Grand Saloon Afternoon Tea at The Lane – A Theatrical Feast in a Regency Setting
Step into Regency-era opulence and indulge in a show-stopping afternoon tea experience at the Grand Saloon at The Lane, inside the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. With a setting that evokes the glamour of 19th-century London and a menu designed by award-winning chef Lily Vanilli, this afternoon tea is a perfect blend of culinary artistry, history, and theatre magic.
Whether you’re a theatre lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for an afternoon tea that’s as decadent as it is unique, The Lane’s Grand Saloon Afternoon Tea promises an unforgettable dining experience.
The Setting: A Grand Regency Tea Experience
Afternoon tea is served in the magnificent Grand Saloon, a space that has been meticulously restored to its original Regency splendor. With its gilded ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and plush velvet seating, the saloon exudes grandeur and sophistication, creating the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of indulgence and elegance.
Designed to feel like a scene from a period drama, this is an afternoon tea setting like no other—offering a unique glimpse into London’s theatrical past while you sip tea and savour exquisite treats.
An Exquisite Afternoon Tea Menu by Lily Vanilli
Celebrated for her innovative approach to patisserie, Lily Vanilli has created a menu that reimagines traditional afternoon tea with a playful and theatrical twist. Expect a stunning array of sweet and savoury delicacies, each crafted with seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation.
Savoury Delights – A Decadent Prelude
✔️ Coronation chicken finger sandwich – A rich and creamy British classic
✔️ Smoked salmon with pickled cucumber on rye – A balance of freshness and depth
✔️ Truffle mushroom tartlet – A luxurious, umami-packed bite
✔️ Egg mayonnaise & watercress on brioche – A smooth, delicate favourite
Each savoury treat is crafted with finesse, offering a refined yet satisfying start to the experience.
Scones – Freshly Baked & Served Warm
✔️ Classic buttermilk scones
✔️ Fruit scones with cinnamon and golden raisins
✔️ Served with clotted cream & homemade jam
Soft, warm, and perfectly crumbly, these scones offer a comforting, nostalgic taste with a hint of spice.
A Show-Stopping Selection of Pastries & Cakes
The Lane’s pâtisserie selection is as theatrical as its surroundings, featuring:
✔️ Regency-style layered honey & lavender cake – A fragrant, delicately sweet indulgence
✔️ Flourless chocolate cake with ganache & sea salt – Rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying
✔️ Raspberry & rose choux bun – A light, floral delight with a tart kick
✔️ Seasonal fruit tart with vanilla custard – A fresh, colourful centerpiece
Each pastry is thoughtfully designed to balance bold flavours with artistic presentation, making for a visually stunning and deliciously indulgent finale.
An Exceptional Tea & Champagne Selection
Complement your afternoon tea with a curated selection of premium teas, including:
✔️ The Lane Signature Black Tea – A full-bodied, classic blend
✔️ Earl Grey with Bergamot – A floral, citrus-infused favourite
✔️ Green Sencha with Jasmine Flowers – A refreshing and aromatic infusion
✔️ Rooibos & Vanilla – Naturally caffeine-free with a rich, smooth finish
For those wanting to elevate their experience, a Champagne Afternoon Tea is available, featuring:
✔️ Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne
✔️ Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne
Who is This Afternoon Tea Experience Perfect For?
✔️ Theatre lovers looking for a dining experience inside a historic playhouse
✔️ Regency enthusiasts wanting to step into a period setting
✔️ Visitors to London seeking a unique and luxurious afternoon tea
✔️ Couples and friends celebrating a special occasion
✔️ Afternoon tea connoisseurs looking for an elegant yet creative menu
Booking & Information
📍 Location: Grand Saloon, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London
📆 Availability: Served daily (advance booking highly recommended)
💰 Pricing: From £58 per person, with Champagne & cocktail upgrades available
A Theatrical & Luxurious Afternoon Tea in the Heart of London
For those looking for an afternoon tea experience unlike any other, the Grand Saloon Afternoon Tea at The Lane offers a magnificent setting, exquisite patisserie, and a touch of theatrical magic. Whether you’re sipping tea in Regency opulence, enjoying a Champagne toast, or indulging in Lily Vanilli’s stunning creations, this is a tea experience that is both visually and gastronomically extraordinary.
Book your afternoon tea at The Lane today and step into a world of drama, decadence, and delight. 🍰☕✨
Address :
Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF
Opening Hours :
Monday – Sunday
12pm-6pm
Reviews
One of the nicest theatres in London...the staff are welcoming and polite and inside is architecturally impressive. The auditorium itself has really nice seating and is quite refined and old worldly. Space is well used/designed and not too squashed when seated next to others. It's well maintained not like some other theatres and the bar is elegant.
The theatrical production of Frozen was truly amazing and stunning. The performances by the lead actors were exceptionally captivating, surpassing even the highest expectations. The two main characters, especially the portrayals of the Princess and the Queen's transformation into the icy persona, were mesmerizing to behold.
My friend and I had to have a traditional afternoon tea while in London. We were treated very well to an exceptional afternoon at The Beaumont. From our seating, to the first pours of champagne and expertly selected teas, we knew we were in for a treat. The savory and sweet bites were delicious and noteworthy, but the star of the show was the tea.
Fancy afternoon tea experience in a beautiful setting. Love that they have a vegan menu; didn’t know you had to request it in advance. They were able to accommodate on arrival, though it took ~35 minutes to prepare, during which time we drank tea. The experience itself was very expensive, as expected, but we felt that this was a very nice and unique experience and date.
It’s a beautiful setting for afternoon tea and our waitress was fab. I often find the bread on finger sandwiches can be dry but these were lovely and fresh, although I wasn’t keen on the ham and pea one at all. Our waitress brought me some more of the others though, which was kind. The scones were good but weren’t served warm, which is always a nice touch.
The Rubens At The Palace
Located opposite Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at the Palace offers a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in a regal setting. Guests enjoy a curated tea selection, including exclusive blends, alongside finely crafted finger sandwiches with classic fillings like Scottish smoked salmon and roast chicken with tarragon mayonnaise.
The experience continues with handmade pastries inspired by Royal traditions and warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. For added indulgence, guests can opt for Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Straits Kitchen, Pan Pacific London
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The Bloomsbury Hotel
Inspired by the literary Bloomsbury Set, The Bloomsbury Hotel’s Afternoon Tea blends classic British tradition with creativity. Served in the floral-filled Dalloway Terrace or the elegant Coral Room, guests enjoy Coronation chicken brioche, smoked salmon on rye, warm buttermilk scones, and literary-inspired pastries, including The Virginia Woolf Lemon Tart and The Dalloway Chocolate Éclair.
A curated tea selection complements the menu, with Champagne upgrades available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are offered. A refined yet imaginative afternoon tea experience in the heart of London. Advance booking recommended.
Ruxley Manor
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Ruxley Manor’s Mulberry Tree Café, where seasonal menus are served in cosy private pods all year round. Priced at £29.99 for adults and £16.99 for children, each tea includes savoury sandwiches, sweet bakes, warm scones with clotted cream, and a hot drink. With menus tailored to spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each visit brings something new. The heated or cooled pods seat up to six, making this a relaxed, charming experience for families, friends, and special occasions. Booking is essential.
Piglets Pantry London
Piglet’s Pantry offers handmade afternoon tea hampers delivered across the UK which are perfect for gifts, celebrations, or a weekend treat. Their Classic Tea for Two features quiches, scones, cakes, and more, made with quality ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan, and family-friendly options, including kids' biscuit kits, are also available. All hampers arrive fresh, packed for convenience. Order or explore the full range online at https://www.pigletspantry.co.uk/afternoon-teas/
The Royal Garden Hotel
Origin Kensington’s Afternoon Tea at the Royal Garden Hotel blends British tradition with a modern twist. Enjoy classic savouries, handmade pastries, and freshly baked scones for £45 per adult or £25 per child. A plant-based option is also available. From 28 November–29 December, upgrade to the Festive Afternoon Tea for £57, featuring Rathfinny’s English sparkling wine. Served Thursday–Sunday, 2:00 pm–5:30 pm, it’s a refined experience with views of Kensington Gardens, ideal for couples, families, or anyone celebrating a special moment.
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