Sweet spots for a tasty tea
AFTERNOON tea is a ritual HM never misses – and you won’t want to either when you see some of the spreads available.
At Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, there is everything from Royalthemed pastries to mousses in the shape of the orb and sceptre.
The tea is available now and costs £70pp, or £95 including half a bottle of champagne. There is a three-night minimum stay, with suites from £555 a night (taj51buckinghamgate.co. uk) or rooms from £365 in the adjacent St James’ Court, a Taj hotel (stjamescourthotel.co.uk).
Just opposite the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at The Palace has a sixcourse themed tea that includes one of the Queen’s favourites, jam pennies. There is a selection of teas, or for something a little stronger, go for the Queen’s tipple of choice, gin and Dubonnet. The tea with champagne costs £90pp from June 2 until the end of August, but on June 4 it’s £120pp. Rooms from £474, with a five-night minimum stay (rubenshotel.com).
Alternatively, try a Lilibet cocktail made from Dubonnet, gin, Chambord, orange bitters and English sparkling wine with your celebratory tea at Covent Garden Hotel. The tea also includes Pimm’s cheesecake. It costs £48pp, or £35 without the cocktail. Rooms are from £720 (firmdalehotels.com).
If you fancy an activity before tea, try a tour with a Blue Badge guide. Antony Robbins, for instance, runs a four-hour Jubilee tour featuring Royal landmarks for £18.50pp (mrlondoner.com).