Afternoon Tea at the Royal Lancaster Hotel Hyde Café, London

What a splendid way to spend an afternoon with friends and / or family than by visiting a fine venue and enjoying the afternoon tea experience. Though what and why exactly did afternoon tea hit its somewhat global fame today and such a common menu option at prestigious / luxury hospitality venues from Australia to London?

The history of the Afternoon Tea

It’s that sinking feeling that gives us the wonderful invention of afternoon tea, well so the records say. As tea consumption in the early nineteenth century was a popular pastime it is said that the 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna, complained of having that sinking feeling during the late afternoon and needed that touch of excitement back in her life. So introduced the afternoon tea that sat nicely between the two main meals of the day (breakfast and evening dinner) and saw the addition of a pot of tea and a light snack which Anna took privately in her boudoir during late lunchtime.

News travels fast, even some 200 years ago and the invites to friends of Anna grew, ideas were shared and the adoption exploded. The British tradition was set and still today many people internationally think that we Brits take time off each afternoon for Tea and biscuits / sandwiches which as lovely as it sounds, is more fiction in our day to day lives though is a reality when it comes to special treats and celebrations or those wishing to take a break from a hectic day of shopping.

 

A simple search on Google or social media delivers countless options for afternoon tea with most of the 5 star luxury hotels having a selection of options to include catering for vegan diets. With fun, relaxation and celebration all enjoyed during afternoon tea saw the additional of bubbles, mostly Champagne and Prosecco, as extras.

Afternoon Tea at the Hyde Café within the Royal Lancaster Hotel

The amazing 5-star London hotel that is the Royal Lancaster is to be found alongside Hyde Park and just a moment’s walk from Lancaster Gate underground (tube) station which is on the Central Line. Guests can enjoy breath-taking views of London from the top floors of the hotel, two award winning restaurants, a free 27/7 gym and for our review and this article, the Hyde Café.

 

As the design of the interior amazes you and smiling, helpful faces greet you just a few paces is all it takes to the awaiting Hyde Café where the magic of afternoon tea at the Royal Lancaster awaits you. The calming, bright atmosphere relaxes you and the anticipation of some quality me time becomes a reality as your jacket and bags are promptly taken from you and safely stored.

I would suggest you rid any thoughts that afternoon tea is merely for the aristocrats, those of the rich and famous breed, it is in fact well within budget with the cost being £29 (Wednesday to Friday) and £35 (Saturday to Sunday). Extras are the bubbles with Laurent Perrier the chosen brand and £11 for the Brut or for the rosé lovers only £16 a glass.

 

You get to choose from the menu the traditional or vegan option giving you the savoury (5 sandwiches), homemade scones (with clotted cream and a selection of preserves) plus of course the sweet with four delight bites sized patisseries (once again made on site).

For the tea lovers amongst us, you have Camellia’s Tea House menu offering white teas, Oolong, Green teas and black teas.