The Art of Fine Dining: Discover Counter 71's Limited Edition Pairing Menu with Saicho Sparkling Tea

The Art of Fine Dining: Discover Counter 71's Limited Edition Pairing Menu with Saicho Sparkling Tea

Counter 71 is a perfect example of reinvented modern fine dining, with an exclusive, intimate 16-seater dining space in Shoreditch, London, offering an eclectic tasting menu crafted from the finest British ingredients. 

For six weeks, Counter71 will be serving an exceptional 12-course seasonal set menu paired with Saicho sparkling tea. This collaboration, spearheaded by Chef Joe Laker, Sommelier Harry Cooper, along with Saicho co-founders Charlie and Natalie Winkworth-Smith, promises to redefine the art of food pairing with a unique non-alcoholic twist.

Redefining Food Pairing with Saicho and Counter71

Chef Joe Laker’s innovative pairing menu takes diners on a unique culinary journey. Each course is thoughtfully paired with premium single-origin teas instead of the usual wine, offering a fresh experience for wine enthusiasts.

“For us at Counter71, it’s very important to have a non-alcoholic pairing that mimics the quality of the wine and the food, which is why we work closely with Saicho,” shares Chef Joe.

Restaurant Manager and Sommelier Harry Cooper shares Chef Joe’s enthusiasm for Saicho sparkling tea, noting that, like wine, Saicho’s range of sparkling teas offer provenance, terroir, and distinct tasting notes, deserving the same attention and care in creating non-alcoholic food pairings for guests. Harry takes great joy in the art of food and drink pairing and shares his team's passion for crafting exceptional non-alcoholic experiences for their guests.

The menu by Chef Joe Laker features a variety of unique flavour pairings, such as tunworth, pea and marigold, scallops with fennel and fermented fava bean, or grey mullet, fermented pepper and parsley. Each dish is artfully crafted with a duo or triad of flavours, complementing one another to create a mindful dining experience. When paired with the full range of Saicho sparkling teas, each tea expression brings its own effervescent notes shaped by terroir, climate, and production techniques, elevating the flavours of every dish.

Adding an extra flare to their dining experience, guests can also experience a unique non-alcoholic spritz-style cocktail, crafted with Saicho Darjeeling sparkling tea, a botanical aperitivo, and flavours of peach and mint. This cocktail was created by Drinks Director Ryan Sheehan and Sommelier and Restaurant Manager Harry Cooper, offering guests a distinctive tasting experience.

A Collaboration of the Finest Ingredients

Saicho’s commitment to using the finest single-origin teas aligns perfectly with Counter 71’s dedication to seasonal produce, creating a dining experience that celebrates both quality and creativity. Saicho co-founder Charlie shares, “Our ethos at Saicho of sourcing the finest single origin teas really aligns with Joe’s vision of sourcing the best ingredients, particularly from growers that are redefining farming techniques.”

This 12-course dining experience with 5 Saicho sparkling tea pairings showcases British-sourced ingredients through a fine dining lens, staying true to Counter71’s values of celebrating the rich traditions of farming, foraging, and fishing while blending heritage with innovation.

Book Your Experience

If you are on the lookout for a modern fine dining experience with a warm atmosphere, inviting ambiance, a passionate team, and high-quality food, this limited edition 12-course menu is a must-try. Discover the elegance of Counter 71’s non-alcoholic pairing menu, featuring 5 intuitive tea pairings with Saicho. This exclusive 12-course offering is available for just six weeks. Reserve your spot now and immerse yourself in this innovative dining experience, brimming with flavour and passion.