5 New Summer Afternoon Tea Menus

The quintessential pastime of afternoon tea owes its origins to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. In her household in 1840, supper was taken at the later hour of 8pm so she decided to take a 'light refreshment' between three to five O' clock with surrounding ladies of leisure. This elegant rendezvous was soon transported to London where tea houses and gardens opened and became the perfect playground for an afternoon of good conversation and relaxation. It is still a daily fixture in hotels, restaurants and venues across the U.K and is now available to all to enjoy tea, cake and delights. We have reviewed our favourite new afternoon tea menus that all have a twist and are just perfect to try for summer...

Where:

The Berkeley

 Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL

www.the-berkeley.com

Why:

The Berkeley’s legendary designer afternoon tea, Prêt-à-Portea, is now on! Inspired by the world of fashion, the menu of couture cakes gets a makeover every six months to reflect the latest catwalk trends, colours and designs. For spring/summer 2018, Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat has sent out a brand new Prêt-à-Portea collection of exquisite biscuits, bakes and fancies. It takes inspiration from an array of distinguished fashion and accessory designers, and the latest creations shown on the international fashion runways. Your tea also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches. To drink, choose a loose leaf tea from an extensive collection. It must also be known that the service is impeccable in The Berkeley and the tea room is spacious with lots of natural lighting. 

Prêt-à-Portea is priced at £52.00 per person.
Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier, £62.00 per person.

Highlight: 

The biscuits in the shape of heels, handbags and swimwear!

Booking:

dining@the-berkeley.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)20 7107 8866

Where:

Fortnum & Mason

St Pancras International

N1C 4QP

Why:

All-new Afternoon Tea & Tour package from St Pancras International and Fortnum & Mason is the most delicious history lesson you’ll ever have!  To celebrate its 150th birthday year, St Pancras International has teamed up with Fortnum & Mason to offer guests a unique Afternoon Tea experience, complete with the opportunity to hear fascinating tales of the station’s past in an hour-long historic walking tour. Guests will learn about the threat to demolish the building in the 20th century and its rebirth in the 21st century and after digesting the history of this iconic London building, guests will sit down to enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea at the station’s elegant and iconic tea salon, Fortnum & Mason. A decadent spread is served including Fortnum’s smoked salmon and tartare dressing on granary bread; plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve; and a pot of Fortnum’s famous tea. This makes a lovely birthday present or simply treat yourself to an afternoon of indulgence!

Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea and Tour package price: £45pp

Highlight: 

They have a special tea blend, aptly named St. Pancras which is as classic a British tea as you can get!

To book:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/historic-tour-and-afternoon-tea-at-fortnums-st-pancras-international-tickets-45474513494

Where: 

The Rose Lounge

Sofitel, St James

London

Why:

In Full Bloom! To celebrate spring and the Chelsea Flower Show The Rose Lounge is offering a floral themed afternoon tea with the Sofitel London St James magically transformed into a glorious garden just in time for Spring. The stunning space is adorned with opulent blooms and has been decorated with a green grass floor to really bring the outside in. Inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show (22nd-26th May 2018) the team at The Rose Lounge have designed a floral themed afternoon tea. Four exquisite new cakes, inspired by the team’s favourite flowers, have been created to accompany the traditional tea. These include the Violet – Violet White Chocolate Ganache, Violet Mousseline, Blueberry Compote and the Jasmine – Pistachio Sponge, Jasmine Mousse, Pistachio Crunch, Cocoa Soil. 

Alongside the cakes, there is also a selection of delectable finger sandwiches and scones with cream and jam – while choosing from a selection of spicy and smoky teas, herbal infusions, light and green teas, black teas, ‘La Vie en Rose’ inspired teas and rare & seasonal varieties as an accompaniment.  Of course, you may be feeling even more in the mood with a Chelsea Flower Show inspired cocktail. Garnished with a lavender bitter caramel and edible flowers and served in a delicate glass teacup, it’s the very expression of an English country garden.

The Chelsea Flower Show Afternoon Tea at The Rose Lounge is served daily from 12pm to 6pm, priced at £32, served free-flowing Champagne £52 or with a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial £39. The Chelsea Flower Show Cocktail is priced at £16.

Highlight: 

The mocktail with delicate rose petals is also a refreshing summer drink, aided with a rose flavoured macaron!

To book:

0207 968 2900, 

TheBalcon.London@Sofitel.com

SofitelStJames.com

Where:

InterContinental London Park Lane

One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY

Why:

The first of it's kind and not strictly afternoon tea, High Coffee, is London's newest addition. Similar to the much loved ‘Afternoon Tea’, InterContinental London Park Lane offers a sublime tasting experience of mouth-watering savoury and sweet delights served with specially paired coffees. If you love coffee this is tasting heaven! What is so very unique about this new concept is that different blends of coffee - all high-grade, handcrafted, hand roasted, wood-fired - of which have been carefully selected to match and accompany each chapter of this culinary cavalcade of caffeinated decadence. High Coffee is a perfect afternoon spent in the beautiful surrounds of the Wellington Lounge.

£42 per person 

Available from 1pm - 5pm

Highlight:

Espresso Martini- need I say more?

To book:

020 7409 3131
wellingtonlounge@ihg.com

Where:

Royal Lancaster

Lancaster Terrace, London, W2 2TY

Why:

Floral fever lands! In celebration of the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show and Hyde Park’s Rose Gardens in full bloom, Royal Lancaster London is following suit with the ‘Bloomin’ Brilliant Afternoon Tea’, available throughout May and June 2018. A beautifully botanical selection of sweet delicacies features a freshly-picked Strawberry tart with lime curd and baby basil; Valhrona chocolate flower pots with budding crystallised violets; a Lemon and elderflower sable dome; and an Orange blossom and ginger macaron.

Highlight: 

The delicious fillings of the sandwiches!

To Book:

www.royallancaster.com

0207 551 6000