There is something especially fitting about celebrating the legacy of The Langham London, widely regarded as the hotel that helped popularise the grand tradition of afternoon tea, within the elegant surrounds of The Langham Melbourne.
Created to honour the 161st anniversary of the iconic London property, the limited-edition Anniversary Afternoon Tea at Aria Bar & Lounge feels both timeless and contemporary, paying tribute to tradition while embracing refined modern touches.
Served within the hotel’s Aria Bar & Lounge, the experience feels luxurious yet welcoming. The tiered stand arrived brimming with carefully curated savoury bites, warm pastries and elegant sweets, all crafted under the direction of Executive Chef Thomas Rappl.
The savoury selection leaned into classic afternoon tea flavours elevated with thoughtful detail. The cucumber sandwich on brioche was decadently buttery with lovely freshness from the salted sour cream butter, while the free-range egg sandwich with mustard mayonnaise and cress delivered the nostalgic comfort expected from a traditional afternoon tea. The coronation chicken with dried apricot and almonds offered a subtle sweetness, and the smoked salmon with lemon crème fraîche on rye was delicate and balanced.
From the hot selection, the mini baked mushroom, leek and cheddar tart was a standout. Rich and savoury, it was perfectly complemented by the parmesan crisp atop. The chicken and ham croquettes were golden and crisp on the outside with a creamy filling, pairing beautifully with the accompanying mustard mayonnaise.
The sweet course carried the heritage theme, with flavours that felt classic yet intriguing. The fig tart with fig leaf custard and vincotto glaze was particularly memorable, layered with earthy sweetness and texture. A traditional Victoria sponge was elevated with spiced medlar jelly and rose Chantilly, while the caraway seed financier paired surprisingly well with black pig bacon and its crisp garnish. The Madeira cake with lemon verbena glaze and quince was understated yet elegant.
Executive Chef Thomas Rappl also shared some fascinating insight into the inspiration behind the dessert selection, much of which draws on historic ingredients and produce often overlooked in modern pastry kitchens. Speaking about the Victoria sponge with medlar jelly and rose Chantilly, he explained that medlar is an ancient fruit not too dissimilar to quince, traditionally harvested in the cooler months from April to June. Interestingly, the fruit only develops its full sweetness and flavour after the first frost, transforming dramatically over just a few weeks. Rappl described discovering medlars growing locally in Melbourne gardens and being struck by what he called a “hidden treasure” that often goes unnoticed despite its remarkable flavour.
That appreciation for seasonal produce continued with the fig tart, which features a vanilla custard infused with fig leaf. Rappl explained that after tasting the dessert during development, the team experimented with steeping fig leaves directly into the custard to intensify the flavour profile. The result is subtle yet distinctive, adding an aromatic green freshness that elevates the tart beyond a traditional fig dessert.
The pastry selection also embraces ingredients more commonly associated with savoury cooking. The financier featuring black pig bacon and caraway references flavour combinations popular during the Victorian era, when caraway was widely used in baking, liqueurs and even digestive remedies. Rappl noted that while many guests may not immediately recognise the spice, its warm aromatic quality adds depth and complexity to the dense cake. Similarly, the Madeira cake incorporates lemon verbena, an ingredient more often found in herbal teas, bringing a delicate citrus brightness to the dessert alongside poached quince.
What makes the Afternoon Tea memorable is the thoughtfulness behind these details. Beyond simply creating visually beautiful pastries, the menu reflects a genuine exploration of heritage ingredients, seasonality and culinary traditions.
No afternoon tea feels complete without freshly baked scones, and these arrived warm with generous servings of clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
Tea remains central to the experience, with a Ronnefeldt tea selection available throughout the sitting. I enjoyed the Special Earl Grey, which carried delicate floral notes balanced by refreshing bergamot citrus, alongside the Assam Bari Irish Breakfast, a stronger malty tea with a rich aroma that paired especially well with the savoury course.
I also opted for the non-alcoholic Kylie Minogue sparkling option, which was a lovely addition to the experience. Light, crisp and celebratory without being overly sweet, it complemented both the savoury and sweet selections beautifully and added an extra sense of occasion to the afternoon.
The Langham London Anniversary Afternoon Tea is available from 1 – 14 June 2026 at Aria Bar & Lounge, at The Langham Melbourne.
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Weekday sittings run from 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm, priced at $88 per adult for the coffee and tea package or $108 with bottomless rosé.
Saturday sittings are available at 10am to 12pm, 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm, while Sunday sittings are available from 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm. Weekend pricing begins at $108 per adult, with a Laurent-Perrier Champagne option available for $128.
Children’s pricing ranges from $50 to $59 depending on the day, with a 10% surcharge applying on Sundays.
Elegant, thoughtfully executed and steeped in history, this limited-edition Heritage Afternoon Tea is a beautiful way to experience a piece of The Langham’s enduring legacy here in Melbourne.
Anniversary Afternoon Tea Menu:
Sandwiches
- Cucumber, salted sour cream butter on brioche
- Free-range egg & mustard mayo, cress on light rye
- Coronation chicken
- Smoked salmon with lemon crème fraîche on rye
The Langham’s Classic Cucumber & Clotted Cream Sandwich Recipe
If you were enjoying Afternoon Tea at The Langham London in 1865, this Classic Cucumber & Clotted Cream Sandwich would have been on the menu. Now you can recreate a little of that history at your high tea at home.
View the recipe here
Reviews for this venue:
- 26 September 2025: A Fresh Take on Spring Afternoon Tea at The Langham, Melbourne
- 3 July 2022: Afternoon Tea at The Langham Melbourne
- 10 October 2018: High Tea at the Aria Bar, Langham Melbourne
- 2 March 2016: Afternoon Tea at the Langham Melbourne
- 23 February 2013: Art and Afternoon Tea with Kerrie Hess, Melbourne
- 4 June 2010: Afternoon Tea Chocolate Bar at The Langham Melbourne
