The Langham to Launch New Afternoon Tea

When The Langham opened in London in 1865, it became the first hotel in the world to serve afternoon tea. Nearly 160 years later, the original Grand Hotel is launching a new afternoon tea that celebrates this unique culinary history: the tradition of taking tea in the Victorian era and The Langham as the birthplace of afternoon tea as we know it today.

The new afternoon tea will be available from 11 September 2024 and served in Palm Court, The Langham’s elegant central dining room. The menu will celebrate the hotel’s legacy with a modern twist, offering Victorian-inspired cakes, pastries and sandwiches created by Executive Pastry Chef, Andrew Gravett, and culinary icon Michel Roux.

To begin, guests will be introduced to the history of afternoon tea and the hotel’s pivotal role in that story, whilst enjoying a glass of Taittinger Champagne. Dainty finger sandwiches and savouries will then be served, including Roast chicken, Classic cucumber, Gentleman’s Relish, and Devilled quail’s egg. To follow, a selection of delicate, jewel-like cakes and pastries such as Rose-infused baba with lychee and mascarpone and Orange blossom cream with almond madeleine. Guests will then enjoy the signature warm scones with Cornish clotted cream and homemade seasonal preserves, before the show stopping finale of a shared seasonal trifle. 

Served on bespoke chinaware by British designer William Edwards, the tea service features floral motifs reflective of 19th century designs. In partnership with JING Tea, a selection of teas have been tailored to complement the menu, comprising of The Langham’s own Breakfast blend, Darjeeling 2nd Flush, Phoenix Honey Orchid and Jasmine Silver Needle. Adding to the experience, a new cocktail list has been created to compliment the afternoon tea, with the flavours of Earl Grey, Rooibos and Hibiscus, Matcha and Chai, infused into an array of tempting serves. Alongside the afternoon tea, guests will enjoy the melodies of a live pianist, adding to the ambience in Palm Court.

Palm Court also warmly welcomes young diners for afternoon tea. The Children's menu features triangular sandwiches of Cucumber and cream cheese and Roast ham, bite-size scones, and playful cakes resembling Victorian toys from the era, Spinning Top and Dice, all served on miniature cake stands and teaware.

The Langham’s new afternoon tea will be served Wednesday to Sunday, 12.30–5.00pm, priced from £85pp for adults and £50pp for children.