Set in residential Chelsea but only a few steps from Sloane Square and the King’s Road, the Draycott Hotel has hosted royalty among many public figures throughout its long history.
High Tea Society had the honour of being invited to afternoon tea at Chelsea’s Draycott Hotel. Set in residential Chelsea but only a few steps from Sloane Square and the King’s Road, the Draycott Hotel has hosted royalty among many public figures throughout its long history.
The Draycott is an extremely private hotel, that values discretion and comfort above all else, therefore afternoon tea is generally only open to those staying in the hotel or have booked a room to hold a function. With its ability to act somewhat as a home-away-from-home, the ambiance of this particular venue felt like staying with well-off relatives who were glad to have you stay but very keen to give you the freedom to do your own thing. It is this air of comfort, along with access to the private Cadogan Gardens, that sells the Draycott. This homeliness and deep sense of tradition extends to the Draycott’s afternoon tea menu.
The afternoon tea was beautifully presented on a cake stand containing sandwiches, scones, cakes, macarons and strawberries. We were seated on a comfortable chaise lounge overlooking a roaring fire while we sipped on tea drunk from beautiful fine bone China (champagne is on offer but due to such a varied range, this is really up to guests to pursue this option).
The sandwiches available included ham and mustard, egg and cress and salmon with cream cheese. These were served on fresh bread and the fillings were of high quality, our favourite being the smoked salmon which had a lovely depth of flavour to it.
Scones were brought to the table fresh out of the oven and served with rich clotted cream and a homemade strawberry preserve that had just the right amount of tang to it.
Cakes were small, but you don’t always wish to go large when it comes to afternoon tea. The fruit cake tasted like something your grandmother would have whipped up (a good thing) and the Victoria sponge was light and fresh as it should be. However, the highlights for us were the mini macarons, the passionfruit and dark chocolate ones having a great amount of punch, the pistachio being creamy and nutty.
We very much enjoyed our afternoon at the Draycott Hotel. We were shown one of the suites and should your budget allow, would recommend a stay, largely down to the sheer level of comfort and its location in the heart of Chelsea, but also due to the friendly and welcoming staff.
The food was of good quality with organic ingredients used where possible. This afternoon tea is one of the most strictly traditional versions that you will find in London.
Draycott Hotel Afternoon Tea Menu
- Full Afternoon Tea:
- Tea or infusions
- A selection of sandwiches (we were served ham and mustard, egg and cress, smoked salmon with cream cheese)
- Scones, homemade preserves, butter and clotted cream
- Traditional homemade fruitcake, Victoria sponge, mini macarons
Mini Afternoon Tea:
- Tea or infusions
- Traditional homemade fruitcake
- Scones, homemade preserves, butter and clotted cream
Locally created Leaf Tea and Coffee was used, we chose a classic English Breakfast.
A very traditional five-star boutique hotel, the Draycott is designed to be a warm and welcoming private residence, valuing discretion above everything. The Draycott’s 35 rooms are steeped in Edwardian splendour and adorned with high ceilings, fireplaces and carefully selected antiques.
The tea ware is from the Fresco range by William Edwards fine bone china was used.
Live music was not played, however, the cosy atmosphere made the need for this redundant.
The Draycott Hotel are willing to work with you to organise your special event. Contact the concierge for further details on email: [email protected].
A home away from home, the Draycott Hotel offers comfort and tradition in one of London’s finest neighbourhoods. If you are looking to stay somewhere timeless and discreet and take afternoon tea during your visit to London – the Draycott is for you.
