Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel, Sydney

It’s a very merry ‘chic-mass’ Afternoon Tea at Sydney’s opulent Langham Hotel.

Everyone knows The Langham hotel. Around the world, echoing far wider than the footprint of their 5 expansive properties across Europe and Asia-Pacific, the Langham name resounds quietly like a ripple across a lake. If one was to mention somebody they knew, or knew of, was staying at The Langham, it would be in hushed tones, and with impressedly-raised eyebrows. Sydney’s Langham property is nestled away from the CBD’s hustle and brash bustle, a quiet whisper at the end of Kent Street, just before the famous Harbour Bridge. It’s a gorgeous location for our festive tea today, a we were able to dip into solace from the business of the festive period into the quiet whisper of the Observatory bar for today’s festive tea.

The Observatory Bar, just a minute’s walk from the hotel’s chandeliered entrance, is so called, not so much for the view, but for the people watching. The glittering, mirror-backed and lacquered wood interior seats just a handful of tables, making it feel intimate and special. It’s an ideal location for a small gathering, or perhaps a date with that special someone, rather than a huge affair for the extended family and kids!

 

So mesmerised by the vintage interiors were we, that we were almost surprised when our softly-spoken host arrived to fill our glasses with San Pellegrino. He wished us a Merry Christmas, and informed us that we were about to enjoy the very best of what the Langham had to offer in the form of savoury tea fare. Our tiered plates were set in front of us, alongside a glass of bauble-esque sparkling champagne. The Langham’s iteration of the iconic Christmas Sandwich was a layered Turkey and Woombye double brie with cranberry sauce, and, in a cheekily Aussie twist, totally scoffable mini chicken and leek pies with gorgeously flakey pastry and chutney. These, along with the subtle smoke of the Queensland Tiger Prawn Brioche were rather filling, and almost spoiled our appetite for the scones.

We took a moment to collect ourselves and then tucked in, though, and what a delight. There were classic and candied-fruit varieties which smelled just like Christmas. The surprising star on the tree was a generous helping of fresh, plump blueberry jam that came with them, along with the cream.

Christmas themed high teas are always layered with lashings of extra indulgence, and the Langham’s offering provided treats galore in the form of Chrissy sweeties. The Langham Eggnog was layered with cherry compote and maraschino, and for choccie lovers, a huge ‘Buche De Noel’ satisfied – so much that we just could not finish it and had to take a bit home (!) For fruity lovers, the golden Christmas Bauble was laced with a spicy pear compote and orange ganache, and a cute little raspberry ‘Santa’s Hat’ completed the ensemble of flavour.

Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Langham, Sydney is perfect for those who want to do Christmas a bit differently with just that special someone, or someones, this year and who want to really spend quality time with those really near and dear to them. It would also be the perfect place to indulge in an intimate occasion with somebody very special – even the beginning of a new annual tradition from years to come. Or, it is Christmas – why not order a high tea just for yourself and have a bit of me-time in The Langham’s luxurious setting: you deserve it! And of course, if you’re feeling just far too full and tipsy to go home afterwards – we hear the rooms are pretty amazing too.

 

The Langham Hotel Sydney’s Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu:

Savoury:

• Free Range Egg Sandwich (v)
  Egg mayonnaise, chive, soft white bread
• Queensland Tiger Prawn Brioche
  Poached prawn, classic cocktail sauce, baby gem lettuce, paprika
• Free Range Turkey Sandwich
  Smoked turkey breast, Woombye double brie, cranberry sauce, soft white bread
• Chicken & Leek Pie
  Slow cooked free-range chicken, flaky pastry, tomato chutney

Sweet:

• ‘Santa’s’ Hat
  Raspberry compote, lychee mousse, vanilla financier, raspberry sable
• Ginger Bread Man & Snow Man Cookie
  Sables nantais, salted dulce de leche
• Golden Christmas Bauble
  Spiced pear compote, white chocolate orange Chantilly, orange flourless cake
• Bûche De Noël
  Chocolate chiffon, milk chocolate tonka bean caramel ganache, dark chocolate

Scones:

• Langham Signature scones and Stollen scones with dried fruit, candied orange and nuts,
  whipped Chantilly wreme, mixed berry

 

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