Whether it’s a Mother’s Day treat or simply ‘just because’ – why not celebrate spring with a splendid afternoon tea? Sophie Farrah picks her top spots for cake and a cuppa
Nothing quite beats a sumptuous spread of afternoon tea: tiny cakes, no crusts, lashings of tea and maybe even a cheeky glass of fizz. It’s the ultimate indulgence and one should never need an excuse, but with Mother’s Day on the horizon it would simply be rude not to…
Clean and cool
Paolo Farinella
The Genie’s Cave pop up at Cutter & Squidge
Trendy Notting Hill hotspot, Farmacy offers an 100% plant-based menu that includes a High Tea free from dairy, refined sugars, additives and chemicals. Think scones with coconut clotted ‘cream’ and layered strawberry and cashew mousse. For the coolest tea in town then head to Cutter & Squidge in Soho to sample its amazing Genie’s Cave pop-up filled with glitter and gold coins, and a menu that promises magic carpet cookies, cheese clouds and a chocolatey treat dusted in 24-carat gold.
The cave closes at the end of March, so book soon!
- Farmacy £35pp, farmacylondon.com; Cutter & Squidge £29.50pp, cutterandsquidge.com
A feast for the eyes
If you’re looking for tea for two with a view then look no further – at The Petersham Hotel you can indulge in all manner of cacao-infused temptations(think chocolate and cherry scones) thanks to its mouth-watering Chocolate Afternoon Tea, served overlooking one of London’s most magnificent vistas.
Or pop along to Kew Gardens’ newest restaurant The Botanical to enjoy fresh ingredients foraged from within the garden itself, as well as stunning views of the iconic Palm House. A feast for the eyes as well as the mouth.
- The Petersham Hotel £29.50pp petershamhotel.co.uk; Kew Gardens £27.50pp kew.org
Top-rated teas
At Cake Boy in Battersea Eric Lanlard’s modern afternoon tea oozes Gallic glamour with savoury croissants, dazzling desserts, organic tea and plenty of champagne, bien sûr.
Another favourite is Orange Pekoe in Barnes, frequently hailed as one of London’s best afternoon teas. It’s a cosy, homely experience filled with dainty finger sandwiches, fresh cakes and warm scones loaded with Cornish clotted cream and homemade jam. There’s also over 70 teas to choose from, including a limited edition Mother’s Day blend.
- Cake Boy £40pp with a glass of champagne, cake-boy.com; Orange Pekoe from £19.95pp, orangepekoeteas.com
Do-it-yourself
At Biscuiteers’ stylish icing boutique on the Northcote Road you can enjoy a delectable and rather adorable London-themed afternoon tea whilst having a go at decorating your own treats with a DIY biscuit icing session.
Over in Brentford, urban smallholding Hen Corner has a Baking for Afternoon Tea class where you can devour plenty of delicious delicacies whilst learning how to make your own. Whip up mini quiches, bagels, lemon meringue pie, Victoria sponge and more.
- Biscuiteers £28.50pp (+£10 for DIY icing session), biscuiteers.com; Baking for Afternoon Tea March 13, 10-4.30pm, £90, hencorner.com
Meals on wheels
And finally, thanks to B Bakery you can enjoy a lavish afternoon tea whilst being driven around London on a classic Routemaster bus! Nibble on sweet pastries as you go past Parliament, sandwiches along Downing Street and the obligatory scones whilst whizzing through St James’s Park.
It’s got to be the tastiest way to be a tourist!
- From £45pp london.b-bakery.com
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