MR LYAN BRINGS SRI LANKAN HIGH TEA TO LYANESS

Award-winning Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, will introduce Sri Lankan High Tea at his flagship bar Lyaness, set within Sea Containers London, from Saturday 20th May. 

Served every Saturday and Sunday, the menu will celebrate Ryan’s fondest memories of high tea in his parent’s hometown of Galle in the south of the country, through inventive takes on traditional Sri Lankan flavours. Every element will be curated for a unique experience, with perfectly balanced savoury and sweet dishes and matched cocktails using Lyaness’ innovative ingredients.  

The tea will kick off with a Curry leaf Champagne (Bombay Sapphire, mango,curry leaf, Champagne), a bright celebratory cocktail that pulls on the citrus notes of Bombay Sapphire to create a decadent, aromatic start to the occasion. Paired with finger sandwiches including Chicken kukul mas and coconut, Masala spiced tuna with mayonnaise, and Marinated aubergine and Brinjal butter. Each filling incorporates the rich spices and flavours of the island, including layers of lemon, dried spice and fruit aromatics.

Savoury bites will include a Mutton croquette with tomato sambal and Turmeric-spiced devilled eggs, alongside a Coconut flower daiquiri (Bacardi Carta Blanca, coconut water, lime, grapefruit, jaggery). A nod to the sharp and uplifting daiquiri cocktail, this version layers in the classic brightness of rum with citrus flavours and the exotic creaminess of coconut and raw sugar. 

Onto the sweet dishes and each cake or pastry honours classic Sri Lankan treats, reimagined as biteful’s through a British lens. Sweets include a Pandan Swiss Roll and Wattalapam tart. Enjoy a pot of traditional Sri Lankan Tea with the option to choose from black, green, lemongrass and ginger flavours. Ryan and the team have worked closely with Rare Tea Co to support local Sri Lankan suppliers and carefully select the finest teas. 

A mixture of Plain and raisin scones will follow, served with clotted cream and berry jam, alongside a Ceylon Milk Tea Punch (Grey Goose, Rare Tea Sri Lankan black tea, clarified rice milk and tamarind), to round off the drinks pairing. This clean but deep and rich drink pays homage to the notes of tea and spice found across the menu. 

On the tea Ryan notes: “One of my favourite memories of having afternoon tea was visiting my parents’ childhood home of Galle in Sri Lanka and having high tea and (excellent) daiquiris overlooking the rainforest. It was spectacular and summed up the wonder of this tea service for me. We had tonnes of fun exploring Sri Lankan influence with our dear friends at Hoppers, but I really wanted to further explore this wonderful moment and the balance of afternoon tea’s savoury and sweet flavours — and nod to some of the ingredients we found there. With our Lyaness Afternoon Tea, it’s a chance for us to bring that sense of conviviality, and a journey of flavour that suits the occasion so perfectly!”

The Sri Lankan High Tea is priced at £53 per person with the cocktail pairing and £43 without. For the cocktail pairing and champagne the total cost of the experience is £63. 

Opening hours:

Saturday: 12pm – 5pm 

Sunday: 12pm – 5pm 

For more information, please contact Alicia on @alicia@gemmabellandcompany.com