By Maureen Mills: Afternoon Tea in London, some of the best
As a nation of tea drinkers, attracting international visitor interest from across the globe, it is unsurprising but noteworthy how many hospitality establishments offer both traditional and creative themed afternoon teas across London.
Pretty much every five-star hotel has a tea service, as well as independent restaurants wanting to fill that awkward service time between lunch and dinner. Among the hundreds of afternoon tea options – from Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or Mary Poppins, to fashion-focused or to the very traditional – I have whittled it down to a few of my favourites.
Pastry chefs come into their own with seasonal cakes, jams get jazzy with seasonal ingredients, and wizardry of presentation with swirls and decorations are all part of the show. Afternoon tea is the meal that you don’t need – but one for taking a pause, having a gossip, being naughty with one extra scone, and exploring some of the exotic varieties of tea blends that are perfect complements (or a glass of fizz!).
AFTERNOON TEA IN LONDON – SOME OF THE BEST
The Georgian, at Harrods
This ‘new look’ of The Georgian (it first launched in 1911) is glamorous, theatrical, and, most of all, delicious. The afternoon tea menu overseen by Harrods Executive Pastry Chef Markus Bohr, offers exquisite sandwiches, pastries and scones, as well as expert tea service from their professional Tea Sommelier. Expect treats such as Confit duck sandwiches with orange marmalade on tomato bread; and Pistachio, pear and sablé Bréton. The space has been redesigned by David Collins Studio and features 25 chandeliers providing fairytale lighting alongside updated Art Deco architectural grandeur. Live music is performed throughout the day, with a hint to the Jazz Age and The Georgian’s origins. (The restaurant then evolves into its evening iteration, with a menu devised by chef Calum Franklin – known as ‘the pie king’. Expect refined pies leading the repertoire, including the signature ‘Georgian Pie Experience’, plus Chicken Penny and Beef Wellington, among others).
Price: £75 per person for the Afternoon Tea
Location: The Georgian – 4th Floor, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL
Hours: Open daily – Afternoon tea Monday-Saturday 11.30am-6.30pm, Sunday Noon-8pm
Corinthia London
The Crystal Moon Lounge is the dazzling setting for their new autumn into winter afternoon tea menu (which then evolves into the Festival Afternoon Tea, from 15 November-5 January). Executive Pastry Chef Yago Doamo is a creative genius, particularly with his seasonal concoctions. Favourites include sandwiches such as Wiltshire cured ham with spiced pineapple marmalade; Fig and mascarpone tart; and Caramelised apple and vanilla mousse. Then the festive season emerges with treats such as Tahitian vanilla snow globe; Mont Blanc choux; Plum and Amaretto tartlet; and Cranberry and orange blossom Gugelhupf.
Price: £75pp (£85 on weekends) for the Traditional Afternoon Tea, then the Festive Tea (£95pp)
Location: Corinthia London – Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
Hours: Open daily – Monday-Friday 2pm-6pm, Saturday/Sunday 1pm-7pm
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Coordinating with the new theatrical production of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ at the nearby Dominion Theatre, The Bloomsbury has introduced a tribute with the Runway Afternoon Tea – available in both Dalloway Terrace and The Coral Room. The pastry chefs have been creative with the ‘Devil’s chocolate cake’, ‘It’s not just blue, it’s cerulean’ (Greek yoghurt mousse and blueberries), and ‘No foam skimmed latte with an extra shot’ (Hazelnut Opera cake with coffee and caramel). There is also a children’s Bumble Bee Tea with treats such as Milk chocolate bumble bee lollipops and Beehive butter shortbread.
Price: £48 per person for the Afternoon Tea, then £25 per person for the children’s Bumble Bee Tea
Location: The Bloomsbury – 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Hours: Daily Noon-4pm (in both spaces)
The Kensington Hotel
Such a chic South Kensington hotel, with a smart neighbourhood ambience, and their elegant Drawing Room is the perfect afternoon tea venue. Sandwiches mix traditional with contemporary – the Pastrami with gherkin and horseradish is a local hit. The desserts evolve with the seasons, and currently feature Mango mousse ‘pumpkin’ with coconut yoghurt cream; and Dark chocolate mousse tart with passion fruit parfait. The extensive tea list is sourced by Henrietta Lovell of The Rare Tea Company. The menu also includes a map of the prestigious galleries and museums within a short walk of the hotel, from the V&A and the Royal Society of Sculptors to the Cadogan, Purdy Hicks and Bury Street galleries.
Price: £58pp (or £70pp, including a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV)
Location: The Kensington – 109-113 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LP
Hours: Daily from noon-4.30pm
I also love afternoon tea at The Ritz (couldn’t be more traditional!), and the Berkeley for their constantly-evolving fashion-focused ‘Pret-à-Portea’.
