Three of the best afternoon teas in London…

Antony Holter Posted On June 13, 2019

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The Saint & Sinner Afternoon Tea at L’oscar café

The opulent yet informal Café L’oscar has recently launched its first Afternoon Tea, offering guests an array of sweet and savoury treats. Following the Saint & Sinner theme of the upstairs cocktail menu at The Baptist Bar, the tea remains inkeeping with the quirky and expert food and beverage offerings throughout L’oscar hotel.

Overseen by Executive Chef Tony Fleming, the menu complements the hotel’s decadent style whilst heroing British flavours and ingredients. Served between 15.00 and 17.00 from Monday to Sunday, the Saint afternoon tea is priced at £38 with a tea selection and £60 for the Sinner version which includes 3 cocktails. For more information: www.loscar.com

The floral afternoon tea at The Petersham restaurant, Covent Garden

In line with the slow food philosophy of Good, Clean and Fair upon which Petersham Nurseries was originally established, this Afternoon Tea offering showcases the finest seasonal produce and quality ingredients, evoking seasonal Italian flavours. The menu changes on a regular basis depending on produce on offer but includes a delectable selection of sweet and savoury dishes including Taleggio and truffle on toasted sourdough, Farm chicken and sage milk bun, Amalfi lemon and vanilla choux bun, and Rhubarb mascarpone cheesecake.

Nestled in Floral Court, a tree-lined courtyard away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, The Petersham draws inspiration from the Boglione family home, Petersham House in Richmond, with interiors that speak to a passion for contemporary art, Murano glassware and understated grandeur, and reflecting the family’s personal tastes and collections. Available between 3pm – 4:30pm from Thursday – Sunday, the afternoon tea is priced at £45 per person or £55 per person including a glass of prosecco. The seasonal flower bouquet can be purchased for £15.

https://petershamnurseries.com/stories/afternoon-tea-the-petersham-way

New St James’s Afternoon Tea at The Stafford

Why not visit The Stafford London this weekend to tuck into their chic new afternoon tea, inspired by the luxury boutiques, delis and shops that surround the five-star hotel and its restaurant, The Game Bird? The Stafford’s Executive Pastry Chef, Magdalena Kubańska, has worked closely alongside a total of six local stores to create a visually stunning and delicious afternoon tea. To begin, a selection of traditional finger sandwiches are served alongside a Truffled-egg and watercress brioche bun and The Game Bird’s Signature sausage roll. Both plain and raisin scones will follow, with whipped clotted cream and strawberry jam. There will also be a deliciously fluffy Westcombe Cheddar scone with soft cheese and chives using cheese from Paxton & Whitfield.

The oldest hat shop in the world and creator of the instantly recognisable bowler hat, Lock & Co is the inspiration behind a White chocolate and lime jelly top hat that forms part of the sweet selection. Magdalena has used ‘A Rose For’, the latest addition to the Floris fragrance collection, as the base flavours in a dainty English strawberry and rosewater cupcake. Fashion-forward diners will be delighted by a crisp Almond shortbread tuxedo, in homage to Henry Poole & Co., the Savile Row tailor thought to be the original designer of the dinner jacket. In a nod to Foster & Son, a seasonal Fruit trifle with crème Chantilly comes served in a traditional shoe polish tin.

Finally, Magdalena has created a hollow Chocolate cigar filled with a creamy chocolate and hazelnut mousse, inspired by the fat Cuban cigars at James J. Fox, a favourite of famed cigar-smoker Winston Churchill.

To accompany the sweets and savouries, there is a selection of teas supplied by Camellia’s Tea House in London. Four signature house blends sit alongside another eighteen varieties including green, white, black, herbal and oolong. A full cocktail list and selection of Champagne is also be available for those looking to really celebrate in style.