The 360 Sky Bar will turn your head with its stunning views and sumptuous sightings of afternoon tea

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Gino D'acampo

We at His & Hers love afternoon tea. It feels like a warm, welcoming ritual featuring comfort food, akin to a tea ceremony in Japan. We meandered through Liverpool, noting new venues and sensing a definite regeneration of hospitality. It was warm, with a drift of blossom overhead, sky blue, reflected in aqua-marine water. And it occurred to me, as it sometimes does, what a beautiful city Liverpool has always been to visit, to experience and enjoy.

Feature by Jean Hill

The 360 Sky Bar is situated within the INNSiDE Hotel (Melia Group). Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant is on the ground floor, it stretches into an extensive elegant space and serves great regional, Italian food that is meticulously sourced.

We are headed for the 18th floor where afternoon tea is served in the 360 Sky Bar. Stunning views enveloped us as we moved through the Bar. We settled on a view of the mouth of the river, and those wonderful docks. We could glimpse an outside space being created (I think a terrace extending from the first floor) because we all love to enjoy that outside space on those sunny summer days. We felt totally relaxed. The staff are friendly, efficient and really want to make their guests feel welcome and to totally enjoy the whole experience. Having chatted to different staff members over the last few months, it is apparent that they all like and value working for Gino.

I opted for the Franciacorta Rosé afternoon tea (£35). Our editor, needing to work later, chose the none alcoholic option (£29). There is a Lallier Grand Cru Brut option. Of course there is. The tiered tray arrived with an offer to top up tea or coffee. The presentation is impressive (delicate and the sweet treats beautifully crafted). The deli selection includes Parma ham bruschetta, spicy ‘nduja, Italian honey and pistachio with a piquant kick of flavour. My own favourite was truffle cream cheese, pickled cucumber on wholemeal bread (it’s traditional). The delight is in the detail. The salmon is lightly cured Loch Duart on Italian ciabatta with crème fraiche (totally refreshing).

The scones come with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream. It is obvious that provenance is key. The chocolate cake with Ferrero Rocher is complex with great depth. And of course there is tiramisu and Italian meringue in the mix

We met Gino’s Brand Ambassador: Giuseppe Bergonzi. He has a wealth of knowledge about provenance, and is an expert on Italian wines. He explained how Italian regional wines have been created to complement that region’s cuisine. This is what informs the wine selection in Gino’s restaurants. Giuseppe obviously loves his job and relishes his long association with Gino D’Acampo. It was a wonderful lunch interlude in a magical setting.

If you cannot manage the wide range of desserts in one sitting, no panic, you can take any remaining home (in an elegant version of a goodie bag). It was a great afternoon tea that comes highly recommended.

https://ginodacampohotelsandleisure.com

https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/liverpool/innside-liverpool

https://ginodacampohotelsandleisure.com/our-restaurants/360-sky-bar-liverpool/

From the archives: Interview with Gino D’Acampo at the 360 Sky Bar Liverpool, Old Hall Street.

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