Whether you’re a keen royal fanatic or simply looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Coronation crowds this weekend, take a pit stop at one of London’s very many wonderful tea spots. Afterall, what better way to spend the day than by partaking in a quintessentially British activity?
Ahead of the big royal bonanza, ES Magazine have teamed up with the city’s best afternoon spots, where you can squabble over the most contentious of questions… cream before jam or jam before cream? (the latter being the correct answer and only way to eat such a treat).
With a call to traditionalism in mind, Fortnum and Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon over in Piccadilly ought to be your first port of call. There’s peace to be found inside the iconic department store, where you can expect to hear squeals of joy and the clinking of cutlery against green china plates. It is, if nothing else, an unforgettable experience.
Dishes are inspired by those served at Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953 and some of King Charles’ favourite foods– Welsh lamb scotch egg drizzled in wild herb aioli, spiced Native lobster, Harbourne blue cheese mousse with London honey glaze and popcorn, all of which are an ode to his love for local produce. Warm scones are filled with lashings of thick clotted cream and strawberry jam ambitiously piled on after, best paired with teas from here, there and everywhere– the Darjeeling blend reigns supreme!
If you’re looking to dine with a view, let Searcys at the Gherkin be your guide with their afternoon Coronation special. The cosmopolitan building is simply a restorative experience, and indeed very much a treat with more treats following. After finally navigating the building’s very many elevators, waft up to the top floor of the and bask in the sunshine over a cup of blackcurrant and hibiscus tea and multi-tiered cake stand served in the sky.
Feast your eyes and bellies on pheasant crumble pie, delectable miniature trifles, created using Searcy’s new signature gin and seasonal poached Lincolnshire rhubarb. Don’t worry plant-based folk! There’s plenty for you, pulled Coronation jackfruit brimming with spiced sultanas, dinky mushroom pastries studded with nigella seeds and finger-sized candied coffee chocolate mousses. For the ultimate sugar-shock, try the summer berry macaron, sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar and topped with edible butterflies, it’s a winner!
Whilst The Rosewood are taking a less than ordinary approach to the after-lunch meal, with their fabulous Coronation art afternoon tea. Cucumber finger sandwiches, bite-size tarts and mouth-watering pastries are to be expected and rightfully eaten in gleeful mouthfuls, but the luxury hotel over in High Holborn is serving up a rather unique feast.
It’s a David Hockney inspired affair with lots of bold and innovative twists on offer. Chocolate topped earl grey flavoured sponges, pistachio and cherry sable biscuits and bright blue tangy treats, conjuring up images of the famed artist’s work. Quirky and cool yet keeping it quintessential at heart (that’s just how us Brits be).
Meanwhile over in Mayfair, Champagne Bollinger are serving up a royally good time with their Afternoon Treat Menu. The dimly lit interiors of this is the Bollinger Burlington Bar, with it’s luxurious gold-flecked furnishings, make a perfect setting for a light bite. This one-off Coronation menu was dreamt up by none other than the Royal Warrant patisserie chef Didier Merveilleux. Here you will find tiers of tangy peach and vanilla tarts and passion fruit yuzu macaroons so bright they put the crown jewels to shame.
Toast the King’s accession to the throne with one or two glasses of Bollinger’s signature Special Cuvée— it’s so divine you’ll be buying it by the bottle. Expect flushed cheeks and a fun one this bank holiday weekend. Cheers!
