Glamour Eats… the best afternoon teas in London
In search of a super-duper truly scrumptious afternoon tea? Try these London spots…
redphotographic.comRestaurant/Bar: The Savoy
Where: Strand, London WC2R 0EU
Vs… Kat Brown, Social Media Editor
The afternoon tea was… The Savoy's tea is a winter staple, and this year they've gone all out. Sculptor Gareth Knowles has created an ice rink in the Thames Foyer with a skater whirling around underneath clutches of bubbles inspired by Louis Roederer Champagne. The cakes are inspired by Boodles – the jeweller has decorated the Christmas tree this year and it is very snazzy indeed. This is as glamorous as it gets.
The Savoy sandwiches are always amazing (and you can ask for an extra tray – we did cough, greedy pigs!) and beautiful smoked salmon, and a lovely nutty Christmas turkey one were as perfect as the delicate cucumber variety. Warm scones were served with lashings of cream, festive berry jam, and lemon curd, and my mum and I were almost too stuffed to try the beautiful Boodles-inspired patisserie that followed. A glass of Louis Roederer, and a pot of The Savoy's own tea blend (kept well topped up by our attentive waiter) kept us refreshed while we admired Knowles's stunning installation.
The crowd: Smartly dressed tourists, business types out on a jolly, and a lot of birthdays. The Savoy does this like a military operation: the pianist struck up Happy Birthday and seven waiters carrying little cakes zipped through the room while we all sang. So yes, big fan of this if you've got an aunt or grandparent who deserves a bit of celebrating.
You should also know… Booking in advance is mandatory – walk-ins aren't a thing here. There was a bit of hanging around while our table was prepared, but the foyer has a beautiful shop with lovely Christmassy things in it that helps to pass the time.The tea costs £82 per person
Restaurant/Bar: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
Where: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Vs… Leanne Bayley, Content Editor
The afternoon tea was… Not as random as it seems! It's all to celebrate 55 years of 101 Dalmatians. The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane hotel has launched a Dalmatian-inspired afternoon tea and it's located at the chic Mayfair hotel.
Look at how pretty it looks! The lemon mousse and Oreo biscuit is dreamy and has been combined to create Perdy’s paw, while blueberry cake and violet cream make Pongo’s dog bowl simply irresistible. The white chocolate cream brownie was probably my favourite, and the scones were simply delish - warm, as well!
For fans of savoury, I loved the polka dot macaroon made of confit salmon, crème fraiche and dill, as well as smoked trout mousse with English mustard and pickled red onion hot dog.
The crowd: People who were staying at the hotel, but it had a cool, calm vibe and the service was spot-on.
You should also know… It's a dog-friendly package. If you go for the Dotty Dalmatian Package, dogs (of all breeds) and owners are welcome to relax in style in one of the newly refurbed guest rooms. The owners will enjoy the limited edition Dalmatian Afternoon Tea, while their furry friend is being walked around the original movie set, across the road in Green Park. The first 20 guest dogs will also be gifted with a special Sheraton Grand doggy bag which includes a number of luxury treats.The package is priced from £292, based on two people and one dog sharing a room.
Restaurant/Bar: Ma' Plucker
Where: 75 Beak St, London
Vs… Hanna Woodside, Acting Entertainment EditorThe afternoon tea was… A chicken shop riff on afternoon tea (yes, seriously) with a Deep South flavour. So we had mini pulled chicken burgers, crispy coated buttermilk chicken on waffle (a surprisingly delicious combination), along with sweet cherry pie, fresh mini doughnuts with caramel sauce and a chocolate and cornflake scotch egg (which needs to be experienced to be believed). We had this with a totally unnecessary side of ‘Crack and Cheese’ which is a breaded, deep-fried ball of macaroni cheese. Immense. We washed this all down with a choice of peach or lemon Long Island iced tea - hic!
The crowd: Slap in the heart of Soho, it’s a real mix of people. The vibe in Ma’ Pluckers is way nice than an actual chicken shop i.e. there’s plenty of nice seats and table service - but it’s definitely not as fancy as your usual scones-and-jams venue.
You should also know… Ma’ Plucker does a quiz night every Sunday at 7pm, which includes a three course meal (we’ve got our eye on the chipotle rubbed and rotisserie roasted chicken) and an arrival drink. See you there!
Restaurant/Bar: Paramount
Where: Centre Point, Oxford Street
Vs… Rebecca Cox, Acting Editor
The afternoon tea was… Absolutely cracking. Mini sandwiches on a selection of delicious breads and a mini quiche of the day (we had beetroot) make up the savoury selection, while the cakes and pastries included a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate mousse cake and moist carrot and orange slice. The raisin scones were divine, too.
The crowd: Out-of-towners with something to celebrate and city folk wanting to rise above the everyday stresses of London life.
You should also know… It's definitely worth splashing out the extra for a glass of fizz - this is a view worth toasting to. You'll be given a guide to the view so you can point out your favourite London landmarks while you eat.
Restaurant/Bar: Longford’s Bar and Terrace at Melia White House
Where: Albany Street, Regent’s Park
Vs… Rebecca Cox, Acting Editor
The afternoon tea was… What afternoon tea dreams are made of. The Spanish twist on a British classic really works, with a Spanish tortilla and pata negra ham baguette featuring in the savoury selection while the sweet mini churros with chocolate dip alone are worth a visit.
The crowd: A cool city mix of business crowds and stylish holiday makers.
You should also know… The hotel's The Place Restaurant also offers summer picnics to enjoy in Regent's Park, with prices from £9.50 per person. Well worth checking out.
Restaurant/Bar: Ichi Sushi & Sashimi at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Where: 200 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7UT
Vs… Sandra Waibl, Picture Editor
The afternoon tea was… was delightful. As a massive Sushi lover, this was the ideal way for me to enjoy an afternoon tea. The tea is served in the Primo Bar and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and the live harp music provide the ideal setting for an afternoon of indulgence. We started with Salmon, Avocado and Tuna Nigiri and a wonderful selection of rolls that included a chicken, california and avocado and cucumber roll. They were served with fresh wasabi, ginger and soya sauce. Delice! On to part two of our tray of delights! The sweet treats we sampled are a mixture of Eastern flavoured cakes like red bean and sesame seeds with match roulade to more traditional British flavours like scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. There were so many exciting and tasty little nuggets it is hard to pick a favourite but if I was forced to make a decision then it would have to be the cheesecake (because cheesecake always wins) and the Green tea and chocolate Japanese savarin –heavenly! The service was faultless and Jasha, who was looking after us couldn’t have been a more perfect host.
Eat with Tea. We tried the cherry blossom and the white apricot tea and can recommend both. You also must have a glass or two of sparkling sake, what a revelation!
Hotel guests and in the know Londoners who enjoy a nice and relaxed bar.You should also know… The restaurant overlooks Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and If you are lucky to bag a table at the window you can enjoy a stunning view.
Restaurant/Bar: St James’s Hotel and Club
Where: Green Park, London
Vs… Editorial Assistant, Leah Farrar**The afternoon tea was…**gluten free. However this was not reflected in the taste. Whilst having a gluten intolerance usually means you miss out on the finer things in life, the St James Hotel ensure you don’t have to. My afternoon tea make up was pretty much the same as the usual glutinous version however mine came with an additional macaron, which was sublime.
Eat with: Nothing. The hotel really don’t skimp on the quantity and if you have room for anything else then I salute you.
The crowd: Mothers and daughters, groups of best friends and the occasional hotel resident are the usual however you might spy the odd couple on a date too.
You should also know… St James’s hotel is situated at the end of a quiet street in Mayfair and this makes for a rather lovely location. The staff are incredibly welcoming and accommodating (even when you ask for a gluten-free afternoon tea). If you’re not feeling hugely hungry, the bar is lovely and the bar snacks are even better.
Restaurant/Bar: Bulgari Hotel & Residences
Where: Knightsbridge, London
Vs… News Editor, Leanne Bayley**The afternoon tea was…**A contemporary twist on the classic Afternoon Tea. After enjoying my Caramel Tea, I tucked into an assortment of dainty finger sandwiches filled with Scottish smoked salmon and egg mayonnaise, as well as warm tartlets with courgettes and thyme or ratatouille and goats cheese. So far, so scrummy. Next it was time to try the freshly baked scones with the requisite clotted cream and jam, which are served up beside a selection of decadent pastries, including iconic Bulgari treats such as pistachio and raspberry macaroons and seasonal fruit tartlets.
Eat with: An appetite.
The crowd: Made in Chelsea stye girls, business men and their younger women and tourists.
You should also know… If you love fashion, and you’re keen to see The Victoria & Albert Museum’s new exhibition, “The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014”, well you’ll be happy to know that the Bulgari Hotel is doing a special afternoon tea offer which includes VIP entry to the exhibition. For £48 you get afternoon tea, VIP entry and the signature ‘Dolce Vita’ cocktail. Get in quick and visit Bulgarihotels.com
Restaurant/Bar: Balthazar
Where: 4-6 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ
Vs… Leanne Bayley, Content Editor
The afternoon tea was… Far too pretty for words! To celebrate Bobbi Brown Cosmetics' 25th Anniversary, the iconic beauty brand has joined forces with the fash-pack's favourite hang-out, Balthazar. Classic cakes are replaced with adorable confections modelled on the most popular products from the Bobbi Brown range. Think... a rich chocolate and sharp blackberry sachertort which mirrors the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, Shimmer Bricks are given extra sparkle with Champagne-infused rhubarb with orange and ginger cream, and adorable redcurrant & lemon posset macaroons are transformed into the Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks. Utterly genius!
The crowd: Style mavens at every turn, Instagramming away...
You should also know… Customers of the Afternoon Tea are invited to arrange a complimentary Makeup Lesson at the Bobbi Brown Covent Garden Studio, located a stones throw from Balthazar. You can also purchase the limited edition ‘Vintage Red for Balthazar’ Lip Color, a shade developed especially by Bobbi Brown to celebrate the collaboration.Details: This afternoon tea experience runs until 29th September 2016, and the price is £25.00 - £35.00.
Restaurant/Bar: Skylounge, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Where: 7 Pepys Street, London, EC3N 4AF
Vs… Leanne Bayley, Content Editor
The afternoon tea was… Located on the top floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and the views are pretty marvellous. We were there to get in the mood for Christmas with the special Christmas Afternoon Tea. The experience starts with Mulled Wine (but of course! ), followed by a selection of seasonal sandwiches, including the traditional turkey and cranberry, smoked salmon and crème fraiche and English camembert with plum chutney. We then tucked into Christmassy cinnamon scones served with Calvados cream and spiced apple chutney. The best was yet to come; the top tier of the Christmas Afternoon Tea included an array of festive treats; a red velvet cupcake, a cinnamon iced biscuit, white chocolate cake pops and two baubles filled with chocolate and orange, and white chocolate and coconut.
The crowd: A mix. We spied two men having a business meeting, a couple sipping on champagne while gazing into one another’s eyes and then there were two friends having a catch up. I took my mum as she loves Afternoon Tea.
You should also know… The Christmas Afternoon Tea costs £30 per person, and you can upgrade to a glass of champagne for an extra £10.
