The other weekend my mum came down from Manchester to stay with me and Sharps in our new flat. I say new but we’ve been there for about six months now and are still not much further with the DIY than when we moved in). Although she grew up in London it’s been a while since her last visit, so I wanted to take her somewhere lovely that I could spoil her, ideally with London’s best afternoon tea.
First off there was a trip to the West End to see Jersey Boys (not my cup of tea but I can appreciate for those of a slightly older generation it’s a great night out – and I was still secretly singing along to some of the songs – it’s amazing how many of The Four Season’s songs have been covered).
As I mentioned I was also keen to treat my mum to a quintessential afternoon tea. The most obvious choices if you’re looking to splash out on afternoon tea in London are The Ritz or The Dorchester but for London’s best afternoon tea head for the Landmark London Hotel for a real London hidden gem.
Winter Garden Landmark London Hotel, home to London’s best afternoon tea
Its elaborate Winter Garden, set in a glass roof atrium complete with indoor palm trees at its centre, has a relaxed atmosphere. Despite it being posh you don’t feel in the least bit intimidated while you indulge in the assortment of sandwiches and sweets on offer.
What I love about the Landmark and what makes it London’s best afternoon tea for me is that you have the option to go for a chocolate version of their afternoon tea – chocoholics be warned you’ll never want to leave. My personal favourites were the chocolate and orange and marble cupcakes. My mum who’s a fan of custard preferred the vanilla and chocolate choux. And she really enjoyed a custard-like tart with fresh fruit (we chose a normal afternoon tea and a chocolate one to ensure we got the best of both worlds).
Unlimited afternoon tea at London’s Landmark hotel
It’s not cheap, £48 for a normal afternoon tea with a glass of Tattinger Rosé and £50 for the chocolate afternoon tea with a glass of Tattinger Rosé – but you really do get what you pay for. Although initially the price may seem a little steep, you can have unlimited refills of sandwiches, cakes and scones, another reason that makes this London’s best afternoon tea. And if you’re not a fan of tea as there is the option to substitute it for coffee. I’d definitely advise skipping breakfast to make sure you’ve got room to sample the unlimited array of cakes and pastries. But don’t worry if you don’t – they even offer to give you a doggy bag to take your leftovers home in.
