As Royal Wedding fever grips the world, what to do if you haven’t been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s fairytale union at Windsor? You won’t feel in the least put out (unlike Trump and May) if you’re partaking of The Savoy’s Royal Afternoon Tea, inspired by past royal weddings and their long standing heritage for welcoming members of the British royal family in both private or public capacities.
The Royal Afternoon Tea is served in the spectacular Thames Foyer dating from 1904, where its glass domed cupola and wisteria-laden pagoda centrepiece and live pianist delight guests and capture the atmosphere of Edwardian elegance. Without doubt the most regal way to mark this historic occasion, and well and truly taking the street out of party, the especially created afternoon tea is accompanied by acclaimed South Downs wine estate Rathfinny’s first vintage of Sussex Sparkling, available exclusively at The Savoy to celebrate this royal moment.
The Savoy have also launched the Royal Welcome cocktail, featuring a light and aromatic blend of Italicus Rosolio di bergamotto, Bombay Sapphire gin, Champagne syrup, yuzu, peychauds bitters and English sparkling wine – so ruddy marvellous that you will wonder why you need bother with tea. That said, in order to keep one’s dignity one is advised to sample some of the Queen’s favourite teas. From pure rose bud tea to classic Earl Grey and full-bodied Assam, I also sampled the white peony and rose tea – fragrant springtime in a cup, and, as it should be with a five star afternoon tea, every cup is poured for you and refreshed when needed, with the offer to try another tea should you wish.
You can’t have a wedding without cake and The Savoy’s Executive Pastry Chef Ludwig Hely (in collaboration with Susan Scott, The Savoy’s in-house archivist) has designed a top tier of patisserie befitting their royal highnesses with treats which are decadent, fun and frivolous including a classic strawberry tartlet, Croquembouche, traditional Battenburg cake, and Her Majesty The Queen’s favourite chocolate ganache layer cake with rich tea biscuits and rum soaked raisins, based on an authentic royal recipe. There is also a High Tea version for those looking for something more savoury, with seasonal English asparagus and egg.
The Royal Wedding is the perfect excuse to pop along to The Savoy – and pop some corks while you’re at it. Regardless of whether or not you have a title, a castle, or a chauffeur waiting for you outside the famous entrance staff here give all guests the royal treatment and can’t offer enough extra sandwiches or Savoy black packages to allow you to take away (without fear of embarrassment) any morsel you can’t quite manage at the time. Waste not want not. This rather special afternoon tea is available well into Harry and Meghan’s honeymoon and will make you feel an inch closer to being royal.
The Royal Afternoon Tea from £68/High Tea £73. With a glass of Rathfinny sparkling wine from £85 at The Savoy London until 31st May 2018. To book please visit the website or call +44 (0) 20 7420 2111 or savoy@fairmont. com
