Afternoon Tea at the Corinthia Hotel London

High Tea Society had the privilege of taking afternoon tea at the Corinthia Hotel in London.

One of London’s newest hotels it has taken the finest elements of traditional afternoon tea and put a modern twist on it. We cannot speak highly enough of the Corinthia London.

The entire experience was an absolute delight on the senses and we were treated with such care and attention without being overwhelmed. The hotel, set in the heart of London, a skip hop and a jump from Westminster, Whitehall, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, the West End and the National Galleries, is beautiful and it is quite clear the amount of thought that has gone into every detail – this is very much reflected in their afternoon tea experience.

The afternoon tea begins with a plate of finger sandwiches served on artisanal bread and a choice of tea from a very good selection. We chose the Japanese Gyokuro Asahi and Chinese Oriental Berry along with a glass of Laurent Perrier NV champagne. These were followed by a selection of perfectly sized warm scones and a selection of English fancies.

The quality of the food was excellent. The sandwiches include a selection of Loch Var smoked salmon, cornfed chicken with ale mustard, egg mayonnaise with watercress, roast sirloin beef and cucumber with goats cheese. The scones were small and perfectly formed, making way for a beautiful selection of cakes, which for us were the highlight.

These creations tasted incredible and looked perfect. For us the highlights of the afternoon tea were the roast sirloin of beef and creamed horseradish finger sandwiches, for which we actually requested more. The scones were perfect. The range of desserts and slices to select from is wide but if we had to choose a favourite, they would be the rhubarb cheesecake and the chocolate mousse log, though the mandarine almendine certainly made us gasp with joy.

The food was of high quality and easily competes among the finest of London’s more traditional afternoon tea establishments.

We understand that the tea is supplied by London-based Tea Palace.

Corinthia Hotel Afternoon Tea Menu:

Selection of finger sandwiches served on artisanal breads:

• Loch Var Smoked Salmon
• Goosnaugh Cornfed Chicken, Ale Mustard (N)
• Organic Egg Mayonnaise, Micro Watercress (V)
• Roast Sirloin of Beef, Creamed Horseradish (N)
• Creamed Inne’s Goats Cheese and Cucumber (V)

Warm scones (plan and raisin) served with house preserves and clotted cream

A selection of English fancies which included the following (amongst others):

• Mandarine Almendine
• Rhubarb cheesecake
• Rum Baba
• Chocolate log
• Blueberry Éclair
• Mille Feux – Lavender
• Chocolate Tower with Passion Fruit Jelly and Chocolate Fudge
• Pear Shot Glass

Illuminated by a spectacular “Full Moon” Baccarat chandelier designed by Chafik Gasmi, the Lobby Lounge is beautiful and overlooks a maple-lined courtyard which you could sit in during London’s warmer months. It is modern and fresh and, on the day we visited, was filled with the most exquisite orchids.

The tea ware is a bespoke tea set by William Edwards. On the day we visited music wasn’t playing, however, the atmosphere felt cosy and intimate despite being a busy Sunday afternoon. The Corinthia will host a range of social events including baby showers, Bar Mitzvahs and weddings.

The dress code is smart casual though you would not feel out of place in any form of attire. The service is excellent.

A unique experience in the heart of London, the Corinthia can easily compete with London’s older afternoon tea establishments. No points of detail have been spared in making the atmosphere feel really special, the food was lovely and the service was great – highly recommended.