?One of the nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing?and devote our attention to eating.? Luciano Pavarotti
After characteristically losing the afternoon tea voucher I bought for my mum?s birthday this year, I made a last minute booking at Soho House on Sunday. Having hit the shops for a few hours beforehand, to say that we arrived with empty stomachs is an understatement.
On arrival, we were ushered into the drawing room where our places had already been laid with beautiful afternoon teapots and plates. After a few minutes, our tea cups were full and on the waiter?s recommendation, opted for the quintessentially British ?traditional? option on the menu.
We were soon presented with an elegant, vintage style cake stand, almost toppling over for what it was carrying ? a selection of ?crusts cut off? finger sandwiches, as well as more cakes than you could imagine. As most of my teeth are sweet, I was in heaven ? the hot sultana scones were enclosed in a white cotton cloth, and accompanied by a pretty pot of clotted cream and fresh raspberry jam. Moving up the tiered stand, we worked our way through the mouth-watering banana cake, ?clairs, chocolate cake, pannacotta and orange jelly and cupcakes. Yes we sampled all of them. The service was impeccable, particularly as the waiter gave us an additional platter of complimentary sandwiches. ?Although he did mention that he thought it was needed.
We left contented, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. A full stomach makes a happy heart after all.
If you fancy an afternoon of indulgence, see below for a selection of the best of offer in London:
Le Chandelier
Both tea and cake are in plentiful supply at Le Chandelier. More than 30 varieties of loose leaf tea by Jing are stacked in jars while the cakes cause passers by to ogle from the window. The salon setting ? a sort of grand French, British and Middle Eastern fusion ? is a suitably special backdrop.
Claridge?s
With bookings being made up to three months in advance, you will need to get in quick to enjoy ?London?s Top Afternoon Tea?. While a slightly pricier option, this spread has triumphed consistently in the ?Awards of Excellence by the Tea Guild?, so is worth checking out for the tea connoisseur.
Drink Shop & Do
Drink, Shop & Do is a great for those that have a passion for crafting, vintage shopping and tea. This trendy establishment manages to combine all three trends to great effect. Originally launched as a pop-up enterprise, the concept proved so popular it became a permanent fixture.? Afternoon teas are good value at ?12 (you?ll need to book after 5pm and on weekends) and can be combined with a craft tutorial ? hugely popular with hen do?s and the like.
(Recommendations courtesy of Time Out magazine)
Hannah Ryan
Source: http://blogs.hillandknowlton.com/hank/?p=5989
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