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Afternoon tea at The Waldorf in London

Afternoon tea at The Waldorf in London

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If you’re meeting up with friends in London why not give yourselves a treat. Here’s one I can recommend: afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton in Covent Garden.

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Usually when I’m visiting the capital I am dashing between trains, hotels and events without a minute to spare. This time was different. A group of us were invited to afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton in Covent Garden. Who could resist?

Bloggers invited to Cake stand with homemade pastries and scones - Home made pastries - afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton London

Afternoon tea at The Waldorf

Who hasn’t heard of The Waldorf? Its reputation as one of London’s most luxurious hotels in the heart of the West End precedes it.

What better location to meet up with these lovely ladies: Franca from A Moment with Franca, Kaz from Ickle Pickles Life and Travels, Cathy from Mummytravels, Maria from One Tiny Leap,  Nell from The Pigeon Pair and Me, and our chief organiser Zena from Zena’s Suitcase.

As soon as we were greeted by the impeccably smart doormen and walked into the crystal chandelier decked lobby we were transported far away from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside.

The air was filled with the sound of piano music and the aroma of fresh flowers. It was a welcome shock to the senses that soothed us ready for the decadent experience to come.

The attentive doorman escorted us past the grand piano and lounge bar to the cloakroom were we shed our weighty weekend bags and coats.

Tea in the West End

The Homage restaurant is set back from the front of the hotel, down a corridor that feels like the entrance to a private members club.

It has played host to stars of stage and screen who have treaded the boards of the nearby theatres and the fans desperate to see them. It’s quite a thrill to think that Elizabeth Taylor and Pavarotti once sipped tea and savoured homemade delicacies in among the Homage’s Edwardian pillars and gilded walls.

Our table was ready with seven settings of Royal Crown Derby crockery on a crisp white table cloth.

The champagne flutes were quickly charged with bubbles and our amuse bouche of lemon custard and raspberry mousse was served in glasses not dissimilar to dainty little beer mugs.

It was the perfect starter, light and full of flavour, leaving us wanting more.

Raspberry and lemon mousse in a small glass - afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton London

Before the champagne had totally gone to our heads the friendly waiter asked us to choose from an array of black teas, white teas and infusions.

I couldn’t resist trying the exclusive Waldorf Tribute Blend. This was a black tea with ‘a combination of malty, peak 2nd flush Assam tea with a hint of the evocative, smoky Lapsang Soughing tea’. It was rich and delicious.

An afternoon tea menu with a twist

The tea arrived just ahead of china plates arranged with crustless sandwich fingers and oak smoked salmon blinis.

While the selection of sandwiches was traditional – tuna, ham, egg mayonnaise and coronation chicken – their ingredients had an interesting twist to tantalise our taste buds.

The breads were made with carrot, basil, onion and Mediterranean flavours.

A cup of The Waldorf Tribute Blend tea

small crustless sandwiches on a plate - afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton London

While we ate there was light strumming from the resident harpist (weekends only) and interludes of recorded music from the roaring 20s. It matched perfectly with the refined mood of the venue and allowed gentle chatter which was pretty much non-stop on our table.

Just when I was starting to feel surprisingly full the ‘main event’ of the afternoon tea arrived: a three tiered cake stand piled with warm plain and raisin scones, Devonshire clotted cream and jam, macaroons, a cream slice complete with an edible Waldorf Hilton logo, a zesty orange cake and an elaborate chocolate mousse cup.

Home made pastries - afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton London

Chcoloate mousse cup - afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton London

I sadly didn’t have room to test all of the pastries but what I did was mouth-watering. Who knew delicate bites like this could be so filling?

There was one final treat for us before we departed for what was an extremely busy weekend in the capital – a cocktail from The Waldorf Hilton’s bar, God Godfrey’s.

I settled on a Whoopee which is a gin-based drink with elderflower and citrus fruits. It was delicious, smooth and refreshing. If only we’d had time for another!

When is afternoon tea served?

Afternoon tea is served from 1pm until 4pm Monday to Friday and 1.30pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Can children come to tea at The Waldorf?

I wouldn’t hesitate to return with Mr Tin Box to dine as a couple or with a group of friends. However, I’d probably leave our girls at home for the sake of preserving the beautiful crockery and ambiance.

Having said that, children are welcome to join you.

How much is afternoon tea at The Waldorf?

Afternoon tea prices starts at £49 per person Monday to Thursday and from £53 per person Friday to Sunday.

Summing up afternoon tea at The Waldorf Hilton

Meeting friends for afternoon tea at The Waldorf Hilton in London is a special treat you won’t regret booking and the perfect pre-West End show experience.

Looking for more special treats? Here’s where to find other afternoon tea experiences.

Time for more adventures in London with kids?

Take a look at these guides to fun in and around the capital for all budgets:

Disclosure: we were guests of The Waldorf Hilton and received a complimentary afternoon tea.

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Meeting friends for afternoon tea at The Waldorf Hilton in London is a special treat you won't regret booking and the perfect pre-West End show experience. Here's a review of decedent dining in this iconic luxury hotel's Homage restaurant

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Marina

Friday 27th of October 2017

It all looked very lovely. It's nice being able to get dressed up and have a fancy day every once in awhile.

Sarah Christie

Wednesday 18th of October 2017

Aw it looked amazing , I was so sad to miss it but these lovely things all come at the same time don't they?

Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller

Thursday 19th of October 2017

So true! We'll have the arrange tea sometime soon :)

Zena's Suitcase

Wednesday 18th of October 2017

I definitely think this afternoon tea is a must for anyone on a visit to London. The food, the atmosphere and the wonderful company make for a very special afternoon at The Waldorf I think. Lovely post and lovely memories as well Claire, thanks for coming along

Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller

Thursday 19th of October 2017

Thank you so much for the invite! We have to plan to do it again sometime!

Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays

Monday 16th of October 2017

Just round the corner from 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal, a perfect pre theatre venue #CityTripping

Cathy (MummyTravels)

Monday 16th of October 2017

I am still a little envious of your cocktail - am extra treat on top of a treat here :)

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