The Kensington Hotel offers a refined and stylish Afternoon Tea experience set in the heart of South Kensington. This elegant take on a timeless tradition is presented in The Drawing Room, a space that blends classic British charm with contemporary design, making it ideal for intimate celebrations, relaxed afternoons with friends, or a quiet solo treat.
The Setting: Understated Luxury
Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12:00pm to 4:30pm in The Drawing Room, a thoughtfully designed space with open fireplaces, plush velvet armchairs, and soft lighting. The atmosphere is calm and luxurious, offering guests a peaceful escape from the buzz of nearby museums and high-end boutiques. It’s an inviting spot to unwind, making it a fitting choice for those looking to combine culture, style, and indulgence.
The Menu: The Art of Afternoon Tea
The Kensington Hotel’s Afternoon Tea is more than a meal – it’s an artistic experience. Known as The Art of Afternoon Tea, the menu is carefully curated with a balance of traditional elements and creative twists.
Savouries include:
Smoked salmon and cream cheese on rye
Cucumber and dill on caraway bread
Coronation chicken
Truffle egg mayonnaise on brioche
Each sandwich is delicately prepared and served fresh, showcasing both flavour and presentation.
Scones are served warm, with a choice of plain and fruit, accompanied by clotted cream and homemade preserves. The texture is light, and the balance of sweetness allows the accompaniments to shine without overpowering the palate.
The pastry selection is where the culinary artistry is most evident. Inspired by art and seasonal ingredients, the patisserie changes throughout the year but typically includes vibrant mousse domes, hand-crafted tarts, and imaginative flavour pairings. Expect desserts that look as good as they taste, with intricate decoration and balanced textures.
Tea and Drinks Selection
Guests can choose from a wide selection of teas, including traditional black teas, green teas, floral infusions, and caffeine-free options. Tea is served in elegant china, with staff on hand to explain flavour profiles and offer pairings. For those looking to elevate the experience, champagne can be added for an additional charge.
Dietary Options and Booking
The hotel caters to a wide range of dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free Afternoon Teas are available with prior notice, ensuring all guests can enjoy the experience fully. The team is also happy to accommodate allergies or specific requests where possible.
Who It’s For
This Afternoon Tea is ideal for couples looking for a romantic break, visitors to London exploring the nearby Natural History or V&A museums, and locals marking special occasions. It’s particularly suited to those who appreciate artistic presentation and a thoughtful, modern twist on tradition.
Booking and Reservations
Due to high demand and limited seating, advance booking is recommended. Reservations can be made online via the hotel’s official website or by calling directly.
Address :
109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London, SW7 5LP, United Kingdom
Opening Hours :
Daily
12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Reviews
Afternoon tea was superb. Lovely sandwiches, with the truffled egg mayonnaise a total winner. Beautiful & delicious cakes. Only snag was the scones were a bit dry.
The London landmark afternoon tea at The Kensington Hotel pays fitting tributes to London's most famed architecture. It is a great way to tour the city without leaving the comfortable surroundings of the hotel.
The Kensington Hotel's afternoon tea is a stunningly luxurious experience, with impeccable service and enchanting decorations. The Around the World in 80 Days theme adds a delightful twist to the traditional tea.
The Kensington Hotel Afternoon Tea costs £58 per person, plus £18 for Rare Teas or Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV. This is a great price for those looking to spend an afternoon indulging in an idyllic location.
The Kensington Hotel's Afternoon Tea is a delightful experience. The service is charming and attentive, and the food is beautifully presented. The scones with strawberry jam & Devonshire clotted cream were just amazing!
Aqua Shard
Perched on Level 31 of The Shard, Aqua Shard’s Peter Pan Afternoon Tea brings Neverland to life with whimsical storytelling and gourmet delights. Guests enjoy creative savouries, including Chicken & Bacon Sandwiches with ‘Lost Boy Rules’ and the ‘Enormous Mushroom Chimney’. Sweet treats include warm scones hidden in a treasure chest with apricot marmalade and coconut clotted cream.
With panoramic views and vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options, this magical experience is available daily from 12:00 pm to 3:15 pm, starting at £70 per person. Advance booking recommended.
The Berkeley, London
Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley blends style and flavour in the Collins Room with fashion-inspired pastries like the Red Apple and Passion Fruit Entremet, Peanut Cookie, and Grapefruit Pavlova. Served alongside delicate savoury navettes and an extensive tea menu or champagne, it’s a refined treat with a modern edge. Ideal for fashion lovers and those after something different, this experience offers creativity and elegance in equal measure. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
The Egerton House Hotel
For an intimate and refined Afternoon Tea, The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge offers a luxurious yet cosy experience. Served in The Drawing Room, guests enjoy smoked salmon sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and handcrafted pastries, including chocolate raspberry tarts and Victoria sponge.
A premium tea selection complements the menu, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea. Dog lovers can indulge in the unique Doggy Afternoon Tea. A perfect retreat for couples, small groups, and tea enthusiasts. Advance booking recommended.
The Dorchester
Served in The Promenade, The Dorchester’s Afternoon Tea blends British tradition with luxury. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and seasonal pastries crafted by award-winning chefs. A curated tea selection features exclusive blends and classic favourites, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Ideal for those seeking a refined British tradition, The Dorchester also offers a Children’s Afternoon Tea and vegan options. Served daily from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm, prices start at £110 per person. Reservations recommended.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
For a refined afternoon tea experience, Four Seasons London at Park Lane offers elegance and contemporary charm in the Amaranto Lounge. Overlooking Mayfair and Hyde Park, this indulgent tea service features gourmet sandwiches, buttery scones with clotted cream, and exquisite patisserie, including raspberry macarons and praline tarts.
Enjoy a curated selection of fine teas or upgrade with Ruinart or Dom Pérignon Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A truly elevated afternoon tea experience in London.
Rosewood
Rosewood London's Mirror Room presents a Hokusai-inspired Art Afternoon Tea, merging Japanese flavours with British tradition. Guests enjoy Japanese BBQ beef brisket buns, sake-marinated salmon, and intricately crafted Art Cakes reflecting Hokusai's masterpieces, served in a bespoke "Washitsu" box. Complemented by exclusive Japanese teas and themed cocktails, the experience is enhanced by Japanese woodblock printing demonstrations. Available daily from 12:00 PM to 5:45 PM at £80 per person, with a 10% discount via AfternoonTea.co.uk. Advance booking is recommended.
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