Afternoon Tea is a quintessential British tradition dating back to the Victorian era as a means to curb any hunger pangs between lunch and the evening meal. Today, afternoon tea has become a celebrated occasion in its own right and its growing popularity has resulted in a tasty array of creative menus, delectable dishes and imaginative presentations. On our latest trip to London we were kindly invited along to the InterContinental London Park Lane to experience their new Royal Afternoon Tea. Read on to discover more.
Intercontinental Park Lane
Situated at one of the capital’s most prestigious addresses InterContinental London Park Lane presents modern luxury accommodation in the heart of Mayfair. Inspired by its location overlooking the Royal Parks, the hotel delivers elegant natural interiors and award-winning seasonal cuisine.
The Wellington Lounge
Within the hotel’s ground floor, with views looking onto Wellington Arch and up to Green Park, is the Wellington Lounge a calming space to enjoy a moment to relax during the day and this is where the hotel’s Afternoon Tea is served.
Royal Afternoon Tea
The hotel’s location was once home to Queen Elizabeth when the address was 145 Piccadilly and this iconic property has always been synonymous with Buckingham Palace. Taking inspiration from its royal heritage, newly appointed Head Pastry Chef, Radoslav Georgiev has created The Royal Afternoon Tea menu.
From the minute you walk to the hotel’s doors the staff customer attention is outstanding. The main doors are opened by a door-man, and you are escorted through to the main lobby into the Wellington Lounge. Once there, your waiter for the Afternoon Tea seats you at your table. We had an amazing waiter called Angelo, when you go ask for him, he was fantastic!
Both the food and tea menu are presented and thoroughly explained with suggested teas.
Richly underpinned by InterContinental London Park Lane’s Royal roots, the savoury selection features a Scottish lobster and saffron aioli open sandwich, alongside an array of classic finger sandwiches. Plain and raisin buttermilk scones are served with Devonshire clotted cream and a seasonal homemade British fruit preserve.
All cakes and pastries are suitable for vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
View the menu here
Savoury
Unlike some Afternoon Tea where savoury and sweet are presented at the same time, this Royal Afternoon Tea is presented in courses using a beautifully theatrical Afternoon Tea stand. Two open sandwiches and four generously sized finger sandwiches which included :
Open Sandwich
Scottish lobster, radish, mustard cress, saffron aioli.
Finger Sandwiches
Honey-roast English ham, salted truffle butter, white bread.
Butter-poached chicken supreme, coronation dressing, tomato bread.
Smoked salmon, citrus and dill cream cheese, wild watercress, Champagne bread.
English cucumber, mascarpone cream, garden mint, granary bread.
Sweet
Following our savoury course the sweet course was presented with four beautiful cakes (The malibu coconut delice was to die for!) accompanied by two scones each – that are the best scones I have ever had, they are melt in the mouth. The cakes were :
Scones
Plain and raisin buttermilk scones, served with Devonshire clotted cream, homemade seasonal British preserve.
Cakes & Pastries
Passion fruit and wild raspberry cake.
Malibu coconut delice.
Pistachio and seasonal strawberry opera.
Organic cherry and tonka bean slice.
Upon leaving you are also presented with a slice of Queen’s chocolate biscuit cake which made its way home with us.
Champagne
If you want to really relax a glass of Champagne is always ideal and the Champagne served is Dom Ruinart.
Dom Ruinart Champagne is the oldest champagne house founded by visionary Monk Dom Thierry in 1729. Ruinart combines delicacy and subtle freshness, all from the finest grapes, skilful blending and extensive ageing in the 2000 year old cellars, said to be the most historically beautiful cellars in France and is perfect accompaniment.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Afternoon Tea doesn’t disappoint, beautiful cakes, savouries, customer service and setting, make this the perfect choice for an Afternoon Tea in London.
InterContinental London Park Lane’s new Royal Afternoon Tea is served Thursday to Sunday costing £48.00 per person or £65.00 with R de Ruinart Champagne and is included in our guide to the best Afternoon Tea in London.
Contact Details
Website: parklane.intercontinental.com/en/wellington-lounge-afternoon-tea/
Address: One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, London W1J 7QY
Hyde Park, Westbourne Street, Paddington, Westminster, London, Kensington, Greater London, England, W2 2ND, United Kingdom
