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 Waldorf Hilton
The Waldorf Hilton’s Afternoon Tea, served in the elegant Homage Restaurant, offers a whimsical "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired menu featuring creative savouries, themed patisserie, and freshly baked scones. Plant-based and gluten-free options are available, along with a dedicated children's menu. Harp music and refined surroundings make it ideal for special occasions or a relaxing treat. Served daily from early afternoon. From £59 per person.
Vicinity, The Tower Hotel
Enjoy afternoon tea with stunning Tower Bridge views at Vicinity London, located within the Tower Hotel. Choose between stylish indoor seating or a riverside terrace for a relaxed yet indulgent experience by the River Thames.
Delight in savoury bites like smoked salmon & cream cheese and coronation chicken brioche, followed by warm scones with clotted cream. The pastry selection includes chocolate & orange ganache tart and raspberry macarons. Pair with premium teas, Prosecco, or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A must-visit for tea lovers in London.
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.
The Savoy
Experience iconic British elegance with Afternoon Tea at The Savoy, served in the stunning Thames Foyer under a glass-domed ceiling, accompanied by a live pianist. Indulge in delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and exquisite pâtisserie, all handcrafted by The Savoy’s world-class chefs.
With premium loose-leaf teas and Champagne upgrades available, this is London’s most refined afternoon tea experience, perfect for special occasions, visitors, and tea connoisseurs alike. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Ladurée Covent Garden
Experience a Parisian-inspired afternoon tea at Ladurée Covent Garden, blending French elegance with British tradition. Set in Covent Garden Piazza, enjoy savoury delights like smoked salmon brioche and Brie & truffle on sourdough, followed by buttery scones with Ladurée preserves. Indulge in signature pastries, including the Mini Ispahan and chocolate éclair, alongside world-famous macarons.
Pair with premium teas or upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. A chic, luxurious treat in London’s most vibrant setting.
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