Gem afternoon tea in South Kensington
Whether you live in London or are just stopping by for a few days, the afternoon tea is the most quintessential of English customs, an experience not to be missed.
Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, Duchess of Bedford and friend of Queen Victoria in the year 1840.
With dinner being served fashionably late at eight o’clock, the Duchess would become hungry in the afternoon and started asking for a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake. The Duchess took such a liking for this new habit that she began inviting friends to join her.
As food lovers we are extremely grateful to the Duchess for this British tradition.
London offers plenty of choices for an unforgettable afternoon tea – from fine hotels and upmarket department stores (yes, Fortnum & Mason) to old-fashioned tearooms where you’d expect to meet no less than Agatha Christie in person.
We combined a cultural visit to the National History Museum with a high-class afternoon tea at the Orangery at Number Sixteen Hotel.
Situated in the heart of lively South Kensington, yet tucked away in a tranquil residential street in typical Victorian style, you’ll feel like you have stepped back in time from the moment you set foot through the front door.
Afternoon tea is served in the terracotta-toned Orangery conservatory, and if you’re lucky with the weather you’ll be able to sit outside in pretty the leafy garden.
Being March, it was pretty chilly outside and we sat in the conservatory - we happened to be the only group of guests at that time, so we enjoyed the tranquillity of the place all to ourselves.
The standard afternoon tea includes the big classics – savoury finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserve, a choice of cakes and sweets.
You can swap your classic Earl Gray for coffee or their delicious hot chocolate, upgrade to speciality tea and infusions (we loved their white jasmine tea), or add some bubbles.
The food is great, the service is friendly and discreet, the location is beautiful. And the price is very convenient, starting at £23 per person.
