With summer well and truly here, why not indulge in traditional British afternoon tea whilst taking in the beautiful outdoor surroundings of London. Littered with iconic views, there is an abundance of amazing hotels and restaurants in the capital which can all offer delicious traditional afternoon tea with all the trimmings; from scones, jam and clotted cream, to finger sandwiches and loose leaf or herbal teas. Here at HELLO! Online, we delve into some of the city’s most treasured places and those which have yet to be discovered.
1. Gallery Mess, Sloane Square
Gallery Mess is the stylish destination restaurant that adjoins the Saatchi Gallery, where some of the most inspiring contemporary works of art in London are housed. Found just off the Kings Road in Duke of York Square, it’s become a firm favourite with gallery visitors and creative types since its opening in 2009. The menu features a tier of delicious finger sandwiches, warm scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and a variety of delectable sweet treats to devour. The outdoor terrace, with picturesque views of a park, offers the perfect location to sit back, relax and enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea.
For more information visit, saatchigallery.com/gallerymess
2. Canary Riverside Plaza, Canary Wharf
This five-star hotel, located on the historic West India Quay, boasts a sophisticated contemporary design and a Garden Terrace which is the idyllic resting place to enjoy Afternoon Tea. Adorned with pretty views of sun-drenched gardens and the River Thames, guests can enjoy a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and pastries as well as the hotel's finest jam, and clotted cream served with an obligatory endless amount of tea or coffee. The roast beef and wild rocket sandwich, paired with a mozzarella croissant was a particular favourite. The service is faultless, delivered by delightfully friendly staff who were on hand to top up your tea cup or bring more sandwiches.
For more information visit, canaryriversideplaza.com
3. Dalloway Terrace, central London
Nestled in the heart of London's Fitzrovia, afternoon tea at Dalloway Terrace is sure to appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth! This offering is packed with delicious treats from delicate mango and passion fruit dome to a fabulous chocolate éclair, and there's also a gorgeous selection of corn-fed chicken in brioche and freshly baked, plain and sultana buttermilk scones. The venue, adorned with pretty floral decorations, was absolutely beautiful and was the perfect location to make the most of the warmer weather on the idyllic outdoor terrace.
For more information visit, dallowayterrace.com
4. Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, various central locations
This is certainly one of its kind! The bus tour is a wonderful way to enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea whilst also taking in the iconic sites of Central London. Travelling in a classic 1960’s Routemaster bus where you pass the likes of The London Eye, The Royal Albert Hall, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, you are treated to an array of delectable sweet and savoury delights. Every dainty sandwich and mini quiche - which came in a variety of flavours - alongside plain scones, mini cupcakes, sweet pastries and macaroons were superb, these were all topped off with a lovely pot of tea. Even though you pass through the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s the calming sanctuary of the tour bus which leaves you feeling truly spoilt and very relaxed.
For more information visit, b-bakery.com
5. Chelsea Harbour Hotel, Kensington
Quintessentially British and very elegant, this West Kensington hotel overlooks breathtaking views over the scenic harbour and marina. You get treated to an array of carefully hand-crafted finger sandwiches including fresh smoked salmon & cream cheese, coronation chicken, and asparagus. To follow the savouries, there is a course of warm, freshly baked scones – plain and fruit - served with clotted cream and fine strawberry preserve. To finish this is served alongside a wonderful selection of sweet treats including red velvet cupcakes, bakewell tarts, mini éclairs and strawberry mousse. It’s certainly a beautiful venue, with a relaxed yet upmarket feel and staff who offer impeccable service. Live music offered by a pianist and a cellist makes drinking tea all that much sweeter.
For more information visit, millenniumhotels.com