We put the afternoon tea at The Waldorf Hilton’s service to the test… and found it absolutely ‘beauty-ful!
London’s Waldorf Hilton Hotel is set within the dramatic excitement of London’s Theatreland, just on the outskirts of Covent Garden, teetering on the edge of the central square mile, and across the road from the famous Waterloo bridge. The historic hotel – open since 1908, even has the claim to fame that it’s restaurant area was used to film the heart-wrenchingly emotional, and eye-wateringly beautiful dining room scenes from the Oscar winning 1997 classic movie Titanic. With so many connections to stage and screen, it seems befitting that the Afternoon Tea service takes it’s inspiration from Disney’s ‘Beauty And The Beast’!
This afternoon tea is served in the hotel’s Homage restaurant, which is neatly placed in the secluded core of the hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of the main street, and upon entering, we really did feel as though we were entering and enchanted woodland. The space is lit entirely with glittering, twinkling full sized ‘trees’, which made us feel so wrapped up in the fantasy that we wouldn’t have been surprised if cute, animated woodland creatures began dancing around our feet.
Dressed in a ‘Belle’ blue dress, our waitress ushed us to our table, which was lain with edible rose petals and of course a dark red rose at the centre, a homage to the famous rose in the film. We got things going with a twinkly-pink ‘Enchanted Rose Cocktail’ which contained a Whitley Neill Rhubarb and Ginger Gin complemented by Lillet Rose, although classic Pommery champagne brut is available if guests prefer, as well as the selection of teas.
Our first course was named ‘Spring Surprise’, and it really was surprising, considering that it’s not usual to be served a sumptuous cup of roasted red pepper soup with an asparagus tart to begin with at an afternoon tea. It was delicious, and really made us feel like we were getting our money’s worth! After our starter, our savouries were whisked along to the table, and included lots of naturally-inspired fare; fresh whipped cream cheese with grilled courgette on Nordic bread, followed a dill marinated tomato, cheese and spinach bread. All of these offerings were vegetarian, but vegan versions were available on request.
The real star in the princess crown of this particular afternoon tea were the scones. Oh, the scones! So often just an afterthought, these scones were warm and springy, with that brilliant buttery sheen on the outside that we all just go mad for. They were served but not one but two types of homemade jam and cream. The sweeties and tea service, though, were where the real Disney fans got what they’d come for. A selection of twelve teas come served inside ‘Mrs Pots’ teapots. Soon after, her animated son, ‘Chip’ was placed on the table and, to our delight, started to fizz and foam with theatrical smoke which added a bit of excitement to the meal, especially for the little ones!
We scoffed a strawberry, elderflower and rose Eton Mess, blackberry mousse cake, and a dark chocolate and raspberry tart which was all dressed up to look like the wise old grandfather clock ‘Cogsworth’ from the movie. Even though this really could have been quite tacky, it wasn’t at all: we were totally blown away by the exquisite menu design and execution – it was a tea that even non-Disney fans would have enjoyed a lot.
This would be a perfect afternoon tea treat for a Mum and Daughter to enjoy together (or, indeed, a Dad and a Son who loved the movie), or for groups of friends or family who might be enjoying a threatre show afterwards nearby. Indeed, the live harpist, who was playing serenades from the movie, did play a few ‘happy birthdays’ to the diners! We left the hotel having thoroughly ‘put their service to the test’, having found it excellent and with no beasts in sight.
Afternoon Tea London – find more experiences in our High Tea Venue Directory
