Words such as ‘grand’ and ‘opulent’ tend to be banded about when it comes to taking afternoon tea in London, but The Lanesborough does them both justice. Served amid the chandeliers, polished silverware and marble busts of the sumptuous Céleste restaurant, this is traditional afternoon tea at its best.
The tea menu spans several pages and includes some interesting varieties, from signature blends including Lanesborough Breakfast and Afternoon teas to those 'with a twist' such as Chocolate Brownie and White Choco Chili. Similarly, the new 'Sweet Summer Afternoon Tea' forgoes the traditional offering of perfectly-cut finger sandwiches in favour of savouries such as chicken bon bons with tandoori mayonnaise, pea tarts, and sundried tomato muffins. These are followed by scones and a generous selection of summery French pastries, including coconut lamington cake and strawberry and verbena pavlova.
Staff are friendly and helpful, but never intrusive, allowing guests to enjoy music performed live by a pianist on the shiny grand.