The Dorchester may not be London’s oldest hotel but it is unquestionably one of the grandest. The darling of Park Lane since opening its doors in 1931, when illustrious patrons soon flocked to enjoy the splendour and delights of Mayfair’s hottest hot spot, including the British Royal Family, it’s like a small and perfect luxury universe the moment you step inside, with all the glitz and glamour it possessed in its heyday.
Afternoon tea is served in the historic Promenade, re-opened in 2023 to reveal a ravishing Art Deco-inspired transformation that is the jewel in the crown of an extensive renovation of the hotel. The Promenade offers relaxed all-day dining alongside breakfast and afternoon tea services, lending the space an effervescent tone that makes it the perfect venue for a celebration. A memorable experience year-round, it’s even more so from May onwards when you can extend your visit with a drink in The Dorchester Garden before or after.
Meanwhile, the gigantic urns standing at the entrance to The Promenade look as if they’re straight from a big-budget film set in Ancient Rome, filled to the brim with pale pink roses and peonies by in-house designer florist, Philip Hammond, who is also responsible for the exquisite hand-tied bouquets you can find at the hotel’s boutique, Cake and Flowers. The concept of a shop selling cake, flowers and bubbly (cue summer picnic) makes it quite possibly the best hotel shop in the world.
The Dorchester Collection never do anything by halves and after seven years in the making, the hotel recently introduced The Dorchester Rose, a new variety created by Meijer Roses of Holland, celebrated in their new summer AR filter which sees the rose covering the famous hotel façade, something guests can experience by scanning the QR code at the entrance to The Dorchester Garden. The Dorchester Rose is also featured in the spectacular floral displays inside the hotel (using an average of 50,000 stems) from the public areas to all rooms and suites. The intoxicating fragrance of the Dorchester Rose greets you the moment you pass through the revolving doors which have welcomed icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Nelson Mandela. Part of the wonder of The Dorchester is that even if you’re not an A-lister surrounded by bodyguards, the front of house always look just as pleased to see you.
One of the most spacious and decadent afternoon tea venues in London, gone are the orange and green interiors in favour of a more Marie-Antoinette’s boudoir vibe, with plush sofas, floral-upholstered gilded armchairs and romantic corner booths piled with silk scatter cushions to ensure guests are as comfortable as if they were sitting upon a cloud. The soothing melodies played by the pianist further creates a sense of otherwordliness, while the ceremony of Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester commences with important questions like whether you would like a glass of Champagne and if so which – Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, Rathfinny Estate, Blanc de Noirs, Sussex, UK, Sparkling Wine or perhaps a glass of Dom Pérignon Vintage?
I love that The Dorchester always think of everyone, with non-drinkers like myself and my husband catered for with premium Wild Idol alcohol free sparkling rosé, an ideal choice with afternoon tea due to its delicious notes of strawberry. You can also enjoy a glass in the leafy Dorchester Garden where there is a less formal offering of patisserie and home-made ice cream to encourage a more spontaneous treat when you happen to be passing. Making a tea choice from The Promenade’s exemplary selection of rare loose leaf and floral teas initially looks difficult, but guests are invited to sample as many tea varieties as they wish throughout their experience. When I opted for the loose leaf chai, proclaiming my love for that blend, the charming Maitre’d suggested that he also bring their authentically Indian chai made with milk. And very good it was too.
Following on the heels of our chilled Wild Idol were the impeccably neat yet generously filled finger sandwiches – Severn & Wye smoked salmon, dill and horseradish, Cucumber, dill and chamomile, Roast chicken, gem lettuce, Parmesan and lemon, Duck egg mayonnaise and watercress, Dorrington ham, heritage tomato, mustard and tarragon – and we were both amazed by how many bread varieties they serve to gluten free diners. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free, executive pastry chef Michael Kwan and his team go the extra mile to ensure that everyone dining at The Promenade feels thoroughly spoiled. In addition to the finger sandwiches, we were served dainty gluten free tartlets filled with a fresh seasonal salad; creating the sense that we were working our way through a tasting menu, with all the leisurely indulgence this entails. There was even a pre-dessert from the chef – a perfectly crisp meringue masquerading as a macaron whilst encasing a disc of ice cream before being dusted with freeze-dried raspberry powder.
Warm, buttery gluten free raisin and plain scones accompanied by homemade preserves and clotted cream, were nothing short of perfection and barely distinguishable from the ‘real deal’, while the top tier of gluten free patisserie featuring a Blueberry and Blackcurrant Tart, Signature Dorchester Chocolate and Cherry Mousse and Raspberry and Coconut Mousse were sublime. They even surprised me with a gluten free carrot cake topped with a ‘Happy Birthday’ chocolate. I defy anyone to find a more exceptional afternoon tea in London, especially if you’re gluten free or have dietary requirements. If I was to relive the same birthday every year for the rest of my life, Groundhog Day-style, I would be only too delighted. As Mae West wisely observed, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”
Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester Hotel’s Promenade is served daily from 12pm-4.30pm. Traditional Afternoon Tea is priced from £95pp, with Champagne Afternoon Tea starting from £105pp. For more information and reservations please visit the website.
