Cucumber sandwiches are just the beginning
AFTERNOON TEA is a quintessentially English pastime, even more pleasurable when the sun is shining and you can relax in lush surroundings. London has a treasure trove of secret gardens and terraces where afternoon tea is served, or you can order a tea hamper to enjoy in the park. Here are some to explore.
THE STAFFORD HOTEL
You’ll find The Stafford tucked away in a cul de sac just off St James’s and there is bound to be a delightful selection of dainty seasonal patisserie on the cake stand.
IVY CHELSEA GARDEN
The conservatory, terrace and garden are the perfect places for an al fresco tea, and the chocolate and salted caramel mousse is a marriage made in heaven. NUMBER SIXTEEN
Right in the heart of South Kensington, this Georgian townhouse has an orangery and private garden, both glorious places for afternoon tea. Try the ever-popular Battenberg cake.
THE GORING
Afternoon tea is served on the terrace, the verandah and in the glorious garden at the Goring Hotel. Summer treats include a choux bun filled with strawberry and elderflower crème patissière and a slice of pistachio cake with raspberries.
THE MILESTONE PICNIC IN KENSINGTON GARDENS
The Milestone can provide you with a traditional wicker basket, complete with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and preserves, French pastries, fruitcake, strawberries with cream, a pot of tea of your choice — and perhaps a bottle of Champagne — perfect for a lazy afternoon. OLD PARSONAGE, OXFORD
The walled, flower-filled terrace of this charming hotel in the historic city of Oxford is a picture-perfect place for afternoon tea.
There are always melt-in-the-mouth home-made macarons on the menu, with flavours that reflect the season.
HOTEL DU VIN, CAMBRIDGE
Enjoy the mini sweet treats, such as sugary doughnuts filled with tangy rhubarb and custard.
THE DEN TERRACE, ST MARTIN’S LANE HOTEL
The most surprising place to find a secluded terrace, themed to feel like the tropics, right in the heart of London’s theatreland.
Try the Piña Colada cake, a confection of coconut dacquoise, pineapple confit, coconut mousse and Bacardi Cuatro.
THE COURTYARD GARDEN AT SANDERSON
The hotel’s courtyard garden is transformed for the summer into a pink haven, with model flamingos and floral accents.
Partake of the quirky Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea and look out for the Pink Floquet Cake — a strawberry flamingo with a white chocolate Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé croquet truffle.
DALLOWAY TERRACE AT THE BLOOMSBURY HOTEL
Among the sweet treats with more than a hint of summer, enjoy the lemon shortbread served with lavender honey and blueberry cream, crowned with a blueberry glaze.
The new edition of London’s Afternoon Teas: a guide to the most exquisite tea venues in London, by Susan Cohen, is out now from IMM Lifestyle Books (£9.99)