here adn yes it was super yummy Louise xx
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
Yum! The top tier is my favorite 😉
I love afternoon tea. There are a few places that offer it here in Madrid and I can’t wait to try them all
Bejal
Cristina – Memories of the PacificSo you love sweet things right? Yes you must. I love the traditional English afternoon tea however do love to try twists like this one and the Indian one I did previously!
sammy at summersholiyay
You have captured this perfectly! How delicious does this look, just a little bit hungry now!!!!! xxx
Bejal
sammy at summersholiyayThanks Sammy! If you ever come to Leicester, we shall have to go there xx
thetravelsofmrsb
I love Veeno bit haven’t tried their afternoon tea yet!
Bejal
thetravelsofmrsbMe too and well that’s an excuse for another trip Laura