Few experiences capture the charm of London quite like a traditional afternoon tea, and The Kensington has reimagined the beloved British ritual with a beautifully crafted experience that’s as elegant as it is indulgent. Blending timeless tradition with playful creativity, this beautiful experience pays tribute to the classic rituals, flavours and simple pleasures of the beloved Great British Summertime.
With a history spanning more than a century, The Kensington is set within a magnificent row of Grade II listed Victorian townhouses on Queen’s Gate, the historic avenue named in honour of Queen Victoria in 1859 that leads directly to Kensington Palace. Since these elegant drawing rooms first welcomed guests in the Victorian era, afternoon tea has been a cherished ritual within these walls, a tradition that lives on in every freshly baked scone and exquisite pastries
Having experienced it for ourselves, The Great British Afternoon Tea at The Kensington is definitely a must-try this summer. Every detail, from the impeccable presentation to the exceptional service, creates a leisurely escape that invites guests to slow down, savour every bite and celebrate one of Britain’s most cherished traditions. Whether you’re marking a special occasion, catching up with friends or simply treating yourself this summer, The Kensington delivers an afternoon tea that’s every bit as unforgettable as the setting itself.
Priced at 85 per person, The Kensington afternoon tea celebrates British provenance, showcasing the finest local artisan suppliers and produce, from Chapel & Swan smoked salmon to Cornish clotted cream and Nyetimber English sparkling wine, presented with the style and warmth the South Kensington hotel is renowned for, thoughtfully crafted to encapsulate the seasonal rhythm and cherished moments of the British summer.
In true garden party fashion, guests begin with their choice between a Classic Pimm’s Royale or a flute of Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine. A selection of traditional finger sandwiches follows, showcasing produce sourced from some of Britain’s finest artisan suppliers: Chapel & Swan smoked salmon with chive cream cheese on brown bread; roast Wiltshire ham with English mustard mayonnaise; English cucumber with mint crème fraîche; and St Ewe egg mayonnaise with watercress on a brioche roll.
Freshly baked raisin and plain scones, made daily in The Kensington’s kitchens, arrive warm, served with Cornish clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. The afternoon concludes with a selection of handmade pastries evoking countryside picnics and English gardens in full bloom: a British raspberry and elderflower tart, a chocolate éclair with caramel cream, a rose and pistachio Battenburg cake and Eton Mess pavlova with strawberry and fresh mint.
Woven throughout this homage to British culinary tradition is a spirit of seasonal celebration. Alongside the signature pastry selection, guests can look forward to a complimentary surprise sweet – a rotating seasonal addition offered as a gift from the kitchen to mark the great events of the British summer calendar. From the strawberry-and-cream days of Wimbledon to the pageantry of Royal Ascot, each fleeting addition is an edible love letter to the defining moments of the Great British Summertime.
Perfectly positioned in the heart of South Kensington, The Kensington is the ideal place to pause during a day of exploring one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods. . Just moments from the hotel, guests will find the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum; world-class institutions that together make South Kensington one of the great cultural destinations on earth. Whether arriving after a morning immersed in the V&A’s extraordinary collections or setting out to explore the wonders of the Natural History Museum, The Kensington’s afternoon tea offers the idyllic setting to savour the elegance, ease and ever-present nostalgia of the Great British Summertime.
Price: £85 per person | Venue: The Kensington Hotel, 109–113 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LP | Book here: www.townhousekensington.com | Telephone: 020 7589 6300
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