Colombo has a new luxury boutique villa – nestled in a quiet, leafy neighbourhood in Colpetty, Ishq Colombo offers a unique blend of luxurious tranquillity and contemporary sophistication.
This sprawling mansion was designed by Channa Daswatte, a protégé of the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, and the four-suite villa provides a serene escape from the bustling city coupled with first-class facilities including a swimming pool, rooftop jacuzzi, and spa.
The Sunday Morning Brunch recently visited Ishq Colombo to sample its afternoon high tea.
The high tea at Ishq Colombo is an invitation to indulge in an array of meticulously prepared treats in an intimate and elegant setting. The tea is served either in the charming courtyard or the stylish foyer (which is an indoor/outdoor space), both of which provide a relaxing nature-focused ambience. Reservations require a 24-hour notice and are open to a maximum of 12 people at a time to ensure that each guest receives personalised attention.
The savoury selection begins with a classic cucumber sandwich with dill butter. Although slightly buttery, the fresh, crisp flavours of the cucumber balance well. The smoked white fish sandwich, accompanied by separately served fried quail eggs, is a standout. The delicate fish pairs well with the rich, yolky quail eggs, though the latter may not appeal to everyone’s palate.
The coronation chicken sandwich with spiced mango offers an interesting flavour combination, balancing savoury and sweet in a harmonious blend. However, the roasted tomato and cheese tartlet with thyme, while flavourful, feels a bit heavy and rustic for a high tea setting.
Moving on to the scones, Ishq Colombo excels with its classic sultana scones. These are perfectly baked, achieving the ideal balance of crumbly and moist. Accompanied by a duo of homemade strawberry and pineapple cinnamon jams with homemade clotted cream, the scones are a delightful treat that evoke the old-world charm of high tea.
The sweet offerings too had flair. The lime meringue tartlet is a refreshing delight, with its tangy lime filling and delicate meringue. The dark nut-rich chocolate brownie is intensely chocolatey, catering to those with a penchant for rich, indulgent desserts. The traditional English Bakewell tart provides a solid option, combining almond frangipane with a layer of jam in a crisp pastry.
The lemongrass panna cotta, although not as firmly set as expected, impresses with its subtle flavour, enhanced by a touch of passion fruit that balances the lemongrass perfectly. Finally, the old-fashioned baked cheesecake is beautifully presented and offers a creamy, satisfying conclusion to the sweet selection.
Each guest receives an individual teapot, allowing for a personal selection from an impressive range of teas. The black teas, sourced from the Dimbula and Nuwara Eliya regions, offer aromatic and flavourful options.
The English Breakfast and Earl Grey teas provide classic choices, while the green teas, including Jasmine Green and Lemongrass Green, present a delicate and fragrant alternative. For those seeking a premium experience, the Silver Tips fine tea delivers a mild and delicate bouquet. Herbal options like Chamomile and Peppermint are available for a calming infusion.
The high tea experience at Ishq Colombo is a refined and enjoyable affair. The combination of well-executed savoury items, delightful scones, and creative sweet treats, set against the backdrop of a beautifully designed tropical villa makes for a memorable high tea experience.
PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM