London afternoon tea at the Hilton at Park Lane
The tradition of afternoon tea in London
Traditional English Afternoon Tea is a light meal typically eaten between 15:00 and 17:00 in the afternoon. In the original sense of the term afternoon tea was served with small sandwiches, pastries and thinly sliced bread with butter. Nowadays you can find an afternoon tea arrangement all over London, typically served in hotels or cafes. We found an amazing London afternoon tea arrangement at the Hilton Park Lane! Keep on reading before you book your London afternoon tea.
Outside of England, the tea arrangement is often referred to as High Tea, because the pastries are mostly served on a small tower. Historically, the term High Tea was mostly used for the evening meal, served between 17:00 and 19:00 pm. We have tasted our way through London in search of the Best Afternoon Tea and I am convinced to have found it at the Hilton Park Lane.
Our afternoon tea arrangement at the Hilton Park Lane
The restaurant Podium at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel serves a delicious Afternoon Tea, consisting of typical seasonal delights. For special occasions, like Valentine’s Day or Easter, they serve a themed tea arrangement.
Upon our arrival at the hotel, we were greeted friendly and shown our seats, overlooking the beautiful park. We were allowed to choose two different tea blends each that would be served in a typical English manner.
I opted for the Vanilla Chi and the Lapsang Souchon, while my husband tried the Masala Chai and the Red Velvet teas.
As a first course, we were served delightful little sandwiches, with egg salad, tuna, cucumber and many others. Our favorite was the coronation chicken (that is also the former Queens favorite, I have heard) and pineapple sandwich. The sandwiches tasted amazing and we were offered to order more of our favorites free of charge.
After a small break, we were presented with a stunning Ferris wheel filled with delicious pastries, scones, and clotted cream. We tasted our way through three types of scones, pain, raisin, and chocolate chip and enjoyed the typical Cornish Clotted Cream and a Caramel Spread as well as Strawberry jam.
Finally, we tried the most divine pastry selection I have ever seen. A roasted Pistacchio Choux Bun was followed by a lemon zest cheesecake, an apple crumble macaroon as well as a traditional flan.
Alongside our pastry selection, we ordered a glass of Pommery Brut Royale. While we were offered to order extra pastries free of charge as well we sadly had to decline the offer, since the original afternoon tea arrangement was already more than enough for two people.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the afternoon tea in London , including one glass of champagne, was 49 Pounds. We have been more than satisfied with the setting and thought it was definitely worth the money. For bookings and more information follow click here.
What to wear to afternoon tea in London?
If you are, like me, wondering what to wear to afternoon tea in London, you don’t need to worry. In most cafes the setting is super casual and most people simply wear their normal street clothes. If you are doing your high tea arrangement in a hotel, I suggest dressing a little less casual than you usually would. However, I did not feel like it was very strict either.
Not in the mood for a formal afternoon tea in London? Check out my favorite five instagram-worthy cafes in London.
