Afternoon Tea Review at Aspleys, The Lanesborough London

Afternoon tea always seems like such a relaxing and deliciously appealing way to spend an afternoon, as it`s a quintessentially British pastime, and there`s no better place to be than in The Lanesborough. Aspleys at The Lanesborough has launched London`s first tea sommelier service to strengthen their reputation as the best place in London to have afternoon tea and we were invited to sample it. We arrived early so we were able to lounge around in the Withdrawing Room surrounded by sumptuous furnishings for half an hour or so before being seated for afternoon tea, which started promptly at 4.00pm.

Aspleys

A pianist greeted us with soothing music and also Karl Kessab, the tea sommelier; he recommended two different teas based upon our tastes and requirements. I`m definitely an afternoon tea drinker and I must admit to loving strong tasting flavours. The Lanesborough Afternoon Blend is a black tea and a signature blend, created exclusively for the Lanesborough, consisting of Darjeeling, finest China Keemum and whole rose buds, whilst the second choice of Rose Of The Orient is a green tea with a blend of some of the Worlds finest green teas including Sencha, Gunpowder, China Wu Lu and Pai Mu Tan flavoured with Jasmine, cornflower blossoms and rose buds – perfect to accompany the sweetness of our cakes and scones.

We opted for The Lanesborough Tea, which included our choice of tea, a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries, toasted teacakes and home-made scones served with home-made fruit preserves and clotted Devonshire cream, all for £35.00 per person. The three-tier silver stand looked so beautiful and incredibly appetising that it was a shame to ruin its presentation by tucking into its mini delights. Many of the other guests chose The Belgravia Tea, which had the additions of fresh strawberries and cream, complemented by a glass of champagne, the price of this option was £45.00 per person to £80.00 per person depending on the choice of champagne. For those that have a gluten and dairy free diet there is also an afternoon tea addition, which allows guests with food intolerances to experience the internationally renowned tea service without compromise. There really is something for everyone!

Aspleys Afternoon Tea

Overall we had an excellent experience and it was pleasant to see many different groups enjoying afternoon tea including mothers & daughters, an older hen party, an intimate couple, large families and corporate groups – just goes to show we all love to put our glad rags on and enjoy our favourite cup of tea in the finest of china now and again.

For further information or to make a reservation please call 020 7259 5599 or visit www.lanesborough.com.