Afternoon Tea at Corinthia London

To say I was really REALLY excited to review Corinthia London’s afternoon tea, would be an understatement and I’ll tell you why. Firstly, it was my first time reviewing outside of Perth, Western Australia and secondly, they recently won the best traditional afternoon tea in the UK.

Let me start with the venue, the Crystal Moon Lounge and their showstopping 1,001 Baccarat crystal chandelier. My table was almost directly under this stunning centrepiece that glistened in the mountains of natural light thanks to the domed glass ceiling and floor to ceiling windows that surrounded us.

Another notable mention is the highly talented pianist, Kevin Lee (who is also a fellow Aussie) tinkling the ivories as you enter the lounge. His repertoire ranged from classical to modern and he welcomed requests.

The table settings had an old world English charm with comfortable high back leather chairs, classic tableware and opulent champagne glasses which were promptly filled with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé and accompanied by Kaluga caviar with sour cream on blini, upon arrival. Another nice touch was the beautiful take home menu booklet which included the vast array of champagnes on offer, food and extensive (27) tea menu.

Speaking of the menu, I kicked off the official afternoon tea with the five, finger sandwiches. Presented on an oblong tray, they all boasted different types of bread and a wide variety of fillings. I started with the subtly flavoured slow-cooked turkey, baby gem and sweetcorn relish on onion bread before moving onto the refreshing cucumber with yoghurt, mint and honey on white bread. It was hard to pick a favourite between the secret smokehouse smoked salmon, crème fraîche and onion jam on brioche bread and the pastrami, sweet mustard mayonnaise and dill gherkin on mediterranean bread. Fans of truffles will love the final sandwich on sourdough bread, clarence court egg mayonnaise with truffle and spring onion.

It was then time to order the Bespoke Corinthia Blend, which boasts a “Blend of Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Assam with rich malty notes and honey-like sweetness with a hint of spice”. It was the perfect accompaniment to the plain and sultana scones. Extra points for the presentation, a white wooden box that kept the scones warm and separate bowls for the clotted cream (wish that was more readily available in Australia), and the strawberry and personal favourite, apricot, jams.

The presentation points went up another notch when an almost empty three –tiered tower came out, followed closely by a trolley displaying all the delectable desserts which were then placed on the tower.

Starting from the bottom, I had the summery strawberries and crème fraîche tartlet and continued the fruit theme with the peach & cream éclair before winding up with the coconut rocher. I concluded the formal desserts with my ‘dish of the day’, the milk chocolate and pecan gateau, loved the layers of pecan and chocolate with slivers of dark chocolate on top.

My afternoon rounded off with the top and final tier, the moreish lemon drizzle cake and melt in your mouth “double” chocolate cookies.

Corinthia London’s afternoon tea is a delight from start to finish. However, be aware that each sitting has a strict timeframe of 1 hour 45 minutes.

Prices for the traditional afternoon tea are Monday to Thursday £75 and Friday to Sunday £85 and booking is essential.

If you love traditional afternoon teas in a decadent English setting you can’t go past the Corinthia London.

 

Corinthia London Afternoon Tea Menu:

Savouries

• Secret Smokehouse Smoked Salmon, Crème Fraîche & Onion Jam on Brioche Bread
• Pastrami, Sweet Mustard Mayonnaise & Dill Gherkin on Mediterranean Bread
• Slow-Cooked Turkey, Baby Gem & Sweetcorn Relish on Onion Bread
• Cucumber with Yoghurt, Mint & Honey on White Bread
• Clarence Court Egg Mayonnaise, Truffle & Spring Onion on Sourdough Bread

Scones

• Plain and Sultana Scones Served with Organic Strawberry Jam, Apricot Jam & Cornish Clotted Cream

Desserts

• Peach & Cream Éclair
• Milk Chocolate & Pecan Gateau
• English Strawberries & Crème Fraîche Tartlet
• Coconut Rocher
• Lemon Drizzle Cake
• “Double” Chocolate Cookies

 

Afternoon Tea London – find more experiences in our High Tea Venue Directory