THE week of August 10-16, National Afternoon Tea Week, celebrates the cultural episode that involves drinking tea and tasting light refreshments at – and this is quintessentially important – a leisurely pace and in a refined atmosphere.
At Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, the aptly named British Social Season Afternoon Tea is served amidst the Art Deco splendour of the Palm Court. The experience draws on iconic social occasions in the British calendar, like Royal Ascot, The Proms and Wimbledon, enlivened by a live classical pianist and enhanced by seasonal pastries, classic finger sandwiches and – of course – freshly baked scones.
British Social Season Afternoon Tea At Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
The Hansom, within the historic carriage driveaway, at St. Pancras London
The Gothic grandness of the capital’s most recognisable railway station provides the context for Laurent-Perrier Afternoon Tea in the unique setting of The Hansom in St. Pancras London. You are spoilt for choice with 18 loose-leaf teas and the elevated pleasure of complimentary Champagne and, at weekends, live music.
Afternoon Tea at The Library, London Marriott Hotel County Hall. Lateef Photography
An equally seminal site, overlooking the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, was once the seat of London’s governing body. It is now London Marriott Hotel County Hall and here the new Rose Afternoon Tea hails the capital’s summer season with a rosé-inspired menu, served amongst more than 3,000 vintage books. The classic tea service has the added enjoyment of a complimentary rosé cocktail or glass of rosé sparkling wine.
The Tales of Beatrix Potter Afternoon Tea in JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. Photo credit Claude Okamoto
Young readers and adults with fond memories of enjoying Beatrix Potter’s books will warm to the literary-enthused experience in the Park Room at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. Its highly imaginative Tales of Beatrix Potter Afternoon Tea celebrates the 160th anniversary of the famed children’s author with pastries inspired by, for example, Jemima Puddle-Duck’s crack-open white chocolate egg and Peter Rabbit’s Earl Grey chocolate mousse garden.
The Register Club Afternoon Tea
Moving north to Scotland’s capital city, it is in The Registers Club in The Edinburgh Grand, the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland, that afternoon tea is served. The setting, full of original period features, feels aristocratically classy while the parquet and oak paneling adds the solidity that banks were once supposed to possess in perpetuity. The menu bears witness to the country’s cuisine at its finest, from Scottish smoked salmon sandwiches to freshly baked cranachan. The pastries, as one would expect, are handcrafted and include the tasty addition of an Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb Meringue tart.
Afternoon Tea on the 10th floor of W Edinburgh at SUSHISAMBA
For an innovative take on the classic afternoon tea, SUSHISAMBA restaurant at W Edinburgh offers something different with an offering that blends not Scottish whiskies but Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian tastes with Scottish ingredients. The menu’s novelty will arouse taste buds, as will also the choice of teas, and the vegetarian and vegan items pay more than token attention to anyone wishing to avoid meat and fish. The 360-degree views across Edinburgh serve to remind you that, despite the exotic fare, this is most definitely Scotland.
by Sean Sheehan