When The Langham, London opened their doors in 1865 they were not only Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’ but the first hotel in the world to serve afternoon tea, the elegant dining experience which their brigades of pastry chefs have become renowned for over the hotel’s almost 160-year history; offering today’s visitors to the capital a glimpse of a beloved English tradition and Londoners a welcome trip down memory lane, along with the chance to pause with friends and loved ones in the hotel’s magnificent Palm Court, their central dining room which offers an oasis just a stone’s throw from Regent Street.
Given that Queen Victoria was on the throne when The Langham, London began serving afternoon tea, the hotel has had plenty of time to perfect the ultimate tea-time experience for discerning diners. The way we live has altered out of all recognition since 1865, which is perhaps why afternoon tea has seen such a boom in popularity over recent years, with so many of us clinging to this traditional and comforting pastime. The Langham’s new afternoon tea celebrates their heritage as the original London afternoon tea venue, with Victorian-inspired cakes, pastries and sandwiches created by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett and Chef Michel Roux Jnr.
The mirrored Palm Court is as regal a venue as you could wish for, with beautiful table settings featuring crisp linens and bespoke china by British designer William Edwards. While the live pianist sets the tone of relaxation, guests are invited to commence their decadent tea-time experience with a celebratory glass of Tattinger Champagne or Wild Idol, a premium alcohol free alternative which partners well with both sweet and savoury treats, beginning with the dainty finger sandwiches heady with nostalgic British flavours; Roast Shropshire Chicken with Curried Butter, Classic Cumber with ‘Clotted Cream Butter’and Chives, Smoked Salmon with ‘Nasturtium Butter’, Gentleman’s Relish with Cauliflower, and Devilled Quail’s Egg. The generosity of The Langham, London’s afternoon tea means that, although you’re welcome to do so, I wouldn’t recommend you ask for a second round!
Patisserie is always served before scones at The Langham, perhaps in order to prioritise the almost-too-pretty-to-eat delights which showcase the skill and creativity of the pastry chefs. I was expecting mini Dundee cakes, Victoria sandwiches and Battenburgs, but in fact the team decided to stick to their usual clean presentation and channel more exotic flavours with a Rose-infused Baba with Lychee and Mascarpone, Orange blossom Cream with Almond Madeleine, Elderflower & Redcurrant Charlotte, with an Earl Grey & Jivara Mousse with Caramel Centre in the shape of a flower for the chocolate lovers. Meanwhile there is an impressive selection of JING leaf tea, encouraging guests to venture away from the classic Earl Grey or The Langham’s own Breakfast blend, with speciality teas like Phoenix Honey Orchid and Jasmine Silver Needle you won’t come across every day, nor is there any limit to how many teas you can sample.
The plain and raisin scones are kept warm under a silver cloche, whipped away with due theatricality by our waiter and accompanied with Cornish clotted cream and a trio of homemade seasonal preserves; strawberry, raspberry and apricot. But it’s the show-stopping finale of Strawberry Trifle that is the element of the new afternoon tea that you’re not likely to forget. Designed to be shared by the table, husband and I grab a spoon and take it in turns to plunder the layers of sponge, fruit and cream with a giddy, childlike delight; a taste of the past that’s not only welcome in the present time, but positively yearned for. From service anticipating your every need to food that makes you return, The Langham always know what their guests need before they do.
The Langham Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday to Sunday, 12.30–5.00pm, priced £85pp or £100pp with Champagne. Children’s (£50pp), Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free Menus also available, as are Afternoon Tea gift vouchers. For more information and reservations please visit the website.
