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15th August 2017
To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, we have curated a list of the best of Afternoon Tea in London. From high tea at dizzying heights to something suitable for the whole family - we have got you covered if you can’t decide where to go for your classic British tradition.
The traditional Afternoon Tea that we have come to know and love was first created by Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. This was due to the lengthy gap between meals as dinner was usually served later in the evenings, this then led to Anna requesting sandwiches, a scone, and tea to be served to her in her private room. This then grew and she started inviting high society friends - leading to the word of Afternoon Tea to spread and grow into the tradition that we have today.
The Den, St Martin’s Lane Hotel
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Den provides the perfect mix of a cosy, inviting location with top quality food. The menu has been expertly crafted to maintain the traditionalism of Afternoon Tea but added a modern twist to keep it fresh and new. There are 3 savoury options on the menu, which includes smoked salmon with salsa verde cream on Olive & Chilli Bread; whilst the sweet options have more variety and include a Raspberry Mousse with passionfruit jelly and coconut dacquoise and the Ludovic’s Eclair which contains a milk chocolate and hazelnut mousse with caramel and crispy praline - And of course, it is served with a warm scone accompanied by clotted cream and jam.
Oblix Lounge, The Shard
For a high-quality Afternoon Tea, head to the heights of Oblix - located on the 32nd floor of The Shard, and soak up the breathtaking panoramic views of London. The menu represents many aspects of the wonderful city you will be overlooking as you dine - as it includes ‘Islington’ Sandwiches which contain duck egg & truffle mayonnaise; ‘Hackney’ Scones; and ‘Putney’ Pastries - a crunchie chocolate pecan bar.
The Ampersand Hotel
The Ampersand Hotel is located just a stone's throw from the Science Museum and is perfect for adults and children alike. Whilst the savoury options are appetising, think Roast beef and horseradish bagels, and the white chocolate scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve are inviting; it is the pastries that bring this afternoon tea to life. The inner-child or science buff in everyone - young or old- can enjoy the pastries that accompany this afternoon tea as it features a Cream Cheese Planet Mousse; Chocolate Spacemen, Macarons; Prosecco Mint Jelly, Kiwi, Lime & Pineapple Jam Petri Dish’; as well as a Milk Chocolate Fossil hidden within Chocolate “Soil.”
We have previously described Dalloway Terrace as ‘one of the most Instagrammable dining spots in London’ and their latest Afternoon Tea certainly fits in with that description. At Dalloway Terrace, the menu is a perfect balance of sweet and savoury and contains a mixture of both plain and fruit buttermilk scones, again served with clotted cream & jam. The selection of savoury goods features Beaufort Brown Egg Mayonnaise & Cress on Pain de Mie amongst others, with the sweet options featuring Fresh Raspberry & Streusel Tart and a Dark 70% Chocolate Cake.
To celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week, Dalloway Terraceise offering up to 25% off Afternoon Tea for this week only when you book online at https://dallowayterrace.com/book-now/
The Pursuit of Pleasure, a 52-year-old blended Scotch whisky from House of Hazelwood and Hedonism Wines, would make the perfect Christmas present for a whisky devotee.
As the festive season approaches, London’s vibrant dining scene is ready to dazzle with an array of delectable offerings designed to elevate your celebrations.
The end of the year is in sight, so if you haven't snapped up a private room for your annual family get-together, company party or reunion with friends, allow us to suggest some of the best in the capital.
