London’s eateries are shaking up all things quintessentially British as they celebrate Afternoon Tea Week…
Words Helen Brown
Afternoon tea in London is a fine affair, no longer reserved for traditionalists. From dim sum and duck rolls to kimchi and Turkish delight, there is something to satiate all palates. This British pastime is now so renowned it even has it’s own week. From today onwards London’s eateries are going all out to bring you the best in British tea-time tradition. Here are a few of the best.
THE PETERSHAM RESTAURANT
Taking place throughout September, the Totally Thames Festival celebrates the best in arts, culture, food and drink. The Petersham Restaurant will be adding to the mix with a new Thames tea. On the menu is a selection of Thames-inspired cakes and pastries including a ‘Thames Boat’ cupcake and a ‘Thames River’ toffee éclair. These will be served alongside traditional tea-time fare.
THOMAS CAFÉ AT BURBERRY
Enjoy Afternoon Tea Week at the fashionable Thomas’s Café in Burberry’s flagship store. Take a front row seat in the heart of London while enjoying a quintessentially British afternoon. Kick things off with a complimentary glass of Nyetimber rosé, before tucking into an assortment of finger sandwiches and tea cakes.
£32 per person, for reservations, contact Thomas’s Café at Burberry on +44 (0)20 3159 1410 or book via OpenTable
MINT GUN CLUB
Mint Gun Club are going global with not one but two afternoon tea offerings. An elaborate High Tea offers everything from cucumber kimchi sandwiches to mochi and Turkish delight, while the Tiffin Tin arrives in a hand-painted Indian layered lunchbox.
THE ROSBERY, MANDARIN ORIENTAL
The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park are departing from the norm to bring you their new Beer Afternoon Tea. Guests can enjoy all the classics – finger sandwiches, scones, pastries – alongside a variety of fine brews from England, Belgium and the USA. Each of the beers complements the assortment of flavours in the spread.
HOTEL CAFE ROYAL
Hotel Café Royal London are transforming the classic Afternoon Tea experience into an indulgence for the senses. They’ve collaborated with Diptyque to create tea-time treat like no other. From 1 September four new sweet delicacies will be available, each using the flavours found in four of Diptyque’s signature scents.
WHITTARD AFTERNOON TEA AT THE CHELSEA HARBOUR HOTEL
Whittard’s 130-year-old heritage marries with The Chelsea Harbour Hotel’s unbeatable location for a divine tea-time treat. Indulge in a traditional menu with finger sandwiches and scones served on Whittard of Chelsea fine bone china. The tea selection comes from Whittard of Chelsea’s exceptional range. Choose from over 100 varieties including the Chelsea Garden, a delicate and floral white tea.
The Whittard Afternoon Tea at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel costs £22 per person or £30 with a Bellini
DIM SUM AFTERNOON TEA AT LE CHINOIS
Le Chinois on Sloane Street are applying their Cantonese expertise to our favourite British past time. Their unique Dim Sum Afternoon Tea features a host of mouthwatering treats, both sweet and savoury. On offer are sautéed wasabi prawns, crispy shredded duck spring rolls, red bean and pandan mochi cake and freshly sliced mango. The tea includes the option of champagne or a selection of Chinese teas.
The Dim Sum Afternoon Tea at Le Chinois is available everyday from 12pm to 5pm, £25 per person.
