Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially British tradition dating back to the Victorian era as a means to curb any hunger pangs between lunch and the evening meal. Today, afternoon tea has become a celebrated occasion in its own right and its growing popularity has resulted in a tasty array of creative menus, delectable dishes and imaginative presentations. Check out our favourite places in London to enjoy this wonderfully celebrated foodie fare.
The Biltmore Mayfair – Afternoon Tea
Located in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair, is the essence of style and opulence and the Afternoon Tea experience here equally reflects such superlative qualities. Michelin-starred Chef, Jason Atherton, has designed the quintessential British formality, with a menu that showcases the finest fresh and traditional produce from across the UK. Examples of dishes from the delicious menu includes; English cucumber, black truffle crème fraiche served on brown bread and Hereford beef sirloin and horseradish served on white bread along with Yorkshire rhubarb and Tahitian vanilla cream and of course, Cornish clotted cream, strawberry and raspberry jam to top plain and fruit scones. Guests can select from a fine collection of freshly brewed tea from the tea trolley, or opt for a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial to mark a more glamourous occasion. This luxurious experience is served in the hotel’s dedicated Tea Lounge with a team renowned for its unrivaled service.
For more information or to book please click here: lxrhotels3.hilton.com
The Dilly Hotel London – Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea
A themed Afternoon Tea, enhances the appeal of such a celebrated occasion and The Dilly is doing it in quintessential British style by bringing the well-loved story of Peter Rabbit and his friends to life. The Official Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed by children and adults alike; with delicacies appropriately named after many of the Beatrix Potter characters in this classic story; nibble on a ‘Mr McGregor’s Garden Sandwich’ (Vegetable garden baguettini with cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, radishes, pea shoots and red pepper hummus), sample a ‘Caught in a Twist Pinwheel’ (Smoked salmon with sun-dried tomato). Indulge in a ‘Flowerpot hide-out’ (Edible chocolate pot with chamomile mousse, blackberry, chocolate ‘mud’ and sponge cake) and of course ‘Every Bunny’s Favourite’ (Moist carrot cake topped with cream cheese and chocolate carrot!) and many other tasty treats too can be enjoyed with a selection of tea, champagne, hot chocolate and fruit juice. Served in the light-filled Terrace at The Dilly, indulge in this charming British tradition with views across Piccadilly.
For more information or to book please click here: thedillylondon.com
InterContinental London Park Lane | Royal Afternoon Tea
Once home to Queen Elizabeth—when the address was 145 Piccadilly—the iconic hotel has always been synonymous with Buckingham Palace. Taking inspiration from its royal heritage, newly appointed Head Pastry Chef Radoslav Georgiev has created The Royal Afternoon Tea menu (read more here). Richly underpinned by InterContinental London Park Lane’s royal roots, the savoury selection features a Scottish lobster and saffron aioli open sandwich, alongside an array of classic finger sandwiches. Plain and raisin buttermilk scones are served with Devonshire clotted cream and a regularly changing homemade British fruit preserve. All of the cakes and pastries are suitable for vegetarians, and come with their own selection of sandwiches – other dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
To book or for further information please visit: parklane.intercontinental.com
The Park Tower Knightsbridge, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Floral Afternoon Tea
The new Floral Afternoon Tea at The Park Tower Knightsbridge pays homage to the new Sanctuary Garden category at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and of course, the hotel’s proximity to Hyde Park, the largest of the Royal Parks, is further reason for this dainty theme. A selection of signature delicacies such as the Garden Rose Custard inspired by the traditional English rose, renowned for both its beauty and antioxidants and fragrant Lavender Cupcakes, a plant celebrated for its calming effect feature on the menu and are accompanied by an array of sandwiches and warm fresh scones – all beautifully presented on a floral cake stand adorned with delicate silk flowers. Guests can enjoy the Floral Afternoon Tea in the stunning Knightsbridge Lounge where the elegant surroundings and fresh floral ingredients of the menu induce the feeling of calm and tranquillity within the city.
To book or for further information please visit: www.parktowerknightsbridge.com
London Marriott Hotel County Hall | The Library’s Afternoon Tea
The Library has recently undergone a renovation and its new look, impressive views overlooking Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye and its unrivalled British heritage make it the perfect setting for a traditional and sophisticated British Afternoon Tea. The menu comprises of a black cherry Bakewell tart, zesty lemon and raspberry meringue pie and a rich double chocolate delice – classic favourites presented with a contemporary twist. In partnership with The Tea Makers of London, a tea sommelier is on hand to ensure that guests choice of tea perfectly complements the delicate and intricate flavours of each sandwich and pastry.
For more information or bookings, please visit: www.thelibraryatcountyhall.com
Four Seasons Hotel London | The Crown Jewels Afternoon Tea at Rotunda
Rotunda at Four Seasons Hotel London is delighted to showcase their Crown Jewels Afternoon Tea, which overlooks the Tower of London – home to the royal jewels of past kings and queens. On the menu, traditional finger sandwiches will celebrate British classics including Egg Mayonnaise with truffle oil, Coronation Chicken and the classic Minted Cucumber. Inspired by the world-famous Crown Jewels. Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Goujon has created a selection of pastries including ‘The Ruby’, made with chocolate, red cherry and green cardamom, inspired by the imperial state crown and ‘The Coin’, a pastry of orange and black sesame, inspired by the Tower of London’s series of commemorative coins, and more intricate pastries. No British afternoon tea would be complete without freshly baked homemade scones and champagne, which will include Delamotte Brut, Charles Heidsieck and AR Lenoble Rosé. For the ultimate luxury experience, guests can book a private roof terrace where they can enjoy the quintessential British pastime with a view over the iconic landmark and the River Thames.
For more information or bookings, please visit: www.fourseasons.com
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane | The London Kid’s Afternoon Tea
Treat the children to an indulgent experience with The London Kid’s Afternoon Tea at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. The selection of cakes is an absolute delight and all represent London icons such as the London Eye, London Red Bus and Big Ben. Bite-size sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a choice of hot chocolate or tea will keep the little people happy too. And for the more mature guests, the hotel’s award-winning Nineteen Twen-Tea Afternoon Tea which features delicate pastries and delectable savoury treats all inspired by the 1920s can be enjoyed in the cool art-deco surroundings. A perfect afternoon for the entire family!
For more information or bookings for the London Kid’s Afternoon Tea or Nineteen Twen-Tea Afternoon Tea, please visit: www.palmcourtlondon.co.uk
JW Marriott Grosvenor House London | Anna’s Afternoon Tea
One of London’s most prestigious locales, Park Lane in Mayfair is home to the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. Overlooking, Hyde Park, The Park Room presents the perfect setting to enjoy a quintessential Afternoon Tea. Taking Inspiration from the 7th Duchess of Bedford (the lady whom we can thank for conceiving this great British tradition!) the ‘Anna’ Afternoon Tea presents guests with a scrumptious selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked buttermilk scones with Devonshire clotted cream and British jams, seasonal cakes and exquisite pastries, all to be paired with a freshly brewed cup of Newby Tea or glass of crisp Champagne.
For more information or bookings for Anna’s Afternoon Tea, please visit: www.parkroom.co.uk
Great Scotland Yard Hotel | ‘Bouquet De La Reine’ Afternoon Tea at The Parlour
Great Scotland Yard’s new afternoon tea ‘Bouquet De La Reine’, in collaboration with Floris London, will take guests on a journey through history, nobility and perfumery with a multi-sensory afternoon tea served in the beautiful setting of the 5* hotel’s victorian parlour. The menu, inspired by the Queen’s fragrance, includes an assortment of pastries and cakes including rose and pistachio drizzle cake and delicate violet leaf madeleines. There will also be a selection of decadent sandwiches including cheddar, gougere and Exmoor Caviar or classic chicken breast with tarragon mayonnaise. To drink there will be Ruinart Champagne alongside a selection of delicate teas from the Rare Tea Company.
For more information or bookings for ‘Bouquet De La Reine’ Afternoon Tea, please visit: www.hyatt.com
London Marriott Hotel Park Lane | Botanical Afternoon Tea
Given the proximity to the lush and green Hyde Park, it seemed only fitting for the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane to present its guests with a Botanical Afternoon Tea. Inspired by traditional British gardens and seasonal ingredients both hotel residents and visitors can enjoy a delicious selection of sandwiches, signature cakes and Jing floral teas, presented with dried petals and herbal essences or for something a little more special a chilled Rosé Champagne cocktail is a perfect choice.
For more information or bookings for the Botanical Afternoon Tea, please visit: www.lanesoflondon.co.uk
The Lanesborough | Peggy Porschen
In collaboration with the internationally renowned bakery, Peggy Porschen, The Lanesborough Hotel will once again serve an exclusive Afternoon Tea experience to visitors and hotel residents. The Michelin-starred Céleste, with its naturally illuminated domed glass roof fairy tale pink aesthetics of Peggy Porschen, is the setting for an elegant Afternoon Tea. The collaboration is the result of a long-standing history, as life-long baker, Peggy, held her first prestigious pastry chef position at The Lanesborough Hotel in 1999. The tea will feature some of Peggy Porschen’s signature creations including Peggy’s Pink Pavlova, and raspberry and rose layer cake, along with classic afternoon tea essentials such as finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and jam, plus the bespoke afternoon tea blends of Peggy Porschen and The Lanesborough.
For more information or bookings for the Peggy Porschen
Searcys at The Gherkin | Afternoon Tea at The Gherkin
Enjoy a touch of sparkle while looking out at 360⁰ views over the City. Afternoon Tea at The Gherkin ranges from Classic to Prestige Extravagant, and each offering includes freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, alongside sweet treats of Searcys’ Signature Victoria, Passion fruit éclair and Yuzu chocolate tart and Putting the ‘high’ in high tea with its stunning 360-degree views across the City of London; enjoy a selection of mini savouries and sweet treats all paired with limitless Moët & Chandon.
For more information or bookings for the Searcys Afternoon tea, please visit: searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London | St. Pancras Afternoon Tea
With its vaulted ceilings, intricate ironwork and Victorian-styled lamp posts the splendid neo-gothic surroundings of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is the place to step back in time and indulge in an Afternoon Tea fit for Victorian Aristocrats and Nobles. The Afternoon Tea menu comprises of an irresistible selection of savoury sandwich classics such as slow roast beef, truffled hen egg and fresh smoked salmon with citrus herb mayonnaise. With sweet treats such as decadent pastries include the Oreo ‘Coal Yard’ choux, paying homage to the local area, cherry & almond ‘butterley’ Bakewell tart and a mouth-watering melted milk and white chocolate ‘shed’.
For more information or bookings for the St. Pancras Afternoon tea, please visit: www.thehansom.co.uk
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