Mar 24, 2017
Fabulous Private Venues In London For Afternoon Tea Events
Who doesn’t love a spot of afternoon tea? Here at privatediningroom-towers, we’ve decided it’s the ultimate in decadence – a totally unnecessary spot of luxury that fills the (not-so-long) gap between lunch and dinner!
So whether you’re in it for the artisanal tea blends – it’s National Tea Day on 21 April – or the scones, cream and jam – it’s National Cream Tea Day on 30th June – here’s our run down of top afternoon teas to be found in some of the Capital’s most desirable private rooms.
Fancy hosting afternoon tea for friends or celebrating with a fabulous roof-top setting, then check out the Secret Garden Afternoon Tea at The Roof Gardens of Babylon in Kensington where the National tea Festival is also being hosted. They are holding these special teas on selected dates over the summer – Saturday 15th April and Mondays 1st May, 29th May and 28th August and all Bank Holidays.
For a classic afternoon tea, it doesn’t come more quintessentially English than the Drawing room at Fortnum & Mason . For up to 60 guests, it’s the definition of refined elegance and the menu starts at £44 per person.
The gorgeously designed Mews of Mayfair has also just launched a new afternoon tea – available in any of its multitude of private rooms. The menu features modern classics such as Prosciutto & Brie Toasted Bagel, Roast Free Range Chicken & Tarragon Mayonnaise Wrap, Smashed Avocado & Feta Sandwich followed by scones and delicious sounding cakes. All for just £32.50 a head or £45 with a glass of Pommery NV or Tea & Scones can be had for just £10.50.
Positioned next to the shopping mecca of Knightsbridge, located just behind Harrods and Sloane Street are The Capital and Levin Hotels. Sister properties, they offer a variety of options to indulge in private afternoon teas. The Metro, a funky venue beneath the Levin Hotel with access to a small al fresco space (great for smokers!!), accommodates up to 60 guests and serves afternoon cream teas at just £9pp, full traditional afternoon tea at £22.99pp and with a glass of fizz £27.99. The Capital Private Dining Rooms can also be booked for afternoon tea £29.50pp or £39.50pp with Champagne.
Afternoon tea events in the City can be held in The Modern Pantry which have several great private rooms for up to 70 guests at both their Clerkenwell and Finsbury Square sites. Afternoon tea menus start from £22.50pp.
For a party or gathering that’s a little less conventional – perhaps the beginning of an elegant hen night, a baby shower or a fun birthday celebration, the BB Bakery Routemaster buses – Del Boy and Rodney – provide a brilliantly alternative option. With daily tours, there’s space for 36 guests on each bus. Teas cost £35 for children and £45 for adults, and there are vegetarian, pescetarian, halal and gluten free menu options.
Perhaps our favourite for a plush hen do or girly celebration is Hush. Tucked away in a backstreet Mayfair passage-way (and handily next to the divine House of Elemis spa) the aptly decorated Silver Room seats up to 40 guests and serves Jam & Gin cream teas for £35pp.
Our favourite chain-that’s-not-a-chain is Aubaine – with various sites around London including Mayfair, Heddon Street and Broadgate Circle. There are a variety of private and semi-private rooms available, all designed in their inimitable not-so shabby chic French style. This delectable patisserie and boulangerie offers freshly made a la carte French pastry goodies to really go to town on.
And finally, for a spot of tea out of town, over in Richmond upon Thames, with stunning views of the Royal Park’s rolling grounds, is The Petersham Hotel. Having recently undergone a total interior redesign, they have launched two themed afternoon teas for the summer: a Royal Afternoon Tea including the very regal Joseph Perrier champagne and a Wimbledon Afternoon Tea both £27.50pp. Its five private rooms provide great venues for special celebrations.
